Tempus
The most grand city to grace Kyrophis, Tempus is formed on the back of an elusive chromus turtle. The city takes up most of the animal's shell, which spans about a mile and a half in diameter. Tempus is the best example of what a city on Kyrophis can offer, blending its historical and cultural roots with modern hypertechnology.
Taara
The chromus turtle that Tempus rides on, nicknamed Taara, is the oldest on the planet. She is at the very least three thousand years old, but some sources say she could be twice as old, or more. This magnificent creature is in the same genus as the leatherback turtles from planet Earth, Dermochelys.
Taara's shell is embedded with massive crystalline structures. The average chromus turtle have shimmering scales, but nothing on this level. Studies indicate something unnatural about Taara, as chromus turtles also have an average diameter of about fifty metres, and only live to about two hundred years.
Location & Migration
Tempus circled the Novem Ocean, sticking along the Acetaria Currents, that rush past the purple volcanoes of the Severed Creek. These warm currents are soothing for Taara's aching joints, which allow her to swim just that little bit faster. Albeit, not very fast, for she only glides around fifty miles per hour, quite slow for her size.
While Tempus has the reins for most of the year, during the height of summers Taara takes control. She actively avoids the Teuthis Ocean during the summer months, which borders the Novem Ocean. Taara may be a massive, defensive creature, but when she approaches the Teuthis Ocean she seems nervous, scared even.
Population
Size & Sprawl
Tempus takes full advantage of Taara's size, taking up about 94% of her shell's soft, leathery surface. The crystal superstructures serve as waypoints for those navigating this massive city. With a population of 140 million, Tempus is the most populated, and most densely populated, city on Kyrophis.
Inhabitants
A 1010 census reported 140,586,255 citizens of Tempus.
Kephalons make up the majority of Tempus' population, but there are still other minor species found here. Abyssal Merfolk are somewhat common, making up approximately 5% of Tempus' population. They can navigate this city by detecting the crystals with their receptors.
| Sophonts | Population | % |
|---|---|---|
| Kephalon | 128,355,250 | 91.3 |
| Abyssal Merfolk | 7,310,485 | 5.2 |
| Amelaquan | 4,498,761 | 3.2 |
| Other | 421,759 | 0.3 |
Landmarks & Monuments
You know, I kinda feel bad for Taara. She doesn't look well. But my goodness, these people have done some incredible things. This city is breathtaking. It's so full of life, so diverse. You can't escape the bright colours, it's gorgeous. And these polyps!! I'm taking some home to grow myself.
I do wonder though, why are there so many tentacle statues? They kinda creep me out. They look... wet.
Seven Spires
The Seven Spires are a collection of monumental towers that serve as lookout points. They sit on the very edge of Taara's shell, watching for any possible fleets coming to attack. There never are, the kephalons are quite peaceful people, but you never know what other creatures lurk out in the mystical waters.
Polyp Fields
One of biggest mobily polyp farms on the planet, the Polyp Fields are an expansive arable terrain that grows coral and other Cnidarians. Spreading across roughly 5% of Taara's shell, the Polyp Fields are a dangerous place to roam, for many of these polyps are toxic to the touch. These polyps grow into various medusa, used for medicinal purposes.
I love the city and the turtle so much! I have a mechanical tortoise city in my world that needs some fleshing out. Thank you for the inspiration!
Learn about the World of Wizard's Peak and check out my award winning article about the Ghost Boy of Kirinal!
Thank you so much!! <3 So glad I could be of inspiration :D