Sacris

Sacris, the Holy City of the Imperium, the Thrice-City, is the capital of both Aldan and the Gallian Commonwealth. It is an ancient city, with roots in the distant pre-human period. The foundations of the city were built by the dwarves. Then, the city was named Talamon, and it was the seat of Tir Urdun. At the end of the Night Wars, Talamon was conquered by the Azlan, who renamed the city Vathram and installed new rulers. When Irud defeated the Azlan and seized Vathram it was again renamed as Sacris. 
The city lies in the foothills of Mount Haru, the White Mountain, where the imperial necropolis sprawls. Some of the greatest emperors even have their images carved into the side of the mountain. The River Anahi flows from Mount Haru, and Sacris is built along this river. Sacris is a vast city, layered upon centuries of rubble and ruin. Massive structures, expanded over the ages, dominate the city and serve as landmarks. The emperor is housed in the Lotus Palace, whereas the huge, domed Chamber of Bells hosts the Senate. There are many other important locations: the Bent Tower, where the Loom Priests spin the Silk Prophecies. The Brass Tower, of mysterious origin. The College of Keepers, also called Imperial College. Stone Emperor Garden, which contains the petrified, tree-like form of prophesying Emperor Cayav II (r. 243-248). The Dreaming Oak that grew from the body of Emperor Kendus the Green (r. 606 - 634) was also transplanted here. The Tomb of Martyrs, which contains the bodies of fallen triarii as well as the famed Ivory Tree, formed from the living bones of Irud's companions. The Mother Groves, located just outside the city and containing the sacred trees of dryads pledged to protect Sacris. The Pillar of Chains, from which massive sea chains can be lashed to the neighboring Column of Victory, which also serves as a lighthouse. The Garden of Marvels, which holds many strange creatures and plants from across the cosmos. The Ruby Cenotaph, built from red stone mined from the Fire Moon. And these wonders are those aboveground, for Sacris has extensive catacombs and tunnels, dating from the time of the dwarves and delving into the very depths of Erebus. Each of the Gallian Legions has its banner hall in Sacris, where the histories of a legion's victories and defeats is kept, and its standard stored until taken forth in war. Temples to every god can be found in Sacris, though perhaps the most magnificent is the grand fane raised to Sol, the Empress Sun and patroness of the empire. The Red Dome of Sol is built over the Crownfire, the holy flames that all aspiring emperors must step through to be confirmed to the Silver Throne.
Category:Cities