Heidelberg

Heidelberg
  Alternative Name(s): “Holy Mountain - Heiligenberg”, Bergheim Type: City Population: 13,000 Owner/Ruler: Layla Biel von Heidelberg-Reinsfeld
  Heidelberg is a large city in the region of Heidelberg-Reinsfeld located on the south coast of Teutonia. Origins of Heidelberg can track back to Heiligenberg (Holy Mountain), a series of temples dedicated to the worship of Sythis, Mortis and Bane. It was first established as a refuge and a place of worship, built on the largest mountain looming over the coast. It was later claimed and disputed, that some of the raw material that helped build the shrine of the gods in 204 AS came from the Holy Mountain itself, as a creation of the gods. Heidelberg is known for those who worship Sythis, Mortis or Bane. As one of the early holy sites, it is not uncommon for folk to take pilgrimage to see the Holy Mountain, the old temple, and the original sites of religious importance. After the temple was first established, a camp grew as citizens travelled to the Holy Mountain. The camp formed into a village that was later named Bergheim (Mountain Home). The city grew larger still, and Bergheim now lies in the middle of Heidelberg. Bergheim’s buildings have now been converted to quaint historical temples, captured as a museum, for those who undertake the long pilgrimage to Heidelberg. The large plaza, known as the Maismarkt (Corn Market) dominates the base of the hill, as the first and last place for pilgrims to travel through. Traders, labourers, and skilled crafters who tolerate the constant waves of pilgrims have turned the Corn Market into an all-year long bazaar, its trade specifically designed for pilgrims and travellers. The rise of produce, gifts, statues, and a bustling marketplace naturally draws on shady practices. Conrad Erbach founded a dedicated division of city watch, The Heilige Wache (Holy Watch), to ensure the safety of arriving pilgrims and to encourage a safe place and the naturally evolving tourism. The Heilige Wache (Holy Watch) are TCSO who stand guard in the market to ensure pickpockets, crime and pilgrims are cared for, including providing small hospitals and lodgings for pilgrims in need of welfare. All Heilige Wache undergo basic teaching and understanding of administrating medical aid. Around the base of the mountain and along the coast, split into districts and arranged in concentric semi-circles sits the bustling trade city of Heidelberg. On the southern side, the Gloria Stage overlooks sandy beaches, here you’ll find various troupes, acts and plays bringing news and satire of the world to the citizens. Each year during winter, a Carnival of Crowns, is hosted making veiled jests whilst celebrating the pantheon. This has been a reoccurring topic in the Synod, citing Blasphemy and Heresy, yet no true examples have ever been demonstrated. On the eastern side, the Philosphenweg (Philosophers Walk) boasts scenic views of the coast. Traditionally Pilgrims would walk along this route, convincing the Ungläubig (disbelieving), of their belief. Now this route offers small colleges, places of study and workshops. The Karlstor (Karl’s gate) is an arch where invaders were hanged. Originally a place for captured raiding Norscans, now is a place where labourers, beggars, and homeless come seeking work in exchange for food. When the city was first establishing Its linen production had made an impact on the rest of Teutonia, some even saying that if you had clothes purchased from Teutonia, you wore a bit of Heidelberg. In modern Heidelberg, its linen production has been overtaken by agriculture and farming, aiding in providing the rest of Teutonia with its mixture of oats, grain, barley, hops and wheat. The prestige of linen from Heidelberg remains today, famous weavers and clothiers in other cities are often advertising “linen straight from Heidelberg”. The variety of hills that span towards the River Karl and Hormburg lean towards farming with livestock, whilst along the west, towards Mettlach and the River Rein spread lush wide fields.
  Culture Heidelberg has many religious habits amongst its populace, the citizens of Heidelberg regard the pilgrims that arrive as their responsibility and are protective of the right of pilgrim. Families from Heidelberg have an absolute belief in self-reliance. Each family member is expected to take up a role and responsibility of the family’s well-being. This has made it common for families to marry into neighbouring families to extend their umbrella of care. As a result many adjacent shops are owned by the same family, but at the same time the need for self-reliance has discouraged any monopolies. Related to this many surnames from Heidelberg are double-barrel names. The Yodellers and Wailers of Bergheim. When Heidelberg was first growing, there was no lighthouse at the docks of Bergheim. So, it was upon a group of singers that they would go to the peak of the rocks and sing and yodel to passing ships in the night. If wailing was heard, it was alarm that a ship had run aground. Now a lighthouse exists but the practice continues albeit it less frequently.

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