Welcome to the Vigilants. You are one of the thousands of people living in the imperial capital of Sentra, the jewel of the Empire.
For some of you, this is home—a comfortable and familiar place you've known your entire life. For others, the city may only be a brief stop, perhaps one of many in your travels. But regardless of how you came here, you share the same streets.
Depending on who you are—and where you live—Sentra can be a beautiful city of wonder and splendor. Yet that perfect city is only what many people see on the surface. There are those that understand there is more to the city, that there are flaws in it that run deeper than what most will see. There are those that know what lies beneath.
The Story
Niman was a student studying theoretical thaumaturgy at Pallida University. Originally from Seidland, he was granted a scholarship granted by one of the foundations of House Fournius. He has no family in the city.
He died from an acute case of Arcstone poisoning, which should not have been possible given his circumstances. An autopsy revealed that his internal anatomy was mirrored.
Marlus is a member of the Order of the Gorgon. He is not wizard, engineer, or magewright, but serves a higher purpose. He refers to himself as "a numbers man." He handles financials for the organization, setting the budget, managing inventory, and always looking for the next big thing to invest in. He's been in this position for a decade, and he's gotten very good at it.
The Order of the Gorgon is the leading Magewrights guild of the city. Their main guildhall is in the Everbright neighborhood. They have lately been working with merchants that are promoting the construction of Manufactories around Smelting Row. They plan to capitalize on the large-scale production of magical charms and trinkets.
Although the Order compares itself to Wizard Circles like the Assembly of the Most Learned and the Guild of Esoteric Starlight, the two organizations most certainly do not consider the Order to be anything like themselves.
The City
Random Spotlights
The Imperial Palace is not just a home for the Imperial family, but also the center of the empire's political and cultural life. Located on the western edge of the city, near the convergence of the rivers Oenus and Aniene, it is surrounded by a high wall with multiple gates that allow entry to the vast complex.
Inside the palace, the gardens are a testament to the empire's wealth and power, with neatly trimmed hedges, colorful flower beds, and groves of fruit trees. There are also several temples within the palace walls, dedicated to the various deities, including Aldar, Kolrehs, and Lotrad.
The centerpiece of the palace complex is a massive artificial lake, which provides a tranquil space for fishing and boating, as well as a scenic backdrop for outdoor concerts and performances. The lake is fed by a series of fountains and waterfalls, which create a soothing background noise that can be heard throughout the palace.
The various buildings within the palace walls house the Imperial family, as well as their countless servants, guards, and courtiers. The buildings themselves are built of the finest materials and are adorned with intricate carvings and murals depicting the empire's history and achievements.
Overall, the Imperial Palace is a symbol of the empire's wealth, power, and cultural achievements, and it serves as a reminder of the might and majesty of the Imperial family.
Edmonde is the head steward of the Fournius household.
An exclusive society for the richest and most influential people of the Empire. Merchants, priests, military officers, and other notables gather for grand galas—the Fournius Gala is one such example. Many powerful people openly wear the sign of membership: eight rings, one on each finger, made out of a metal that signifies their rank within the organization. Outside of their social gatherings, members often contribute to philanthropic causes.