The Old Towns

Scattered across the world of Phoebe are various mega-structures - city centres of massive technological achievement. Many of the modern innovations the world of Phoebe has enjoyed over the last thousand years have been a result of the exploration and documentation of the various technological advancements the Old Towns hold.
Only the bravest of the brave dare dare enter the city limits however, as the Old Towns are wonders filled with mystery and intrigue. Under the ever present mist that hangs over the empty cities lay an omen that leads many to death, madness, and some are simply never seen again.

Purpose / Function

The Old Towns were likely exactly what they appeared to be; cities where people lived. The mysterious fog of the Old Towns is often posited to have been electrical in nature, either a protective measure or perhaps a method of power.
All thoughts on the original purpose of the Old Towns however are only conjecture as their original purpose will forever remain a mystery.

Architecture

The Old Towns bear the makings of a futuristic city with towering glass skyscrapers and paved roads. In fact, most cities surrounding Old Towns utilize the original structures outside the limits of the Old Town. Most modern advances such as electricity and motor engines stem from the mining of technology from the Old Towns.
What's striking about the Old Towns is their utulization of electricity - light fixtures work, street lamps automatically light when night falls and a dedicated subway system still functions, taking the ghosts of time past to and fro.
Crucially, though unknown to the denizens of Phoebe, the Old Towns bear striking resemblance to modern city centres, neon culture and all.
What grants the Old Towns their wonder is two things - the existence of a always present fog, and the flashing multicoloured lights that cast eerie shadows in that fog. The fog is actually what defines Old Town limits versus the remnants on the outskirts. Another aspect of curisoity the Old Towns exhibit is the drastic cut off of the original structures, as if someone took a knife and cut a line; crumbling buildings cut in half, roads that lead to no where, a spliced street light, staircase with no bottom. Many describe it as if the other parts of the cities simply fell away.
All in all, the Old Towns cast a mysterious shadow over whatever space they inhabit, no matter where they are or who looks at them.

History

No one knows where the Old Towns come from, but there are many theories. The most commonly accepted theory is that the Old Towns originate from the time of Darius, or even before Darius' time. Whatever reason, the peoples of Phoebe react the same way to the structures of old following the odd events that happen within their limits. Chiefly, almost every nations has cordoned them off with dedicated guards to patrol the borders and prevent people from entering in the hopes of stymieing the damage.

Type

World wonder