New Aerith City

A Young Metropolis

Founded in the tumultuous year of 700 PS, New Aerith City is a relative newcomer to the annals of history. Born from the ashes of the ancient, once-mighty Aerith Empire, its inception coincided with the formation of the nation it now proudly serves as capital.

The decision to rebuild upon the ruins of the old capital was a bold one, a testament to the young nation's determination to forge a new path. The city's layout, a deliberate contrast to the labyrinthine structure of its predecessor, reflects a vision of order and progress. Wide boulevards and grand public spaces were designed to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose among the diverse populace.

While the city's history is brief, its growth has been rapid. Its strategic location on the Aerith Sea has transformed it into a thriving commercial hub, attracting merchants and adventurers from across the continent. The city's prosperity has fueled a burgeoning intellectual and artistic scene, making it a center of learning and culture.

Yet, the shadow of the old empire looms large. Rumors of hidden treasures and forgotten magic persist, drawing seekers of fortune and knowledge alike. The city's rapid growth has also led to social tensions, as the old aristocracy grapples with the rise of a new merchant class.

Despite these challenges, New Aerith City remains a symbol of hope and ambition. Its citizens, a blend of old and new, are united by a shared dream of a brighter future.

City Layout and Structure

Encircled by a high, well-maintained wall, New Aerith City presents a formidable first impression. It boasts a grand central square (Concord Square), radiating out into a series of boulevards. The city's architecture is a blend of old and new. Gothic spires and gargoyles may adorn older buildings, while newer structures showcase a more ornate, Renaissance-inspired style.
Running through New Aerith City, the Montagne River is a vital part of the city's infrastructure. It provides a transportation route for goods and people, and it is a source of fresh water. The Sunbridge, a magnificent structure adorned with statues, is the primary crossing point over the river.

I heard a tale of dark magic lingering in the old parts of the city. Some say the city is built on an ancient evil, and strange things happen there at night.

• Old Quarter: A maze of winding streets and shadowed alleyways. Here, one can find hidden courtyards, secret passageways, and perhaps even remnants of ancient magic. Within its winding streets and hidden passageways, is the heart of the old city of Aerith.
• New Quarter: A testament to the city's ambition, this area is characterized by wide boulevards, imposing government buildings, and opulent mansions of the nobility, and reflects the ambition and wealth of New Aerith.
• Merchant Quarter: A bustling district filled with shops, markets, and warehouses. This is where the city's economic heart beats.
• Waterfront District: A lively area filled with taverns, inns, and brothels catering to sailors and merchants.

Points of Interest

Aethelred Park: Located away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, the Park offers a place for leisure and recreation for the city's residents. It is a verdant escape from the urban sprawl.

Sundering Memorial: A towering structure at the heart of the city serves as a poignant memorial to the cataclysm. It is a place for reflection, a reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition, and a symbol of New Aerith's commitment to a brighter future.

The Whispering Archives: Deep beneath the city, a vast network of hidden chambers preserves ancient texts and artifacts from the old Aerith Empire. Scholars brave the dust and darkness of these archives, hoping to unlock the secrets of the past and learn from the mistakes of their ancestors.

The Sunken Spire: A haunting remnant of the old Aerith Empire, its upper portion a skeletal silhouette against the horizon. Once a grand lighthouse, it now stands as a testament to the city's tumultuous history. The submerged section holds secrets of the past, drawing treasure hunters and scholars alike.

Aethelred Catacombs: These catacombs delve deep beneath Concord Square, a labyrinth of tombs and hidden chambers. This sacred burial ground for the Aerithian royalty is steeped in history and legend. Rumors of forgotten magic and hidden treasures tantalize explorers, but the catacombs are guarded by ancient constructs and spirits.

Academy of Arcane Arts: A bastion of knowledge and magic, a towering structure that dominates the New Quarter skyline. Within its walls, scholars and mages delve into the mysteries of the arcane, seeking to unlock the secrets of the universe. A place of both learning and power, the Academy is a cornerstone of the city's intellectual life.

Sunken Gardens: The Gardens are a hidden oasis beneath Aethelred Park, a hauntingly beautiful testament to the royal family's openness to diversity and their love of beauty. Bioluminescent plants and strange aquatic creatures populate these underwater ruins, offering both wonder and peril for those brave enough to explore.

The People

New Aerith City is a melting pot of cultures, with a populace as diverse as the goods traded in its bustling markets.

• Aerithians: The native inhabitants, descendants of the old empire. Though they form the majority, they are a diverse group, with varying levels of wealth and influence.
• Immigrants: Drawn by the city's promise of prosperity, immigrants from neighboring kingdoms and distant lands bring their own customs and traditions.
• Merchants: A rapidly growing class, merchants enjoy a newfound status and influence. They are a mix of Aerithians and immigrants, united by their entrepreneurial spirit.
• Artisans and Craftsmen: Skilled workers who produce everything from fine jewelry to sturdy tools. Many are members of guilds or apprenticeships.
• Scholars and Academics: Drawn to the city's libraries and research institutions, these individuals are at the forefront of intellectual pursuits.
• Military: The city maintains a standing army to protect its citizens and interests. There is also a city guard responsible for maintaining order within the city walls.

Factions

New Aerith City is a dynamic metropolis where power is a complex interplay of diverse interests. The following factions shape the city's destiny, their actions influencing the lives of its citizens and the course of its history.

Be careful what you wish for in New Aerith City. Sure, there's wealth, but it's built on the backs of the poor. They say the undercity is a place of despair, where shadows lurk and secrets are buried.

• The Royal Family: The Aethelred dynasty (under King Aerion Aethelred), while still revered, faces increasing challenges to its authority. The young king must navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world while maintaining the respect of the nobility.
• The Nobility: A declining but still influential class, the nobility cling to their traditional privileges. Some have adapted to the changing times, while others resist the rise of the merchant class.
• The Merchant Guild: A powerful force in the city, the Merchant Guild seeks to expand its influence and break free from the constraints of the nobility. Internal divisions exist between established families and ambitious newcomers.
• The Scholars Guild: A loose association of academics and researchers, the Scholars Guild is divided between those who seek to preserve the old ways and those eager to embrace new knowledge.
• The Undercity: A shadowy network of criminals, smugglers, and opportunists who operate beneath the city's surface. They may be remnants of the old empire or simply individuals seeking to escape the law.
• The Seekers of the Sundered Sun: A growing movement dedicated to uncovering the secrets of the old Aerith Empire. They operate both above and below ground, often in conflict with the established order. The local chapter is referred to as Havenhold.
• The City Guard: Responsible for maintaining order within the city, the city guard is a diverse force made up of both Aerithians and immigrants. Corruption is a constant threat.

They say New Aerith City is a place where dreams are made. Opportunities are as vast as the Aerith Sea, and fortune favors the bold. I hear the streets are paved with gold, or at least something close to it.