City Gates

OVERVIEW

The northwest of the city is organized around the passage of its walls. The main agricultural lands provide food for the city and a good part of the trade with Akros and Setessa enters through here. The isthmus of the peninsula articulates the movements inside and outside the territory of the polis of Meletis, confined by the Long Walls, a double wall, kilometers long, that serves as protection against any attack by land and also supplies the city by sea from both ends of the isthmus in case of blockade.
The wall system was devised by the kings Tiro and Kynaios as one of their main works during their lifetime. Since then the walls have been refurbished and enlarged countless times. The interior of the walls maintains a small village organized around a couple of taverns and warehouses for merchants. Already near the Blue Gates, the access to Meletis itself, a group of buildings is organized around the esplanade in front of the gates.
Near the Necropolis stands out the tavern of Milendroporos, an atypical and affable centaur who has never admitted his origin, nor his real name. He gives shelter in his huge house to those who do not want or cannot pass into the interior of the Polis, and takes care of the horses of his guests with care and reverence. Just in front of the gates a huge, elongated first floor building serves as an administrative building, customs house, and nexus between the two sides of the walls in trade as a crossroads between the peninsula, the polis to the north, the Siren Sea and the city of Meletis itself and its bay.

Location Description

Outside

Before you lies the majestic Northwest Gate of Meletis, a grand testament to the ingenuity of Kings Tiro and Kynaios. As you draw closer, the imposing Long Walls, stretching for kilometers, present a formidable sight. The air is filled with the earthy aroma of the nearby agricultural lands, mingling with distant scents of the sea. The sounds of distant chatter and the clattering of carts resonate from within, hinting at the bustling activity beyond the walls. The touch of the sea breeze is gentle on your skin, carrying whispers of trade and travel from distant lands. Your eyes catch the vibrant hustle of merchants and travelers near the Blue Gates, their diverse attire painting a colorful tapestry against the backdrop of sturdy stone walls. The atmosphere is alive with anticipation and the promise of adventure within the city's embrace.

Inside

As you step through the Blue Gates of Meletis, the vibrant energy of the city immediately envelops you. The lively sounds of commerce and conversation fill the air, blending with the occasional neighing of horses cared for by the affable centaur Milendroporos at his nearby tavern. The scent of fresh produce from the markets mingles with the tantalizing aromas of local cuisine wafting from the taverns. The hustle around the warehouses and the administrative building hints at a thriving trade nexus. The ground underfoot feels well-trodden, smoothed by the passage of countless travelers and merchants. The warmth of the community is palpable, a stark contrast to the solemnity of the Necropolis nearby. Every sight, sound, and scent in this small village within the walls speaks of a rich history and a lively present, inviting you to delve deeper into the heart of Meletis.