Caldion (Cal-dee-awn)
Overview
Caldion sits in the center of the Northwest Landmass of Qezun. It is the Capitol of the 30 year old Apostasy Quinumvirate. The City sits on a large plain and is a key trading port for the Continent of Qezun. Much trade and industry passes in and out of the city, and as such much culture and religion. The leaders of the Ascendancy Secession made their pact here, and decreed the seat of power for the Quinumvirate.Layout
Choromenos Hill -
Choromenos Hill is the palace complex created by the Apostasy. The former Castle that used to lie here was destroyed during the war for secession. Cosmide Arch - The massive gate to the Complex, named for Vasso Cosmide, hero of the Apostasy. Plaza of the gods - The entrance to most of the structures, a plaza with many statues in the likeness of divines. Lining the left side of the Plaza are statues to: Pelor, Moradin, Kord, Labellas, The Raven Queen, and Correllon. Lining the right side of the Plaza are statues to: Bahamut, Melora, Senahine, Ioun, Erathis, Avandra, and Arvoreen. Villa of the Five - Really five separate structures connected by a central plaza adjoined to the Plaza of the gods. These five homes are large squares with central gardens, open walkways, and wonderful views of the city. The roofs are made of dark green clay tiles and are slightly peaked. The central gardens are massive, full of tropical flora and even ponds. There are fountains, statues, and some members keep a menagerie here. House of Areile Barletta - The only house on the Western side of the Plaza, the only other structure next to it is the stairs cut into the hill that lead to the Vault of Law and Rule. The home is made of white stone with dark blue paint along central columns and the dark green clay tiles of the roof. The exterior half of the square building is an open walkway, with the interior side being closed off rooms that connect to one another. Inside the inner courtyard tamarind trees grow, jungle ferns and carved out streams fed by a deep well. Statues to Erathis and Avandra dot the garden, and a small herd of Okapi live within. House of Vasso Cosmide - Vasso's abode is the smallest and humblest, on the Northern (right) side of the Plaza. Above the primary entryway as a gate with a crescent moon, inscribed with the words "May she light your way in darkest night". The house itself is pure white stone with the green tiles, almost the entirety of it an open structure, save the garden walls and a small walled off bedroom. Inside the garden there are several deep pools of water with stone benches beside, very few trees, and gardens of moon lilies and pale blue flowers. House of Stephanos Tassou - Stephanos's abode is quite similar to the rest of them, with the dark green roof tiles and open walkway. every other column is painted deep crimson. Within the interior garden is a sand pit, archery range, jousting yard, armory, a smithy, a sparring arena. He also has a few griffins who roost in the yard. House of Boulder Fessura - Boulder's home is the same as the rest, except the collums are a pale earth tone. His home is full of children's toys and is messy. His wife and his six adopted children are always going about playing and learning. The interior garden contains a playground, a great treehouse, and a zen garden. House of Balnur Hammerfall - Inscribed in the sides of the pillars are precious metals in geometric designs. On one side is a golden statue of Moradin, on the other a silver statue of Erathis. The interior garden is almost completely filled by a central building, a great forge. the building is made of dark stone, and has a central metal chimney extending high and bellowing smoke. Vault of Law and Rule - The primary structure for governance atop Choromemos hill. Made of reddish-pink brick, the octagonal structure is almost a small tower, with a smaller octagonal piece on top. It has mutliple adjoining chambers and a bridge that meets a tall round tower. Many large arched windows decorate it, and large oak doors greet you at the top of the stairs. This is where the Quinumvirate holds court. Unlike the Ascendancy, all peoples are permitted here to make petition and speak with their leaders. The chambers inside include a waiting gallery and offices for staff who handle forms, petitions, and lawmaking. Upstairs is the chamber where the five hold audience. It is a spacious room with red granite floor and many windows. There are five chairs arranged in a crescent formation upon a very low raised dais. The Grand Bathhouses and Steam rooms - Carved down into the hill, a cavern with natural steam pools sits, being expanded into a bathhouse for those of esteemed title. The Grand Stables - Sitting near Cosmide Arch is a large complex of stables as well as a riding track. Great warhorses and lean racehorses can be seen, some hailing from Namei to the South. The Phyllite Warrens - A series of tunnels and cells underneath the hill that function as the Imperial Prison. Named for the sandy colored layers of Phyllite rock underneath the hill, this prison is maddening, dark, and hard to escape. The Pillar of Order - Temple to the Lawbearer, Erathis: This tower is stark and unadorned, made of a pale tan stone. Atop the tower is a blue star crested scale of justice. The Traveler's Spire - Temple to the Changebringer, Avandra: Added on the tan stone of this tower are swirls of green brick representing wind curling around the tower. Atop the peaked roof is a great weathervane. The Forge Tower - Temple to the Allhammer, Mordadin: This tower has been almost completely rebuilt, plates of bronze and copper interlacing, the copper weathered to a pale green. Atop the tower is a massive platinum anvil. Moonbow Sanctum - Temple to the Moonweaver, Senahine: This tower has a blue moon pattern of bricks built into the four cardinal directions of the tower, and a half moon of bright lapis atop it's silver peak. The Pinnacle Church of the Divine - Once a Tower dedicated to the Tetrad, this church survived much of the destruction upon Choromenos Hill. It is built into the side of the hill with a great criss-crossing stairway that leads to it from the Slate Quarter. Attached to the tower are four great walkways out from it. These lead to the Temples of Erathis, Avandra, Moradin, and Senahine. Those four towers were previously temples to Bahamut, Kord, Ioun, and Pelor. Within the church, all worship of non-evil dieties is welcomed and celebrated, and many priestly figures hold services here. The pinnacle is made of sky-blue stone bricks, at it's top the peaked roof made of golden tiles.The Slate Quarter -
Named for the many grey-blue domes and roofs inherent to the district, this ward spreads out from Choromemos Hill. Most upper and middle class folk live here. The Slate Quarter extends Southeast to meet the river at one point, however the rest is cut off by the Scuttle Ward. Library - The Amber Lyceum: A orange brick building of imposing size, the Amber Lyceum is a single structure with a low peaked roof and red clay roof tiles. University - The Denastis Institute: This grouping of buildings is central within the Slate Quarter, somewhat influencing the architecture around it. Among said influences is the slate blue tiling that is prevalent throughout it's architecture. The Institute is a center for learning and scholarly study throughout the region, and many Ascendancy scholars still come here despite the tension of the secession. Urungal has tried to replace Denastis with their own university, however this remains the premier college of learning upon the continent. It features a central domed building, with four wings spreading out from it, forming a plus sign. Wrestling/Boxing Arena - The Hall of Prestige: A square building with raised seating, boxing and wrestling have become primetime spectator sports. Public Pools - Throughout the Slate Quarter are Public Pools where people may come and swim and relax during the heat of the day. Gladiatorial Arena (Abandoned) - Orchid Crater: built around a small dip in the earth, an abandoned arena sits, slowly deteriorating. Ever since the Proving Grounds in Starteich opened, gladiators have flocked to it. In the center of the Arena is an open field of white orchids. When this place was open to the public, much of the white was obscured by deep crimson, as gladiators fought to the death among them. Theatre - Gambling Hall - Inns - Weaver - Tailor - Smith - Bookstore - Page Turner's: This store is owned by a Halfling man named Turner. Magic Shops - The Arcane Arsenal: Garble's Fantastical Magical Emporium: Garble the goblin runs a very tidy enchanting business. While he himself possesses no magical capability, he buys a fair amount of what is shipped in from the Sheng Brotherhood.The Scuttles -
A ever living and breathing district, the Scuttles butt right up against the mouth of the Riedress Channel. It runs straight into the poleboat docks. While it has a somewhat unsavory title, the scuttles are a thriving middle class district where most folk live. Sturdy timber buildings with stone first floors rise high into the air, most of them three stories. Throughout the streets colorful banners of varying shade criss-cross overheard, brightening the cramped alleys. Multiple "Wine Sinks" - (Wine bars sunk into naturally carved underground basements) The Trellis and the Vine: Hallowhearth: Set beneath the Inn "Gern's". Tallow's: Under a bakery that is smooshed up against the side of "The Annecdotal Annex". Dice Hall - The Hags's Pinky Toe: Inns - The Sleepy Owl Inn: A great structure, this inn is made of a stone base, with it's second and third story being timber. It is painted a soft sage green, and bridges over the street. It takes up both sides of the street for half a block, creating a tunnel beneath it. Those who enter the tunnel can find their animals and carts stabled, and luggage carried up for them. Gern's: A modest inn on the Southern side of town, Gern's is owned by a large Half-Orc named Gern. He is kind, jovial, and loves when his tavern is bustling. Gern's is a medium sized, two-story building of timber. Below it sits a famous wine sink, Hallowhearth. It's a late night favorite for his patrons. Bard's College - The Anectdotal Annex: Painted brilliant bright blue, the Anecdotal Annex is gaudy and stands out. It is sandwiched between "Old Crackle's Pub" and a bakery, with the wine sink "Tallow's" under the bakery. The window frames, accents and roof tiles are painted a fading gold. This college is where many storytellers learn their craft, either through song, dance, written word, or something else entirely. Pubs - Old Crackle's Pub: A long time community establishment, Old Crackles is ran by an extremely old Gnomish man. It butts right up against The Anecdotal Annex. General Goods Shop - Blacksmith - Dyer - Weaver - Baker - Smith - Pottery Shop - Butcher -Barletta Harbor -
Renamed after the leader of the five, Ariele Barletta, the deepwater port extends out from the Western side of the Riedress River's mouth. It connects directly to a small district called the Plaza of Commons, which in turn connects to the poleboat district upon the river. The Shipbuilder's Guild - Cart and Transportation Authority - For a scaling fee the Cart and Transportation Authority transports goods to and from the Plaza of Commons. Customs House - Set directly into the wall of the Plaza of Commons, the Custom house extend out from the wall. Made of the same sandy colored stone as the wall, the customs house is a flat-roofed two story building with great open window and a sizeable gate. All peoples wanting to enter the Plaza of the Commons must pass through the Customs House gate and then the gate set into the wall. The floor is made of a polished pink granite and there are four orderly queues that form. There are two queues dedicated to carts, one for foot traffic, and another for extremely large shipments. Port Authority Office - Sitting right next to the docks, this is a three story building that has a cobble square surrounding it. It is made of white-grey stone and has 4 window on each floor. There is a balcony on the third floor overlooking the docks. The roof is peaked and comprised of Dark Purple terra cotta tiles. Clearwind Port - Naval Base of the Kynilassas: a three pronged complex of buildings that extend out into the ocean, connecting at the shore. Inns - Many sailors dislike venturing into the city when at port, and as such there are several inns that cater to such clientelle. Pubs - Many sailors dislike venturing into the city when at port, and as such there are several pubs that cater to such clientelle.Poleboat District -
A narrow swath of walled land, the Poleboat District houses many of the boating businesses that travel the Riedress Channel. Though not historically busy during the days of Ascendancy rule, trade with Riverbend has become a booming business. While trade with Urungal still happens, it is not near as common as they shift their economy to adjust to the loss of Caldion.Plaza of Commons -
A small walled trade district with three gates. The Plaza connects to Barletta Harbor, the Poleboat District, and the Scuttles. Folk from the Slate Quarter and Choromenos Hill must travel through the Scuttles to trade here. Caravan Office - The Grand Market - The Craftsman's Bazaar - The Sailor's Square -City Map
 |
Type
Capital
