Lohastambha (/loːhəstʌmbʰə/ lo-HUH-stum-bhuh)

The City of the Iron Pillar

Lohastambha, the City of the Iron Pillar, stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Human spirit. Nestled in the verdant embrace of the Harapura valley, the city is a tapestry of ancient wisdom and vibrant life, woven together by the threads of history and tradition.
The cityscape is dominated by the Lohastambha, a towering iron pillar that pierces the sky. It is said to house the Star of Creation, a beacon of hope and a symbol of the city's enduring spirit. The pillar, weathered by time yet unyielding, reflects the golden hues of the setting sun, casting long shadows that dance with the day's end.
The architecture of Lohastambha is a harmonious blend of the old and the new. Ancient temples, their stone facades intricately carved with tales of yore, stand alongside modern edifices of glass and steel. The city's streets, lined with flowering trees, are a flurry of activity, filled with the melodious chatter of its inhabitants and the rhythmic cadence of daily life.
At the heart of Lohastambha, the Astra Clan rules with wisdom and grace. Descendants of the city's first settlers, they are the keepers of the city's history and the guardians of its future. Their ancestral palace, a grand structure of marble and Gold, overlooks the city, a constant reminder of their enduring legacy.
The people of Lohastambha, guided by the teachings of Vishravas, live in harmony with the cycles of creation, destruction, and rebirth. They are a people of deep spirituality, their lives intertwined with the divine essence of the Star of Creation. The city's vidyutdhara, the wielders of Magic, are revered figures, their powers a testament to the city's arcane heritage.
As night falls, Lohastambha comes alive with the glow of a thousand lights, each a star mirroring the Celestial bodies above. The city, bathed in this ethereal glow, resonates with the hum of whispered prayers and the melody of night-time serenades.
Lohastambha, the City of the Iron Pillar, is more than just a city. It is a symbol of human resilience, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the enduring spirit of its people. With the return of magic, Lohastambha stands on the cusp of a new era, ready to reclaim its place as a beacon of divine magic in the world of Rolara.

Demographics

The city's demographics reflect the diverse cultures and ethnic groups that have intermingled and separated over the course of its long history.

The city is primarily inhabited by humans, who have thrived in the fertile Harapura valley. They are a diverse people, their features reflecting the rich tapestry of ethnic groups that have contributed to the city's population. Their eyes, in shades of brown and amber, are a distinctive trait of true humans in Rolara.
The people of Lohastambha are known for their adaptability. They have thrived in the city's diverse environments, from the fertile riverbanks to the arid outskirts. This adaptability extends to their culture, which is a blend of traditions from different ethnic groups. The city's culture is marked by a deep respect for tradition, yet it is also open to new influences, reflecting the city's dynamic spirit.

The city's population is governed by the Astra Clan, with Vikramaditya Harishchandra at the helm. The Astra Clan, with their deep connection to the Star of Creation, hold a significant influence over the city's population. They are respected for their wisdom and their dedication to the welfare of Lohastambha's people.
Despite the absence of true Stars of Power, the people of Lohastambha have shown remarkable resilience. They have adapted to the use of Aetherite Crystals, harnessing their magical properties for various applications. This adaptability has allowed them to prosper, even in the face of adversity.
The city's population is not without its challenges. The presence of monsters and the dangers posed by the ruins of advanced civilizations are constant threats. However, the people of Lohastambha are resourceful and determined. They have developed strategies to protect themselves and their city, demonstrating their resilience and their will to survive.

Government

As the Vikramaditya, Harishchandra holds the highest authority in Lohastambha. His rule is characterized by a deep sense of duty towards the city and its people. He is guided by the principles of justice and fairness, ensuring that every decision made is in the best interest of Lohastambha and its inhabitants. His leadership style is a balance of firmness and compassion, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining order while also addressing the needs and concerns of the people.
Harishchandra is supported by a council of advisors, composed of esteemed members of the Astra Clan and other influential figures in the city. This council, known as the Sabha, assists him in the governance of Lohastambha. They provide counsel on various matters, from city planning and defense strategies to cultural affairs and diplomatic relations. The Sabha serves as a platform for discussion and decision-making, ensuring that a variety of perspectives are considered in the governance of the city.
One of the key advisors in the Sabha is Vidwan Rishi, a master of arcane arts and a scholar of ancient lore. His deep understanding of the Star of Creation and its powers has been instrumental in guiding the city through the changing tides of time. His counsel is invaluable in harnessing the potential of the Star for the city's benefit.
Harishchandra's rule also extends to the spiritual realm. As the leader of the Astra Clan, he plays a significant role in the religious practices of the city. He leads the city's major religious ceremonies and rituals, reinforcing the city's deep spiritual connection with the Star of Creation and the deity Vishravas.
Despite the challenges posed by the return of Magic to Rolara and the threats from monsters, Harishchandra has shown remarkable resilience in his governance. He has led initiatives to strengthen the city's defenses, promote the use of Aetherite Crystals, and foster relations with other Human settlements and species. His leadership has ensured that Lohastambha remains a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Defences

The most iconic feature of Lohastambha's defenses is its sculptured walls. These towering structures, made of a durable stone found only in the Harapura valley, encircle the city, standing as a silent guardian against the outside world. The walls are not just a physical barrier; they are a canvas that tells the story of Lohastambha.
The walls are meticulously carved with intricate designs that depict the city's history. The carvings begin with the city's foundation myth, showing the first of the Astra Clan being guided by a vision of Vishravas to the fertile Harapura valley. They show the construction of the Lohastambha, the towering iron pillar, and the discovery of the Star of Creation. The carvings depict the city's growth and prosperity, its trials and tribulations, and its survival through the Extinguishment of the Stars of Power.
The walls are more than just a historical record; they are a symbol of Lohastambha's resilience. They stand as a reminder of the city's past, a testament to its unyielding spirit, and a beacon of hope for its future.
In addition to the sculptured walls, Lohastambha's defenses include a network of watchtowers and fortifications. The city's vidyutdhara, the wielders of Magic, play a crucial role in its defense. They use their powers to strengthen the city's defenses, create protective barriers, and guard against potential threats.

Iron Pillar and the Star of Creation

The city's defenses are also bolstered by the Star of Creation. The Astras, with their deep understanding of the Star's powers, have harnessed its magic to protect the city. They have created a magical barrier that shields Lohastambha, adding an additional layer of protection to the city's physical defenses.
One of the most significant effects of the Star of Creation is its protective power. When the Stars of Power were extinguished, the Astra Clan used their knowledge of arcane arts to harness the Star's magic, creating a barrier that shielded Lohastambha from the chaos that engulfed the rest of Rolara. This barrier, while invisible to the naked eye, is a constant presence in the city, a silent guardian that protects its inhabitants from external threats.
The Star of Creation also has a profound effect on the city's vidyutdhara, the wielders of magic. The Star's magic enhances their powers, allowing them to perform feats of magic that would be impossible elsewhere. This has made the vidyutdhara invaluable in the city's defense, their powers used to strengthen the city's defenses, heal the sick and injured, and guide the city through the changing tides of time.
The Star's magic has also shaped the city's culture and spirituality. The people of Lohastambha believe that the Star of Creation is a gift from Vishravas, a symbol of their unique connection with the divine. This belief has influenced their religious practices, their art, and their daily lives. The city's major religious ceremonies often involve the Star of Creation, and its image is a common motif in the city's art and architecture.

History

The city's origin is steeped in myth and legend. It is said that 18,000 years ago, a group of humans, led by the first of the Astra Clan, settled in the fertile Harapura valley. They were guided there by a vision of Vishravas, who showed them a land where they could live in harmony with the cycles of creation, destruction, and rebirth. They named their new home Lohastambha, after the towering iron pillar that marked the city's center. This pillar, according to legend, was built around a shard of Vishravas that had fallen into the Mortal Realm, a shard they named the Star of Creation.
For thousands of years, Lohastambha thrived under the guidance of the Astra Clan. The city grew in size and prosperity, its people living in harmony with the divine essence of the Star of Creation. The Astras, with their deep understanding of arcane arts, guided the city through periods of prosperity and hardship, their rule marked by wisdom and a deep sense of duty towards their people.
However, 1526 years ago, the world of Rolara was plunged into chaos with the Extinguishment of the Stars of Power. Magic, which had been a fundamental part of life in Rolara, was suddenly gone. Civilizations collapsed, societies crumbled, and even the resilient dwarves, who held out for over a millennium, eventually succumbed to extinction.
But Lohastambha, under the steadfast leadership of the Astra Clan, survived. The Astras, recognizing the threat posed by the Extinguishment, turned to the Star of Creation. While not a true Star of Power, the Star of Creation was imbued with enough magic to protect the city and its inhabitants. The Astras used their knowledge of arcane arts to harness the Star's power, creating a barrier that shielded Lohastambha from the chaos that engulfed the rest of Rolara.
For 1523 years, Lohastambha stood as a beacon of hope in a world devoid of magic. Its people, guided by the Astras, adapted to their new reality. They developed new technologies, relearned forgotten skills, and built a society that valued strength, wisdom, and community above all else.
With the recent return of magic to Rolara, Lohastambha stands on the cusp of a new era. The city, under the wise leadership of Vikramaditya Harishchandra Astra, is ready to reclaim its place as a beacon of divine magic in the world of Rolara. Its people, their spirits as unyielding as the city's iron pillar, are ready to face whatever the future may bring.

Tourism

You asked me about Lohastambha, the City of the Iron Pillar. I remember it well, a jewel nestled in the heart of the Harapura valley, a beacon of hope in a world that had lost its Magic. I arrived there, as I often do, on the run from Sigil, my presence deemed... undesirable by the Lady of Pain. But let's not dwell on that. Instead, let's talk about Lohastambha.
The city, dear reader, is a marvel. Its sculptured walls, towering and majestic, tell a story of resilience and endurance. They speak of a city that has stood for 18,000 years, a city that has weathered the Extinguishment of the Stars, a city that has survived when all others have fallen. The pride of the city's inhabitants is palpable, their spirits as unyielding as the city's iron pillar.
Ah, the Iron Pillar. A marvel of engineering and magic, it stands at the heart of the city, a symbol of its enduring spirit. The pillar, despite its age, is free from rust or corrosion, a testament to the magic of the Star of Creation that it houses. It's a sight to behold, dear reader, a sight that fills one with awe and wonder.
The people of Lohastambha are as remarkable as their city. They are a proud people, their spirits as unyielding as the city's iron pillar. They are hospitable and welcoming, their hearts as warm as the city's hearth fires. They are a testament to the resilience of the Human spirit, a testament to the power of hope and determination.
My visit to Lohastambha was brief, but it left a lasting impression. The city, with its towering walls and its iron pillar, its proud people and their enduring spirit, is a beacon of hope in a world that has lost its magic. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a testament to the power of hope and determination.
So, dear reader, if you ever find yourself in Rolara, I urge you to visit Lohastambha. Walk its streets, marvel at its walls, stand in the shadow of its iron pillar. Meet its people, hear their stories, share in their hope. For in Lohastambha, you will find a city that embodies the spirit of humanity, a city that stands as a beacon of hope in a world that has lost its magic. And perhaps, just perhaps, you will find a piece of yourself there, a piece that you didn't know was missing.

— a traveler

Founding Date

-19526

Type

City

Location under

Videha

Owner/Ruler

Harishchandra

Ruling/Owning Rank

Vikramaditya

Owning Organization

Astra Clan