The Unified Religion Citadel

Name

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he origin of the Unified Religion’s name developed from the simplistic need to unify the folk of the New Realm as a common goal. Alpha dragons, being natural leaders, came together to address the situation in the New Realm. The alpha dragons recognized the urgency of bringing the folk of the New Realm together for a common purpose and order. The New Realm's name reflected its focus on survival during its beginning. Their goal was to unify the folk under one religion.

History and Location

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he Unified Religion’s citadel began in the centre of the harbor, now called Uruk. It was the tallest mound in the harbor, comprising grass and soil. The area was naturally clear of large vegetation such as trees and offered a clear view of the surroundings. It was the ideal location for a large gathering.

The centre became the primary location for commerce, political negotiations, and social development. The alphas created laws and structure to govern the folk and keep order. They developed a strict social protocol to keep the community in order and ensure its survival.

As the town of Uruk developed into a vibrant community, the folk needed a building of worship that sheltered them from the environment. The alphas felt it would bring the folk even closer together to build a citadel that commemorated their new faith. Over the years, Uruk developed a strong trading port that controlled the export of enki. King Tourmaline, who was the alpha king of the period, increased taxes and port fees to cover the costs of the construction. The Unified Religion created campaigns to raise money in the various counties and towns throughout the New Realm. They encouraged communities to donate material and even conscripted young boys and men to come and help build the citadel. Fathers left home to construct the citadel, then their sons, then their grandsons. As a result, multiple generations of males worked at building the citadel. The alphas would oversee the construction. However, they also helped transport heavy material to the construction site. Eventually, young alpha boys helped carry loads in their effort to complete the citadel. The completion of the citadel significantly bolstered the folk of the New Realm. They were no longer refugees and outcasts thrown into uncharted land. The citadel united the people, and Uruk became the capital of the New Realm.

The citadel provided a circular alcove for communal worship.. Craftsmen and artists carved ornate vine leafs that followed up the walls of the alcove. They painted the carvings with beautiful colors based on the harbor's surrounding environment. Ornate leaves and flowers cast in enki decorated the ceiling of the alcove.

Public Worship Area

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he most significant design piece of the citadel was the entranceway. Folk still practised some elements of the old religion and they considered seasonal solstices to be important times of the year. Builders built the citadel at an angle, so sunlight shone through the alcove onto the altar during the summer solstice. As a result, the summer solstice became a significant summer tradition.

Private Worship Gardens

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esides the public alcove for prayer and reflection, the citadel also offers a private worship garden. This garden hosts an abundance of unique greenery that reflects the natural environment of the New Realm. Only leading members of the Unified Religion, along with their guests, have access to these gardens. Many of the private residents of the religion have balconies overlooking the gardens.

Governance

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n the beginning, alphas oversaw the Unified Religion. However, with the Freedom Treaty, alphas lost the right to hold positions of power. They gave the positions to key leaders of the common folk.

Defense and Security

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he Unified Religion has the strongest military in the New Realm. After the Freedom wars, alphas could no longer hold leadership roles in the New Realm. Instead, many alphas contributed to military development.

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Type

Citadel