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[Lore] Talonopolis


RarityDash

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Talonopolis - The Heart of a Republic

 

Within the Republic of Aquellia, the capital Talonopolis is both the most populous and most important city. On the back of it's numerous lucrative factories and highly successful commercial shipping industry, the city has grown to become one of the most productive across the entire continent. It's place as the seat of the Aquellian government and home to most of the highest level members of the ruling families ensures that it is all the more paramount to the Republic.

 

Talonopolis is situated in in the northern end of Aquellia's Raptorclaw Canyon, far up the Raptorclaw River from the other major Aquellian city, Rockwington. It is just south of where the river splits into the White and Blue Raptorclaw rivers. The terrain for the city is mostly arid, but there are some green and even forested regions along the river. Winters can be bitterly cold in Talonopolis and summers are extremely hot and dry, while the rest of the year the climate is relatively temperate. The city's proximity to the northern badlands region ensures the region is teeming with wildlife. It is not uncommon for creatures of all sorts to wander into the city.

 

Unlike Rockwington, Talonopolis is a very traditional Aquellian city which makes use of distinctly griffon architecture. Most all structures are built up tall, with most buildings resembling towers or spires, with entry windows located at every floor. In accordance with a traditional griffon belief equating a griffon's status with his or her proximity to the sky, the top levels of these buildings are reserved for the homes of the most wealthy and important griffons while virtually no griffons actually live at ground level. Elsewhere, some homes and other structures are build directly into the mountains forming the walls of the canyon. Due to the unusual layout of the city and height of its structures, Talonopolis can be difficult to navigate for those unfamiliar with it, not to mention entirely unwelcoming to those who are unable to fly. Because of this, Talonopolis has a far smaller pony population than other parts of Aquellia.

 

Unlike most cities, Talonopolis does not make use of regional districts. The city is instead best categorized vertically into five different elevation levels as follows:

 

The Base Level - also known as the Work Level, this level is comprised of the bottom few floors of the city's structures. This space is typically used for the city's many factories and workshops and is where most griffons go each day to work. Virtually no homes exist on this level due to griffon traditions.

 

The Commerce Level - situated between the Base Level and General Level, this level is reserved mostly for businesses. This is where you will find most of Talonopolis' restaurants, stores and service providers, as well as a lot of company offices. A number of low grade hotels and apartments can be found here as well. It is typically the busiest part of the city, with griffons swerving about from building to building to get to find their favorite shops.

 

The General Level - this level, located between the General Level and Nesting Level, is perhaps the most varied. Many griffons of average or just below average status make their homes here. It is also the most common level for schools, hospitals, museums and theaters, as well as housing for the Aquellian Marines.

 

The Nesting Level - directly above the General Level, the fourth level of the city is primarily comprised of homes for griffons of average or above average status. This level is also where one might find hotels, offices and other businesses that wish to appear classier. Due to the elevation of this level, it is also where one is likely to find docks for airships. Many structures in Talonopolis only reach this level.

 

The Crest Level - the highest level of the city. This level is comprised almost exclusively of the homes of the wealthiest and most esteemed of Talonopolis' residents. Business owners, top officers in the Marines and members of the ruling families build elaborate homes that bulge out at the top of the city's highest towers. Exclusive and elite, most griffons are advised not to fly at this level unless they have business there.

 

Outlying Areas - some structures can be found away from the heart of the city that do not follow the elevation levels as closely. Most notably, there is the portion of the city built directly into the mountainsides of the nearby Tarpans. Suburban homes can be found scattered about here, as well as a variety of shops and businesses.

 

Additional free standing structures can be found near the forests along the river on the north end of the city and elsewhere along the cities outskirts. Tower based architecture is still favored in these more remote parts, even if the structures here are dwarfed by the actual towers of the city.

~The Republic of Aquelia: A Reference Guide

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