Archevale

The Eastern Capital of Aeetos, Archevale was established long ago by the ancient Theman Empire during the era of The Settling. Striking westwards across The Great Stride during their period of expansion, New Themanitos, as it was known at the time, was little more than a small port town and trading post, populated by a majority human population as the Theman Empire was known to be. As the Theman settlers expanded west, they came into conflict with the native Elven population of Aeetos as well as the Firbolg Tribes and Centaur Herds of the forests and plains respectively.

Districts

Gold District: The economic heart of Archevale, Aeetos and a large part of Vicheve, the Gold District is home to multiple multi-national corparation headquarters as well as stock exchanges and trading companies. The most cosmopolitan area of the city, full of towering skycrapers and trendy resturants and bars, the Gold District is the height of elegance and luxury within Archevale with many of Vicheve's rich and famous from all walks of life having a luxury apartement or penthouse here.

• The Smiling Exchange- A shining central beacon of marble, gold and glass, the Smiling Exchange is the largest stock exchange within Archevale. Fortunes are won and lost within at the turn of the hour as the stocks turn over. The Exchange also functions as a bank, money changer and lender. Originally a temple to Tymora, the Smiling Lady still holds sway within the walls of the Exchange.
• The Brass Spire- Amongst the skyscrapers of the Gold District stands the Brass Spire, warm to the touch on all surfaces and untouched by snow in winter while glowing with internal fire at night. A splintering, twisted shard of Infernal brass, the Spire was punched up from the Hells to serve as a residence for the ambassador to Avernus as well as other devils who wished to experience or work on the material plane.

Uptown: North of the Gold District sits Uptown, the political centre of Archevale. Central amongst its landmarks is the Town Hall, the office of the Mayor of Archevale, as well as the Archevale Forum where members of the Senate debate laws and policies and bring them into action. Uptown also features a number of embassies for other nations and some planes as well as a thriving arcane transportation industry for the important people of Aeetos. Those wishing to travel by more mundane means can also catch a train from the Iron Horse Railroad Station or rent or ride a vehicle from Winged Sandal Transport.
West Strand: On the outskirts of the city, sits the Strand. A strip of fertile land, granted to the Theman Empire upon their arrival by the Wood Elves of Syol Rûn, it is now the lush green suburban area of the city. As the farming industry moved west with the expansion of the Theman Empire, the land was repurposed for housing of the growing human population and still holds this purpose to this day. Quaint, quiet suburbs have over taken this area with Strahdbucks on most corners and Quest Buys and Gnoll Food Markets springing up.

• Analor's Grove- Named for the Elven god of death, before the Themans arrived this ancient forest held great importance to the Elves who once dwelled here. A place of immense spiritual importance to the Tel-quessir since the time of the Emergence, untold generations of Elves were once laid to rest here. Upon the arrival of humans, and in the years since, the ancient temples to Narilis Analor are long gone, replaced by temple of Kelemvor, the Raven Queen and older temples to Thanatos amongst others. A place of constant shade, visitors feel cold and unwelcome amongst the graveyards.

South Strand: The Southern region of the Strand is more densely populated, with apartment blocks and more shared accomadation replacing the spawling suburbs of the West Strand. With more small businesses and family-run shops, the economic style here can sometiems revolve around the trade and barter system than traditional purchases with coin. Both regions of the Strand offer a more homely feel to visitors than other areas of the city.

• Ilmater's Healing Hands Hospital- A large cathedral to Ilmater, converted into a hospital that serves the healthcare needs of a lot of Archevale, the hospital is easily recognizable from its impressive construction, green tiled roof and large symbol to Ilmater that can be seen easily.

Elysium's Grasp: Elysium's Grasp sits on a floating island of rock that makes its way around the Archevale Bay in a slow pattern that changes at the whims of the inhabitants of this District. A lot of the Elven population of Archevale make their homes here whether that be in the decadent mansions or in smaller accomodations. It is known to be one of the most luxiurious Districts, with golden grass and splendid trees as well as its own transportation system specifically for those who live here.

• The Dimensional Market- A large mall, central amongst the luxury stores that make up the shopping hub of Elysium's Grasp. A wonder of the arcane, the Dimensional Market holds links and portals to many of the higher planes and some lower planes that are more open to trade with mortals.

Meran Island: Once the home of a colony of Merfolk, from which the island now drives its name, they were some of the first csaualties of the Theman Empire's expansion around their trade port. Now the island stands as a centre of arcane innovation and learning. Wizard towers rise high above the libraries full of magical tomes. The sight and sound of spell incantations can be heard amongst the streets of material component stores and aspiring students flock to the bookshops and parchment stores.

• Mystra's Sanctuary Arcane University- At the heart of the distrct stands the Mystra's Sanctuary Arcane University, the greatest institute to magical study on this side of Aeetos. Students of all aptitudes travel here to enhance their arcane ability and learn more about wielding the Weave.

Drav End: A district of heavy industry, with a large dwarven population who originally named this area "Dravend", the dwarven word for forge, Drav End is largely covered in forges, furnaces and factories. Providing jobs to the Dwarven population as well as others across Archevale, it is a large-scale manufacturer of everything from household goods to military weapons.
The Dregs: A district known first by its high crime rate and second by its importance to Archevale, the Dregs is a dangerous district for the unprepared. Heavily patrolled by the automata employed by The Threshers, Archevale's police force, the Dregs has a number of known criminal elements that operate openly despite the efforts of the Threshers to control and halt their activity. With a thriving port district, many imports to Archevale pass through the Dregs, often with a local tax being enforced if they wish to safely exit the district.

Points of interest

Midbay Park: A region of nature and green amongst the built up metropolis of Archevale, Midbay Park is a wide open space of grass with old trees and lush foliage present amongst the forests within this area. A calm, quiet place away from the hustle and noise, many residents of Archevale come here to gain some peace and take a break. Along the coast of this region stand ancient mansions of the city's founders, expanded and updated by their descendants.
Founder's Island: One of the most impressive first sights any coming by sea get of Archevale, Founder's Island features an immense bronze colossus of Akius Cassos, towering overhead in all his battle regalia, looking westwards across the mainland of Aeetos. Visitors enjoy this island, coming to visit and look upon the statue out amongst the sea air.
The Storm's Breath Skyport: The Storm's Breath Skyport is the entrance of many visitors to Archevale, serving as a point for skyships and aeroplanes to land and passengers to board or disembark. Also serving for private owners of various aircraft as a place to store them and for them to take off from.

Founding Date

5000BR

Founders

• Akius Cassos
• Edas Saith
• Hulla Tume
• Theman Empire

Type

Capital

Inhabitant Demonym

Archevalens

Location under

Aeetos

Included Locations

• Archevale College of Performing Arts
• Ilmater's Healing Hands Hospital