[OOC] Gelerand Codex

[Paragon]

GELERAND

Map is still a rough draft and subject to change as the staff continue to make updates and improvements.

Gelerand, and land of innovation and the seat of Imperial politics. It is one of the most well developed and modernized of all dutchy within the Imperium. Here there are roads paved between major cities, and vehicles such as cars and motorcycles exist and are not uncommon sights. At the heart of the culture is the capital city of Gel'Grandal, home of Place of Spires and the Imperial family.

Capital City: Gel'Grandal
Ruling Faction: The Imperial Family
Current Emperor: Markus Abelard Fürsten

Capital City of Gel'Grandal
Gelerand Link Map


About the Imperium
All of the Dutchy within the Imperium share certain things in common. These include a general stance on magic, structure of their nobility, and of course the presence of the Imperial Legion and the Inquisition in varying degrees depending on the area. The entirety of the Imperium falls under the rules of the Imperial Mandates, and are bound by the will of the Emperor. Information on the Imperium as a whole is found in the wiki article: The Imperium

Information about individual Duchy will remain in the specific Duchy codex.

Gelerand “The Fatherland” - Seat of Imperial Government. Capital city is Gel’Grandal, which is most commonly just referred to as the Imperial City. Gothic Germanic themes. The heart of both the Imperial Legion and the Inquisition is located within the Imperial City, as well as the central hub for the sprawling Lorestone Communication Relay and the Imperial Academy of Arcane Science.

Tranal - The Duchy of Tranal. The oldest and most well established of the Imperial Provinces. It was the first neighboring kingdom that fell to the power of Gel’Grandal. The capital city is Allnacht. Gothic Germanic themes. They are most famous for the prowess as airmen, with a large portion of the Imperial Air Force concentrated in this province.

Dardouen - The Duchy of Dardouen. The wealthy province of Dardouen is renowned for its extravagance and intrigue. Capital city is Valensier. French themes. They are a central province with a considerable amount of arable, fertile soil. Dardouen is considered the "breadbasket" of the empire with a great deal of its goods being exported to other provinces and even other kingdoms.

Arlais - The Duchy of Arlais. The most recent annexation of the Imperium having only been in the empire for approximately 60 years. It is a rival of wealth and extravagance much like Dardouen and still holds some nationalistic pockets. Capital city is Rheimance. Because Arlais is one of the most recent annexations and due to bordering both the Kingdom of Atinaw and Sangen Federation, there is a heavy concentration of the Imperial Army in this province.



Climate and Geography


Trade and Commerce


Technology


Factions
The factions within Gelerand, most prominently in Gel'Grandal, are complex and intricate. Many are interlaced in complex ways, while others are adamantly against each other. There are those who do not align with any faction, but it is said one does not get far in the Fatherland without knowing the right people.

The Familes
The Families are an organized crime circuit that operates out of Gel'Grandal and has influence across the greater Grandal Region and even parts of the other regions of the Imperium as well. The Families tend to be well organized and connected with the heart of the city's politics, and even run several well-known establishments.

The Grim Family - The youngest family that operates mostly out of Trashtown. Their fronts tend to be blue-collar workshops, and they specialize in 'procurement' and intel.
The O'Grim Family - A family of Ogres led by Gresh Skull Crusher. They provide security for other Families and businesses.
The Fae'Noir Family - Led by Madam Nif'atae (Nif-ah-tee), the Fae'Noir Family runs many of the finest entertainment establishments in the city including the Valtrois School of Fine Arts.
The Thomas Family - Led by Liam Thomas, the Thomas Family deals in transportation and movement of goods in and around the region.
The Frane Family - Led by Alice Frane, they own many of the high-end restaurants in Southside and Wintergarten Circle.


Other Factions
There are more factions than just the ones listed here in this post. Those factions created by Players will be listed below. Factions in this list are specific to Gel'Grandal and the Grandal Region, and unless specifically noted do not extend outside of the region.

The House Creth - An old faction of Ghouls who have ties with the Progenitor of their race. They exist in secret beneath the Inquisition-sanctioned Mausoleum just to the East of Gel'Grandal. Their family owns a plot of land which is used as the burial ground for Gel'Grandal citizens, and their front is as caretakers that ensure the undead do not spawn to invade the city.

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[Paragon]

GEL'GRANDAL

The Imperial City. The Heart of the Imperium. Considered one of the busiest and grandest cities in the world, Gel’Grandal is the seat of the Imperial government and the height of all Imperial culture across the continent of Ailizane. Situated along the western coast of the empire and serving as the guiding light for the entirety of one of the world’s most powerful nations, Gel’Grandal or simple, Grandal to the natives, is a place where either one’s greatest dreams or worst nightmares come to pass. Here the common man can make a name for themselves and rise to become a star of Imperial politics or a pariah among the key players in all Imperial matters.

When most people think of the Imperial City it would be expected that they envision a sprawling metropolis that is focused on displaying the grandiosity of the empire. They are not mistaken in this expectation but it manifests in a way that many might not expect. Building outward from the Obelisk, the city expands from this colossal spire of solid black stone that is inscribed with markings that no scholar has been able to translate. Towering high into the skies, the black stone of the Obelisk reflects the world around it with a mirror-like shine. Just beyond it is the palatial fortress that serves as the source of the Imperial Mandate, the palace of the Emperor. The palace itself is not open to the public and only the most prominent individuals ever receive an invitation.

Around the plaza of the Obelisk are various buildings of importance to the empire overall. Extending in a circle, the roads leading away from the Obelisk form the primary streets from which all other roads in the Imperial City branch off of. There are several major districts across the Imperial City with the wealthiest of them located closer to the Obelisk. The further one goes from the Obelisk, the less prominent one’s place in society until they reach the Gash, a terrible jagged crack in the landscape where legend says that the Hellmaw was felled by the first Avialae created centuries ago. Beyond the Gash rest the locales frequented by more of the common folk who reside in the Imperial Capital and beyond those districts are some of the poor areas across the Kaven River. This has created a divide in the city where the wealthy and places of great prominence reside mostly in the southern half of the city and the less wealthy tend to extend toward the north until they cross the river.

The city itself is the epitome of mortal ingenuity. Skyscrapers of steel, glass, and magic rise high into the skies. Grand parks the incorporate the marvels of industry and arcane science dot the city. Skyships, steam and magic powered vehicles zoom across the skies and streets, creating a symphony of metropolitan noise at all hours of the day from sunrise to sunset. This is the city that never sleeps and most certainly never slows down. For if one thing is true, if you can make it in Gel’Grandal, you can make it anywhere.

The Imperial Plaza

Directly within the purview of the Obelisk, this is where the power and majesty of the empire are on full display without shame or reservation. The majority of the structures located directly within the shadow of the Obelisk are buildings that serve some sort of government functions. Several of these places are closed to the public but many of them see regular foot traffic.

The Obelisk - A symbol of both the Imperium and the might of the Emperor.
The Palace of Spires- Home of the Emperor and seat of the Kathar Legion sworn to His service.
Imperial Academy - The most prestigious learning institution in the entirety of the Imperium.
Central Bank of Gel’Grandal - Seat of the Guild of Coins in the Imperium and the largest bank.
The Grand Cathedral of Saint Aegan - Headquarters of the Imperial Inquisition, Seat of the presiding Hierophant.
Parliament - Consisting of the elected House of Commons and appointed House of Nobles, this is where the governance of the Heartland Province takes place and by extension, much of the Imperium in the Emperor’s name.
Grandal City Hall - Office of the Lord-Mayor of Gel’Grandal
Imperial Communication Relay Hub - The main station charged with maintaining the Imperial Communication Relay.
Grandal City Police Department Headquarters - Headquarters of the Imperial City Police.
Office of Imperial Revenue - Or the OIR. The government agency responsible for collecting taxes and auditing businesses.

The Southside

While the structure of the Imperial City sees that all roads extend outward in a circular pattern of rings from the Obelisk, the divide in the city is such that much of the wealthy congregate toward the southern half of Gel’Grandal. It is a place of extravagance and opulence. No expense is spared in showing off to those who walk these streets that this is where the premiere citizens of the entire Imperium make their home. Nobles, wealthy merchants, prominent politicians, and various notable figures across the Imperium scramble to buy lavish estates in this district. To do so means one has essentially made it for life. But for all of its grandiosity, not all is as it seems in the Southside of Gel’Grandal. Behind the extravagant parties, balls, and ostentatious displays of wealth stand many people who are on the verge of losing it all. That is because, to live the high life in the Imperial City is to live on the edge of either winning it all or losing everything.


Rosenholz Park - A garden park that serves as host to many public celebrations. It spans over 4 kilometers (2 miles) and 840 acres of land that is specifically cultivated to be a place of manufactured natural beauty in the city.
Valtrois School of Fine Arts - A prestigious school dedicated to the Fine Arts of Music, Dance, Theatre, and Visual Arts.
Gel’Grandal Public Transit - Public trolley station.
Eisenstadt International Airfield - Located on the northeastern part of the city, past much of the hustle and bustle is the Eisenstadt Airfield, the primary airport for the Imperial Capital. It is a busy place constantly filled with the comings and goings of airships both private and commercial.
House of Vanity Charm School - A newly established school that offers private tutoring and apprenticeships.

Wintergarten Circle

The most famous commerce district in all of the Imperium, this is the commercial hub of the capital city. From magnificent guild halls to establishments of incredible business, to set up shop in Wintergarten is to be guaranteed a golden ticket to success. As a result, businesses in this area tend to be fiercely competitive, often going out of their way to host many public events to attract customers. Below is a list of some of the notable locations found here and while not a comprehensive list, these are just a few that are frequented.

Wraeston’s - Named after its founder, Hubert Wraeston, this department store is one of the most successful in the empire, promising to always sell its wares at a bargain price.
Genevieve’s - Named after the titular celebrity sorceress, Genevieve’s is a jewelry and fashion company that specializes in luxury arcane accessories and goods.
Martique’s Salon - A beauty parlor and barber shop that only provides the most exclusive of services.
Rieger’s - A high class restaurant that typically caters to the rich and famous but also receives business from the common folk in droves.
The Engineerium - Renowned across the empire as a place to purchase vehicles of the highest caliber from steam propulsion to arcane, if it comes from the Engineerium, it is guaranteed to be high quality.
Hainiven Hotel - An upscale hotel that only offers the finest of services.
The Imperial State Building - A high-rise skyscraper that serves as the central office for a variety of Guilds involved in the daily affairs of Imperial life.
Fellerer’s Hall - The most famous performing arts theatre and concert hall in the Imperium.
Carina's Transcription Services - High level transcription services that range from simple to complex.

The Reichtum

Translating to roughly “the wealth” or some variation of a meaning that implies affluence and abundance, these are the homes and estates of the fabulously wealthy. The highest echelons of the city and indeed, the Imperium’s richest figures own lavish and sprawling estates within this district. Those who possess wealth but not quite to that degree, have a home in some of the luxury high-rise condominiums that are found in this sector.

The Northside

Stepping away from the lavish lifestyles of the wealthy, people who venture to the north of the Obelisk are invited to explore the section of the city that is closer to the common people. The further north one gets, the steeper the decline in apparent wealth and affluence. The two most definitive features of the Northside are that of the Gash and the Kaven River, which some attribute to being the primary reason that the rich and famous do not gravitate to this area. Life in the Northside can be a stark contrast to the high-life of the Southern half of the city. People here are largely of the working class and while many strive to find that big break that can get them either across the river or south of the Gash, it is a goal that most do not attain. It merely becomes the carrot dangled in front of them, always just out of reach.


Grünwald Park - Serving primarily as a farmer’s market, this location is where many common folk get their foodstuffs as farmers across the area cart their goods to this location.
The Imperial Battlebowl - Located just along the divide between what is the North and South of Gel’Grandal, this is the hosting grounds for the semi-final and final rounds of the Legion Games.

The Gash

A place that is heavily avoided by most people and one that is patrolled exclusively by the Kathar Legion. The Gash appears like a jagged wound that has been torn into the land. It leads to a deep cavernous space, the deepest reaches of which boil with molten rock with no apparent source. The Kathar Legion does not stop anyone from descending into the Gash. They are there to ensure that nothing unnatural escapes from it.

Teufelstor - The Devil Gate. The only location directly within the Gash that is perpetually manned by no less than 100 Kathar at all hours of every day. According to legend, this is the resting place of the Hellmaw. Passage through the gate is allowed only by leave of the Emperor.

Gesindelholm

Across the Kaven River stands the slums and shanty-towns of the Imperial City, a place most of the members of the city would like to pretend doesn’t exist. Collectively referred to as “Trashtown”, this is where the unfortunate, displaced, and disgraced members of the city’s populace gather. Poverty, crime, and danger litter the streets and slumlords, gang bosses, and other unscrupulous individuals operate far more openly here than anywhere else in the city.

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[Mirage]

GELERAND LINK MAP

Other Locations in Gelerand Dutchy

Cities
Population >50,000


Towns
Population > 5,000


Village
Population < 5000

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