Atrans
The capital city and center of the Empire of the Palatines, everything about Atrans is ancient. Founded on the shores of the Palatin Sea over 700 years ago, Atrans has been the center of Palatine civilization from the beginning, remaining as the empire's fortunes have waxed and waned, rising to encompass most of the Khelish lands and the Valenies and falling to its current state, struggling to hold onto its peripheries.
Nevertheless, Atrans does not look a city in decline. A city of marbles and monuments, the splendour of the empire of old can still be seen in its capital, with the painted statues of old conquerors, the majestic halls of the Palatine gods, the senate and the forum. The port on the Palatin Sea is likewise still busy, though perhaps not quite as much so as it was in the empire's heyday. Despite the reduction of the Palatine empire, Atrans remains one of the great cities of the world.
Despite its splendour, Atrans has been at the center of numerous chaotic struggles for power among the Palatine senatorial class, and is at times much more dangerous than it appears.
Demographics
Inhabited primarily by Palatine humans, Atrans has a long-standing Sevestrian orc minority, as well as frequent Khelish and Valen visitors. A gnomish enclave has settled in the city, and the Palatines have offered them protection if only to spite the elves of Exodus.
Government
Atrans does not have a separate city government, and instead the city is run directly by the senate and the emperor. Both are located in the city, and Atrans has always been the center of the Palatine realm.
Infrastructure
Atrans continues to maintain an impressive level of public infrastructure. There is a well maintained street network, as well as public water fountains and sewer facilities, making Atrans notably cleaner than many other lesser cities.
Yay for public water fountains and sewage facilities!