Golden Road

Out of all the things that remain of the Scions, the Golden Road remains one of the most influential in means of travel and trade. - Yuhan Darl, Consular of Esobrel

The Golden Road is a prominent roadway that has existed for thousands of years and has yet to fall into disrepair of the ancient skills and techniques used by the Scions of the Dawn. Making it one of the few forms of engineering that still remain intact from the Dawn Age.

Purpose / Function

The Golden Road was created as a means of travel across the continent and used to ease travel and create trade from long distances at a faster rate.

Architecture

The Road itself is made from well-crafted Sun Stone that is perfectly placed and leveled to ensure that traveling on it is smooth and stable to walk on.

Defenses

Sun Stone: The entire road is made of a material known as Sun Stone, known for it being created by infusing Radiance into stone and given off a dim glowing look on the stone itself. Making it less likely for Gloomspawn to go near it and attack the road for their fear of its light.
Guard Posts: Found miles apart on the road, guard posts from both Radiarchys, to ensure that the road is safe from both Gloomspawn and highwaymen that might attack travelers on it.
Signal Towers : Several towers exist on different areas of the road to allow any regional forces mobile and deal with the threat.

History

Ancient Roadway

The Golden Road dates back to the time of the Dawn Age when the Scions ruled over Embera, the origins of why this massive road was created but it its craftsmanship and length most likely took many years to build going over two thousand miles from one end to the other. It was mostly used as a means of trade or a symbolic meaning such as unity. The road itself has managed to outlive their civilization and has been continually used for the next two millennia. Mainly used a as means of trade between the northern and southern regions of the continent in the exchange of exotic goods and ideas. Being one of the only roads considered safe to travel during the Age of Shadows as the Sun Stone it was made to ward off Gloomspawn and made it easier to travel, unlike the many poorly kept dirt roads at the time. The Age of Crowns also use the road as a means to earn a profit as kingdoms that were built around the road would enable trade and profits from the merchants traveling them. But the most significant use of the road was during the Great Shroud as Sura Dawnbringer and the Dawn Crusade would use the road to march their army unopposed by the forces of the Shroud Keepers being unable to touch to due to the power of the road. Allowing them to continue their campaign in the War of Reclamation and win many battles by using it.
In the Age of Rebirth, the road would be continued to be used as means of trade, but also act as a means of a pilgrimage to those wishing to test their faith and resolve in the Spark, believing that the road was blessed by it to protect the faithful from the servants of The Gloom. People from Esobel and Ondelenia would travel the entire road until they reached the end of it, using it as a spiritual journey from the interactions they have with the people they come across and the places they find while resting from their travels. It was also common for Radiarchs to travel the road as a gesture of goodwill and friendship between the peoples of the north and south. There were some cases that the road was used for military purposes as well for more forces were needed to deal with a Gloom-related threat or any other type of danger that may appear. Making the road have greater influence as the age went by as events continued to unfold.

Pathway Through Darkness

Since the time of the Duskfall and the destruction of the Dawn Keepers, the continent has become more unstable. This is even seen on the Golden Road as well highwaymen have been seen robbing travelers in large numbers and Gloomspawn activity being more active near it as well. Prompting the Radiarchys to send more members of its Watcher Corps to guard it. This caused many guard posts to be created and increased corps active along the once peaceful road. While this has been used as a means to create safety and comfort for those traveling on the road it has done quite the opposite as people have become uneasy while traveling now due to the dangers that come with it. However, the road's faint yellow glow often puts their minds at ease for some still truly believe as long as they stay on it the light will always protect them from all things dark in these troubled times.

Tourism

The road remains an important means of travel for anyone seeking to go across the continent or travel to the Radiarch of Ondelenia or the Radiarch of Esobrel

Alternative Names

Golden Highway, Path of Light

Type

Road

Contested By

• Radiarchy of Esobrel
• Radiarchy of Ondelenia

Road Like No Other

by midjourney

I have traveled this road many times and it has yet to disappoint me, with its wonder and craftsmanship that make my days of travel less of a burden. - Ondelenian Traveling Merchant

Never in the history of the world has another road like this ever existed or replicated ever again. Making it one of the most unique roads to be ever found and by far the most magnificent. Yet there is another reason that this road is so much more than just a means of better travel, for those that travel on it feel different as if a strange sensation has come over them. Maybe it is the color of it or even the faint glow emanating from it, but it seems they all feel the same thing from it, warmth. This a feeling that gives comfort and peace to all that are traveling far away from their homes to someplace completely different, most would feel scared and homesick for traveling from their places of comfort and peace. Yet the road seems to make it all go away and help them understand that despite leaving the places they know the most, they should not worry at all and let the wonder and excitement of traveling can bring them to them. The world is a large place and can be scary at times, but as long as you know the way home is never far away, especially with a path to light the way towards it.