Aurum

The City of Gold

"Here we will raise towers of gold that reach the heavens themselves, then my brothers will finally see. While they abandoned you thinking this world lost, I alone returned and have brought you to such glory never before seen."

— Emperor Apollyo

Aurum is the capital city of the Empyrean Empire and the largest city in all of Merkia. Located in the central province of Aureum, it is also believed to sit at the center of the world itself by citizens of the empire. The city is uniuqe in that it is composed of numerous large tower structers leading to an impressive verticle layout rather than horizontal. For those lucky enough to gain access to the city a wonder of items and secrets can be found within.

Demographics

The vast majority of the population of Aurum are human, though in the lower levels of the city many nonhumans can be found, including small numbers of those without imperial citizenship. The city is divided amongst wealth classes on each layer. The poorest dwell at the bottom of the city, while the rich nobles reside at the highest level, with Emperor Apollyon's Imperial palace at the highest point.

Government

Emperor Apollyon is the supreme dictator of Aurum and the wider Empyrean Empire. His will is enforced by The Order Angelus, The Order Justitia, and the Order Divinus. Extensive taxes are claimed from residents in the city as well as the other imperial provinces to ensure the settlement continues to thrive.

Defences

Aurum is an incredibly defensible city due to its layout. Many of the tower structures can be completely sealed off, with the destruction of bridges and disabling of elevators. Further adding to the defenses are a large wall on the north and eastern sides of the city while the south and west are protected by the lake. Should anyone successfully attack the city they will have to deal with the full might of the Order Angelus, who as well as being some of the most proficient warriors in all of Merkia, their winged armor makes them perfectly suited to fighting in such an environment.

Industry & Trade

The central level of Aurum is dominated by trade and industry. Here everything from simple craftsman to workshops of talented Artificers can be found. Wide varieties of food and drink from all over the empire can be found here along side mysterious relics and unique treasures.

Infrastructure

Due to the elevated nature of Aurum, rather than the traditional network of roads found in other cities, there is instead a huge network of bridges and crosswalks connecting all of the towers. Waste naturally flows down to the lower levels where it either gathers or is swept away into Dragon Lake. Food and supplies are transported into the city via large elevators so it immediately reaches the highest levels and can then be dispersed to the rest of the city accordingly.

Guilds and Factions

The Orders Angelus, Justitia, and Divinus are the most prominent organizations in Aurum and handle all military, judicial and religious needs respectfully. Many smaller merchant guilds are present in the central levels and a large number of gangs and criminal groups fight for control in the lower levels where they escape the eyes of the Order Angelus.

History

Aurum began its existence as a small town on the shores of Dragon Lake after The Great Incursions and Fall of the Mythic Empire. For many years the town survived by giving offerings to the fearsome Dragon Turtle that gave the lake its name. This all changed when the Empyrean, Apollyon returned from his Crusade of Vengence. Apollyon killed the beast and was quickly became revered by the people of Aurum, unaware of the corruption within him. Declaring Aurum his capital, Apollyon led the Aurumians in conquest that would result in the formation of the Empyrean Empire. Through the vast wealth and resources obtained during what would become known as The Wars of Redemption Aurum grew to become the largest city in all of Merkia, however, rather than expanding horizontally as would normally be the cause. Aurum istead grew verticle, creating the incredible skyline of towers that make up the city today.

Architecture

Aurum was named after the golden bricks the original town was constructed from. Though none of these original structures remain, much of the city is still made from this golden stone. Longing for the beauty of his home plane, Emperor Apollyon degreed that the city would reach the heavens. This has resulted in the unique tower structures that set Aurum apart from any other city in Merkia. Golden angles and sun motifs can be found all over the city alongside the numerous statues of Emperor Apollyon.

Geography

Aurum is situated on the grassy plains on the eastern shore of the Dragon Lake and thus dominates the landscape. The areas around the city have been cultivated as farmland to support the city. While at the top of the towers in Aurum you can see an impressive and commanding view across much of the Empyrean Empire.

Alternative Name(s)

The Golden City

Type

Capital

Population

35,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Auruman/Imperials