Triseta

"This is kind of mean to say. Triseta is the saddest place I've ever been to."
Cadmus Tallow, "Riding with the Athelians"

The rambling capital of Athelia and the center point for wandering tribes and traders to stop and rest. It is the only large city in the Queendom, sitting astride the great river Agrythexes. Trade Barges from the rest of the Empire flow upon the river, coming from the sea or docking in order to travel further along the river (if they want to).

Defences

Because of cultural considerations and not because Darcassian architects were not allowed to develop the city further, the city has no walls. The major strongpoint of the city is the central palace, a tower in the Darcassian style from which Heather rules her nation.
It has a constant change of garrison as Athelian Cavalry patrols pass through. Triseta is not militarily valuable hence the rather lax posting of troops.

History

City building is hardly the forte of the Athelians. Because of the constant raids from wandering tribes, savage beasts, or in ages past the clash of armies, permanent settlement was considered suicidal.
This changed with the establishment of the Darcassian Empire and the end of the civil war. A request was given to the Athelians, demanding that a settlement be set up in order for better control over the region.

Tourism

Besides the Athelian Palace (a rather drab place according to Heather herself) the only other places of interest are the Empty Quarter and the Great Shrine to Shoka.

The Empty Quarter

Heather's grandmother, Sihaxi, hoped Triseta would grow into a great city. It would be a symbol of the Athelians leap into modernization and industry. Instead the city was largely rejected by the Athelian Tribes. Even Agadai, Sihaxi's daughter, rejected the city. Appropriately the city languished with only a few thousand inhabitants, most of Darcassian origin. Athelians would simply pass by, rest their herds and horses, and then move on as they had always done for thousands of years.
One section though was inhabited by Athelians. Called the Empty Quarter, it was built apart from the rest of the city. Athelians preferred it as the buildings represented Athelian sensibilities and was spaced enough for Athelians to continue residing in their tents if they wished. A tradition was born as Athelians inhabited the Quarter then moved on. Mindful of the toll war has made on their people Athelians often left markings in the doors, beams, or on walls. The markings were names. The names of Athelians who have come and gone, who have died, or those who left and never returned to the lands of their birth. As the decades passed many of the buildings are covered in names.
Eventually Athelians left offerings, lighting candles or leaving behind tokens. The tokens would be arrows, ammunition, coats, boots, loot taken from enemies, or even fine crafted bows and rifles. These would be taken up by the next passersby or inhabitants.
Agadai recognized it for what it was. The Empty Quarter was declared the first National Memorial, open for visitors but only meant to be occupied by Athelians. It is protected by Athelian Vennacti who keep a close watch to discourage looters or vandals.

The Great Shrine to Shoka

There is no priesthood or organized religion dedicated to the Athelian God Queen Shoka. All Athelians are personal when it comes to their faith. The Great Shrine to Shoka is a secretive place, placed even further away from the city. A round circular building with a open hole in the center, the Shrine is open for Athelians only. It is lavish by Athelian standards, covered in ceremonial tapestries, banners, and painted in bright vibrant colors.
The inside is an empty space with the center dominated by a wooden totem dedicated to Shoka. Athelians light candles carved into the totem and bow. It is a quiet, somber activity. Athelians pray for good weather, safe travels, and success in hunts or battles. For the common Athelian they pray for safety and that they may make a profit off the meagre goods and services they might provide.

"It doesn't matter if she listens or not. We come and offer what little our people actually have."
Roanoke sat up. Around her other Athelians bowed face down. The totem would need to be replaced soon, scratched in by Athelians wishing to have their prayers answered. When it had run its course, it would be hurled into a fire and the prayers delivered to Shoka.
Roanoke suppressed a sniffle. Taking her rifle she slung it onto her shoulder and walked out.

Geography

Triseta is a lot like the Darcassian Capital, with the river Agrythexes dividing the city down the middle. While it is an important trade hub Triseta is not a priority destination for traders. Most traders get off at Triseta, eager to move on either to the Stone Lands or up into the Uribasan Mountains.
There are few permanent buildings. Buildings that stay standing are all homes in a Darcassian style, built of blue marble and decorated lavishly. These homes cluster around the Athelian Palace, a Tower built in the image of Darcassian Royal Palaces. There is a single railway connecting Triseta to the rest of the Empire. Athelians who live in Triseta are not permanent residents. Most will pitch up their tents and rest for a week or two before heading out again. Triesta is an important rest area for travelers and a place for people to orient themselves in the vast Steppes.

Alternative Name(s)

Seat of the Horse Queens

Type

Capital

Owner/Ruler

Heather Catheric

Owning Organization

Queendom of Athelia