Radiance
The Holy City of Radiance is the capital city of the province of Lumina and the seat of the Kaelic Temple. In Radiance, it is said that the gods walk among mankind.
Demographics
As the seat of the Kaelic Temple, the majority of permanent citizens of Radiance are Kaelic. The majority of the permanent population are Imperials, though it is not uncommon to see visitors of other groups.
House Sheyla is highly represented in the city, particularly in certain districts catering to the upper class. It is not uncommon for a Sheyla family to keep a townhouse in Radiance to facilitate regular visits. Given that Sheyla are considered the "chosen people" of the gods, Radiance is a large part of their culture.
Defences
Radiance has never fallen to enemy hands, despite multiple attempts over the centuries. All foes--from the Shaal to the Silvenni usurper--could not break through the walls of Radiance.
More than the great walls of the city, however, their greatest defense is that of divine intervention. Indeed, during the only instance in history where it seemed that the city might fall (the Siege on the Holy City during the Lumina War, 70 EC), it is said that Tahayne, the Mother of All Herself, intervened. Some accounts say She manifested a storm to drive back the invaders; others that She appeared before the Heartland King and negotiated a peace treaty. Whatever happened, the Lumina War ended with the unification of Lumina and Heartland, creating the Triamic Empire.
Industry & Trade
Radiance's largest industry is in pilgrimage and religious tourism. It is not uncommon for Kaelics around the Empire to pilgrimage to Radiance for various reasons--often to seek blessings for various life events or to seek elite Temple resources such as the Library of Tahayne or the Grand Hospice. Radiance has built its infrastructure around supporting these pilgrims.
History
Radiance was founded as the city of Guin in 1000s BEC by the Plains folk. It formed as an independent city-state. However, as the Sheyla appeared and began spreading their Kaelic beliefs, Guin was among the first in its region to adopt the religion.
Around 700 BEC, the Mukala Dominion tore through the communities on the Shimmering Sea. This resulted in a Kaelic exodus northward. The Temple leadership agreed to consolidate power against the continued threat, and worked with Guin to transform Guin into a new city, "Radiance." The city quickly became a beacon of hope for the persecuted people under Dominion rule, happily taking in Kaelic refugees. This earned it the moniker, "The Holy City."
In 530 BEC, Lumina was founded, with Radiance as its capital. In the wake of the Great Plague, Radiance surged in population thanks to an influx of immigrants who'd come for protection from the plague. Radiance has been a burgeoning beacon ever since.
Architecture
Radiance takes its "beacon" status quite literally in many cases... construction out of white or reflective material is ubiquitous in the city, none moreso than the Palace of the Divines. Its five shimmering white spires are visible from the entire rest of the city.
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