Arethusa
Time of writing: 2083 EC
Founded 2320 years ago. Before the Blink. Before the Enclave of the North.
The Fel'Gesperen built the massive walled city as their bastion against the rest of Tezca. Although there are many ancient cities and castles in Akinlor, none stand as tall, or solidly, as Arethusa. It is the city that stands against time. The infinite city. Ouroboros.
The outskirts are barren and empty. The Arethusan highway snakes its way from the south to the great city gates, a yawning portal that leads to a bustling city within.
The three walls of Arethusa are the city's dominating feature. Passing through the city gates you pass through the Wall of Man. You will walk through markets, farms, industry, homes. The buildings are short and square. Their sturdiness a reflection of the city itself. The terrain here is flat and sprawling. Both the wealthy and rich occupy the space within the Wall of Man, and the city within this wall spreads for miles.
At the heart of the Wall of Man you will find the Wall of Gods. Within these walls you shall find Temples, Schools, Museums and Theatres. This is where people learn, worship, entertain and train. The Arethusans are a hardened people. Fighting pits are as common as universities. Martial prowess enjoys the same prestige as academic here. None may have permanent residence with the Wall of Gods, although temporary accommodation is permitted.
Deeper within the city still, you will reach the Wall of Names. The true name of this wall is almost lost - the name now only known by a privileged few of the Akinlorian aristocracy. Within the Wall of Names you will find military garrisons, airship docks and the gargantuan Castle Arethusa. Very few are permitted access within these walls without a military escort.
The castle itself is the oldest part of the city. Expanded countless times, the heart of the castle lies so deep within that it has become lost to time. Only the exterior shell of the fortress is still occupied - and this exterior shell is still large enough to house thousands of people. The tiny fraction of Castle Arethusa that is still used is larger than nearly any other castle.
A handful of years ago, a noble from Far'Fel named Uisstu Avrethi married Pedrin Kurst Akinlor, the Arethusan prince. Shortly after Pedrin's father, the steward of Akinlor, died. After becoming Steward, Pedrin declared him and Lady Avrethi King and Queen in defiance to the rule of Tezca under Dessert Jewel. This challenge of authority has gone un-answered by the armies of The Keys.
Shortly after Pedrin became king a great plague of sorts befell the city. Plants wither and die inexplicably. Fruit and vegetables rot prematurely. Nightmares plague those who live within the Wall of Names. Some say this is a curse - that Pedrin is not worthy to be king perhaps. Or even that Pedrin killed his own father for the thrown.
In any case, this plague has not slowed the machinations of the King and Queen. Plans are forged deep within the fortress. Soldiers bristle with anticipation. The city stirs. Something is about to happen.
Founding Date
-237
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