Difference between revisions of "The Imperial City"

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== Suzaku Boulevard ==
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==Overview==
  
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Central Boulevard of the Imperial City. One hundred metres in width, paved with marble tiles. In places, tiles have cracked or weeds are springing up. On Suzaku, and
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[[File:Map of the Imperial City.jpg]]
  
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the other Five Boulevards, the Empress banned Dynasts from moving on foot: they were required to take rickshaws or palanquins (an exception was Legion officers). It
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The Imperial City is the capital of the [[Scarlet Empire]], largest urban settlement in all [[Creation]] and a center of both trade and political power. Over two million mortals dwell and work in the City. It is abutted to the North by the [[Imperial Palace]] (A), residence of the [[Scarlet Empress]], across the banks of the [[Thousand Waterfalls Creek]] (the most famed crossing of which are the [[Five Dragon Bridges]] (1)). Powerful walls surround broad boulevards and cramped networks of alleys and wards, overcrowded tenements and [[Imperial City Shops & Eateries|markets]] filling vast swathes while others are home to beautiful [[Temples of the Imperial City|temples]] and the luxurious [[Notable Residences of the Imperial City|villas]] of the [[Exalted|Princes of the Earth]], many powerful [[:Category:Manses|manses]] fed by the confluence of [[Dragon Line]]s which flow into the area from across the world.
  
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was said that the City’s labour force of bearers was riddled with agents of the All-Seeing Eye, so the Empress always knew which of her nobles had gone where.
+
==The Boulevards==
  
 +
===Suzaku Boulevard===
 +
[[Suzaku Boulevard]] (C) is the central boulevard of the Imperial City. One hundred meters in width, paved with [[Marble]] tiles. In places, tiles have cracked or weeds are springing up. On Suzaku, and  the other Five Boulevards, the [[Scarlet Empress]] banned [[Scarlet Dynasty|Dynasts]] from moving on foot: they were required to take rickshaws or palanquins (with notable exceptions for [[Imperial Legion]] officers and monks of the [[Immaculate Order]]). It was said that the City’s labour force of bearers was riddled with agents of the [[All-Seeing Eye]], so the Empress always knew which of her nobles had gone where.
  
  
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== The Five Boulevards ==
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===The Five Boulevards===  
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Like Suzaku, these are marble-paved, fifty metres wide, though the marble is showing many signs of wear and tear… on Higashi, there are even tiles missing where  
+
Like Suzaku, the [[Five Boulevards]] (Nijo (D), Gojo (E), Kujo (F), Higashi (G), & Nishi (H)) are [[Marble]]-paved, fifty metres wide, though the marble is showing many signs of wear and tear... on Higashi, there are even tiles missing where thieves have pried them up at night. Their names are mysterious, with legends saying that they are named for Shoguns of old. With Suzaku as the centre, the three roads running perpendicular are divided into 'Eastern' and 'Western' halves, but while the Gojo Boulevard divides the eastmost and westmost boulevards into 'north' and 'South', none would dare suggest it divides Suzaku.
  
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thieves have pried them up at night. Their names are mysterious, with legends saying that they are named for the Shoguns of old.
 
  
 +
===Great Square of the Realm===
 +
A massive [[Marble]]-paved square at the head of the Suzaku Boulevard where it meets Nijo Boulevard and the gates of the Imperial Palace. Said, likely inaccurately, to be a place where every resident of the City could assemble before the [[Scarlet Empress]], the Square has been most commonly used for the drills and parades of the [[Imperial Legions]] during the [[Parade of Seven Shattered Helms]]. Rumours amongst some of the common folk speak that once this was not always an open space, but that it was here before the Palace gates that the traitor [[Manosque Viridian]] and his army, along with the surrounding villas of disloyal aristocrats, were cast into the sky by the Empress' all-powerful hand. 
  
  
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== The Districts ==
+
==Gates & Fortifications of the Imperial City==
  
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'''North Districts'''
 
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The north districts house the private manors of the Dragonblooded, along with the most wealthy or powerful Patrician families.
 
  
 +
'''Gate of Eternal Harmony''': (8) A massive stone gate, seemingly made of poured granite, the main entrance into the City. Its massive [[Bronze]] doors are carved with entwined dragons, and its parapets support catapults and scorpion-ballistae. All Dynasts who enter the city are registered at the Gate, though peasants are left to pass unhindered.
  
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'''East Districts'''
 
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Patrician houses and high tenements for the urban poor.
 
  
 +
'''Gate of Tranquil Rest''': (13) A squat gate, seemingly made of poured granite, whose bronze doors are carved with images of prosperous and fulfilling lives, heroes receiving accolades, and children fondly remembering deceased parents. It is said to encourage the ghosts of [[Toribeno]] (L) to remain at rest.
  
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'''West Districts'''
 
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As the East, but on average a higher proportion of peasants and the impoverished, as the land tends to be more swampy and damp. In the spring, the stench of the West
 
  
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District keeps many away.
+
'''Watchful Stronghold''': (9) A squat tower, seemingly made of poured granite, housing Imperial troops. Located in the southwest corner of the City. Formerly served as headquarters for the [[1st Imperial Legion]].
  
  
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'''Eastern Market'''
+
'''Iron Stronghold''': (10) A squat tower, seemingly made of poured granite, housing Imperial troops. A roof of alchemically-treated [[Iron]] covers its parapets, with wall slits for the firing of ballistae. The [[Black Helms]] of the City are headquartered here. Located in the northwest corner of the City.
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The Merchants’s Market. Open from noon until sunset, with opening and closing marked by the striking of a large drum three times. Thieves and criminals are subject to
+
  
−
public flogging in a squarehere, which can be witnessed regularly throughout the day. The Empress, in a move to force House Cynis out of its traditional holdings in
 
  
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the East District, restricted the buying and selling of slaves in the City to the East Market.
+
'''Broken Stronghold''': (12) A squat tower, seemingly made of poured granite. A third of its upper part was shattered ages ago, and was never successfully repaired, leaving areas patched with thick stone and iron bracings. The Stronghold houses Imperial troops, including soldiers levied from the [[Mountain Folk]]. Located in the southeast corner of the City.
  
  
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'''Western Market'''
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'''Brazen Stronghold''': (11) A squat tower, seemingly made of poured granite, hung with gold and orange hangings that billow in the wind. It was nominally a Legion fortification, but its commander was always chosen from [[House Sesus]], producing a tradition of using the Stronghold for wild parties and hedonism inappropriate for the Sesus wing of the palace. Located in the northeast corner of the City. Currently serving as headquarters for the [[4th Imperial Legion]].
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The Farmer’s Market. Open from noon until sunset, with opening and closing marked by the ringing of a large gong three times. The Empress, in a move to counter some of  
+
  
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House Ragara’s banking dominance, restricted all banking and moneylending in the city to the West Market… though the House has attempted to improve conditions for its
 
  
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new holdings, the stench and filth still irks them to no end, especially as the city’s slaughterhouses are also found in the Western Market.
+
==The Districts==
  
  
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'''Five Dragons Courtyard'''
 
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Pentagon-shaped space, paved with multicoloured jade tiles depicting a giant mosaic of the five Immaculate Dragons intertwined. The Courtyard is home to dozens of
 
  
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different temples, both to the Immaculate Dragons and to lesser deities. Sometimes called the 'Temple District'.
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===North Districts===
 +
The north districts house the private manors of the [[Dragonblooded]], along with the most wealthy or powerful [[Patrician Clans|Patrician families]]. Though not officially differentiated, the eastern part of the Districts (I), home to temples, sorcerers, and patricians, is generally considered lesser than the western part of the Districts (2), home to the Deliberative Palace... though few other Dynasts would risk a Mnemon's ire by saying so too loudly.
  
  
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'''Red Lantern District'''
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-- [[Palace of the Deliberative]]
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Part of the West Districts. A place of brothels and bordellos, where any carnal lust or delight can be satisfied. Massive braziers burn sweet incense to cover the
+
  
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stench of the West District, while the area is illuminated constantly by ten thousand red paper lanterns. House Cynis has fingers stuck deep in many of the District’s…
 
  
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err, pies.
+
-- '''Five Dragons Courtyard:'''
 +
(15) Pentagon-shaped space, paved with multicoloured jade tiles depicting a giant mosaic of the five Immaculate Dragons intertwined. The [[Five Dragons Courtyard]] is home to dozens of different temples maintained by the [[Immaculate Order]], both to the [[Immaculate Dragons]] and to lesser deities. Sometimes called the '[[Temple District]]'. The grandest temples include the [[Temple of the Reciter of Loud Hymns and Prayers]] (16), the [[Temple of He who hath Strewn much Grass]] (17), the [[Temple of the Petitioner of Clouds accordant to the Call of Battle]] (18), the [[Temple of He who Illuminates both Worlds with Majesty and Power]] (19), and the [[Temple of the Arbiter of the Immaculate Complaint]] (20).
  
  
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'''Kuwanan District'''
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-- '''Kuwanan District:'''
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The Kuwanan district lies on the Northeastern edge of the North Districts, in close proximity to the Imperial Palace and the main boulevards leading to the City gates  
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The Kuwanan district lies on the Northwestern edge of the North Districts, in close proximity to the [[Imperial Palace]] and the main boulevards leading to the City gates and Deliberative. Those who manage to secure dwellings here are usually of substantial influence.
  
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and Deliberative. Those who manage to secure dwellings here are usually of substantial influence.
 
  
 +
-- '''Seven Sages District:'''
 +
(26) Part of the North Districts, near the [[Gate of Tranquil Rest]]. Home to the residences of many Imperial City sorcerers, and the cursed villa known as [[Kawaronin]].
  
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'''Seven Sages District'''
 
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Part of the North Districts, near the Gate of Tranquil Rest. Home to the residences of many Imperial City sorcerers.
 
  
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-- '''Rokkaku District:'''
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Part of the North Districts. [[Cathak Okubo]] was killed on the edge of the Rokkaku district.
  
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'''Rokkaku District'''
 
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Part of the North Districts. Cathak Okubo was killed on the edge of the Rokkaku district.
 
  
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-- The [[Crystal Palace]] (14)
  
  
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== The Deliberative Senate of Exceedingly Judicious Nobles ==
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-- [[Academy for Cultivation of Youthful Talents]] (3)
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+
  
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(this is the second building of that name, the first having been burned to the ground four centuries ago).  
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===East Districts===
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(J) Patrician houses and high tenements for the urban citizenry. Most of the area is divided into walled sections, the [[Ward Districts of the Imperial City]].  
  
  
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The Deliberative building itself is a massive structure of polished white stone set amidst immaculately manicured grounds in the Imperial City. The palace and its  
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-- '''Eastern Market:'''
 +
(5) The Merchants’s Market. Officially open from noon until sunset, with opening and closing marked by the striking of a large drum three times. Thieves and criminals are subject to public flogging in a square here, which can be witnessed regularly throughout the day. The Empress, in a move to force [[House Cynis]] out of its traditional holdings in the [[Red Lantern District]], restricted the buying and selling of [[Realm Slave Industry|slaves]] in the City to the East Market.
  
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attendant gardens are patrolled by the Guardians of the Deliberative, and by custom, all who enter must leave behind their weapons and accouterments of sorcery once
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--- [[Onyx Curtain District]]
 +
The Theater District, home to a number of stages and playhouses.
  
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they enter the palace proper. This gesture is widely regarded as a symbolic one, yet the ceremonial surrender of one’s arms to the home of the laws of the Realm does
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-- [[Toji Temple]] (23)
  
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emphasize the putative nature of the work performed here. The interior of the Palace of the Deliberative Senate is laid out to facilitate contemplation of the weighty
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-- [[Eastern Embassy]] (7)
  
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matters of state, and as such, it features innumerable small gardens, pools, private chambers, baths, steam rooms, residential quarters, libraries containing every
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-- [[East 8th Ward]]
  
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debate the Deliberative has ever held, and kitchens. All of this is constructed around the two largest rooms in the complex: the Hall of Contemplative and Prudent
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-- [[East 9th Ward]]
  
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Debate, where the Lesser Chamber is seated, and the Great Hall of Most Inspired and Noble Lawmaking, where the Greater Chamber performs its labors.
 
  
  
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'''Hall of Contemplative and Prudent Debate''': The Hall of Debate is furnished entirely in wood, with the benches of the Senators surrounding the debate floor on
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===West Districts===
 +
(K) As the East, but on average a higher proportion of peasants and the impoverished, as the land tends to be more swampy and damp. In the spring, the stench which settles in many of the West District's alleys keeps most who can away.
  
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three sides. To the north are the seats of the officers of the Lesser Chamber. The benches themselves are plain wood and extremely uncomfortable. Officially, this
 
  
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discomfort is to remind the Senators that they are present to perform a difficult labor and not to aggrandize themselves. In reality, it is to ensure that the  
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-- '''Western Market:'''
 +
(4) The Farmer’s Market. Open from noon until sunset, with opening and closing marked by the ringing of a large gong three times. The Empress, in a move to counter some of [[House Ragara]]’s banking dominance, restricted all banking and money-lending in the city to the West Market... though the House has attempted to improve conditions for its new holdings, the stench and filth still irks them to no end, especially as the city’s slaughterhouses are also found in the Western Market.
  
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legislative process is as uncomfortable as possible for the lawmakers and that their workdays are short and their attention scattered. The walls are completely bare of
+
--- [[Iwakunin Temple]] (25)
  
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decoration. The Hall of Debate has nine doors leading in and out, for a reason no one has yet been able to adequately explain.
+
-- '''Red Lantern District:'''
 +
(21) Part of the West Districts. A place of brothels and bordellos, where any carnal lust or delight can be satisfied. Massive braziers burn sweet incense to cover the stench of the West District, while the area is illuminated constantly by ten thousand red paper lanterns and hung with sapphire streamers. House Cynis has fingers stuck deep in many of the District’s... err, pies.
  
 +
--- [[House of Ten Thousand Ecstatic Moments]] (27)
  
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'''Great Hall of Most Inspired and Noble Lawmaking''': The hall of the Greater Chamber is arrayed much like its Lesser counterpart, save in stone instead of wood. The
+
--- '''Beach of Blowdarts''':  
 +
Colloquial term for a particular block within the Red Lantern District, home to brothels and catamitariums of male prostitutes specializing in male clientele. While this appeals to certain tastes, it also draws the custom of Dynastic and patrician bachelors who wish the pleasures of the flesh without the risks (such as silencing bribes or marital entanglements) from unwanted pregnancy.
  
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benches are equally uncomfortable, though Senators here are permitted use of pillows to mitigate it somewhat. The walls are adorned with tapestries, one representing
+
-- [[Western Embassy]] (6)
  
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each Great House, beneath which sit the senator’s of that House. There are five doors into the chamber, each representing one of the Five elements: senators are
+
-- [[Saiji Temple]] (22)
  
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expected to enter and exit through the appropriate door for their aspect.
+
-- [[Palace of the Tamed Storm]]
  
 +
==City Indexes==
  
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'''The Long Corridor''': The ten-yard long hallway connecting the Greater and Lesser chambers.
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[[Notable Residences of the Imperial City]]
 +
 
 +
[[Temples of the Imperial City]]
 +
 
 +
[[Imperial City Shops & Eateries]]
 +
 
 +
[[Category:Geography]] [[Category:Blessed Isle]] [[Category:Scarlet Prefecture]]

Latest revision as of 21:28, 27 March 2019

Overview

Map of the Imperial City.jpg

The Imperial City is the capital of the Scarlet Empire, largest urban settlement in all Creation and a center of both trade and political power. Over two million mortals dwell and work in the City. It is abutted to the North by the Imperial Palace (A), residence of the Scarlet Empress, across the banks of the Thousand Waterfalls Creek (the most famed crossing of which are the Five Dragon Bridges (1)). Powerful walls surround broad boulevards and cramped networks of alleys and wards, overcrowded tenements and markets filling vast swathes while others are home to beautiful temples and the luxurious villas of the Princes of the Earth, many powerful manses fed by the confluence of Dragon Lines which flow into the area from across the world.

The Boulevards

Suzaku Boulevard

Suzaku Boulevard (C) is the central boulevard of the Imperial City. One hundred meters in width, paved with Marble tiles. In places, tiles have cracked or weeds are springing up. On Suzaku, and the other Five Boulevards, the Scarlet Empress banned Dynasts from moving on foot: they were required to take rickshaws or palanquins (with notable exceptions for Imperial Legion officers and monks of the Immaculate Order). It was said that the City’s labour force of bearers was riddled with agents of the All-Seeing Eye, so the Empress always knew which of her nobles had gone where.


The Five Boulevards

Like Suzaku, the Five Boulevards (Nijo (D), Gojo (E), Kujo (F), Higashi (G), & Nishi (H)) are Marble-paved, fifty metres wide, though the marble is showing many signs of wear and tear... on Higashi, there are even tiles missing where thieves have pried them up at night. Their names are mysterious, with legends saying that they are named for Shoguns of old. With Suzaku as the centre, the three roads running perpendicular are divided into 'Eastern' and 'Western' halves, but while the Gojo Boulevard divides the eastmost and westmost boulevards into 'north' and 'South', none would dare suggest it divides Suzaku.


Great Square of the Realm

A massive Marble-paved square at the head of the Suzaku Boulevard where it meets Nijo Boulevard and the gates of the Imperial Palace. Said, likely inaccurately, to be a place where every resident of the City could assemble before the Scarlet Empress, the Square has been most commonly used for the drills and parades of the Imperial Legions during the Parade of Seven Shattered Helms. Rumours amongst some of the common folk speak that once this was not always an open space, but that it was here before the Palace gates that the traitor Manosque Viridian and his army, along with the surrounding villas of disloyal aristocrats, were cast into the sky by the Empress' all-powerful hand.


Gates & Fortifications of the Imperial City

Gate of Eternal Harmony: (8) A massive stone gate, seemingly made of poured granite, the main entrance into the City. Its massive Bronze doors are carved with entwined dragons, and its parapets support catapults and scorpion-ballistae. All Dynasts who enter the city are registered at the Gate, though peasants are left to pass unhindered.


Gate of Tranquil Rest: (13) A squat gate, seemingly made of poured granite, whose bronze doors are carved with images of prosperous and fulfilling lives, heroes receiving accolades, and children fondly remembering deceased parents. It is said to encourage the ghosts of Toribeno (L) to remain at rest.


Watchful Stronghold: (9) A squat tower, seemingly made of poured granite, housing Imperial troops. Located in the southwest corner of the City. Formerly served as headquarters for the 1st Imperial Legion.


Iron Stronghold: (10) A squat tower, seemingly made of poured granite, housing Imperial troops. A roof of alchemically-treated Iron covers its parapets, with wall slits for the firing of ballistae. The Black Helms of the City are headquartered here. Located in the northwest corner of the City.


Broken Stronghold: (12) A squat tower, seemingly made of poured granite. A third of its upper part was shattered ages ago, and was never successfully repaired, leaving areas patched with thick stone and iron bracings. The Stronghold houses Imperial troops, including soldiers levied from the Mountain Folk. Located in the southeast corner of the City.


Brazen Stronghold: (11) A squat tower, seemingly made of poured granite, hung with gold and orange hangings that billow in the wind. It was nominally a Legion fortification, but its commander was always chosen from House Sesus, producing a tradition of using the Stronghold for wild parties and hedonism inappropriate for the Sesus wing of the palace. Located in the northeast corner of the City. Currently serving as headquarters for the 4th Imperial Legion.


The Districts

North Districts

The north districts house the private manors of the Dragonblooded, along with the most wealthy or powerful Patrician families. Though not officially differentiated, the eastern part of the Districts (I), home to temples, sorcerers, and patricians, is generally considered lesser than the western part of the Districts (2), home to the Deliberative Palace... though few other Dynasts would risk a Mnemon's ire by saying so too loudly.


-- Palace of the Deliberative


-- Five Dragons Courtyard: (15) Pentagon-shaped space, paved with multicoloured jade tiles depicting a giant mosaic of the five Immaculate Dragons intertwined. The Five Dragons Courtyard is home to dozens of different temples maintained by the Immaculate Order, both to the Immaculate Dragons and to lesser deities. Sometimes called the 'Temple District'. The grandest temples include the Temple of the Reciter of Loud Hymns and Prayers (16), the Temple of He who hath Strewn much Grass (17), the Temple of the Petitioner of Clouds accordant to the Call of Battle (18), the Temple of He who Illuminates both Worlds with Majesty and Power (19), and the Temple of the Arbiter of the Immaculate Complaint (20).


-- Kuwanan District: The Kuwanan district lies on the Northwestern edge of the North Districts, in close proximity to the Imperial Palace and the main boulevards leading to the City gates and Deliberative. Those who manage to secure dwellings here are usually of substantial influence.


-- Seven Sages District: (26) Part of the North Districts, near the Gate of Tranquil Rest. Home to the residences of many Imperial City sorcerers, and the cursed villa known as Kawaronin.


-- Rokkaku District: Part of the North Districts. Cathak Okubo was killed on the edge of the Rokkaku district.


-- The Crystal Palace (14)


-- Academy for Cultivation of Youthful Talents (3)

East Districts

(J) Patrician houses and high tenements for the urban citizenry. Most of the area is divided into walled sections, the Ward Districts of the Imperial City.


-- Eastern Market: (5) The Merchants’s Market. Officially open from noon until sunset, with opening and closing marked by the striking of a large drum three times. Thieves and criminals are subject to public flogging in a square here, which can be witnessed regularly throughout the day. The Empress, in a move to force House Cynis out of its traditional holdings in the Red Lantern District, restricted the buying and selling of slaves in the City to the East Market.

--- Onyx Curtain District The Theater District, home to a number of stages and playhouses.

-- Toji Temple (23)

-- Eastern Embassy (7)

-- East 8th Ward

-- East 9th Ward


West Districts

(K) As the East, but on average a higher proportion of peasants and the impoverished, as the land tends to be more swampy and damp. In the spring, the stench which settles in many of the West District's alleys keeps most who can away.


-- Western Market: (4) The Farmer’s Market. Open from noon until sunset, with opening and closing marked by the ringing of a large gong three times. The Empress, in a move to counter some of House Ragara’s banking dominance, restricted all banking and money-lending in the city to the West Market... though the House has attempted to improve conditions for its new holdings, the stench and filth still irks them to no end, especially as the city’s slaughterhouses are also found in the Western Market.

--- Iwakunin Temple (25)

-- Red Lantern District: (21) Part of the West Districts. A place of brothels and bordellos, where any carnal lust or delight can be satisfied. Massive braziers burn sweet incense to cover the stench of the West District, while the area is illuminated constantly by ten thousand red paper lanterns and hung with sapphire streamers. House Cynis has fingers stuck deep in many of the District’s... err, pies.

--- House of Ten Thousand Ecstatic Moments (27)

--- Beach of Blowdarts: Colloquial term for a particular block within the Red Lantern District, home to brothels and catamitariums of male prostitutes specializing in male clientele. While this appeals to certain tastes, it also draws the custom of Dynastic and patrician bachelors who wish the pleasures of the flesh without the risks (such as silencing bribes or marital entanglements) from unwanted pregnancy.

-- Western Embassy (6)

-- Saiji Temple (22)

-- Palace of the Tamed Storm

City Indexes

Notable Residences of the Imperial City

Temples of the Imperial City

Imperial City Shops & Eateries

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