Atlantis


Written by Drackzahn

Atlantis was a legendary city that existed on the planet Bardor. It was the core of the Human civilization on Bardor and a true wonder based on Magitech Technology. It was built in ancient Greek style, with majestic buildings, statues, and fountains. Atlantis had many temples dedicated to the goddess Lia, the patron deity of the city, but also other minor gods.   Atlantis was destroyed in 500 BC by a mysterious phenomenon known as the second Pink Mist Storm. The storm engulfed the city in a thick pink fog that corrupted everything it touched. It lasted for several days, and when it cleared, Atlantis was in ruins. Many of the buildings were damaged or collapsed, and some parts of the city were sunken into a bay. The survivors of the storm either fled through the closing portals to Earth or were mutated by the residual magic of the storm. The descendants of these mutants populate the city to this day and are hostile to any outsider who dares to enter their territory. Today, Atlantis is a place of mystery and danger. The Magitech Technology that once powered the city is now unstable and unpredictable, causing explosions and malfunctions. The secrets of Atlantis are buried under rubble and water, waiting for someone brave enough to uncover them.

Demographics

Before Destruction
The ancient city of Atlantis was a bustling metropolis with a population of 12 million people. The majority of the population was human, with non-human species making up a minority. The humans were divided into three main castes: the nobles and priests, who formed the first caste, the merchants, who formed the second caste and the remaining humans, who formed the third class.   The nobles and priests were the most privileged members of society. They lived in lavish palaces and temples and enjoyed a high living standard. They were responsible for governing the city and maintaining its religious traditions. Many of them had non-human slaves, the wealthiest even Bottle Genies for their personal joy. The merchants were also a wealthy and powerful group. They controlled the city's trade and commerce. They were responsible for importing and exporting goods, and they played a vital role in the city's economy. The remaining humans still enjoyed a high standard of living for that time due to the Magitech machines that powered the city.   The non-human species of Atlantis were mostly servants and slaves. They performed a variety of tasks, from cleaning and cooking to working in the fields and mines. They were treated as second-class citizens, and they had few rights. The demographics of Atlantis were complex and varied. The city was home to people from all over the world, representing a diverse mix of cultures. The city's caste system was rigid, but it did allow for some social mobility. The merchants, for example, could rise through the ranks and become nobles.  
Today
Mostly mutants and monsters inhabit the ruins of Atlantis. Sentient beings are around 4000 in population, mostly spread into small tribes. Many old Golems from ancient times also inhabit the ruins, often still doing their given tasks from so many years ago. The guardian golems are known to still protect the ancient vaults and the residences of former noble families.

Government

While in modern times, the city has no government left and is only engulfed in chaos and tribal wars, the old city of Atlantis had a complex council system. Before the fall, the city was divided into several sectors. Each sector had a noble family, or the church as governor. These governors of the city sectors formed the council of Atlantis and together they elected the magister of the city. Atlantis was also the capital of the nation and had the great temple of Lia at its center. Inside the temple, both the council and the nation's government hold their meetings.

Infrastructure

The ancient city of Atlantis was once a marvel of engineering and technology. Its towering buildings, bustling streets, and advanced transportation system were unmatched by any other city in the known world. The city center was dominated by a massive citadel, which housed the temple of Lia, the patron goddess of Atlantis. The citadel was surrounded by a ring of high-rise buildings, which were home to the city's nobles, high-priests and many wealthy merchants.   Beyond the citadel, the city was divided into a series of concentric districts, each with its own unique character. The outer districts were home to the city's working class and artisans. The city's streets were narrow and winding, but they were also well-maintained and clean. Hundreds of alleys crisscrossed the city, connecting the major streets and districts. One of the most remarkable features of Atlantis was its magitech train system. The trains were powered by Pinkerid, and they could travel at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. The train system had a network of stations throughout the city, and it was used by people of all social classes. The trains were a convenient and efficient way to get around the city, and they also helped to reduce traffic congestion.   Another remarkable feature of Atlantis was its advanced infrastructure. The city had a sophisticated water and sewage system, and its streets were lit by magical lamps at night. The city also had a number of public parks and gardens, which were enjoyed by people of all ages. The parks were a place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Giant water channels crossed through the city and brought water into the city and the many artifical lakes. The infrastructure of Atlantis was a testament to the ingenuity and skill of its people. The city was a model of efficiency and order, and it was a place where people from all over the world could come to live and thrive.   Today, only ruins praise of the old and lost glory of its engineers.

Assets

The ruins of Atlantis are filled with ancient technology and artifacts, much of it still working to this day while others just need a refresh of its energy source. Adventurers and expeditions should be aware that not only peaceful artifacts can be found, but also dangerous ones. Besides that, many of the ancient defensive systems operate to this day. Additionally, the city is mostly inhabited by mutants, monsters, and hostile tribes of many kinds. But even with all these risks, the ruins have a strong pull on these in the search for either knowledge, wealth, or just adventures.

History

Foundation
Founded in 2792 BC, the city grew quickly to a city without a match in the known world of that time. Humanity on Bardor was at its total peak and the new city was built filled with technology long lost in time. The city was planned to be the jewel of the Theocracy of Atlantis and the new holy city of their goddess Lia. It was built with the sweat and blood of not only normal workers but also descendants of the slaves that were captured during the War of the Gods thousands of years earlier. The powerful Golems and many machines of Magitech were also involved in the construction that lasted till 2401 BC. All districts that were built after that date were seen as new cities surrounding Atlantis, but not as the core of the city itself.  
Golden age
The golden age of humanity made Atlantis a heaven for all its human inhabitants, but a hell for the slaves that were required to operate many parts of the metropolis. The city was built on decaying bones, and while many modern humans who live around the ancient ruins see the city as the peak of civilization, the descendants of these slaves see it as just another city of humans. Generation after generation, humanity was led by this city and many tales and legends about it spread to this day. In the past, Atlantis was built inland, near a river, and not on the coast. It was true that the city had many artificial lakes, but the position on an island near the coast came after its destruction.   Many of the portals that lead to Earth during the second Pink Mist Storm were in Atlantis and allowed them to visit Earth. Instead of sharing their progress with the ancient civilizations of Earth's past, the Atlanteans began to exploit them and see them just as a source of resources and potential workers. Some even argue that the ancient myths of the Sea People, who destroyed many civilizations around the Mediterranean Sea in the ancient bronze time of Earth were in truth Atlanteas in the search for dominations.  
Destruction
"Two days ago, Atlantis was rich, full of life, and the center of the world. Yesterday it was filled with fire, chaos, and death. And today it is a shadow of its glory with only ruins and decay left." Survivor on the fate of Atlantis
This total dominance and arrogance ended very suddenly and without warning. With the end of the second great pink mist storm in 500 BC, the chaotic forces affected the whole planet Bardor heavily. While the Sylvan Lands were protected by Sylvia, Atlantis and the Atlanesis Continent had not that luxury. In only a day, Atlantis was destroyed. The ground broke apart and confused whole districts. Chaotic energies formed dangerous clouds, and consumed and mutated everything they touched. Many of the survivors fled through the closing portals towards Earth while most of the rest died. Many outer districts have sunken into the sea, forming a bay today. The remaining center parts of the city formed an island today. Many of the especially high buildings became hills, while others stand to this day.  
Modern Day
Today, Atlantis is a place of danger but also of great wealth. The ancient artifacts that still remain in the city to this day are today worth far more than they were in the past. Especially if they still work and are in good condition. Many expeditions were done towards the city and many adventurers tried their luck. In the nations around the bay, which surrounds the island on which the remains of Atlantis are today, see the city as a blessing and curse at once. It is a holy and ancient city, yet also a barbaric place without order.

Architecture

by Stable Diffusion
The Influence on Greek Style
Atlantis and its architecture can easily be described as a Hellenic-styled city mixed with Magitech. Yet, in reality, it was the people of Atlanesis who developed this style, which was later imported into many high cultures of Earth and developed further. Pillars and statues of famous gods or persons are far spread in the city, not only on public plazas but also built into buildings. Marble is the most used building material besides different metals, which gives the city a spotless and white look.
Most buildings, especially those in rich areas, are big and oversized for their purpose. The single person felt weak and small in these giant hallways with their statues and pillars. It was a feeling that the church of Lia wanted to spread. After all, the city and all their wealth were based on the protection of their goddess. At least that's what the church wanted the population to believe.  
The Use of Artificial Lakes
Another distinctive feature of Atlantis is its use of artificial lakes as entertainment areas. These lakes are created by using magitech. Magitech allows the Atlanteans to manipulate water in various ways, such as creating fountains, waterfalls, geysers, and whirlpools. These water features add beauty and fun to the lakes, which are used for various activities, such as swimming, boating, fishing, and relaxing. The artificial lakes also serve as a way to connect different parts of the city. The Atlanteans use magitech to create bridges and tunnels that cross over or under the lakes. These bridges and tunnels are decorated with lights and colors that create a stunning visual effect. The bridges and tunnels also allowed the Atlanteans to travel quickly and easily from one place to another for short distances. These artificial lakes were often built at the centers of districts and surrounded by landmarks and famous places. The closer a person was living near such a lake, the richer they were or the more influence they had in the city.  
The Contrast Between Central and Peripheral Areas
The central areas are where most of the population lives and works. These areas are densely populated and urbanized, with many high buildings that house offices, apartments, shops, restaurants, and hotels. These buildings are made of durable materials, such as marble, metal, and glass. These buildings also have magitech devices that provide lighting, heating, cooling, security, and communication.   The peripheral areas were the homes of the workers and slaves. Instead of tall buildings full of luxury, each person was required to share their space with many others. Big slum areas were built behind big marble walls. After all, the normal citizen should not see the quarters and living areas of the poor. Behind the walls, the slums were built mostly out of wood, often without running water or any form of advanced magitech devices. Nevertheless, the slums were surprisingly not a place of high crime, as the police force of the city kept a tight eye on these areas. Due to the high living standards in the central areas, the slums were also provided with enough food and wells to get water. Many argue that even the people in these poor areas of Atlantis had a better life than many outside the city.

RUINED SETTLEMENT
500 BC

Founding Date
2792 BC
Alternative Name(s)
City of Lia
Type
Large city
Population
ca 4000
Inhabitant Demonym
Atlanteans
Location under
Owning Organization
Atlanesis
Geographic Location | Dec 27, 2023
Human
Species | Nov 6, 2022
Lia
Character | Oct 18, 2022



Cover image: by Stable Diffusion AI

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