Carthus
The indomitable fortress-city of Carthus is the seat of power of the autocratic Vertox Monarchy and arguably the most fortified city in the world. Also known as the "City of Chains," Carthus is constructed out of dark wood, stone, and metal. At its heart lies the Grimstone Stronghold, a towering fortress and home to the Vertox Monarchy's military and political power. Surrounding it are three layers of walls, the innermost forming a pointed diamond around the city center, and its outermost in the shape of a six-pointed star. The Vertox pride themselves on their city's defensive strength, claiming that it is impossible to siege. It has withstood hundreds of years of war with the Dithian Inquisition, countless monster and barbarian attacks, an event known as "The Eruption," and the colossal Tarrasque (or so they claim).
Carthus exists on a river delta. Only a few miles north is what is referred to as "No Man's Divide," the frontline of the endless war between the Vertox Monarchy and the Dithian Inquisition. To its south lies vast and fertile farmlands that keep its people fed and strong, ready to defend their homeland with whatever it takes.
Defences
Carthus is designed as a city-sized fortress. It is surrounded by three layers of walls, each more intricate than the last. Its outermost walls are shaped in a six-pointed-star and are about 40 ft tall. The Grimstone Stronghold itself is a towering structure with battlements, fortifications, and firing positions scattered all over. As the tallest structure in the city, it is intended to have an unobstructed view of the city, allowing them to see any hostile movements within the city and thus coordinate defenses as needed.
Districts
Carthus has three districts, each segregated by its three layers of walls. Beyond its exterior walls lies mostly open farmland. The viridian fields allow the harvest of crops of all kinds, especially wheat, corn, and potatoes.
Inside the exterior walls but beyond the second set of walls is were most of the city's population live. They live in tightly packed neighborhoods consisting of functional buildings patrolled by the city's ever present garrison.
In the middle ring of the city, between its second and innermost walls, lies the city's beating heart of industry and commerce. It is here the Vertox's supply of weapons, armor, and siege engines are developed, quickly sent north to the frontlines.
In the center of the city's diamond shaped inner walls rests the political and military infrastructure that keep the city alive. The mighty Grimstone Stronghold towers over this district and houses the Vertox family and their advisors. In addition to the Stronghold, there are countless barracks and training grounds for the Monarchy's military to rest and utilize for the ongoing war. It is also here where the Vertox's impressive Battlemages are trained, in the Matriarch's Academy of War Magic.
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