[ ⚔ ] The Capital: A Dance of Charm and Cunning Overview: The Capital is a hub for Empire activity. Housing the most wealthy Stilites and Empire residents, it is at the forefront of technological development and advancement. While it has many names, the City of Stars, Tlersas’ Heart, among others, it is most commonly referred to as simply ‘the Capital’. Its original, and official name is Stileras, same as its home continent, however, to prevent confusion, Empire residents rarely refer to the city by that name. History: Originally, there was nothing but a lake in the center of a ring of mountains. In the center of that lake was an island. The first humans to settle there built a small civilization, but it was thousands of years before they decided to expand. The small kingdom called Minetras soon became a powerful entity in the North, controlling the majority of the sparse territories in the area. However, with time came ruin, and the kingdom soon fell. Hundreds of thousands of years later, when the Empire took power, it claimed the fallen kingdom’s ruins as its capital. The small island grew into a large city, the lake it floated upon covered up and built over. Some say that if you listen closely at night, you can still hear the echoes of a lost civilization, the whispers of the waters of days long gone. Layout: The Capital is surrounded by a ring of five mountains; some say this represents the five rings of society. Others say it represents the exclusivity of the city and how only the elite can afford the lifestyle of a Capital citizen. As mentioned, there are five rings, both physically and figuratively, in the Capital’s society. In the center of the city lies the Emperor’s palace, which is really more of an estate. This palace is not only a residence for the Emperor, but a gathering hall for high society and a place of meeting and strategy. Around that palace are several smaller, yet still massive estates. There are four in total, one for each noble house, and they are placed to form a ring around the Palace, although there is an empty space attributed to where House Iyer used to be, before its sudden and mysterious collapse. These five estates make up the ‘Inner Ring.’ After the Inner Ring comes the Gold Ring, then the Silver Ring. After the Silver Ring is the Bronze Ring, and then lastly, the Outer Ring. Society: The Capital’s society is extremely fast-paced and ruthless. Like the rest of the Empire, society is a battle. However, physical strength will only get you so far. In this city, charm means survival. You must learn the rules of society and learn them fast. Lie, scheme, betray, it is all part of the ever-changing game of wits. You act only for yourself, you trust no one, and love is out of the question. The higher one climbs in nobility, the more ruthless they must become. The constant struggle to keep your wits has been said to drive people to near insanity and ruin. However, while exhausting, manipulative, and an endless battle to keep afloat, Capital life is extremely rewarding. Nobility is not only extremely wealthy, but privileged as well. Depending on their proximity to the Emperor, aka their status, Nobles can essentially go wherever they want, do whatever they want, and the highest Nobles are nearly royalty in terms of wealth, status, and fame. After the Emperor and the Imperial Advisors, the Nobles are the most powerful individuals in the empire. [ ⚔ ]
[ ⚔ ] The Rings: The Inner Ring - The Inner Ring is composed of the four High Noble houses, the Emperor’s palace, and several commercial buildings. While few can afford to live in this area, the Inner Ring is a hub for social activity. Only the best of the best are invited to exclusive galas and parties, and only the most esteemed vendors are found running businesses here. The Inner Ring is an area of extreme luxury, wealth, and comfort. The Gold Ring - While the residents of the Gold Ring are not as high up on the social ladder or as rich as those of the Inner Ring, they are still extremely wealthy. The Gold Ring has mainly two districts: the residential district and the commercial district. In the residential area, most live in mansions or manors, flaunting their wealth as part of a picturesque neighborhood. Meanwhile, in the commercial district, the streets are narrower, lined with expensive boutiques and stores. The Gold Ring is a popular visitation spot, due to its number of shopping opportunities and commercial attractions. The Gold Ring is home to many of the Empire’s largest and esteemed institutions, such as the Imperial Academy, where the future of the Empire, the best and the brightest, are educated. Upon graduation at eighteen years of age, Academy students are given the opportunity to continue their studies at Malayin University, the most prestigious university in the Empire. Marchand Institutions is also based in the Gold Ring, with smaller offices and buildings throughout the Empire and in the Silver Ring. The Silver Ring - The Silver Ring is what you would consider ‘upper middle class’ in the Capital. Most residents here live comfortably, with more technical jobs relating to the economy of the Empire. Many diplomats, writers, scientists, and engineers come from the Silver Ring. The residents live in either houses or apartments, and it is the most populous ring. The streets here are narrower, space is maximized to accommodate the numerous citizens, and the culture prioritizes achievement and the climbing of the social ladder. Life is fast-paced and a blitz; the collective goal of society is to advance to the Gold Ring. The Bronze Ring - The Bronze Ring is only slightly less populated than the Silver Ring. It focuses on agriculture and houses most migrants from other regions of the Empire. While not as polished as the Silver Ring, the Bronze Ring is what one would consider ‘middle class’ in terms of wealth. They live in apartments and smaller houses, although the quality can vary depending on which ring–Silver or Outer–they are closer to. The citizens of the Bronze Ring are the majority of the workforce, at least in terms of physical labor. They take jobs as construction workers, blacksmiths, tailors, all sorts of small but necessary work that is less flashy but just as vital as other occupations. The most notable feature of the Bronze Ring is the markets. Due to the large number of migrants, the Bronze Ring is a melting pot of cultures and people. Markets are common, selling many types of food, produce, meat, and all sorts of products. The largest and oldest market in the Capital, Amrisa Market [after the Mediyan name for the goddess Amora], is located in the Bronze Ring, and is famed for its diversity, cheapness, and simple beauty. The Outer Ring - The Outer Ring is where most migrants first reside, before they make enough to move to the Bronze or Silver Ring. Not many actually live here, instead, it is mostly a tourist destination and hub for employment. Those working in the Outer Ring work with and handle imports and exports from other regions, and work with trade. Other common businesses in the Outer Ring include inns, hotels, and museums. The buildings are not as well-maintained, but they stand well enough, and most businesses are focused on external operations, so employees of Outer Ring businesses often travel for work, rarely operating within the Capital. [ ⚔ ]
