Siyoshi Meishu (ˈsi.jo.ʃi ˈmei.ʃu)
Founded early in the First Age by the then newly crowned Sun King Siyoshi, after whom it was also named. Siyoshi's city is located directly north of lake Akaun mostly between and over two small hills rising from the earth.
Siyashe Tighi - Hill of Day
Siyoshi's palace overlooks the rest of the city from the top of the hill, its intimidating walls painstakingly carved and decorated with stories of the Sun Kings' grandeur and brave deeds. Wide stairs lead up to the courtyard where crystal clear water flows freely in sharp squares of man-made ponds. Its large, pillared halls were the home of the Sun King and his dynasty, but also a place of the nation's power. The king's council took place across the royal wing just across the courtyard, where the king's council - his most trusted advisors - gathered daily to help their liege. Outside of the Sun King's home lie the houses of every influential family, whose names adorn their opulent palaces. Often one of these vast, rich abodes could house the entire living bloodline, from the house head to the youngest great-grandchild, and everyone in-between. It was also customary for a wealthy family to have several servants, who lived and worked within the palaces. A shrine of Sīshi stands proudly at the center of a large square along the main road up to the hilltop. Gold decorates its extravagant roof and the carrying pillars. Candles and offerings surround a large relief made of glittering, gold hued sandstone depicting the great flaming celestial in all his forms.Maphui Yimunu - Celestial Islands
Given to the two Temples of Tuashayila to use as their base, these islands have become the very center of the religion. Wooden boats reminiscent of a crescent moon take the initiated to and from the island many times a day. Where most temple compounds have an area where the public is allowed in, the islands are completely off limits to those who have not vowed themselves into one of the great Temples. After reaching the island docks it is said that one is met with perhaps the most beautiful sight in all of Nīwulai Valley. A path well cared for slithers past an orchard of fruit trees and vegetable gardens, reaching up to a large, square pond of clear blue water, deep enough to swim in. What had begun as a pratical way of growing and obtaining food had grown into a majestical garden of leisure under the shade of trees and dyed cotton canopies, while listening to the singing of birds and song crickets. The pathway leads to the main temple, where the throne hall with two seats lies in wait. Here the High Archon and High Scion rule their own little kingdom within a kingdom. The story of the beginning - both theirs and the kingdom's - is carved and painted into the sandstone walls of the throne hall. Of all the records they keep, this is a story only found here. The rest of the complex is decidedly less impressive. A side door leads to a courtyard, where sturdy stone walls hide the largest population of the initiated in the entire valley. Buildings for work, food and sleep are all cleanly separated by a wide pathway cutting through a wide square and heading toward the tail of the island.City of the Dead
A narrow wooden bridge leads to the smaller island, where a large necropolis is carved into the earth and even, so the story goes, under the lake itself. The entrance is rather humble, even hidden. A small building akin to a shrine has only one door and no windows. It leads to a stairless passage down to a thousand different corridors, where the dead of the most wealthy and powerful families are buried. The necropolis is cared for by the initiated of the Temple of Moon, who know their way around the dizzying corridors and halls better than any other. Although the islands aren't open to the general population, those few who have their family buried in the second island may visit their relatives. In these cases one of the caretakers guides them through the entire time, starting from the moment the visitor's boat arrives at the docks. It is rumoured that the first Sun King Siyoshi, as well as the first High Archon and High Scion are all buried here, though if any of the caretakers know of their location, they have never said so out loud.Industry & Trade
The capital lives mostly off of the trade and commerce which passes through the city streets. The fertile farmland around the lake and rivers offers enough food to feed the entire city, yet even then more luxurious and exotic goods are often brought upriver from the lands beyond the valley and even the continent.
Founding Date
Early First Age
Type
Capital
Population
30 000 (at its height)
Inhabitant Demonym
siyoshan /ˈsijo.ʃan/, pl. siyoshanu
Location under