The City of Bells
Aleryn is the central home to humans on Virosia, within the Realm of Akathia. As a liason at the center of the continent, Aleryn functions as an effective trade hub for all cultures meld into. Cultural norms here are a mesh of many different fabrics, and this collection of flavors from across the Virosian Continent come together to create the human identity. Tied to its northern neighbors of the Drostollor, the people of Aleryn help to form a peaceful cohesion between Realms, functioning as something of a neutral ground.
"You'd think it a bastion of normalcy, and on the surface it rather is, save the bells. But its people are enthralling with warmth and mortal majesty, its streets are lined with meditators and wind-chimes - the air itself intoxicating to injest, thick with its discordant harmony. Strange to say I'd love to return, to listen a little longer. -Prithassian "Sturdy" Oriquelle
The city of Aleryn distinguishes itself from the northern humans in many ways, not the least of which is the substantial cultural differences. Alerean people are often much more meditative and ambitious, zealous in their self-centralized nature. Not to the point of excluding outsiders, indeed it is often the opposite, Alereans seek often their best interests where possible. Individually, this means a great deal of meditation and self-reflection, where politically it translates to neutrality where greater forces are involved, and where the force is lesser or Aleryn's "rightful territory", it can mean outright tyranny.
The Consortium
The Consortium is a collection of emissaries from each of the Virosian Realms. The grounds are considered neutral territory between realms and to make an act of war against one within the Consortium generally spells retaliation from all other parties. The Consortium grounds is itself a largely marble pavillion where a general forum takes place once every two years. This forum welcomes members of the four realms to discuss political issues and work on solutions in a communal way. Non-official emissarial parties are also welcome to these forums, though there are specific hours where only official members are to be present.
Layout and Locations
Aleryn is primarily built upon the western edge of the Drost Channel. Due to its evergrowing population, however, the city has expanded past the channel, as well as the Graea River that runs along its southern edges. Aleryn is cut along its bottom third by the Graea river, and otherwise curves with the bend of the Drost Channel. At the midpoint of the curvature is the densest city-district, the Wharf, where a great number of docks stem off of the Aleryn Bridge which spans the channel, connecting the two continents of Virosia. The Graea River flows into the Drost Channel, and so the Curtain Bridge is the largest connector of the northern and southern components of the city.
Sites for the Soul
Historically deeply spiritual, Aleryn is still the heart of worship for Akathia. She encompasses the ideals of natural order, fate, and growth. The interpretation of this, however, has never been against urban development, and her traditions were worked into Aleryn's culture as it developed. Though few would say they are deeply devout to Akathia in modern times, their culture is intrinsically tied to the old ways. Patience, self improvement, and level-headedness are built into their culture. To "live the day" is a common sentiment in Aleryn, to simply take a day to oneself in simplicity and meditation.
Many temples litter the streets, though the main Akathian site of worship in Aleryn has always been the Belfry of Akathia. This spiraling tower is entirely open, with archways lining the sides, decorated in intricate masonwork of Akathia's guidance and important myths regarding her. Within the Belfry, however, are seventeen bells, all of different tones, timbres and volumes. All of them are unique sounds, as they were made of different materials as well. Each bell a different metal, representing the beauty of difference in life path - all working together in harmony.
Dotting the rest of Aleryn is the Teurthas Belfry, the single largest interwoven belfry system in Virosia. Its seventeen bells are similar to the Belfyr of Akathia, in that each one is of a unique pitch and timbre that resonate with each other almost all the time. The Teurthas Belfry rings at all times, though they were crafted so perfectly that they quickly become a background noise one could easily ignore, and enjoy only when they are keen to listen. When near one of the towers, they seem not to grow louder, and as one grows distant, their volume remains even.
Notable Events:
The Founding of Aleryn (10779 A.A.R.)
The Cohesion of the Realms (1 A.C.R.)
The First Decennial Council (10 A.C.R.)
The
Mythral War (548 A.C.R.)
The Overruling of
Fjorlosia (1345 A.C.R.)
