Optinium

Optinium, the preeminent seat of power within The Empire, presents a case study in the complexities of governance, infrastructure, defense, industry, and historical evolution in an era marked by rapid technological advancement and social stratification. As the capital city, it is a focal point for political, economic, and technological developments, embodying the triumphs and challenges of the industrial revolution within Locus.

Demographics

According to the latest census, the population of Optinium is approximately 1,625,000 people. The city is home to a diverse range of people and cultures, with the following breakdown of racial demographics:
Humans: 45% of the population
Gnomes: 25% of the population
Dwarves: 10% of the population
Full Elves: 0.00045% of the population
Halflings: 5% of the population
Half-elves: 0.5% of the population
Other Demi-Humans: 11% of the population
In terms of profession, the largest group in Optinium is the working class, who make up about 80% of the population. This group is made up of a mix of factory workers, tradespeople, and others. The second largest group is the middle class, who make up about 15% of the population. This group includes professionals, merchants, and others who are involved in trade and industry. The remaining 5% of the population is made up of the upper class, including nobles, intellectuals, and other wealthy individuals.
The Royal Academy is another important institution in Optinium, and it attracts a large number of intellectuals and scholars from all over The Empire. There is also a significant number of artists and musicians in the city, and Optinium is known for having a thriving cultural scene.

Government

The governance of Optinium is bifurcated into two predominant structures: the Houses of Rule and the Union of Guilds. The former is a political institution that orchestrates the decennial election of The Empire's head by the heads of noble houses, a tradition that underscores the elective monarchy's operational framework. Conversely, the local governance operates under the aegis of the Union of Guilds, a council comprising the leaders of seventeen distinct guilds, from the Shipbuilders Guild to The Tinkers Guild. This arrangement not only highlights the guilds' pivotal role in the city's economic and social life but also reflects the blend of oligarchic and technocratic elements in local governance.

Defences

Optinium's defensive strategy is primarily concentrated around the more affluent districts, with a relatively small standing army tasked with the protection of Noble's March and Royal Court. The outer districts rely on civil neighborhood watches or private policing agencies for security, indicating a decentralized approach to law enforcement that reflects the broader socio-economic divides within the city.

Industry & Trade

Optinium's economy is dominated by manufacturing, with the production of goods ranging from industrial equipment to steam engines and trains constituting the largest economic sector. The presence of the Royal Academy in Noble's March bolsters civic industries such as architecture and legal services, further diversifying the city's economic landscape. The city also boasts the largest shipbuilding operation in The Empire, emphasizing its pivotal role in both the domestic and international trade networks.

Infrastructure

Optinium's infrastructure is a testament to its dualistic nature, split between the affluent districts—Noble's March, Merchants Way, The Low Harbour, and Royal Court—and the economically disadvantaged areas such as Iron Lane, the High Harbour, Saltpass, and North Road. This division underscores the city's socio-economic disparities. The city is home to marvels of engineering, such as the Steamwhistle Tower, a 150-meter tall edifice that is the pinnacle of The Tinkers Guild's ingenuity and the world's tallest building.

The Optinium Steamworks represents the industrial might of the city, with its mile-long complex of interconnected factories specializing in the production of industrial machinery and steam technology. However, the disparity in public services, particularly the lack of plumbing and the sporadic sewer network in the poorer districts, marks a stark contrast to the technological advancements celebrated in the city's industrial sectors.

History

The city's origins trace back to 800 GK as a modest settlement, but it was not until the dissolution of Fool's March and its subsequent sinking that Optinium was elevated to the capital of The Empire in 1 ED. Prior to this, it functioned primarily as a waypoint for scholars en route to Mageharth from King's March. The historical fabric of the city is rich, with the Dragon and the Swan Inn in Low Harbour, a building over a thousand years old, serving as a testament to Optinium's enduring legacy. This disputed age, referenced in Mageharth accounts dating back to 764 GK, underscores the city's deep historical roots and its evolution over millennia into the industrial and political hub it is today.

Tourism

The Optinium Museum of Progress: The Optinium Museum of Progress is a popular destination that is dedicated to showcasing the city's rich history of innovation and progress. It is home to a wide range of artifacts and exhibits, and it is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Optinium.

Founding Date

1ED

Type

Capital

Population

1,625,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Optiniuns

Owning Organization

The Empire