Forgecard Falls
The crowning jewel of Antarand is its capital city. Once a mere trade depot, this central location is now the home to the Antaran King, and its near mythological status as the location of The First Government of Antarand has tourists flocking to it year round
History
Forgecard Falls began as a central trading location between the "Fouding Five" groups of Antaran history (the First Islanders, Pelan, Xurugwi, Sprites, and Yub. Therefore, right from the beginning, it quickly grew into a very diverse town, and is likely the origin point of Antaran Creole. When the Founding Five decided to form an official confederacy, Foregecard Falls was chosen as the location for the discussion to occur. According to the stories, the chosen leaders of each group bathed in the river's waters, and magically learned to communicate with one another. While this is unlikely, the myth has brought tourists to the town for centuries and Unity Bathhouse was built to let others bathe in the magical waters.
Forgecard Falls remained the meeting location for the leaders elected by Antarand's different ethnic groups, and homes were built for them in the city. The grandest of these homes was built for the leader of the First Islanders. This representative was also the de facto leader of the confederacy, as the First Islanders were the first people to settle the area. The size of the building served as not only the home of the First Island leader, but as the meeting place for all the leaders. In the 17th century, with the invasion of Florarova, the confederacy decided to strengthen the government by elevating the First Island leader to the position of king. The royal family has resided in that home since.
After years of conflict, Florarova finally won out and established its own government in Antrarand. Though the royal family was allowed to remain in their home, the homes of the other leaders were taken by Florarovan officials and a capitol building was contructed nearby. But this did not stop Antarans from moving to Forgecard Falls or outsiders choosing to immigrate to the country. As the Antaran population has chipped away at Florarova's hold, the city has become increasingly known for the myriad of Antaran flags and the many festivities which take place on Temple Avenue.
Demographics
Forgecard Falls is considered the most diverse city in the most diverse country in Nideon. Aside from members of the Founding Five, the population includes Elves, Danos, nature worshippers, Allabasi, and even some Thisaazhou and Dragons. There is at least one temple for every major religion and though Imk is the dominant language, a brief walk down Temple Avenue will elicit the sounds of half a dozen more. Antarand officially recognizes three genders (male, female, and fluid), which different citizens express in a variety of different ways.
Political Atmosphere
Not far from the Antarans and the tourists is a Florarovan neighborhood. Near the capital district, many of the buildings are new, and all of them have a markedly different appearance, if only because they hang the Florarovan flag rather than the Antaran one. This is the home of many Florarovan officials and businessmen who are very aware of slowly shifting political climate.
Since Florarova's declaration of ownership of Antarand, the Antaran king has slowly taken power back from the new government, which now includes nine Antaran citizens--one from each of the country's provinces. Each year, the power balance shifts a little more in favor of these nine, and the citizens return to life as normal. But while Antarand claims national independence, some nations still view it as a Florarovan territory. The Florarovan neighborhood, complete with its own school system, is a visible marker of the conflict both countries know is waiting to break out. But with neither wanting to make the first move, Antarand and Florarova remain stuck in a stalemate over the matter.
Important Locations
Temple Avenue
In the winter, during the annual Day of Refuge, Temple Avenue is closed to cars as everyone gathers for the day-long festivities, including archery contests, theatrical performances, water balloon fights, and a traditional goat butchering.
One of the biggest streets in Forgecard Falls, Temple Avenue is so called because many of the major temples in the city are located on this street, within a few blocks of one another. Though there are temples thoughout the city, those on temple avenue are the largest and most central. These temples act not only as places of worship, but as tourist attractions and community hubs, even for those who don't practice the faith. Most have touring hours for visitors, but also host events throughout the week--everything from musical concerts to community meals. During the winter solstice, which is also the national Day of Refuge in Antarand, Temple Avenue essentially converts into a festival ground, with each temple hosting a variety events from dawn to dusk, and sometimes even past that. Many of the temples are closed in the week leading up to, and the week following, the Day of Refuge to allow to focus on preparation for, and rest after, the event.
Royal Estate
They like to pretend it's a 'modest house,' but we all know who lives there
At one end of Temple Avenue is the home of the Antaran royal family. At the center of the homes of the Antarand's original government representatives, the royal estate is one of the grandest and most prominant buildings in the city. Every piece of it has been rebuilt at least once, but the family has tried to maintain its original appearance. Though the royal family lives there most of the year, tours of the lower rooms are sometimes available, and several annual events are held on the lawn. The house notably flies neither the Antaran or Florarovan flags.
Capitol Building
I don't think you understand the literal position I'm in. Maybe you didn't notice, but the Florarovans built their capitol next door.
Next to the royal estate, where one of the other representative's original homes once stood, is Antarand's capitol. It replaced the other home in the 17th century, when Antarand was officially declared a Florarovan territory. Originally, the building was closed to the public due to attempts by angry Antarans to mob the Florarovan legislature, but these incidents decreased greatly after nine Antarand seats were added. In recent years, there has been an influx of interest by locals to watch the government proceedings. The lower floor contains a museum that is open five days a week.
Unity Bathhouse
Said to be built at the spot where the First Antaran Government bathed together, Unity Bathouse invites hundreds of visitors every month to immerse themselves in the supposedly magical waters. Tourists often visit the bathhouse in the hopes of healing ailments or merely to relax, but it is also frequented by locals who bathe there as part of religious ritual. It has also become a tradition for immigrants to bathe there after getting their citizenship--symbolically uniting with the rest of the Antaran community. The falls themselves can be seen from the bathhouse and a short hike leads right to their base.
Forgecard Falls is considered the most diverse city in the most diverse country in Nideon. Aside from members of the Founding Five, the population includes Elves, Danos, nature worshippers, Allabasi, and even some Thisaazhou and Dragons. There is at least one temple for every major religion and though Imk is the dominant language, a brief walk down Temple Avenue will elicit the sounds of half a dozen more. Antarand officially recognizes three genders (male, female, and fluid), which different citizens express in a variety of different ways.
Political Atmosphere
Not far from the Antarans and the tourists is a Florarovan neighborhood. Near the capital district, many of the buildings are new, and all of them have a markedly different appearance, if only because they hang the Florarovan flag rather than the Antaran one. This is the home of many Florarovan officials and businessmen who are very aware of slowly shifting political climate.
Since Florarova's declaration of ownership of Antarand, the Antaran king has slowly taken power back from the new government, which now includes nine Antaran citizens--one from each of the country's provinces. Each year, the power balance shifts a little more in favor of these nine, and the citizens return to life as normal. But while Antarand claims national independence, some nations still view it as a Florarovan territory. The Florarovan neighborhood, complete with its own school system, is a visible marker of the conflict both countries know is waiting to break out. But with neither wanting to make the first move, Antarand and Florarova remain stuck in a stalemate over the matter.
Important Locations
Temple Avenue
In the winter, during the annual Day of Refuge, Temple Avenue is closed to cars as everyone gathers for the day-long festivities, including archery contests, theatrical performances, water balloon fights, and a traditional goat butchering.
One of the biggest streets in Forgecard Falls, Temple Avenue is so called because many of the major temples in the city are located on this street, within a few blocks of one another. Though there are temples thoughout the city, those on temple avenue are the largest and most central. These temples act not only as places of worship, but as tourist attractions and community hubs, even for those who don't practice the faith. Most have touring hours for visitors, but also host events throughout the week--everything from musical concerts to community meals. During the winter solstice, which is also the national Day of Refuge in Antarand, Temple Avenue essentially converts into a festival ground, with each temple hosting a variety events from dawn to dusk, and sometimes even past that. Many of the temples are closed in the week leading up to, and the week following, the Day of Refuge to allow to focus on preparation for, and rest after, the event.
Royal Estate
They like to pretend it's a 'modest house,' but we all know who lives there
At one end of Temple Avenue is the home of the Antaran royal family. At the center of the homes of the Antarand's original government representatives, the royal estate is one of the grandest and most prominant buildings in the city. Every piece of it has been rebuilt at least once, but the family has tried to maintain its original appearance. Though the royal family lives there most of the year, tours of the lower rooms are sometimes available, and several annual events are held on the lawn. The house notably flies neither the Antaran or Florarovan flags.
Capitol Building
I don't think you understand the literal position I'm in. Maybe you didn't notice, but the Florarovans built their capitol next door.
Next to the royal estate, where one of the other representative's original homes once stood, is Antarand's capitol. It replaced the other home in the 17th century, when Antarand was officially declared a Florarovan territory. Originally, the building was closed to the public due to attempts by angry Antarans to mob the Florarovan legislature, but these incidents decreased greatly after nine Antarand seats were added. In recent years, there has been an influx of interest by locals to watch the government proceedings. The lower floor contains a museum that is open five days a week.
Unity Bathhouse
Said to be built at the spot where the First Antaran Government bathed together, Unity Bathouse invites hundreds of visitors every month to immerse themselves in the supposedly magical waters. Tourists often visit the bathhouse in the hopes of healing ailments or merely to relax, but it is also frequented by locals who bathe there as part of religious ritual. It has also become a tradition for immigrants to bathe there after getting their citizenship--symbolically uniting with the rest of the Antaran community. The falls themselves can be seen from the bathhouse and a short hike leads right to their base.
Temple Avenue
In the winter, during the annual Day of Refuge, Temple Avenue is closed to cars as everyone gathers for the day-long festivities, including archery contests, theatrical performances, water balloon fights, and a traditional goat butchering.
One of the biggest streets in Forgecard Falls, Temple Avenue is so called because many of the major temples in the city are located on this street, within a few blocks of one another. Though there are temples thoughout the city, those on temple avenue are the largest and most central. These temples act not only as places of worship, but as tourist attractions and community hubs, even for those who don't practice the faith. Most have touring hours for visitors, but also host events throughout the week--everything from musical concerts to community meals. During the winter solstice, which is also the national Day of Refuge in Antarand, Temple Avenue essentially converts into a festival ground, with each temple hosting a variety events from dawn to dusk, and sometimes even past that. Many of the temples are closed in the week leading up to, and the week following, the Day of Refuge to allow to focus on preparation for, and rest after, the event.
Royal Estate
They like to pretend it's a 'modest house,' but we all know who lives there
At one end of Temple Avenue is the home of the Antaran royal family. At the center of the homes of the Antarand's original government representatives, the royal estate is one of the grandest and most prominant buildings in the city. Every piece of it has been rebuilt at least once, but the family has tried to maintain its original appearance. Though the royal family lives there most of the year, tours of the lower rooms are sometimes available, and several annual events are held on the lawn. The house notably flies neither the Antaran or Florarovan flags.
Capitol Building
I don't think you understand the literal position I'm in. Maybe you didn't notice, but the Florarovans built their capitol next door.
Next to the royal estate, where one of the other representative's original homes once stood, is Antarand's capitol. It replaced the other home in the 17th century, when Antarand was officially declared a Florarovan territory. Originally, the building was closed to the public due to attempts by angry Antarans to mob the Florarovan legislature, but these incidents decreased greatly after nine Antarand seats were added. In recent years, there has been an influx of interest by locals to watch the government proceedings. The lower floor contains a museum that is open five days a week.
Unity Bathhouse
Said to be built at the spot where the First Antaran Government bathed together, Unity Bathouse invites hundreds of visitors every month to immerse themselves in the supposedly magical waters. Tourists often visit the bathhouse in the hopes of healing ailments or merely to relax, but it is also frequented by locals who bathe there as part of religious ritual. It has also become a tradition for immigrants to bathe there after getting their citizenship--symbolically uniting with the rest of the Antaran community. The falls themselves can be seen from the bathhouse and a short hike leads right to their base.
They like to pretend it's a 'modest house,' but we all know who lives there
At one end of Temple Avenue is the home of the Antaran royal family. At the center of the homes of the Antarand's original government representatives, the royal estate is one of the grandest and most prominant buildings in the city. Every piece of it has been rebuilt at least once, but the family has tried to maintain its original appearance. Though the royal family lives there most of the year, tours of the lower rooms are sometimes available, and several annual events are held on the lawn. The house notably flies neither the Antaran or Florarovan flags.
Capitol Building
I don't think you understand the literal position I'm in. Maybe you didn't notice, but the Florarovans built their capitol next door.
Next to the royal estate, where one of the other representative's original homes once stood, is Antarand's capitol. It replaced the other home in the 17th century, when Antarand was officially declared a Florarovan territory. Originally, the building was closed to the public due to attempts by angry Antarans to mob the Florarovan legislature, but these incidents decreased greatly after nine Antarand seats were added. In recent years, there has been an influx of interest by locals to watch the government proceedings. The lower floor contains a museum that is open five days a week.
Unity Bathhouse
Said to be built at the spot where the First Antaran Government bathed together, Unity Bathouse invites hundreds of visitors every month to immerse themselves in the supposedly magical waters. Tourists often visit the bathhouse in the hopes of healing ailments or merely to relax, but it is also frequented by locals who bathe there as part of religious ritual. It has also become a tradition for immigrants to bathe there after getting their citizenship--symbolically uniting with the rest of the Antaran community. The falls themselves can be seen from the bathhouse and a short hike leads right to their base.
I don't think you understand the literal position I'm in. Maybe you didn't notice, but the Florarovans built their capitol next door.
Next to the royal estate, where one of the other representative's original homes once stood, is Antarand's capitol. It replaced the other home in the 17th century, when Antarand was officially declared a Florarovan territory. Originally, the building was closed to the public due to attempts by angry Antarans to mob the Florarovan legislature, but these incidents decreased greatly after nine Antarand seats were added. In recent years, there has been an influx of interest by locals to watch the government proceedings. The lower floor contains a museum that is open five days a week.
Said to be built at the spot where the First Antaran Government bathed together, Unity Bathouse invites hundreds of visitors every month to immerse themselves in the supposedly magical waters. Tourists often visit the bathhouse in the hopes of healing ailments or merely to relax, but it is also frequented by locals who bathe there as part of religious ritual. It has also become a tradition for immigrants to bathe there after getting their citizenship--symbolically uniting with the rest of the Antaran community. The falls themselves can be seen from the bathhouse and a short hike leads right to their base.
by Hitoshi Na
Type
Capital
Population
717,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Forgecards
Included Locations
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
by Ana Curcan
Sounds like a beautiful city. I love the idea that it was a meeting place for leaders and now is kind of a bit of a meeting place of cultures. I would love to wander through Temple Avenue.
Explore Etrea
Forgecard Falls is a beautiful city, and I have several characters who would love to give you the tour.