Shan’daren
Shan’daren is a treetop city, modeled after a northern wild elven basic structural design but with an entirely Guivoc aesthetic. Certain practical aspects are different from elven cities as well in order to adapt the design to the peculiarities of old growth cypress trees, to increase air flow on hot days, and to slow damage to the building materials from humidity, among other things. All open spaces are draped with fine-woven mosquito netting for a surprisingly decadent overall appearance in the way that the lovingly-crafted and practical netting resembles chiffon or other luxury fabrics.
Shan’daren was constructed during the reign of the Xha’en lich-emperor in order to address a need for a secure and centralized command base for Guivoc resistance operations. In times of war, it is just that; but in times of peace, the many and various national guild councils instead use it as a headquarters in order to aid in the smooth running of the guilds. The high command tree fort, whenever there is no high duke to occupy it, is used instead by council members assigned by their guilds as guild ambassadors who are tasked with coordinating governance efforts between different guilds.
While the Guild of Protectors does organize volunteer guards to keep Shan’daren safe from monsters, no other service positions are permitted in Shan’daren. Councilmembers must make time and work together to keep the place clean, do other necessary chores, and cook their own meals. Exceptions to the ban on service positions can be situationally lifted for councilmembers who are ill or disabled, but the social pressure is strong to do as much as one can for oneself, save on Healers Guild orders. Food in Shan’daren must be purchased from a guild’s budget, and life in Shan’daren, in general, is mildly ascetic with a work-focused atmosphere.
Nomadic communities alter their routes to pass through Shan’daren any time they feel the need to consult with one of the guild councils.
Capital
Shan’daren, City of
Owning Organization
Comments