Fool's March

Fool's March, distinguished as the most populous industrial town in the known world, lies at the terminus of King's Gulf. Its proximity to the capital, Optinium, often leads to a humorous confusion among travelers, reflected in its moniker derived from the old "King's March." The town's entrance is marked by the notable sign "Optinium in 80mi," encapsulating this frequent misidentification.

Demographics

The town boasts a staggering population of approximately 2.4 million inhabitants, surpassing Optinium by nearly double. This immense populace engenders a stark contrast in living conditions, ranging from some of the highest quality residences to densely populated slums, which are among the most impoverished in The Empire. Humans constitute the majority, comprising around 80% of the populace. The remaining 20% is a diverse mix of races including Dwarves, known for their expertise in mining and metalwork, making up about 10%. Halflings, accounting for 3%, contribute significantly to the artisanal and academic sectors. The rest includes Gnomes, and a smattering of other races like Mutated and Orcs, each adding to the town’s rich cultural tapestry. This demographic diversity results in a wide spectrum of living conditions, ranging from affluent districts to densely populated slums.

Government

The governance of Fool's March is a complex system, heavily influenced by industrial magnates and merchant guilds. These groups exercise considerable sway over town policies, particularly in matters concerning trade and industry. The local government, while maintaining nominal control, often finds itself navigating the interests of these powerful factions.

Defences

The town's defences are primarily focused on protecting its valuable industrial assets. A well-trained town guard, supplemented by private security forces employed by major industries, maintains order and security. The strategic importance of Fool's March's industries also necessitates a small, permanent military presence to safeguard against external threats.

Industry & Trade

Fool's March's economy thrives on its coal and peat mining industries, centered around the nearby town of Bogsholm. The town specializes in refining raw materials into coal gas and kerosene, key commodities in the regional market. Additionally, its substantial industrial district, comprising foundries and smelters, processes various ores and minerals. The presence of numerous craftsmen and artisans adds to the town's diverse economic landscape. Trade and commerce are facilitated by several influential merchants' guilds, crucial for the town's sustained economic growth.

Infrastructure

Fool's March's infrastructure is a marvel of industrial age engineering. The town features a robust network of railways and an expansive aeroport, crucial for its role as a regional transportation hub. The urban planning reflects the town's industrial focus, with distinct zones dedicated to residential areas, commercial districts, and industrial sectors. Public facilities, however, vary greatly in quality, reflecting the socioeconomic disparities within the town.

History

Originally named "King's March," the town underwent significant transformation following the industrial revolution. Its growth was fueled by the discovery and exploitation of natural resources in the surrounding areas, particularly coal and peat. The town's strategic location near the capital further augmented its development, eventually leading to the bustling, industrially dominated metropolis it is today. The name change to "Fool's March" reflects not just a geographical misapprehension but also marks a cultural shift in the town's identity, from a mere waypoint to a major industrial power in its own right.

Sunken City: The Buried Chronicles of King's March

Historical Context
The Sunken City, originally the thriving metropolis of King's March, stands as a haunting testament to the cataclysmic events of The Year of Dissolution. During this tumultuous period, the weakening God Kings, in a final act of defiance, unleashed their waning yet formidable druidic powers. The result was the dramatic and sudden submergence of the entire city into the earth, an event that reshaped not just the geography but also the historical narrative of Locus.
The Descent into the Depths
Access to the Sunken City, now lying beneath Fool's March, is a venture of both peril and intrigue. Entry points are scarce and heavily regulated, primarily consisting of shaft elevators scattered throughout the city. These engineered passages offer a direct descent into the upper levels of the submerged ruins. Alternatively, more daring or clandestine explorations often commence through the labyrinthine sewer systems of Fool's March, leading to the less charted and more perilous areas of the Sunken City.
Uncharted Realms and Perilous Inheritance
The exploration of the Sunken City is an endeavor fraught with danger and mystery. Its layout, a bewildering maze of ancient streets and structures, remains largely uncharted. Explorers and cartographers who venture into its depths often confront not only the complexity of its design but also the harrowing legacy left by The God Kings. These depths are rife with monstrosities and arcane horrors, remnants of the old rulers' might and testament to their once-uncontested dominion. These creatures, alongside the hazardous environment, pose a significant challenge to any who dare to delve into the city's secrets.
Engineering Nightmares and City Planning Dilemmas
Above this subterranean relic, the construction of Fool's March presents ongoing challenges. Building a city atop what is essentially the world's largest sinkhole has resulted in continuous structural complications. City planners and engineers are in a constant battle to maintain the integrity of the urban landscape. The deepest explored regions of the Sunken City, extending over a mile below sea level, exert an unyielding influence on the city's stability. The threat of further collapse or unforeseen consequences from the depths adds a layer of urgency and apprehension to the development and maintenance of Fool's March.
Legacy and Significance
The Sunken City, both a literal and metaphorical underpinning of Fool's March, serves as a constant reminder of The God Kings' fall and the transformative power of historical events. It stands as a silent witness to the passing of an era, encapsulating the grandeur and the terror of a bygone age. The unexplored depths and untold secrets of this buried city continue to beckon historians, adventurers, and scholars, promising revelations about the past and challenges for the future of Locus.

Type

Large city

Population

2,400,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Marcher

Included Locations

• Bogsholm