The City of Catalania

Catalania City is the capital of the Empire of Catalania. It is one of the most ancient cities on the continent, and with a population of approximately one million, it is also the largest city on the continent.

Even in it's remote location, the capital is visited by hundreds everyday. It is located in the vast Corundrian Valley of the Blue Sun Mountains.

- The Walls

The city is surrounded by magnificent walls. Built in times long forgotten, these walls have a width of approximately 250m, and reach up into the clouds. The walls of the capital are a source of children's fairy tales all over the continent, a fairy tale that is very much real to the inhabitants of the city.

The walls encompass much more than the city, however. Protected by them are farmlands, forests, fields and Darha Lake. At the center of these quiet lands lies Catalania City itself.

Within a mile of the wall's main entrance is the enormous fortress, Laneth Keep. On occasion, the Militia have used this location as a headquarters, especially when enemy forces were near the capital. Laneth is also where many members of the Imperial Militia start their training.

The two main roads to reach the city are Imperial Road and East Pass, coming from the south and east, respectively. Imperial Road is most traveled by those arriving from the west, and heads north once through the main entrance. East Pass is the chosen path for those traveling from the south and north, and begins from the Emperor's Palace, heading in an eastward direction, and separating into two paths near the coast.

- The High Temple of Cattar

The tallest edifice in Catalania City is the High Temple of Cattar (at the point of it's highest spire). The temple grounds are surrounded by metal gates which are guarded by clerics. Within the gates are two main structures: the Cathedral and the Quarters . The Cathedral is an enormous temple dedicated to the deity, Cattar. On it's upper inner walls are 92 statues of saints, and on it's lower inner walls are 142 statues of it's greatest benefactors. In the apse, the great marble and stone altar sits atop a dais, raised 3m above the floor. Behind this is the statue of Cattar.

Two buildings make up the temple Quarters. This is where most of the clerics of Cattar in the capital, including the High Messenger and the Paladins of Cattar, reside. Rooms are humble, and the High Messenger lives in the south building's tower.

- The Imperial Palace

Palace Built in 1918 AL under the reign of Emperor Thocoly Lob, no edifice in the capital is more inspiring that the Imperial Palace. The throne room's ceilings are approximately 50m high, and the Emperor's throne is a massive construction of sculpted stone delicately worked with precious metals and diamonds.

Surrounding the throne chamber are twenty great halls. The palace has eight floors and two hundred and fifteen rooms. The Spring Parlor overlooks the palace gardens, which surround Persioure Pond. Beside the pond is a covered terrace. Of special note is the Emperor's War Hall, lined with immense maps of several of the continent's key locations. Also in this room is the Imperial Collection of Journals: books where every Emperor has recorded his thoughts and philosophies for posterity.

-The Royal Quarter

Behind the palace grounds is the Royal Quarter, a neighborhood of lofty estates. Most of the Supreme councilmen live here, like Grand Councilor Kronsar Dehth Seljein and Councilor Ratgor Credorian. There are no restrictions as to who can live here, but estates are rarely available. Even when they are available, astronomical values ensure that these residences be reserved for only the wealthiest of individuals.

- Imperial Road

Imperial Road starts at the main Imperial gate, and heads south through the city and to the capital cities main exit. There are various traditional establishments on Imperial Road. One of these is the Galloping Mugs Inn.

Named after one of the Empires most popular infantry divisions, the Galloping Mugs Inn features an extremely popular tavern. At any one time it is filled with interesting individuals from around the continent. It serves Andel, Argran Rabbit, Wairgan, and Winter Ale, as well as the usual selection of foods and drink. Located in a two story building, the Galloping Mugs offers each of it's sixteen rooms at a Ceyl a night. Also on Imperial Road is Bilkins Emporium. Located on the corner of Plaintlan Road, Bilkins sells fine jewelry and arcane objects to the general public. It's three floors of merchandise range from the bizarre to the priceless.

Famous for it's fine clothing, Halkhard is located only a few blocks south of from the Galloping Mugs Inn. With it's exorbitantly high prices and expert tailors, Halkhard has become the clothing of nobles and of influential merchants.

The capital's center of commercial activity is at Merchants Square, located one city block from Imperial Road. This park is usually congested with colorful stands and tents.

- The Docks District

The River of Wisdom passes through the northern section of the city, also known as the Docks District. The Imperial Navy shares the port with merchant ships, and it is lined with busy commerce. Nearby is the Arena of Lebseyl (where the Tournaments of Lob's Jousts are held) and the Grand Catalanian Museum (which holds famous works from Giournne, Levlan, and Detri Credorian). Also, about a kilometer south of the Arena, is the enormously popular Theatre of Light, where musicians and actors perform twice a week.

- East Pass

East Pass is one of the most ancient roads on the continent. It connects Pallassi to Catalania City, and starts at the east gate of the Emperor's Palace. In the capital, it is no more than a minor street, but it has been the location of choice for a few establishments. The Emperor has recently founded the Academy of Bards, a school dedicated to teaching the fine arts. The elegant four story building is still under construction.

Next to the Academy is a small tavern called the Square Wheel. The small establishment is run by Lasoria Polg, an eccentric older lady, and her seven granddaughters assist her as barmaids. Here, sweetened coffee and Season Salad are served to young travelers and local patrons.

Three kilometers east of the palace, on East Pass, is the site of the Three Suns Inn. It is perhaps the most luxurious and expensive lodge on the continent, with ornate ballrooms and banquet halls, and daily room prices at one Arund. The main dining room serves a morning meal of Wintermeats, Andel, and coffee. There is also an afternoon tea with Perrenie and Verpats, and an evening meal with Carthinne, dishes from many southern regions, and selected wines from Pallassi.