Welcome to the Imperial Capital where your adventures await...
Day
Cue the background music
For imperial citizens, today would be a day like any other for most. Younger children would be off to school, older teens and adults to their employments with the Guild or other various places of employment. But today is not an ordinary day if you are one of the lucky ones who made it to this far flung mystical land of Elvwitand, a large sprawling Empire across an equally large land mass, existing for a millennia or two or three. A handful of foreign ships managed to somehow make it to the harbor, curiously only ships dated more than a century of human mortal time back, however. The modern world of Greater Dienstad was offering new opportunities for the Empire that previously only existed in some sort of negative space only to emerge fully formed. New opportunities meant more visitors, no doubt.
But it's also not just an ordinary day, today is a great day for the national sport of gladiator fights. Men and women don heavy armor and equally heavy weapons to fight each other for the Royal Crown (that is the name of the prize, not control of the Empire), which includes a hefty sum of gold, enough to make a person live quite easily for the rest of their life if they're wise enough to quit while ahead. These days it's not as much bloodsport as it once was, magic enchantments meant the opponents would take a beating but be okay in the end. Old school types would say this watered down the sport but still the gambling and huge prize made it the ever present draw for many. Though sport was always happening, right now as it so happens, an ongoing national tournament was occurring, many looking to dethrone the Arena Champ The arena always was packed during the national tournaments no matter what time of day, people would take off their daily work if they can, others will certainly enter later.
Taping on the old school looking ribbon mic, the arena commentator, Shen Lune, an elf girl hailing from the far western state of Xiao Meiqi, spoke to the gathering crowds now swarming in, in anticipation of today's first match. "Ahem, attention please, may I have your attention please! We are just an hour away from our first match of the day, get ready for the grid iron fight of Rozataria of Roseria versus Orizen de Dargon of Flurocaphi! Bets being accepted at the counter so make your wagers now!"
in the city square stood a rather unremarkable looking clock. It looked like a rather miniature Big Ben, still tall, mind you but not as large as big clock tower might be. Inside was a strange wonder, as it would transform into a massive clock with gears the size of some countries and the mighty swinging pendulum. Don't worry about the chimes though. It was a popular destination for visitors to the Capital and for small children on school tours. Helpful guides would go over the long history, why the magic made it large on the inside but not outside.
Temple row, where the faithful always gather to pay tribute to their deities. The Church had just as much sway over Government as the Empresses did, sometimes more. Moral based laws always came from the Church to be implemented for the subjects of the land. To go against was severely taboo, always said to bring about great calamity. High Priestesses among the temples were friendly with each other, even if their beliefs or Deities were slightly different, Mystics always were united in their core beliefs.
Castle Bellasea, also known by its historic name of The Great Castle Caerleon, named for the pre-Imperial Elfen Queen, Careleon, or also simply known as The Imperial Castle, the real eye catch piece of the whole capital city. Constructed on a large hilltop a 1500 years ago it has seen many royal families come and go and siege or two but always has stood in the face of everything the Divine can throw at the Empire. Fires, storms, earthquakes, pestilence, famine, plague, you name it, if it's happened the castle has long stood as a beacon of stability for Amethyst and the Empire as a whole. Something of an attraction as odd as it sounds but a large castle, one should really make more use of it. Follow your guide with the will-o-wisp lantern and you'll be fine.
Saint Inés Academy, the top magical school in the nation! Ironically not in the Imperial State of its namesake, Inés, go figure that. Name for Saint Ines, a High Witch Cleric in the Church and considered the uniter of magical types. Mostly the school caters to traditional witches (the magic wand types) but other species and users of magic also attend. Those wishing to see and learn how magic in the Empire is taught and practiced can come here. The halls bristling with the boarding students during the day with classes, night enjoy the lovely sights of the beautiful manicured grounds and gardens.
Night
The sweet tunes of a lovely evening
When dark falls upon the great city, it lights up with the flames of a million lamps. Not uncommon to see a helpful witch from the Academy flying about to assist the lamp lighters. But the light still can show the brilliant starry sky and majestic moon above. Students of St Inés will be busy with their astronomy lessons. Learning to read the stars is the first lesson of divination though the future is often hard to predict. Arguably the city's nightlife is probably more bustling than the day. Folks done with the daily grind of working now free to do as they please. Some like to engage in a little, ahem, pleasures of life, and that's not just the drink if you catch my drift. The red-light district is literally bathed in red light of dim burning lanterns. Lovely people at the beck and call of a well paying client but that's all that can be said about that.
It's not dangerous by any means to walk the city at night but one best keep to the well lit main corridors of Amethyst. Back alleys and dark corners are often filled with the unsavory types who rather work under the law or have some less than good deals. Armor and weapons on the cheap for those who wish to join the arena, charms and spells for the struggling academy witch looking to broaden their skills or maybe those wanting to delve into some more taboo magical spells. Back on the main thoroughfares, plenty of store windows glowing to catch the window shoppers eye and plenty of pubs offering their services 24/7 there's no shortage of things to do at night. Vampires are more likely to roam around at night. Contrary to the myths, they won't die in sunlight, but they sure don't like it either. Also contrary, they're not inherently predatory any more than your average person would be. And they also can't make you into a vampire no matter how much they bite you, they're vampires, not werewolves silly! Vellorina de Dreifus one such Vampire girl awaiting her special someone. She had arrived early in the morning and got some much needed shuteye. She hailed from a very prominent Vampire family in the state of Sylpynford, wealthy & aristocratic yet secluded in the Tachi Forest which surrounded the Provence of Sierra. The clock struck 10 now, it'd been an hour since she and her girlfriend were supposed to meet up. Strange, "I hope she's okay..." she muttered as was starting to worry. It was not like her to be late. But a carriage drawn by Woodland Hippocampi pulled up and out leapt Rasha Amilda an ordinary human from the same state and Provence as Vellorina. A smile crept across the stoic vampire's face as her gal leapt from the carriage into her embrace. But it faded as quick with her beaming red eyes of a slight disapproval came "You're late!" Vellorina chided. It was out of worry more than annoyance.
"Yes, I'm so very sorry, Vellorina. It was quite the trip and it took me forever to find a private coach and..."
Vellorina smiled again, honestly she was happy Rasha was okay, who's got time to be annoyed now. "Ah it's okay. I guess I was just worrying." They shared a kiss first, biting would come later as Rasha allowed. It wouldn't do her good to have a wobbly lightheaded girlfriend when they're here to explore the Imperial capital. "It was truly frightening," Rasha continued, "right as we soared above Togger's Pass in Laynyaru, a terrible storm came up and we had to ground for a day and that set me behind further..."
"Really, it's okay. I should have gone with you anyway."
"But you wanted to see your sister before she set off overseas right?"
"I did but still could have gone with you and see her another time. She'll be back in a month. Anyway are you rested, hungry or anything? I mean afraid only thing I'm hungry for is blood but I can wait until later for that but if you want to eat we can find a pub for a meal."
"It does sound good to eat now that I'm settled on the ground and the weather is nice. I could let you take a quick nibble at me though..." She tugged at the collar of her dress to signla she was ready and okay with it but Vellorina put her hands on top of Rasha's.
"I'd rather wait, I want to show you the city while we have the night, and let's be honest, one bite and you're legs are like jelly."
"Hehe. I guess you're right about that, Vello." They exchanged another small kiss and began their walk down the cobblestone corners.
These events, locations, & encounters are only but a few of what you may experience here in the Imperial Capital. What roads you'll take and adventures you'll find are your choice and yours alone!