OVERVIEW
Halfway uphill between the agora and Temple Hill, perched
on a vegetation-covered cliff overlooking almost the entire city,
stands the city’s government building. This is where the Twelve
meet daily for the administration of the city. The chosen
sages have their space here to discuss important decisions
to keep Meletis as the center of civilization.
The building is
organized around a hall covered by a dome where the plenum
of the Twelve meets. On its east side a huge garden terrace,
with statues, fresh water ponds, and even a gazebo, offers
views over the city and serves for more informal get-togethers
between members of the government and other officials. Musicians
of proven fame are sometimes hired to liven up outdoor
gatherings. It is not uncommon to see Perisophia chatting
with a guest under one of the bougainvillea-covered trellises
if the heat permits.
Each of the 12 wise men is constantly
accompanied by a prosectikos, a special guard with the dual
function of protecting and guarding the ruler against any attempt
to attack his integrity, physical or moral. The position is
of high prestige and they are usually chosen from among the
members of the Reverent Army of proven loyalty.
The remaining
halls house archives and offices for the Twelve and other
high officials. The government uses the building as a base
for their constant work in the city, and although they always
spend a few hours in it, they can usually be seen at any point
in the city (or the polis) where they are needed.
Location Description
Outside
As you ascend the hill, nestled between the bustling agora and the sacred Temple Hill, you come upon the Hall of the Twelve, a striking edifice perched on a cliff adorned with lush vegetation. From this vantage point, the building oversees almost the entire city, symbolizing the watchful governance of the Twelve, the city's revered sages.
The air here is fresh and carries the scent of the sea, mingled with the fragrant blooms of the surrounding flora. The sound of the city below reaches you as a distant hum, a reminder of the bustling life that the Twelve oversee.
As you draw closer, the building's simple elegance becomes more evident - its large, domed hall at the center stands as a testament to the importance of the meetings held within. The east side of the building opens up to a vast garden terrace, adorned with statues and fresh water ponds, offering breathtaking views over Meletis.
Inside
The central hall, crowned by an impressive dome, is where the plenum of the Twelve convenes. A quiet murmur of discussions and debates echoes softly off the walls.
The garden terrace, visible from the hall, provides a more relaxed setting, with trellises and a gazebo for hosting informal meetings and discussions. The gentle sound of water from the ponds and the occasional melody from a hired musician create a serene backdrop for the conversations taking place.
Each member of the Twelve is accompanied by a guard wearing the armor of the Reverent Army, but with a golden white robe draped overtop, adding a layer of solemnity and security to the environment. The remaining halls of the building are lined with archives and offices, bustling with the activity of high officials diligently working for the city's welfare.
The building, while a hub of governance, also symbolizes the accessibility of the Twelve, who are often seen throughout the city, attending to the needs of its citizens.
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