Description
Pelíos is an ancient city that claims to be the oldest one in the world, filled with palaces and monuments honouring the countless kings and queens who ruled throughout its long history.
Despite not having quite the same population as cities such as
Katarn or
Olsíri, Pelíos is a massive, sprawling location that expands many, many miles in all directions. This is as a result of scores of monarchs over the years attempting to declare themselves the city's greatest, partially erasing the works of the previous ones and building their own palaces to live in instead of using existing infrastructure.
As such, the city is split into many largely self-sufficient districts, each with a castle or similar mighty structure in the centre of it. They each have their own houses and markets and workshops as though they were simply self-contained towns right next to each other, instead of all parts of one major city.
People & Organisations
King Aeolus Naftiri
A sailor at heart, Aeolus rose to power alongside the childhood friend who would become his bride when they were both found and apprenticed by the same mage who would take them on many trips between Pelíos, Katarn, and the Tachni Isles to trade, make allies, and keep the areas safe. After the previous monarch was killed during an Arcane Storm that ripped through the city one day, Aeolus gathered enough support from the old council to become the new King.
He is a charismatic and usually friendly man, though is quick to anger and eager to make examples of criminals in his city with harsh punishments. He seems well loved by his people despite his short temper, thanks in part to the fact he participats in military drills and exercises alongside his soldiers, and spends just as much time fishing alongside others at sea as he does governing his land.
Queen Alkmene Naftiri
Born to higher status than her husband, they nevertheless became childhood friends and have ended up spending their whole lives together after it was found they both had magical talent. She is often more involved in the day-to-day decisions of the city due to Aeolus often being absent for fishing trips or military training.
Known to be just as outgoing as her husband but far more diplomatic, Alkmene has made fast friends with most of leaders in the city and has set up magical channels in almost every district in the city so that she can be reached instantly if something needs her attention immediately. She is also known to be just as fiery in temper as her husband; the arguments between the two are legendary amongst citizens, and often end with one or the other storming off to spend the night in a palace far from their home in the Aeolus District.
Princess Ianthe Naftiri
Since birth the princess has taken to the sea like a fish to water, accompanying her father on his trips beyond the city borders, and now that she is a young woman capable of leading and sailing by herself she has been placed in charge of the Onesilos District's shipyards and docks (an act of political favour that has greatly displeased those in the Meles District).
Though she has inherited her mother's historical curiosity and desire to preserve the legacy of the ancient monarchs, in almost all other ways she is a copy of the Fisher King; quick to laugh, just as quick to roar and argue, and skilled at earning the respect of her shipmates and soldiers.
The Buried Coin
A merchant's guild that operates in one of the Forgotten Districts, they are a faction whose two greatest values are personal anonymity and the restoration and preservation of all districts in the city. By funnelling money into areas forgotten or abandoned by the past, and always wearing masks while on business, they attempt to broadcast the concept that this city should all be one massive community working together rather than dozens of rivalling histories, factions, rulers, and districts.
The Chalice
A group of scholars who operate in a district that they believe was built on top of Ancient King Euphorion's palace in ages past, dedicated to reaching into history to discover the secrets of their city. They work with The Buried Coin guild at times, and have been sponsored by Queen Alkmene in return for the gifting of many notes and relics they find to her museum.
The operation is helmed by a mage by the name of Samok Euphos, who claims he is a direct descendant of the once-great king from so long ago.
Orion the Watcher
Orion the Watcher is the 9th of his name, with every father and son before and after to continue the legacy of the man in the high tower. Despite having the appearance of an ancient bearded wizard he is not a mage, simply a man with sharp eyes and a dedication to keeping The Varolian safe. He lives in the Fortess of Meles in its highest tower - which serves also as a lighthouse - with the sacred duty of watching over the seas nearby and alerting those farther south in the Gates of Kratis if he sees any great danger.
Places & Landmarks
Aeolus District
The newest district to arise in the city, Aeolus' home is, perhaps somewhat ironically, built on the edge of the forests to the North East, far from the ocean which he loves so dearly. It has quickly become a military bastion in recent months, with a grand fortress being constructed where soldiers and mages both are rapidly trained in traditional combat before moving to a seafront district for practice in ship-to-ship battles.
The Fortress of Aeolus is built in three wings - one is filled with sleeping chambers, kitchens, meeting rooms, and other general royal places. The second is a museum of sorts, filled with war trophies, relics, and items from the city's past. The third is a great barracks and courtyard for housing and training those who would defend the city.
Onesilos District
Situated on the Western bank of the King's River, the Onesilos District boasts the Palace of Onesilos, a grand edifice with commanding views of the sea. The district has a thriving pier with bustling docks, where fishers and traders work side by side. The shipyards here are renowned for their craftsmanship, building sleek vessels designed for both trade and sea monster hunting. Despite its industry, the district is known for its vibrant street markets and lively taverns, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. It is the preferred port when Prótan sailors come to trade, and has a grand temple to
Suróza which occasionally blesses the ships of brave or foolish captains who dare attempt the voyage East.
Meles District
Directly across the river from the Onesilos District, the Meles District has a strong maritime tradition. Its landmark, the Fortress of Meles, sits atop a rocky promontory, overseeing the busy harbor and watching the Gates of Kratis beyond. This district's docks are bustling with activity, with shipbuilders and fishmongers working tirelessly. There's a fierce rivalry between the Onesilos and Meles districts, each claiming to have the finest shipyards and the most skilled sailors. The streets of Meles are narrower and more labyrinthine, a testament to its older layout.
Athodora District
Built along the sea front but largely abandoned after the sudden death of its ruler and creator, the Athodora District is a ghostly reminder of Pelíos's past glory. The Villa of Athodora sits at the heart of this district, its once-lush gardens now overgrown and its bathhouses silent. The district's piers are largely unused, with dilapidated boats moored along the crumbling docks. Despite its abandonment, some see potential in restoring this district to its former splendor, with rumors of hidden treasures and forgotten relics drawing the brave and the curious.
Édalo District
The Édalo District is a bustling center of trade and diplomacy, home to the Castle of Édalo. It is a hub for merchants from across Kosí and Détras, and its large bazaar is filled with exotic goods. The district is vibrant, with colorful stalls and lively inns, attracting traders and travelers. However, the rivalry with the neighboring Damocles District has caused tensions to rise, as each competes to be the foremost center of commerce in the city.
Damocles District
The Damocles District, centered around the Mansion of Damocles, is a hub for high society and elite gatherings. The district's grand mansions and lush gardens are a stark contrast to the more industrial areas of the city. Despite its opulence, Damocles has a history of intrigue and political machinations, with its rivalry against the Édalo District occasionally leading to brawls in the street between residents of each place.
Eudora District
Built by a tyrant queen who is said to have employed many an assassin against her detractors, the Eudora District is full of splendor and life despite its unpleasant reputation. The Eudora Estate itself is more of a bunker than a palace, with most of it having been built below ground and filled with traps and tunnels.
The Forgotten Districts
Some of the attempts to completely erase previous rulers from history were successful, with Tyrant Queen Eudora proving particularly ruthless with the legacies of her predecessors. As a result some of the districts have no "true" names and are referred to by either numbers or nicknames - most of these nameless places still thrive, but just have no past ruler to honour or remember.
Abandoned Districts
In addition to the Athodora, Pelíos has several other either partially or fully abandoned districts, standing remnants of past rulers' failed ambitions. The Pyrrhus District is one such area, named after King Pyrrhus, whose costly construction projects bankrupted his reign. The district is dotted with half-built palaces and crumbling statues, serving as a cautionary tale for other rulers.
Another abandoned area is the Cleon District, which was once home to the Citadel of Cleon. The citadel's high walls now stand in ruins, a haunting reminder of the great fire that destroyed much of the district. Few venture into this desolate area, as it is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of those who perished in the fire.
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