Skysong

Skysong, a marvel of engineering and magic, is a city suspended high above the clouds on a network of floating islands. Each island is a self-contained district, connected by reliable pathways that link together on a regular schedule. Residents and visitors alike can traverse the city with ease, enjoying the breathtaking views of the sky and the surrounding landscape. For those who need to travel between islands more quickly, a variety of transportation options are available, including dirigibles, solar surfers, and other steampunk-inspired vehicles. The entire city continues to be a hodgepodge of architecture and vastly differing populations of people gathered like little swaths chucked out of the universe in all its vastness, pulled together and assembled into an ever-growing quilt. For example, while perusing the Residential District, one might find several blocks of high-domed ceilings and towering, statuesque marble fading into stained glass and ornate brickwork again fading into steel and neon blue vinery-lined domiciles. If there's a predominant style, it's Grecian, but this has fallen out of fashion since The Uplifting, and new buildings take on more modern flair. At the heart of Skysong lies a vibrant cultural scene, with theaters, galleries, and performance spaces showcasing the talents of the city's residents. From grand operas to intimate recitals, there is always something to see and do in Skysong, for its residents are eager to share a little slice of home with you. Skysong may not be Meridian's homecoming, but residents agree that it's a beautiful paradise that far exceeds Old Springstar below.

Recent History

However, paradise is something hard-earned. Following the assassination of the previous Tribune, a customary election was held and Agapitos Voreen was elected as the 35th Tribune of Springstar. However, as attacks from Kowloon and Zenith continued during The Repose, Tribune Voreen took to a secret plan because he was sure of its controversy. He got into contact with the mysterious masked wizard Aetós, and over a period of about a decade, began the plan for The Uplifting. Using the power of Shimmer and other innovations that Aetós had developed, pieces of the city were raised into the air. To escape the taint of Zenith, Voreen chose to pull the city up by its roots, and thus, Skysong was born. While this decision wasn’t without its controversy at the time, these are largely forgotten, save by bitter residents of Old Springstar or Kowloon, since the city is far more prosperous today than it was a century ago. By moving to the sky, Meridian also began to focus its efforts in manufacturing and engineering technology to continue to maintain their new city. Where Zenith has favored magical innovation, Meridian has favored the mechanical. Technology is roughly in line with the 1920s, but with a distinctly steampunk or dieselpunk flavor. Common new technology includes prosthetics, pistols, movies and television (with 1920s era tech). As an additional note, prosthetics are in fact very popular, and you’ll see NPCs voluntarily get them to enhance their abilities! Rare new technology includes automatic weapons, jetpacks, and personal mech suits. There’s a definite military focus here… After all, the strength of Helios’s Legionary has also grown in the past century. The city is now protected with steadfast dedication. Cornerstones now act as checkpoints where the Legionary makes sure that all who come and go are where they’re supposed to be. For a full timeline of events post-Timeskip, go here!

Faction Attitudes

Skysong is a beautiful, idyllic city, but it's one that's very strictly controlled all the same. Because of the danger of tampering with the workings of the islands, the Legionary has increased greatly in size, and there's very dutiful, careful monitoring of who comes and goes between the islands, Meri or otherwise. It's nothing the people seem to mind, though. It's as normal as showing your ID at a bar.
Zenite characters (and the banished) are allowed in the city, but are given a badge they must wear at all times to mark them. Higher Tier Zenites may be denied entry outright or must find a secret Cornerstone to enter. However, be careful with the latter, regardless of your faction. Being caught creating a new Cornerstone is a serious crime, and unsanctioned Cornerstones are destroyed as soon as they're found. The higher your rank in Zenith, the colder or outright hostile the citizens of Skysong will be. You may just be accused of consigning their whole world to death, in fact. Meridian characters will have a much easier time, of course. Skysong is beautiful and prosperous, and the Shard-Bearers of Meridian are encouraged to enjoy all its bounties. While you still have to pay (it's expensive to keep things running!), you'll find a greatly reduced price, at least. The citizens treat you like a dear friend or family, and it's easy to fall into a conversation talking of home. It's so close, after all. It is worth noting that those who openly choose to live in Old Springstar are treated differently, however. While Meri won't be outright rude to these characters, they don't bother hiding their surprise either. Why would you want to live down there?