Sorenel

Inna Sorenel just like paradise, it's nice. Everybody say dem love di vibes, man. Why you askin brutha?

— Saliner "Seedman" Supersonic

Sorenel is the capital and the largest city of the Lord's Domain, as well as one of its 10 Cantons. It has a rapidly growing population, currently at approximately 1.8 million. The city walls struggle to accommodate so many inhabitants, and while they are being expanded, it is a slow process. As such the settlement has sprawled far beyond its original constraints, spawning slums and low income housing all around the city. It is the seat of the Lord Himself as well as the most powerful noble houses in the realm. The Church of the Ascended as well as the Ministry have their headquarters in Sorenel. Despite this, the city has a vast world outside the realm of the law.

Demographics

The majority of the population in the city are, as everywhere else, Frese. The slave-like working class makes their homes in slums and dangerously cramped living quarters. However the city offers them opportunities not found elsewhere, the size of Sorenel only compounding the opportunity. Especially gifted Frese craftsmen are given the privilege to own and run private enterprises. This allows for a small, yet stable middle class in the empire. Philosophers of Economics in the past have foreseen a rise in this middle class for generations, but this has not yet happened. Most nobles believe it never will. Due to the meager wages of other Frese, it is uncommon for Frese-run enterprises to fare very well. Especially not compared to the large noble houses who dominate the economical sphere.
The number of nobles who establish themselves in Sorenel is disproportionately large to the size of the population. Other cities will have one or two, sometimes three major noble houses and a small quantity of lesser ones. Sorenel however is currently the main seat to 12 greater and 53 lesser noble houses. The establishment of oneself in Sorenel is highly prestigious among nobles, and as such there is fierce competition for the privilege.

Government

Canton State

Being the seat of the Lord Himself and his Ministry, Sorenel is the capital of the entire realm. Nonetheless, the city functions as its own canton with its own branch of Canton Ministry. However the canton ministry of Sorenel is far less powerful than other cantons, as the laws of Sorenel are the example for all others to follow. As such, the canton branch has very little influence on the government of the town.

Boroughs

The city is divided into 31 boroughs within its walls, though motions are being made to include more civilized areas around it. Each has a number of sub-districts or neighbourhoods, which serve as the smallest administrative divisions. Lower class inhabitants identify rather strongly with their respective municipalities, which are colloquially referred to as Keyre.

Industry & Trade

Sorenel, while not the industrial heart of the empire, harbors a highly active economy. The progression of technology being mostly centered around the capital, as well as the large number of noble houses with coffers large enough to risk unconventional enterprise allows for rapid and profitable progress. In addition, the strategic positioning along the Erannel and its being the center of the railway network makes it indispensable to merchants and others wishing to transport. Being the seat of the Lord Himself, the city also benefits from taxes paid by other cantons. The majority of the money is spent on Ministrymen and the Church of Ascension, though it finds its way back into the economy.

Infrastructure

Sorenel is by far the most developed city in the empire. The upper classes have access to an expansive network of bridges connecting platforms on skyscrapers, as well as unique transportation options such as monorail or airships, which allow them to remain in an entirely separate area from the Frese.

Architecture

Sorenel is imposing. In its central boroughs it resembles a dense forest, expansive buildings with massive tower-like structures define the skyline. A network of bridges allow the upper class to live in a different city than the working masses, quite literally towering above them. Close to the ground it is often wet and dark as little sunlight penetrates so far down. This area is known as the Brynith by its inhabitants. Some use the term with distaste, others with affection. Its twisting and turning alleyways are convenient for the underground scene of Sorenel, which is vast and powerful on its own. The platforms, skyscrapers, and bridges above are dubbed Illis, or the Heavens, by the lower classes.
The sprawl reaches far and wide, stained by soot and dirt. A few select areas open up even in the depths of the Brynith. The temple gardens at the center of which lies the Palace-Temple introduce some vegetation to the otherwise bleak city. Conoth Square, Plaza of Vald, and Ascension Square part the thick mass of buildings, proudly presenting their showpiece structures; he largely metallic ministry headquarters, the Old Palace, and Ven Cathedral respectively. Additionally, some of the noble's estates also let sunlight fall on the ever-damp cobbles. An example of this being the estate of house Hysiere, shaped like a large pyramid.

Geography

The city is built on the banks of the Erannel, due to the numerous benefits this provides. Additionally, the surrounding lands are fertile and as such the plantations are highly productive. Nonetheless the city is struggling with the increasing population, and famine among the lower class is not uncommon. The terrain around Sorenel is mostly flat. There are hills to the south which has long been taken over by the rapid growth of the city, the shallow plateau being overrun within a couple of years since the order was given to clear its forest.

Alternative Name(s)

Lord's Town, Central

Type

Capital

Population

ca. 1.8 million

Inhabitant Demonym

Sonerellian

Location under

Cispara

Included Locations

• East End

Owner/Ruler

The Ascended

Characters in Location

• Nicorie Belladora
• Straph Dravisiel