Artoria

The city of Artoria, the massive capital of The Artorian Empire, is a sight to behold. Built in a style all its own, the city is a grand and imposing metropolis, filled with towering stone, concrete, and marble structures, grand lush public spaces, massive public fountains and sculpture, and more. The city is the center of the empire's political, cultural, and religious life, and it is a bustling hub of activity. It also serves as a port city as it rests on the banks of The Starry Night a large river that bisects the province running from the Whispering Expanse to The Everdepth.

At the center of the city stands the Emperor's palace – The Palace of the Golden Throne, or simply The Golden Throne, a grand and opulent structure that serves as the residence of Emperor Leandros the Wise, leader of the Artorian Empire. The palace is a true work of art, with intricate carvings and frescoes adorning its walls and ceilings. The palatial grounds are also home to the Imperial Senate, where the emperor and his 100-member senate gather and make decisions that affect the entire empire.

The city is home to The Infinite, a massive temple complex to all the major gods; grand and impressive structures that are open to the public. None more so than The Altar of Ephara, a massive temple with a 50-foot-tall statue of the goddess seated on the Golden Throne itself, her presence uplifting all within Artoria, bringing civilization, justice, science, art, and philosophy to the city. These temples are not only places of worship but also important cultural centers, where people come to learn about the gods, to make offerings, and to attend festivals and ceremonies. Gods are not the only ones revered in Artoria however, with many of its most beloved leaders, generals, and heroes entombed in the Eternal Tribute including the body of Emperor Artorius himself.

Beyond the palace and the temples, the city of Artoria is a bustling metropolis, filled with shops, markets, taverns, and other places of business. The streets are crowded with people going about their daily business, and the city is alive with the sounds of music, laughter, and conversation.

Artoria is also home to several entertainment and sporting venues, the largest of which is The Kalemne, a massive arena and temple to Iroas that can seat tens of thousands of people, and it is the home of gladiatorial games, chariot races, and other forms of entertainment. The Kalemne is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, who come to see the games and to be a part of the excitement and pageantry of the empire. Combatants, racers, and performers rarely if ever start their career at The Kalemne, with smaller developmental facilities such as the Amphitheater of Aspirants found around the city. Also home to chariot races, in a larger long-track style, is The Thundering, where only the most seasoned charioteers compete. Rather than the quick, dirty, and exciting short-track style of the Kalemne, the Thundering hosts longer races with larger teams that feature more obstacles and overall strategy. The Thundering is also unique its bull riders - brave and exceptionally strong charioteers guiding chariots pulled by teams of bulls to honor Iroas himself. 

Known as the center of grand architecture within the Empire, including the Palace of the Golden Throne, the Infinite, and the Kalemne, Artoria is also home to other wonders such as The Titan’s Stride Bridge, The White Wall, The Ephara Archive, and Oasis. One of the The Artorian Wonders, the White Wall, also acts as a massive defensive structure, surrounding the whole city, and protecting it from invaders. These walls are adorned with statues of emperors and generals, who have protected the empire in the past as well as grand statues of Ephara, Iroas, Heliod, Karametra, Keranos, and Purphoros – even Athreos at the city's gates and Thassa overlooking the river.