- Nestled in a valley along Xanglu’s Wall, the City of Discovery stands as a renowned hub of learning and scholarship, offering unparalleled facilities, such as their library and water systems, that exist nowhere else. This independent city-state has a population of approximately 60,000, the majority of which are mountain vridin, though vridin from other regions often travel there in hopes of becoming scholars or scribes. It’s known for its library, the largest collection of writing in the world, which can be accessed by any who can pay to do so. City of Discovery serves as a beacon for wisdom seekers, historians, and scholars. Its culture revolves around the pursuit of knowledge, and its people take great pride in their writing.
General Information
- Geography & Location
- The city is in a valley between two mountains of Xanglu’s Wall, the mountain range which cuts through the center of the supercontinent. The region around the city is full of steep cliffs and narrow passages, providing natural protection from the winged predators of the mountains.
- The city is in a temperate humid climate and often experiences heavy rainfall. The steep cliffs and valleys often trap moisture, creating dense morning fog that lingers over the landscape. Sudden downpours can sometimes cause temporary flooding in the lower parts of the city, though a system of channels and canals running through the streets help to redirect excess water.
- The City of Discovery is mostly carved into the cliffside or built from bricks made of the stone gathered from said carving. Other than stone, the area is also rich in clay, copper, and iron. Additionally, the soil in the area is decently fertile and rich in nutrients and minerals.
- The steps of the mountains and natural rainy environment allow for rather effective terraced farms, feeding the people of the city. Trades routes follow the surrounding valleys and riverbanks, connecting to much of the surrounding city-states and villages. These roads are well maintained, allowing for the trade of goods and services, as well as travel for study, immigration, or any other purposes.
- Government
- The City of Discovery is governed by four aristocratic bloodlines, each of which controls a major branch of government. These bloodlines; Laskatti, Tcekkuskatti, Fotsukatti, and Fiskatti, hold power by tradition and lineage, with responsibilities divided between them.
- Each bloodline has a representative, which is selected by a vote between adult members of that bloodline, with supplementary votes from members of the other three. Once that representative is chosen, their term lasts until they die, or until a vote to overturn their representative is initiated, and the majority of their bloodline votes to do so.
- Laskatti handles foreign affairs during times of peace. This includes diplomatic meetings, trade negotiations, and maintaining relationships with allied city-states.
- Tcekkuskatti is in charge of maintaining internal order and balance between the bloodlines. They are responsible for preventing uprisings and intervening when members of other bloodlines act outside the bounds of the city’s established laws.
- Fotsukatti manages taxation and oversees the druids, who play a key role in agriculture and food supply. Their position gives them significant influence over the city’s economic and food stability.
- Fiskatti controls the city’s military forces. During times of war or large scale conflict, they lead the city, making the decisions in matters of defense and military action. They also oversee the training of military forces.
- New laws, or the repeal of existing ones, require a vote among the four bloodlines. Each adult member of a bloodline casts a vote internally; the majority within that bloodline determines the single vote it casts in council. This process gives each house equal weight, regardless of size or current internal division.