Cogitum
Appearance
Cogitum presents a captivating spectacle of firelight against the natural rock formations. The city's architecture seamlessly integrates with the cave walls, featuring housing sculpted from stone, always lit up through lanterns. The city spans vertically and is quite tall, having residents travel up and down to get to different settlements. The city noises constantly bounce and echo against the cavern walls. The flickering flames cast dynamic shadows, creating an atmosphere that resonates with the echoes of city life.Demographic
Most of the city’s population consists of firebenders and earthbenders. Firebenders provide the much-needed light through their flames for illumination, heat, and warmth. Many of the city's technologies are powered by firebending. Earthbenders shape the stone structures and have developed a seismic sense to adjust to the darkness of the caverns, as well as navigate through the cavern walls.Government
The city is governed by a group called the Luminara Council, a set of individuals recognized for their intellectual achievements and contributions to the city's knowledge. Marked by a star tattoo, the council oversees both civic matters and scholarly pursuits, striving to maintain a delicate balance between governance and the pursuit of wisdom.Culture
Path to Self-mastery
Residents of Cogitum are encouraged to follow the Path of Self-mastery, focusing on personal growth, intellectual pursuits, and scholarly achievements. The city celebrates those who contribute to the understanding of the ancient relics and those with scholarly achievements. Recently, ever since the awakening of Paradise, many scholars have ventured off outside of the city, in search of new knowledge outside the caves.Apprenticeship
One of the most common ways to contribute to the community is through apprenticeship. Residents will usually seek wise mentors to teach them important skills and information, especially at a young age. Many of the wisest mentors have gathered a popular reputation and are often high in demand by the people. They have made a living of teaching and coaching their wisdom.Commencement Ceremonies
Many individuals aim to accomplish their commencement ceremonies, filled with difficult challenges to test their knowledge and mastery of certain subjects. Those who complete and pass their ceremonies are given the appropriate tattoos on their body, depending on the difficulty of the ceremony. Those with rarer tattoos are seen in a bigger light and are well respected in the community.Interpretation of Paradise
To the citizens of Cogitum, Paradise is a catalyst for one to change the world and the era we live in, whether for better or for worse. The awakening of paradise marks the beginning and the end of an era. Many argue whether the awakening of Paradise was a blessing or a curse to the city. The citizens are mainly split into two ideologies. One side considers it a doomsday event while others see it as a salvation for the world.
Location under
Comments