Post by Zyraen on Nov 14, 2022 17:31:18 GMT 8
Major Shian Settlements
Shian City is the capital of the Shian Empire, and largely inhabited by native Shian. Most of the city is situated about 600 metres above sea level along the western slopes of the central Blue Mountains range, though the Emperor's castle itself is at a higher altitude. Steppes are carved into the mountainside to for agricultural purposes, and most of the city is built in a vale encircled by the mountain range, and the remaining way in is sealed off by fortified walls, comprising the outer defences of the city, which hails back to a time Shian existed as a city-state. The native Shian are descendants of powerfully built the highland humans (that some might consider barbarians in terms of their physique), although today they count among them many plainsfolk of the lower lands. Most of the more eminent nobles have estates or at least some property here, and those with the ancestral seat of their houses located here take care to keep their families centred where it matters.
From Shian City, the Azure River runs about 350 km southwest from the capital city over the Middle Plains, and this area just above sea level comprises most of the Shian Empire. Most villages and hamlets here are simple agricultural settlements, though there are larger towns and garrisons in place. There are also stretches of forest and hills amidst the Middle Plains.
The Azure River eventually runs to Berklin, the major seaport of the empire and also its trading centre. It is also known as the City of Guilds for its many guilds, and word is that whatever profession one can think of, there is a guild here to provide training and employment. It is divided into four quarters, with the west and south quarters being more for foreigners and traders, and entry into the north and east quarters are restricted for those who are not 'citizens' of the empire. Due to the relatively 'open' nature of the city, especially the west and south quarters, there can also be found worship of many deities in this city, some of which might not be found and/or even met with hostility elsewhere in the empire. That say, vigilant city constables, and soldiers keep the peace both within and without. The west wall has extensions 'over' the west of the river for security, watching over the major docks on the west side.
The Azure River opens up beyond into the Bay of Mists and the South Shian Sea. Due to the misty nature of the sea, the whole area is difficult to explore, and the Shian navy generally keeps in sight of the shores, and there have been no notably successful attempts to explore across the sea.
The western city is Zeychand, closer to the elven kingdom of Amareld. From the earlier days of the empire, Zeychand arose as a mutual trading outpost and then later a staging ground for the empire's efforts against common foes in the south, and which eventually cemented the empire's westward expansion. Today Zeychand is a peaceful trading town with half-elven and elven citizens, although the humans still outnumber the elven-blooded within its walls, relatively idyllic in outlook and a known place for procurement of herbs, magical tomes and other such materials as might be obtained from the elven forest which itself is said to be home to many wild and dangerous creatures. Zeychand supplies to the south west garrison not far from the coast, which guards against marauding orcs and their ilk from the Axefold pass.
To the east is the city of Sunhigh, so named for the city's keep upon a cliffside, so arranged that the view from the rest of the city on most mornings would be as if the sun rose from above the keep. It is said that the keep was built with dwarven craft, with cunning passages below, and certainly the city itself has many such craftsmen and the work of their hands. They also carry many wares from the dwarven territories of Kharazad within the mountains and hills of the wares, including clockwork contraptinos and alchemical reagents, although some of the craft has since been picked up by their human allies. Allies are formed out of necessity, for the area is constantly tested by the lizardfolk of the Darkmoor swamps southeast of the empire, and their scheming snakemen overlords. So far the efforts of both the dwarves and the (south) eastern Shian garrison have kept them from retaking the lands they once occupied in what is now eastern Shian.
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Races
Apart from humans, the other more common races in the empire are elves, dwarves, half-elves. Halflings, gnomes and generally humanoid looking races are reasonably well received, although those of lesser stature might be considered weaker or inferior.
Most other races like tieflings, dragonborn, are more carefully watched. Half-orcs are viewed with varying levels of distrust depending on how much 'orc' is visible.
Open to other races, feel free to discuss if you wish.
Shian City is the capital of the Shian Empire, and largely inhabited by native Shian. Most of the city is situated about 600 metres above sea level along the western slopes of the central Blue Mountains range, though the Emperor's castle itself is at a higher altitude. Steppes are carved into the mountainside to for agricultural purposes, and most of the city is built in a vale encircled by the mountain range, and the remaining way in is sealed off by fortified walls, comprising the outer defences of the city, which hails back to a time Shian existed as a city-state. The native Shian are descendants of powerfully built the highland humans (that some might consider barbarians in terms of their physique), although today they count among them many plainsfolk of the lower lands. Most of the more eminent nobles have estates or at least some property here, and those with the ancestral seat of their houses located here take care to keep their families centred where it matters.
From Shian City, the Azure River runs about 350 km southwest from the capital city over the Middle Plains, and this area just above sea level comprises most of the Shian Empire. Most villages and hamlets here are simple agricultural settlements, though there are larger towns and garrisons in place. There are also stretches of forest and hills amidst the Middle Plains.
The Azure River eventually runs to Berklin, the major seaport of the empire and also its trading centre. It is also known as the City of Guilds for its many guilds, and word is that whatever profession one can think of, there is a guild here to provide training and employment. It is divided into four quarters, with the west and south quarters being more for foreigners and traders, and entry into the north and east quarters are restricted for those who are not 'citizens' of the empire. Due to the relatively 'open' nature of the city, especially the west and south quarters, there can also be found worship of many deities in this city, some of which might not be found and/or even met with hostility elsewhere in the empire. That say, vigilant city constables, and soldiers keep the peace both within and without. The west wall has extensions 'over' the west of the river for security, watching over the major docks on the west side.
The Azure River opens up beyond into the Bay of Mists and the South Shian Sea. Due to the misty nature of the sea, the whole area is difficult to explore, and the Shian navy generally keeps in sight of the shores, and there have been no notably successful attempts to explore across the sea.
The western city is Zeychand, closer to the elven kingdom of Amareld. From the earlier days of the empire, Zeychand arose as a mutual trading outpost and then later a staging ground for the empire's efforts against common foes in the south, and which eventually cemented the empire's westward expansion. Today Zeychand is a peaceful trading town with half-elven and elven citizens, although the humans still outnumber the elven-blooded within its walls, relatively idyllic in outlook and a known place for procurement of herbs, magical tomes and other such materials as might be obtained from the elven forest which itself is said to be home to many wild and dangerous creatures. Zeychand supplies to the south west garrison not far from the coast, which guards against marauding orcs and their ilk from the Axefold pass.
To the east is the city of Sunhigh, so named for the city's keep upon a cliffside, so arranged that the view from the rest of the city on most mornings would be as if the sun rose from above the keep. It is said that the keep was built with dwarven craft, with cunning passages below, and certainly the city itself has many such craftsmen and the work of their hands. They also carry many wares from the dwarven territories of Kharazad within the mountains and hills of the wares, including clockwork contraptinos and alchemical reagents, although some of the craft has since been picked up by their human allies. Allies are formed out of necessity, for the area is constantly tested by the lizardfolk of the Darkmoor swamps southeast of the empire, and their scheming snakemen overlords. So far the efforts of both the dwarves and the (south) eastern Shian garrison have kept them from retaking the lands they once occupied in what is now eastern Shian.
====
Races
Apart from humans, the other more common races in the empire are elves, dwarves, half-elves. Halflings, gnomes and generally humanoid looking races are reasonably well received, although those of lesser stature might be considered weaker or inferior.
Most other races like tieflings, dragonborn, are more carefully watched. Half-orcs are viewed with varying levels of distrust depending on how much 'orc' is visible.
Open to other races, feel free to discuss if you wish.