City of Solthar
The city of Solthar is one of the oldest cities in the world and is the political centre of Solianism and the most important pilgrimage site in Enaskia for people of the Solian fate.
Demographics
A City of Mages
During most months of the year, the demographics of the city are nothing unique. It is almost exclusively composed of native Darnians. Most of the population aren't magic wielders but the percentage of them in the city is very high, and can reach as much as 30%. Most of them are Fire or Lightmages.Banned groups
Soulmages are banned from the city and in fact are banned from the entire Kingdom of Darnia. Before The Fall and the Blight made Shadowmages go extinct, they were also banned from the city, as they were deemed too tainted by Uxal.Summer Solstice festival
During the month of June, thousands of travelers, mostly pilgrims, enter the city every day to celebrate the Summer Solstice Festival. They can come from other regions of Darnia, or all the way from Gysia, Vrahlis or CorohnGovernment
Elections
Like every city in Darnia, it is run by a Lord that is elected by the citizens. Both man and women can become lord, according the Old Laws. Elections happen every 10 years and all citizens of noble descent participate in the vote, except members of the clergy. They vote from a myriad of candidates, to either elect a new person to the position, or reelect them for another 10 year term. If elected, the Person can decline the position, but will be banned from the city for 25 years. If this happens, a new election is done.Clergy
The clergy of the Temple plays an important role in governance, they are the ultimate voice of wisdom and morality for a Lord and therefore hold great influence over the politics of the city.Defences
The city is protected by a large sandstone wall of a average height of 10 metres. The walls are 4 metres thick. A large and deep ditch was dug along the entire length of the wall in front of it to help the defense of the city. Large Sandstone spikes were added by Stone mages in subsequent years. Along the wall, 17 towers were built to guard entrances to the city and to give a vantage point from which to see any upcoming enemies. Three gates lead into the city, named East, Sun and West gate respectively and are each protected by a large stone gate, operated by stonemages.
Infrastructure
A grand aqueduct was built during the first age to supply the city in water from the nearby Knest river. This aqueduct was enlarged multiple times as the city grew in size. It was partially destroyed during a series of earthquake at the start of the Long Winter and was rebuilt as the city was repopulated during the Second Age.
History
First Age and Temporary Abandonement
Solthar is one of the oldest city in Hysal and its way over 4000 years old. The early history of the city is shrouded in mystery. while we do know its founding date and the reason why it was founded in such a harsh place, very little is known of the day to day live of the city. This may be due to the fact that Solthar is very isolated from the rest of the country. When the Long Winter struck the world, Solthar was quickly abandoned as the Knest river dried up and people wouldn't come back to the city for 500 years.Second Age and The Fall
During the second age, the city was most of the time the capital of a small independent country controlled by the Rayn himself. This ended with the rise of the Valcorian empire, who united nearly all of Southern Enaskia under its rule, something that hadn't happened since the first age. The city enjoyed a brief period of pseudo-independence under the Darnian Empire and then the early Essanian Empire. However, tragedy hit the city by the end of the second age, as the empire turned against Solianism following a series of terrorist attacks' against Magic users, commonly referred to as The Massacres. The city became victim of attacks and by the end of the Second age, fell to a mob as the Empire descended into Chaos. The city, including the Temple was sacked and burned. The city subsequently lost about half of its population, going from around 300 000 people to less than 150 000.Third Age
As of now, in the third age, the city is slowly recovering. The temple and the adjacent religious buildings were the first to be properly restored. Some pieces of art, like the Frescos depicting images referencing the Myth of the Lightbringer, were so damaged that the original plaster had to be completely removed and redone to be as close as possible to the originals.Tourism
The main attraction of the city is obviously the large temple in its centre as well as the extensive Temple complex around it. During the Summer Solstice Festival people from all over Darnia, and even some from Samaria, come to the city, usually a week or two before the foreign pilgrims arrive at the city, to go to the temple.
Architecture
Buildings in the city are made of sandstone and typically are two or three stories tall. Most have flat roofs, accessible by a side ladder from the ground or by stairs and protected by fencing. These roofs are usually used as storage spare or extra living space. The walls are punctured by small windows. The buildings are built close to each other to keep the sun from overheating the ground below.
Geography
The city is situated at the north end of the Ruby Sea, named this way because of a large ruby and sapphire deposit near Xanor, further south along the Sea's coast. The city is on a flat plain situated along the northern coast of the Ruby Sea. It is surrounded by small, rocky and dry hills that transition into large mountains to the east and low plains and sand dunes to the west. The Kset river flows north and west of the city and empties into the Ruby sea by a large sandy delta south-west of the city.
Climate
The climate of Solthar is hot and dry all year round, although the temperature can go below freezing on the hills around the city. Rain will sometimes fall, usually one or two times a year during Fall.
Points of Interest:
- The Temple of Sol and the Outer Temple Complex
- Sun Plaza
- The Grand Aqueduct
Founding Date
-3987
Alternative Name(s)
City of the Eternal Sun
Type
City
Population
175 000
Inhabitant Demonym
Solthari/Soltharians
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