The Holy City and Province of Aquinas (Ah-key-nas)

Aquinas is a city in western Aquia. It is the capital city of both the Aquia region and of the Province of Aquinas. Laid out within stone walls on a hil, it sits high above the Bay of Beylon. Aquinas, also known as the Holy City, is roughly rectangle-shaped city, sprawling across three miles and defended by tall walls. It is dotted with manses, arbors, granaries, brick storehouses, timbered inns, merchant stalls, taverns, graveyards, and brothels. There is a fish market and hundreds of quays can be found in the harbor. Between buildings the roads are broad, lined with trees and branching alleys and streets. The city sits on the shore of the Bay of Beylon. The highest level of the city, surmounted by the Grand Cathedral of Aquia, the seat of the faith, located in the south-western corner of the city, overlooks the bay directly.

Beyond the walls, there tend to be ramshackle buildings which extend to the walls. These include inns, warehouses, merchant's stalls, alehouses, and brothels.
Generally, the areas on the higher elevations of the city tend to be the wealthier parts of the city, while the poorer areas are the low places in between them. The worst slum in the city is Old Town, a maze of narrow streets and alleys that was the original town the city would grow from, sits at the bottom of the southwest side of city. There the poorest folk eke out a meager existence.

Government

Theocratic Dictatorship

Defences

The Temple Militant is Aquinas' main military formation, in charge of guarding and policing the town and its surroundings. It numbers some two thousand strong just in the city itself. During the reign of Naeron II, the King's brother, Bishop Lairos, was named Grandmaster of the Temple Militant. He instituted the use of the Brothers of the Temple Militant as city watch. The Militant Brothers were armed dirk, short sword, and an iron cudgel. The men wore mail armor, boots and gloves that were black and tabards of white trimmed with green. The fleet guards the entrance to the Bay of Beylon, patrolling it and the river delta. On occasion fleets have been sent to deal with pirates from the south.

Districts

Eight is a sacred number for the Faith, thus the reason for eight huge gates built as the entrances into the districts of Aquinas. Each is protected by portcullis, heavy doors, and armed guard.

Guilds and Factions

The Alchemists' Guild is headquartered in Aquinas and operates from its ancient citadel in Old Town.

Founding Date

173 CE

Alternative Name(s)

Aquinas

Type

Capital

Population

75,000+

Inhabitant Demonym

Aquians

Included Locations

• Grand Cathedral of Aquia
• Old Town

Owner/Ruler

Archbishop Mairos of Aquia

Owning Organization

The Church of Aquinas