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Zakron
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Overview
Halfway between Alliria and Belgrath there's a path that leads away from the Gold Road and toward the Spine. Informed travelers will know that's not where it leads. A few miles out, this path leads into a tunnel that will bring you directly to the underground City of Zakron. Its exact location on the map is unknown, but most conclude it's buried deep beneath the Spine, with the only other known tunnel into the city being located south of Thiria.
Zakron is largely governed by vampires, ancient ones, although it's not unheard of for liches, drow, and other long-lived species to be among the leadership. They rule selfishly, but the rich rewards their patronage brings still inspire many to pay them a visit. But their expectations are high and those who don't meet them will find a far grimmer fate awaiting them.
The arts flourish in Zakron under the patronage of the aristocracy, who love such things. Whether it comes in the form of painting, music, sculpting, or fiction, all are welcome within their walls and are celebrated by the public. It's why many are still drawn to the city in spite of all its dangers and social ills. And it's what Zakron would like to be most known for. But their more unsavory actions overshadow that.
Slavery thrives in all tiers of the city and is woven into the culture. It's the punishment both for accumulating too much debt and for committing various different crimes. The rich and powerful will frequently employ slavers to abduct either specific individuals they want to be enslaved or to go on raids to bring more slaves into the city itself.
While slavery is one of the things the city is most infamous for. That's not the only social ill in Zakron. It's also a tyrannical place, with laws designed to maintain the power of the aristocracy and cover up their crimes. Vampires are a privileged class within the city, allowed to feed on any citizen of Zakron they choose (as long as they're not the servant of an aristocrat). Attempting to rebel against this is a crime punishable by death.
Patronage plays a big part in the city, it's something every artist seeks for the protection and reward it brings. And it's something the aristocracy, especially the vampires, covet highly. They're always on the search for talented artists to become the patron of. But it's a dangerous game to play.
The city's broken into three major levels, called tiers, all stacked atop each other and separated by a thick stone ceiling. The only way to traverse them is through long stairways or a few chain pulled lifts.
Zakron is largely governed by vampires, ancient ones, although it's not unheard of for liches, drow, and other long-lived species to be among the leadership. They rule selfishly, but the rich rewards their patronage brings still inspire many to pay them a visit. But their expectations are high and those who don't meet them will find a far grimmer fate awaiting them.
The arts flourish in Zakron under the patronage of the aristocracy, who love such things. Whether it comes in the form of painting, music, sculpting, or fiction, all are welcome within their walls and are celebrated by the public. It's why many are still drawn to the city in spite of all its dangers and social ills. And it's what Zakron would like to be most known for. But their more unsavory actions overshadow that.
Slavery thrives in all tiers of the city and is woven into the culture. It's the punishment both for accumulating too much debt and for committing various different crimes. The rich and powerful will frequently employ slavers to abduct either specific individuals they want to be enslaved or to go on raids to bring more slaves into the city itself.
While slavery is one of the things the city is most infamous for. That's not the only social ill in Zakron. It's also a tyrannical place, with laws designed to maintain the power of the aristocracy and cover up their crimes. Vampires are a privileged class within the city, allowed to feed on any citizen of Zakron they choose (as long as they're not the servant of an aristocrat). Attempting to rebel against this is a crime punishable by death.
Patronage plays a big part in the city, it's something every artist seeks for the protection and reward it brings. And it's something the aristocracy, especially the vampires, covet highly. They're always on the search for talented artists to become the patron of. But it's a dangerous game to play.
The city's broken into three major levels, called tiers, all stacked atop each other and separated by a thick stone ceiling. The only way to traverse them is through long stairways or a few chain pulled lifts.
Demographic
Vampires, despite being a minority of the population, are the rulers of the city. Although other undead and long-lived species are also members of the aristocracy. They control all the inner workings of the city and ensure their authority remains absolute. But their immortality, coupled with how rarely they leave Zakron has led to a sense of boredom that they quench through art, whatever form it might take.
They're always on the prowl for promising and/or interesting individuals to sponsor. The reason for this is twofold, the first is because they think in centuries as opposed to decades. They covet things that last or can grow, whether that be the arts or the artist themselves. The second reason is that they seek companionship and to meet new, interesting people. In both pursuits, they seek servants and slaves to sponsor and help develop.
The rest of Zakron's population is a wide arrange of citizens from nearly every sentient species in Arethil. They too value the arts and the longevity of their works. If you can't live forever as a vampire or as one of their thralls, you seek to immortalize yourself through your work instead.
Hedonism and sadism are also rampant within Zakron, with gladiator matches, brothels, and alcohol being favored forms of entertainment. Although how these things are presented varies depending on what tier of the city you visit. The higher the tier the more "high-class" it is.
They're always on the prowl for promising and/or interesting individuals to sponsor. The reason for this is twofold, the first is because they think in centuries as opposed to decades. They covet things that last or can grow, whether that be the arts or the artist themselves. The second reason is that they seek companionship and to meet new, interesting people. In both pursuits, they seek servants and slaves to sponsor and help develop.
The rest of Zakron's population is a wide arrange of citizens from nearly every sentient species in Arethil. They too value the arts and the longevity of their works. If you can't live forever as a vampire or as one of their thralls, you seek to immortalize yourself through your work instead.
Hedonism and sadism are also rampant within Zakron, with gladiator matches, brothels, and alcohol being favored forms of entertainment. Although how these things are presented varies depending on what tier of the city you visit. The higher the tier the more "high-class" it is.
Patronage
Many of the immortal rulers of Zakron are always on the search for promising individuals to enthrall, enlist as a servant, or sponsor. They seek to surround themselves with interesting people to raise their prestige and entertain them in their long lives. This practice is immensely important in the city, as it helps both with Zakron's expansion and sates the immortal aristocrats' desire to experience new things.
The practice, in concept, is simple; a wealthy aristocrat seeks out aspiring talent and funds their work, whatever it may be. The sponsored individual will be given an item with their patron's emblem on it to mark them as being under their protection, meaning vampires and even criminals will avoid harming them. In some cases, they'll even live in their sponsor's manor. This continues either indefinitely or until they part ways.
However, there's often greater intrigue involved in this practice. Aristocrats covet their patrons, and if two aristocrats are at odds their patrons will likely be as well. Other times, sponsors will seek to manipulate their patron for their own purposes, sometimes it's simply for a sadistic thrill. Other times, vampires will only be interested in their sponsor's blood. It's a dangerous game to enter.
Many artists that the sponsor either grow bored of or decide are unworthy end up as thralls, mindless servants who work mundane jobs in their manors or elsewhere in Zakron. But, if all goes well, a patron will be funded, comfortably housed, and treated with respect. This promise appeals to many young talents, especially those struggling financially. Others actively
Exactly what an aristocrat looks for varies, sometimes it's simply talent, other times its virtue or vice, and still others seek strong bodyguards or well-traveled adventurers. There's a potential patron for nearly any kind of person who seeks such a thing.
The practice, in concept, is simple; a wealthy aristocrat seeks out aspiring talent and funds their work, whatever it may be. The sponsored individual will be given an item with their patron's emblem on it to mark them as being under their protection, meaning vampires and even criminals will avoid harming them. In some cases, they'll even live in their sponsor's manor. This continues either indefinitely or until they part ways.
However, there's often greater intrigue involved in this practice. Aristocrats covet their patrons, and if two aristocrats are at odds their patrons will likely be as well. Other times, sponsors will seek to manipulate their patron for their own purposes, sometimes it's simply for a sadistic thrill. Other times, vampires will only be interested in their sponsor's blood. It's a dangerous game to enter.
Many artists that the sponsor either grow bored of or decide are unworthy end up as thralls, mindless servants who work mundane jobs in their manors or elsewhere in Zakron. But, if all goes well, a patron will be funded, comfortably housed, and treated with respect. This promise appeals to many young talents, especially those struggling financially. Others actively
Exactly what an aristocrat looks for varies, sometimes it's simply talent, other times its virtue or vice, and still others seek strong bodyguards or well-traveled adventurers. There's a potential patron for nearly any kind of person who seeks such a thing.
The Upper Tier
This is where the aristocracy and wealthiest citizens live alongside a multitude of servants. It's, by far, the most beautiful and peaceful tier of the city, and full of welcoming people, at least, at a glance. The true danger of the Upper Tier lies not in crime or violence, but in intrigue and politics. Noble families compete with each other for power and influence over the inner workings of Zakron.
The leader of the aristocrats and the city itself are the Forefathers; the Royal Family of Zakron. They consist of a King, Queen, and a multitude of princes and princesses.
The leader of the aristocrats and the city itself are the Forefathers; the Royal Family of Zakron. They consist of a King, Queen, and a multitude of princes and princesses.
Architecture
The Upper Tier is utterly beautiful in appearance because it's been meticulously crafted over the course of hundreds of years by the greatest artists, sculptures, architects, and engineers in Zakron. Everything's built with perfect synchronization and all seem to connect together to form a beautiful painting.
This district's lit by runes carved into the towering ceiling, showering it with pale light, not unlike the light of the moon. Plants actually capable of growing in caves or under their rune's magical light are abundant here.
This district's lit by runes carved into the towering ceiling, showering it with pale light, not unlike the light of the moon. Plants actually capable of growing in caves or under their rune's magical light are abundant here.
Points of Interest
The Midnight Throne - Home of the Forefathers. It's a sprawling palace set in the middle of the Upper Tier, reaching all the way to the roof of the cavern. It quite literally serves as the pillar that holds the city up. The exterior of the structure consists of many different towers, all stemming from a vast keep.
Institution of Grand Arts - A college where all the arts are practiced, be that music, painting, sculpting, and beyond. It's not a single structure but an entire stretch of land, beautifully crafted and filled with the finest accommodations. A dream for anyone looking to learn the arts. However, it's expensive enough that most would require a sponsor in order to attend.
Harem of Muses - Two L-shaped structures separated from each other by a courtyard with a fountain in the middle. Each structure is several stories tall and filled with rooms for all the occupants. This is where the patrons and favored servants of the Forefathers live.
Institution of Grand Arts - A college where all the arts are practiced, be that music, painting, sculpting, and beyond. It's not a single structure but an entire stretch of land, beautifully crafted and filled with the finest accommodations. A dream for anyone looking to learn the arts. However, it's expensive enough that most would require a sponsor in order to attend.
Harem of Muses - Two L-shaped structures separated from each other by a courtyard with a fountain in the middle. Each structure is several stories tall and filled with rooms for all the occupants. This is where the patrons and favored servants of the Forefathers live.
The Middle Tier
The Middle Tier is the most like a typical city with a slightly higher crime rate than average. It's where the main entrance is located and thus, is almost always busy. Markets are aplenty, set up by wandering caravans and local merchants alike. Goods from all over Arethil can be found here, the one advantage it has over Alliria is that goods that are typically illegal in other cities can be purchased here.
The center of all this trade is the Bazaar, where it's said that any good can be found and purchased. Including slaves, who're auctioned off in the middle of it all.
This tier of the city is governed by the Aristocracy's most trusted servants, who govern the various aspects of the government there. Over them is the Viscount, who the Forefathers appointed to oversee Zakron in their stead.
The center of all this trade is the Bazaar, where it's said that any good can be found and purchased. Including slaves, who're auctioned off in the middle of it all.
This tier of the city is governed by the Aristocracy's most trusted servants, who govern the various aspects of the government there. Over them is the Viscount, who the Forefathers appointed to oversee Zakron in their stead.
Architecture
While efficiently designed from a city-planning point of view, the Middle Tier isn't nearly as beautiful as the Upper Tier, due to the density of the population. There's many apartments with small rooms, that are all tightly pressed together to fit the most amount of people.
The district is lit only by lanterns and torches, making it hard for newcomers to adjust.
The district is lit only by lanterns and torches, making it hard for newcomers to adjust.
Points of Interest
The Bazaar - A great pentagon-shaped structure with a courtyard in the middle where market stalls are set up and where slaves are auctioned. The interior is likewise filled with stores that sell every manner of goods, many of them morally dubious or illegal in other cities.
Bloodhaven - A massive circular structure where gladiator matches are held to the pleasure of a bloodthirsty crowd. Both slaves and volunteer fighters compete in this place. Most the public gather in simple stands to watch the games, but there's also prominent boxes where Aristocrats can watch in lavish comfort.
Bloodhaven - A massive circular structure where gladiator matches are held to the pleasure of a bloodthirsty crowd. Both slaves and volunteer fighters compete in this place. Most the public gather in simple stands to watch the games, but there's also prominent boxes where Aristocrats can watch in lavish comfort.
The Bottom Tier
The slums and graveyard of Zakron, it's said that this is where both bodies and condemned criminals are thrown, the doors shut behind them. It's a lawless pit filled with tents and makeshift structures. Gangs run amok in this place and fight with each other over scarce resources. Also a favorite hunting ground for vampires.
Recent efforts have been made to civilize this district and bring it under control. Although this proves to be a difficult challenge for the Aristocrat's servants.
Recent efforts have been made to civilize this district and bring it under control. Although this proves to be a difficult challenge for the Aristocrat's servants.
Military and Defense
Zakron relies on its isolated location and the tunnel that leads into the city to defend itself. Any attacking army would have to advance through the long, dark road to even reach the entrance. Upon which they'll find themselves at a well-defended gatehouse that blocks the entrance to the middle tier.
From there they'd have to overcome many fortified locations throughout the district to seize control of it and find their way past a series of gatehouses blocking the stairways up to the top tier to reach the aristocracy. Upon which they'll themselves in a district ridden with fortified keeps and castles where the aristocrats and their servants are. Taking the city from without would be no small feat.
The military itself isn't unlike that of other kingdoms, in concept, each aristocrat has guards and soldiers of their own, the number of which varying depending on their influence or desires. Some prefer small, elite groups to large armies, while others rely on numbers over the quality of training. The largest of these armies by far belongs to the Forefathers who rule the city.
They boast an army of a mixed variety, as their allegiance is split between the King and Queen's numerous children. Yet despite any differences they have with each other, they'll come together whenever there's a threat to their power. As such, the aristocracy is kept in line by both the might of the Forefathers armies and out of gratitude, as their armies work tirelessly to serve Zakron's interests.
The only military force semi-independant of the aristocracy is the city guard, who mainly operate in the Middle Tier.
From there they'd have to overcome many fortified locations throughout the district to seize control of it and find their way past a series of gatehouses blocking the stairways up to the top tier to reach the aristocracy. Upon which they'll themselves in a district ridden with fortified keeps and castles where the aristocrats and their servants are. Taking the city from without would be no small feat.
The military itself isn't unlike that of other kingdoms, in concept, each aristocrat has guards and soldiers of their own, the number of which varying depending on their influence or desires. Some prefer small, elite groups to large armies, while others rely on numbers over the quality of training. The largest of these armies by far belongs to the Forefathers who rule the city.
They boast an army of a mixed variety, as their allegiance is split between the King and Queen's numerous children. Yet despite any differences they have with each other, they'll come together whenever there's a threat to their power. As such, the aristocracy is kept in line by both the might of the Forefathers armies and out of gratitude, as their armies work tirelessly to serve Zakron's interests.
The only military force semi-independant of the aristocracy is the city guard, who mainly operate in the Middle Tier.