Exelnar, the Imperial Capital
Exelnar, the jewel of the Empire, the Undefeated Citadel, Throne of the Emperor, and the capital of the sprawling Empire. Raised from the ground by the gods themselves at the height of their power, Exelnar is unrivalled in its sheer scale and development, and stories of its splendour are spread far and wide. There are few who live within the Empire who haven't heard stories about golden-paved roads, free food for all, and angels walking among the people. The only city besides the dwarven fortresses to have not fallen at any point since its founding during the Holy Crusade, millinnia ago, when the Gods first walked the Material Plane.
As the administrative capital of the Empire, Exelnar is also the nervous center of all important organizations, such as the Imperial Nobility, Arcanic Order, Inquisition and other churches, etc. In order to facilitate the politics and discussion between so many factions, the Royal Court is the grandest and most influential forum in the material plane, where deals are made that shape the fates of millions, and change the course of history. Exelnar itself is broken down in three official districts, the Outer Circle, Inner Circle and the Imperial Palace. Each of the three districts is surrounded by a titanic wall that was raised by the Gods themselves, named after the districts they guard, and have not fallen in the millennia that followed.
The city is as vast as its meaning to people, from the infinite power and benevolence of the Gods, to the indomitable nature of the mortal spirit, and the eternal resistance of good against evil. Exelnar is the bastion of Imperial power and opulence, and holds within it palaces, grand halls, and riches the likes of which cannot be found in any other plane, keep or vault in all the planes of Nainoxia. However, in a mirror of the Empire outside, where there is light, there is also darkness. The iron fist of Emperor Manfred III grasps the city firmly, and none may escape his watchful gaze. Or so the guards would have you think, as there are many gangs and groups in the Outer Circle that operate almost lawlessly, and many dark dealings take place beneath the Inner Circle. Most of all, in the Royal Court, poison drips from daggers and tongues, ready to strike at an opportune power, where their wielders could gain more money and power.
The majority of the district however is inhabited, with buildings resembling any other city, dotted with massive ancient structures. The main points of interest of the outer circle are the two massive docks and dockyards, where ships for both trade and war are docked and built. As ocean trade is still new in the Empire, the capacity of the docks is still increasing, and new, more efficient ideas for docks and ship designs are tested. The docks, and the surrounding neighbourhoods, are some of the most productive and hard-working areas in the Empire, as the constant trade, safety, and close proximity to the center of bureaucracy, create a self-perpetuating machine of good production and trade, making many people very well off. As the ports go through more and more goods, the surrounding neighbourhoods produce more, and the nearby smelters and forges work around the clock, most of the wealth generated is taken up by the local Nobility. As a result, the Lords and Ladies of Exelnar, though they may not have the land and titles of those outside the capitol, have much more wealth, and easier access than most to the Royal Court.
While in the best case, this means that nobles will do their best to compete within the laws of the Empire, and increase their efficiency, it usually also means corruption. With the massive amounts of money and goods flowing in and out of the city, forging documents, lying to reports, skimming off the top, and many other corrupt practices are incredibly common. That is not to say that there are not some honest nobles, or that there are not efforts from the higher powers to clean up the corruption, but such actions are usually the exception instead of the rule. It is important to note however, that even with this environment, the average resident of the docks and other productive areas in the outer circle is still much more well off than the average citizen of the Empire.
The same cannot be said for the slums in the outer circle, where many struggle every day to survive, and abusive slum-lord nobles rule their properties with an iron fist. In such areas, crime is commonplace, drugs and stolen goods flow, and it is not uncommon for criminal organizations to become so entrenched and heavily armed, that they require a full-scale military operation to dislodge. These areas are heavily dependant on the goodwill of the current Emperor to survive, as well as the free bread provided often by the Church of Vitaria, and benevolent members of the Nobility.
The walls that surround the district are patrolled by Guards in groups of at least a dozen, and the occasional Paladin. Due to their size, a constant garrison cannot be held over the entire height of the walls, and in most areas, there are only guards at the very top of the walls, who live in fortified garrisons inside the walls. The exceptions are near any of the gates, the ports, as well as any decent neighbourhood where the local lords want to pay more for increased security. As a result, many areas of the outer walls have been abandoned, and have even become the homes of criminals, heretics, or even nests for monsters and abominations. Whenever a threat becomes sufficient, the Imperial Mint Mercenaries Guild usually sends a group of mercenaries to clear it out.
It is also said, that beneath the city is a network of tunnels, accessible from the walls, and the deepest parts of the sewers. The existence of the tunnels as a network is disputed, though individual tunnels have been found before, going as deep as the Underdark. Some believe that the tunnels were built by the betrayers before the Schism, but nobody who has expressed such opinions has lasted long in the public eye, for one reason or another.
Besides the magnificent manors, large residential buildings, and the exclusive port, the Inner Circle is also where the headquarters for each of the five Imperial Churches is, each more opulent and regal than the others. By far the smallest is the Church of Artis, as the center of his worship is in Ahridia. Still, the church has a massive cathedral near the port, the inside of which is said to be completely covered in gold. There, merchants can pray (or pay) for the blessings of the Lord of Commerce, which usually brings favourable seas, and great profits. They also arrange trade negotiations between the nobility of Exelnar, and those of Ahridias many coastal cities, which are some of the most lucrative, after those with the Dwarven Clans.
The Church of Vitaria has a grand cathedral, as well as a number of surrounding buildings, for the housing of priests and orderlies. People come from all over the Empire to pray at the grand temple of the Goddess of Life, and the cleansing waters of her temple are said to cure any illness, for those worthy or wealthy enough to access them. The Church of Vitaria offers a number of healing and blessing services, from grand marriages to curing diseases, for a varying range of prices. However, the church does not only care about donations, and they do follow the words of the Goddess. Often, priests and clerics of life will venture out, to the Outer Circle, or even outside Exelnar, at the calling of the Goddess, to spread her word, and heal those in need. Lastly, they also offer food, daily, at several smaller temples around the Outer Circle, where those in need, who cannot make their way to the luxurious Inner Circle, can find a hearty meal, and be tended to.
Adeptus Justicari, the Church of Yiortis, have only one grand cathedral, which extends over a large area, and includes a number of training courtyards, and barracks. The space for worship is small, though still bearing the opulence that is demanded by the Lord of Justice, and most of the complex is dedicated to the training, housing, and organization of the Legio Imperallis. The Imperial Army, tasked with defending the Empire from any manner of threat, is mostly recruited from the Outer Circle of Exelnar, where those seeking to make a difference give themselves over to the God of Battle, and are reforged in his will. Having centuries of practice, and the guidance of the God, the mental and physical training given to the soldiers and officers that train here is the best in the Empire. Those that excel in both their training and their devotion are chosen to join the ranks of the Paladins, holy warriors that protect the weak, and dedicate themselves to the destruction of evil in all its forms. Receiving much less in donations from the Imperial Nobility, most of the resources needed are gained from their close partnership with the Inquisition, or, increasingly, directly from the Emperor.
The Inquisition used to have the largest presence of all the churches in Exelnar, thought that has recently changed under the rule of Emperor Manfred III. The Inquisition has, naturally, the Grandest Church in all of Exelnar, a massive cathedral, with many wings and rooms, dedicated to the Inquisitors, Angels of Vengeance, and other heroes to the Empire. The sheer scale, oppressiveness and luxury of the temple are reminiscent of a time long ago, where the Inquisition could rival in power the Emperor and Royal Court. In addition, the Inquisition has a number of buildings, for training new Inquisitors, holding cells, hidden vaults, the Inquisitorial Cemetery of the Tears of Vengence and more secrets, the knowledge of which would only invite death. While there are not many who pay donations to the Inquisition, there are still a lot of nobles through the Empire who support them, politically and financially.
The largest presence in the Inner Circle district belongs to the Custodis Pansophical, the Church of the God of Knowledge. Their massive cathedral is a treasure trove of ancient knowledge, with mountains of tomes of ancient lore, the enemies of the Gods, and many more topics. The restricted libraries of the temple hold books on ancient Demons and Devils, and their weaknesses, which can only be accessed by the most strong-willed and incorruptible in the Empire. Besides the cathedral, the Church of Cognitiosis also runs the Collegium Imperlis, a massive, sprawling college, located entirely within the Inner Circle of Exelnar. The Collegium, not to be confused with the Magical College of the Blue Rose, teaches material and philosophical studies, from architecture, shipbuilding, trade, agriculture, persuasion, history, philosophy, and many more. Most of the noble families in Exelnar, and increasingly even those outside the city, are sending their younger members to be educated, which combined with increased support from the Royal Court and Arcanic Order have led to a recent explosion in popularity for it. Besides teaching students, the college also functions as a breeding ground for innovation, with the advance of all non-magical sciences and studies at its forefront. The Collegium has worked in collaboration with the College of the Blue Rose, and the Arcanic Order somewhat, but the questions of if the church should work closely with Archmages, and if the collegium should also teach arcane studies, are still hotly debated inside and outside the Collegium. What is certain though, is that as long as the Gods do not come once again to provide the citizens of the Empire with all they need, the Collegium will be a breeding ground for innovation, reason, and the building of knowledge.
The palace's main function, besides a residence for the Lionel Family and their guest, is to house the Royal Court, the largest open court, where all kinds of diplomats, merchants, adventurers and generals meet to discuss and plan. The court itself is the name for dozens of rooms, halls and private meeting spaces, as well as the massive throne room of the Emperor himself, all areas where people meet to discuss. Of course, not every Duke and Count decision and treaty goes through the Royal court, and most deals and decisions of the Empire are made outside it. Still, it serves a critical role in the functioning of the Empire, and her continued growth and development, for two major reasons.
First, it serves as a central hub, for the leadership of all major organizations, and enables these different members to discuss, debate and, usually, come to agreements. The High Council convenes in one of the highest rooms in the castle, and between those doors, the future of the Empire is written in ink, soon to be written in blood. All members of the High Council reside permanently in the Outer Circle, and this proximity to one-another is necessary for the continued collaboration between organizations. It is said by many, that the bureaucracy of the Empire is the slowest, but most powerful beast in the world, and without Exelnar, and the Royal Court to centralise its leadership, it would be infinitely slower, and less powerful.
Besides that, the Royal Court is also a very important space for representatives and people of interest can meet, from all around the Empire, to discuss plans and make deals. Having a neutral space to make these discussions is very important and helps to significantly amplify the rate of growth and progress of the Imperial economy and technology. There is no other place in the Material Plane, where representatives of Ahridia, the Dwarven Clans and the Magical College of the Blue Rose can quickly meet to discuss the progress of a deal, without spending significant resources to plan and organize their meeting. It also provides a way for Dukes and other lower-ranking members of their organizations can participate, observe, and influence even to a limited extent, the decisions of the High Council.
This idea of being able to discuss and plan with many different people and organizations, has been significantly strengthened in recent decades, and blossomed into a culture where the Royal Court has become an extremely diverse and varied place. As long as the representatives are backed by a significant organization, almost all are welcome to join, from families of Dukes and other significant nobles, to Elves from the Elven Republic, Dragonborn from the Dragonborn Empire, and even some representatives of extraplanar regions and powers. This of course has to be tempered by safety concerns, and legal considerations, so many of these figures allegiances are not public, but if one knows what to look for and who to ask, almost anything and anyone can be found in the Royal Court.
Outside of its public uses, the Imperial Palace is also a fortress, covered in magical wards, and filled with undercover agents, masquerading as minor nobles, and ensuring the safety of all within. Due to the proximity of the Emperor and the Royal Family, there is no ambiguity as to who rules supreme here, and all who break the rules and laws of the palace are removed, or executied. There are also a number of hidden armories, trophy rooms, and other, stranger rooms and halls, commissioned by emperors of centuries past, that have neen forgotten to time. Deep in the bowels of the palace, guarded by guards, traps and ancient magics, is also the Royal Vault, where untold riches rest, and treasures, artifacts, and art from bygone eras rest. Attached to the palace, enough to receive the same protection, if not more, is the Imperial Mint, and near it is the Imperial Mint Mercenaries Guild, where mercenaries and Adventurers go to find work and coin.
During the Age of Divinity, Exelnar served as common ground, where different Gods and their followers could meet to discuss, and air grievances. That eventually changed, and as the Gods of the Empire became the most powerful and prominent, all others, and their followers were slowly pushed out of the city. In this way, Exelnar and its history can be seen as a small window into the greater story of the world, and the fracturing of the Gods which had festered for centuries before the Great Betrayal.
During the Schism, the war caused by the Great Betrayal, Exelnar was a scene of chaos, as it was the focus of many infiltrations and attacks by the Prime Heretics, in their efforts to unseat the Empire Gods. As the fighting died down, and the Schism was brought to an end, Exelnar became increasingly fortified, from both attacks of invasion, and infiltration, physical and spiritual. The minds and souls of its people had forever become torn by seeing their creators fight between themselves, and them being used as foot-soldiers in their wars. Many great evils, artifacts and legends were sealed beneath Exelnar, in temples and vaults that are lost to time, only mentioned in hidden ancient tomes. When the Divine Seal was installed there was a lot of fear in the people, and worry about how they would manage to survive without the direct guidance of the Gods that created them.
For a while, the people of the city, and the world, were trying to avoid realising the change that had come to them. While still receiving the protection, healing and blessings from their Angelic guardians, who still could stay on the Material Plane, even after the departure of the Gods. This was enough to make many believe that things had not irrevocably changed, and maybe the Gods could even return one day. The illusion was shattered instantly with the coming of AngelDeath, the Calamity War. In an instant, the angels which had guided and protected Mortals for millennia, all disapeared without a trace, to be replaced by portals to the Abyss, spewing forth legions of bloodthirsty Demons.
At the time, arts like smithing, smelting, agriculture, building, and many more, were completely unknown to the people, who had relied on the divines for everything. While on the rest of the world, Mortals were culled and scattered in faraway forests and caves to hide from the onslaught, Exelnar was almost abandoned. The defenders that were left, armed with whatever ancient weapons and armor they could find, defended the walls and streets of the First City with great fervor. The first years of the defence were the hardest, as the demonic forces were organized, and fought with great hunger and hatred. As the years went on however, the fighting died down, and the defenders managed to clear out the Inner Circle of Exelnar and defend its walls. This defence was as stubborn and adamant as the mortal spirit through Tolhera, which kept the fires of hope alive, until a hero came.
After many years of being hunted down by demons and cultists, the Mortals had finally learned the arts of crafting weapons and armor, as well as fighting battles and wars, and it was at that point, where the greatest warrior ever born was chosen to lead them. Gondor Lionel, The Omnipaladin, Chosen of All Gods, was given the power to unite the scattered mortals and take back their homeland. After amassing a sufficient force, his first target was the re-capturing of Exelnar, and to break the siege that held it. The battle to reclaim Exelnar was long and hard, and ended with Gondor Lionel banishing the leader of the Demons, and dedicating his victory to the Gods, founding the Empire in the process.
In the next centuries of the Empire, Exelnar served as the rallying point for the First Crusade and Second Crusade, as well as many other smaller conflicts. The people of Exelnar became accustomed to hard work, and personal sacrifice, and her rulers learned to expect it. As the Empire slowly moved away from a state of war to a state of economic development, the role of Exelnar also shifted from a military stronghold, to a city of progress, production, and development. Though at the same time, it is a place full of ancient orders and old families, entrenched financially and politically. As the seat of the Emperor, it is always the first place to receive new policies and benefits, as well as feel the pain whenever hard times fall.
As the administrative capital of the Empire, Exelnar is also the nervous center of all important organizations, such as the Imperial Nobility, Arcanic Order, Inquisition and other churches, etc. In order to facilitate the politics and discussion between so many factions, the Royal Court is the grandest and most influential forum in the material plane, where deals are made that shape the fates of millions, and change the course of history. Exelnar itself is broken down in three official districts, the Outer Circle, Inner Circle and the Imperial Palace. Each of the three districts is surrounded by a titanic wall that was raised by the Gods themselves, named after the districts they guard, and have not fallen in the millennia that followed.
The city is as vast as its meaning to people, from the infinite power and benevolence of the Gods, to the indomitable nature of the mortal spirit, and the eternal resistance of good against evil. Exelnar is the bastion of Imperial power and opulence, and holds within it palaces, grand halls, and riches the likes of which cannot be found in any other plane, keep or vault in all the planes of Nainoxia. However, in a mirror of the Empire outside, where there is light, there is also darkness. The iron fist of Emperor Manfred III grasps the city firmly, and none may escape his watchful gaze. Or so the guards would have you think, as there are many gangs and groups in the Outer Circle that operate almost lawlessly, and many dark dealings take place beneath the Inner Circle. Most of all, in the Royal Court, poison drips from daggers and tongues, ready to strike at an opportune power, where their wielders could gain more money and power.
Districts
Exelnar is very different from any other city in the Empire, as it was constructed before resources and manpower were necesary to construct walls and buildings and has survived like that to this day. The scale of the city is hard to believe without seeing it, and even those that lay their eyes on the hundred-foot-tall walls of the capital still find it hard to believe. The three main districts of Exelnar are separated from each other and the outside by massive walls, which were created to defend the city against sieges by Giants and Dragons, the ancient enemies of the Gods. The northmost side of the outer walls is inside the River Lionel, with a number of massive arches, that allow even the largest ships to pass through, and enter any of the ports to the city.Outer Circle
The Outer Circle of Exelnar, is as large as many other cities, and wraps all the way around the inner circle, some of its walls even going into the Lionel, to protect against waterborne threats. This distict is the most varied in the city, ranging from humble houses, to sprawling slums, to abandoned ruins. This variety is due to the difference in resources between the Holy Crusade and Age of Divinity, and now. When the outer ring was full of people, the Gods walked the land, and granted food and basic necessities to everyone with a mere wave of their hand. There was no need for farming, the production of goods, mining, or any form of work, other than worship of the Gods. In modern times, a population that big cannot be sustained without a massive cost to the Empire, which most Emperors are unwilling to pay, to sustain an unproductive population. As a result, many areas are simply left abandoned, and have been so for hundreds of years. Some of those ruins are newer, and some are ancient stone structures from the times of the Gods, where only those who are welcome nowhere else reside, and the eyes of the Empire cannot see.The majority of the district however is inhabited, with buildings resembling any other city, dotted with massive ancient structures. The main points of interest of the outer circle are the two massive docks and dockyards, where ships for both trade and war are docked and built. As ocean trade is still new in the Empire, the capacity of the docks is still increasing, and new, more efficient ideas for docks and ship designs are tested. The docks, and the surrounding neighbourhoods, are some of the most productive and hard-working areas in the Empire, as the constant trade, safety, and close proximity to the center of bureaucracy, create a self-perpetuating machine of good production and trade, making many people very well off. As the ports go through more and more goods, the surrounding neighbourhoods produce more, and the nearby smelters and forges work around the clock, most of the wealth generated is taken up by the local Nobility. As a result, the Lords and Ladies of Exelnar, though they may not have the land and titles of those outside the capitol, have much more wealth, and easier access than most to the Royal Court.
While in the best case, this means that nobles will do their best to compete within the laws of the Empire, and increase their efficiency, it usually also means corruption. With the massive amounts of money and goods flowing in and out of the city, forging documents, lying to reports, skimming off the top, and many other corrupt practices are incredibly common. That is not to say that there are not some honest nobles, or that there are not efforts from the higher powers to clean up the corruption, but such actions are usually the exception instead of the rule. It is important to note however, that even with this environment, the average resident of the docks and other productive areas in the outer circle is still much more well off than the average citizen of the Empire.
The same cannot be said for the slums in the outer circle, where many struggle every day to survive, and abusive slum-lord nobles rule their properties with an iron fist. In such areas, crime is commonplace, drugs and stolen goods flow, and it is not uncommon for criminal organizations to become so entrenched and heavily armed, that they require a full-scale military operation to dislodge. These areas are heavily dependant on the goodwill of the current Emperor to survive, as well as the free bread provided often by the Church of Vitaria, and benevolent members of the Nobility.
The walls that surround the district are patrolled by Guards in groups of at least a dozen, and the occasional Paladin. Due to their size, a constant garrison cannot be held over the entire height of the walls, and in most areas, there are only guards at the very top of the walls, who live in fortified garrisons inside the walls. The exceptions are near any of the gates, the ports, as well as any decent neighbourhood where the local lords want to pay more for increased security. As a result, many areas of the outer walls have been abandoned, and have even become the homes of criminals, heretics, or even nests for monsters and abominations. Whenever a threat becomes sufficient, the Imperial Mint Mercenaries Guild usually sends a group of mercenaries to clear it out.
It is also said, that beneath the city is a network of tunnels, accessible from the walls, and the deepest parts of the sewers. The existence of the tunnels as a network is disputed, though individual tunnels have been found before, going as deep as the Underdark. Some believe that the tunnels were built by the betrayers before the Schism, but nobody who has expressed such opinions has lasted long in the public eye, for one reason or another.
Exelnar, Inner Circle
The Inner Circle of Exelnar resembles the dream that every child is told about the city. The streets and buildings are large, beautiful, and often ancient, maintained by a small army of stonemasons and artisans employed by the local Nobility. All the residents are wealthy in some way, families of merchants, artisans, nobles, or military heroes, and being a resident of the Inner Circle is one of the greatest status symbols in the Empire. So much so that even some Dukal families will own a building in the Inner Circle, where their representatives stay. The height of luxury however is residing closer to the ocean-facing wall, where a portion of the wall is also a port, where only the most expensive and valuable cargo is brought in. A manor there is almost never for sale, and when it is, the bids reach the tens of millions. To live there is to share the company of the High Lords and be able to at any time feel the pulse of Imperial bureaucracy.Besides the magnificent manors, large residential buildings, and the exclusive port, the Inner Circle is also where the headquarters for each of the five Imperial Churches is, each more opulent and regal than the others. By far the smallest is the Church of Artis, as the center of his worship is in Ahridia. Still, the church has a massive cathedral near the port, the inside of which is said to be completely covered in gold. There, merchants can pray (or pay) for the blessings of the Lord of Commerce, which usually brings favourable seas, and great profits. They also arrange trade negotiations between the nobility of Exelnar, and those of Ahridias many coastal cities, which are some of the most lucrative, after those with the Dwarven Clans.
The Church of Vitaria has a grand cathedral, as well as a number of surrounding buildings, for the housing of priests and orderlies. People come from all over the Empire to pray at the grand temple of the Goddess of Life, and the cleansing waters of her temple are said to cure any illness, for those worthy or wealthy enough to access them. The Church of Vitaria offers a number of healing and blessing services, from grand marriages to curing diseases, for a varying range of prices. However, the church does not only care about donations, and they do follow the words of the Goddess. Often, priests and clerics of life will venture out, to the Outer Circle, or even outside Exelnar, at the calling of the Goddess, to spread her word, and heal those in need. Lastly, they also offer food, daily, at several smaller temples around the Outer Circle, where those in need, who cannot make their way to the luxurious Inner Circle, can find a hearty meal, and be tended to.
Adeptus Justicari, the Church of Yiortis, have only one grand cathedral, which extends over a large area, and includes a number of training courtyards, and barracks. The space for worship is small, though still bearing the opulence that is demanded by the Lord of Justice, and most of the complex is dedicated to the training, housing, and organization of the Legio Imperallis. The Imperial Army, tasked with defending the Empire from any manner of threat, is mostly recruited from the Outer Circle of Exelnar, where those seeking to make a difference give themselves over to the God of Battle, and are reforged in his will. Having centuries of practice, and the guidance of the God, the mental and physical training given to the soldiers and officers that train here is the best in the Empire. Those that excel in both their training and their devotion are chosen to join the ranks of the Paladins, holy warriors that protect the weak, and dedicate themselves to the destruction of evil in all its forms. Receiving much less in donations from the Imperial Nobility, most of the resources needed are gained from their close partnership with the Inquisition, or, increasingly, directly from the Emperor.
The Inquisition used to have the largest presence of all the churches in Exelnar, thought that has recently changed under the rule of Emperor Manfred III. The Inquisition has, naturally, the Grandest Church in all of Exelnar, a massive cathedral, with many wings and rooms, dedicated to the Inquisitors, Angels of Vengeance, and other heroes to the Empire. The sheer scale, oppressiveness and luxury of the temple are reminiscent of a time long ago, where the Inquisition could rival in power the Emperor and Royal Court. In addition, the Inquisition has a number of buildings, for training new Inquisitors, holding cells, hidden vaults, the Inquisitorial Cemetery of the Tears of Vengence and more secrets, the knowledge of which would only invite death. While there are not many who pay donations to the Inquisition, there are still a lot of nobles through the Empire who support them, politically and financially.
The largest presence in the Inner Circle district belongs to the Custodis Pansophical, the Church of the God of Knowledge. Their massive cathedral is a treasure trove of ancient knowledge, with mountains of tomes of ancient lore, the enemies of the Gods, and many more topics. The restricted libraries of the temple hold books on ancient Demons and Devils, and their weaknesses, which can only be accessed by the most strong-willed and incorruptible in the Empire. Besides the cathedral, the Church of Cognitiosis also runs the Collegium Imperlis, a massive, sprawling college, located entirely within the Inner Circle of Exelnar. The Collegium, not to be confused with the Magical College of the Blue Rose, teaches material and philosophical studies, from architecture, shipbuilding, trade, agriculture, persuasion, history, philosophy, and many more. Most of the noble families in Exelnar, and increasingly even those outside the city, are sending their younger members to be educated, which combined with increased support from the Royal Court and Arcanic Order have led to a recent explosion in popularity for it. Besides teaching students, the college also functions as a breeding ground for innovation, with the advance of all non-magical sciences and studies at its forefront. The Collegium has worked in collaboration with the College of the Blue Rose, and the Arcanic Order somewhat, but the questions of if the church should work closely with Archmages, and if the collegium should also teach arcane studies, are still hotly debated inside and outside the Collegium. What is certain though, is that as long as the Gods do not come once again to provide the citizens of the Empire with all they need, the Collegium will be a breeding ground for innovation, reason, and the building of knowledge.
Imperial Palace
The beating heart of the Empire, the Imperial Palace is the center for all commerce, war, diplomacy, and trade for the entirety of the Empire. Beautifully carved by the hands of Angels, and maintained by only the finest craftsmen, the palace is truly a monument to a time where the Gods walked, and even on this day, its splendour and grandness would still be worthy to house it ancient creators. It is usually closed to the common folk, for safety reasons, though sometimes for events and celebrations the palace gates can open for the public, of the Inner Circle. Inside, the halls and rooms are beautifully draped in red, silver and gold, and decorated with art pieces from centuries of artisans, and treasures from hundreds of military campaigns. Guards chosen specially to guard the palace are covered in ornate Steel plate armor, and armed with spears, all enchanted by the Arcanic Order. The greatest guardians of the palace however are the Royal Guard, a group of the most elite warriors, wizards and other specialists given to the service of the Emperor from each member of the High Council.The palace's main function, besides a residence for the Lionel Family and their guest, is to house the Royal Court, the largest open court, where all kinds of diplomats, merchants, adventurers and generals meet to discuss and plan. The court itself is the name for dozens of rooms, halls and private meeting spaces, as well as the massive throne room of the Emperor himself, all areas where people meet to discuss. Of course, not every Duke and Count decision and treaty goes through the Royal court, and most deals and decisions of the Empire are made outside it. Still, it serves a critical role in the functioning of the Empire, and her continued growth and development, for two major reasons.
First, it serves as a central hub, for the leadership of all major organizations, and enables these different members to discuss, debate and, usually, come to agreements. The High Council convenes in one of the highest rooms in the castle, and between those doors, the future of the Empire is written in ink, soon to be written in blood. All members of the High Council reside permanently in the Outer Circle, and this proximity to one-another is necessary for the continued collaboration between organizations. It is said by many, that the bureaucracy of the Empire is the slowest, but most powerful beast in the world, and without Exelnar, and the Royal Court to centralise its leadership, it would be infinitely slower, and less powerful.
Besides that, the Royal Court is also a very important space for representatives and people of interest can meet, from all around the Empire, to discuss plans and make deals. Having a neutral space to make these discussions is very important and helps to significantly amplify the rate of growth and progress of the Imperial economy and technology. There is no other place in the Material Plane, where representatives of Ahridia, the Dwarven Clans and the Magical College of the Blue Rose can quickly meet to discuss the progress of a deal, without spending significant resources to plan and organize their meeting. It also provides a way for Dukes and other lower-ranking members of their organizations can participate, observe, and influence even to a limited extent, the decisions of the High Council.
This idea of being able to discuss and plan with many different people and organizations, has been significantly strengthened in recent decades, and blossomed into a culture where the Royal Court has become an extremely diverse and varied place. As long as the representatives are backed by a significant organization, almost all are welcome to join, from families of Dukes and other significant nobles, to Elves from the Elven Republic, Dragonborn from the Dragonborn Empire, and even some representatives of extraplanar regions and powers. This of course has to be tempered by safety concerns, and legal considerations, so many of these figures allegiances are not public, but if one knows what to look for and who to ask, almost anything and anyone can be found in the Royal Court.
Outside of its public uses, the Imperial Palace is also a fortress, covered in magical wards, and filled with undercover agents, masquerading as minor nobles, and ensuring the safety of all within. Due to the proximity of the Emperor and the Royal Family, there is no ambiguity as to who rules supreme here, and all who break the rules and laws of the palace are removed, or executied. There are also a number of hidden armories, trophy rooms, and other, stranger rooms and halls, commissioned by emperors of centuries past, that have neen forgotten to time. Deep in the bowels of the palace, guarded by guards, traps and ancient magics, is also the Royal Vault, where untold riches rest, and treasures, artifacts, and art from bygone eras rest. Attached to the palace, enough to receive the same protection, if not more, is the Imperial Mint, and near it is the Imperial Mint Mercenaries Guild, where mercenaries and Adventurers go to find work and coin.
History
The history of Exelnar is complex, and muddled in forgotten stories and secrets. As such, this account will try to capture events in their most generally accepted version, approved by the Imperial Authorities overseeing this account, and specify whenever deviating. There are two distinct periods that need to be considered for the history of Exelnar, which, itself can be seen as a smaller picture of the history of the Empire. First is the Pre-Empire period, or the time before the Founding of the Empire, and then is the Post Empire period.Pre-Empire
The story of Exelnar begins during the Holy Crusade, as the united force of all the Gods came down upon the world, and fought the Elementals, Dragons and Giants that ruled it. The first foothold the Gods gained was Exelnar, where a massive battle was fought to clear the ground, and as it ended, from the carnage and ruin rose titanic walls, which were filled with celestial warriors. Behind those walls was where the first Mortals were created, though these exact details are vague and lost to time. It is known however, that since its founding, Exelnar served as the seat of power for the gods, and their primary stronghold in the Holy Crusade.During the Age of Divinity, Exelnar served as common ground, where different Gods and their followers could meet to discuss, and air grievances. That eventually changed, and as the Gods of the Empire became the most powerful and prominent, all others, and their followers were slowly pushed out of the city. In this way, Exelnar and its history can be seen as a small window into the greater story of the world, and the fracturing of the Gods which had festered for centuries before the Great Betrayal.
During the Schism, the war caused by the Great Betrayal, Exelnar was a scene of chaos, as it was the focus of many infiltrations and attacks by the Prime Heretics, in their efforts to unseat the Empire Gods. As the fighting died down, and the Schism was brought to an end, Exelnar became increasingly fortified, from both attacks of invasion, and infiltration, physical and spiritual. The minds and souls of its people had forever become torn by seeing their creators fight between themselves, and them being used as foot-soldiers in their wars. Many great evils, artifacts and legends were sealed beneath Exelnar, in temples and vaults that are lost to time, only mentioned in hidden ancient tomes. When the Divine Seal was installed there was a lot of fear in the people, and worry about how they would manage to survive without the direct guidance of the Gods that created them.
For a while, the people of the city, and the world, were trying to avoid realising the change that had come to them. While still receiving the protection, healing and blessings from their Angelic guardians, who still could stay on the Material Plane, even after the departure of the Gods. This was enough to make many believe that things had not irrevocably changed, and maybe the Gods could even return one day. The illusion was shattered instantly with the coming of AngelDeath, the Calamity War. In an instant, the angels which had guided and protected Mortals for millennia, all disapeared without a trace, to be replaced by portals to the Abyss, spewing forth legions of bloodthirsty Demons.
At the time, arts like smithing, smelting, agriculture, building, and many more, were completely unknown to the people, who had relied on the divines for everything. While on the rest of the world, Mortals were culled and scattered in faraway forests and caves to hide from the onslaught, Exelnar was almost abandoned. The defenders that were left, armed with whatever ancient weapons and armor they could find, defended the walls and streets of the First City with great fervor. The first years of the defence were the hardest, as the demonic forces were organized, and fought with great hunger and hatred. As the years went on however, the fighting died down, and the defenders managed to clear out the Inner Circle of Exelnar and defend its walls. This defence was as stubborn and adamant as the mortal spirit through Tolhera, which kept the fires of hope alive, until a hero came.
After many years of being hunted down by demons and cultists, the Mortals had finally learned the arts of crafting weapons and armor, as well as fighting battles and wars, and it was at that point, where the greatest warrior ever born was chosen to lead them. Gondor Lionel, The Omnipaladin, Chosen of All Gods, was given the power to unite the scattered mortals and take back their homeland. After amassing a sufficient force, his first target was the re-capturing of Exelnar, and to break the siege that held it. The battle to reclaim Exelnar was long and hard, and ended with Gondor Lionel banishing the leader of the Demons, and dedicating his victory to the Gods, founding the Empire in the process.
Post-Empire
After the Founding of the Empire, Exelnar served as the center of all military and development planning. Before that however, it would have to be cleansed of all corruption that was left over from the Siege of Exelnar. In order to help find and exterminate this corruption, the Inquisition was formed and given great power over the Empire and its people, which it would continue using far into the future. To archive the history of what happened, and the skills and knowledge that was created, the Custodis Pansophical were formed, and to heal the injured and cure those ill, the Church of Vitaria was formed. In order to train the new warriors that would be nessesary in the Crusades, the Adeptus Justicari were formed. At the same time, in Ahridia, the Church of Artis was the rallying point for a different part of civilisation.In the next centuries of the Empire, Exelnar served as the rallying point for the First Crusade and Second Crusade, as well as many other smaller conflicts. The people of Exelnar became accustomed to hard work, and personal sacrifice, and her rulers learned to expect it. As the Empire slowly moved away from a state of war to a state of economic development, the role of Exelnar also shifted from a military stronghold, to a city of progress, production, and development. Though at the same time, it is a place full of ancient orders and old families, entrenched financially and politically. As the seat of the Emperor, it is always the first place to receive new policies and benefits, as well as feel the pain whenever hard times fall.
Header Image Credit: jbrown67
Founders
Alternative Name(s)
The First City, City of the Divines, The Capitol, The Jewel of the Empire, The Undefeated CItadel
Type
Capital
Population
1,000,000 - 2,000,000
Location under
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
