Aldenor

## ALDENDOR - THE EXALTED CAPITAL

Aldenor is the center of the Exalted Realm’s empire, the seat of their government, and a thriving location for economy and trade. It is as modern a city as there are, and it is thriving with people. It has a population of 280,000 and acts as the hub of the North. Often the first place that most go to when visiting the Exalted Realm, Aldenor is rich is history and diverse in population, and is certainly full of opportunity and adventure, even within its own walls.

The face of Aldenor has changed greatly since the fall of the Three Fathers. It was once half the size, but upon the rebuilding, Aldenor built out and beyond its initial borders. The keep where Abigor ruled was destroyed, and in its place the Aldenheart tree was planted. The city grew rapidly, making room for new citizens and new opportunities. Aldenor is the place you want to be to seize potential and there seems to be something fresh and new going on everyday.

## DISTRICTS

EXALTED CITADEL - The center of politics and government in the Exalted Realm. This is where the Exalted Council meet, and also where ambassadors and guests are entertained in an official capacity. Security is extremely tight and getting through without being seen is a near impossible feat.

ALDENVIEW - Where the nobles and high society of Aldenor live. This district is upscale and filled with all the finer things in life. Diplomats, politicians, high class merchants, socialites, and famous heroes call this district home. Entrance to this district is highly regulated.

MILITARY DISTRICT - Where the army and guard of Aldenor and the Exalted Realm sits, where soldiers are housed, and where weapons and machinery are crafted for the protection of the realm. It also holds the The Root, Aldenor’s prison that exists entirely underground, holding both petty criminals and those who pose major threats to the realm.

ARTISAN & ARCANA DISTRICT - A large district where graduates of the Bronze Hand, merchants, and arcanists have their workshops and brick & mortar stores. A popular destination for those who are seeking intriguing items, wanting to sell that they have, or are interested in gathering information. The district is also known to hold less reputable stores and services where creation and magic is concerned.

CAT’S CRADLE - One of the busiest districts in the whole city, the Cat’s Cradle is a hub for travellers and adventurers, with many inns and taverns for hospitality, and various shops specifically geared towards those who wish to go beyond and in the wilds. One can also find various guildhalls here, including the Greencloaks, a guild of mercenaries for hire. Most of Aldenor’s middle class also take residence here.

ALDENHOME - the city center and where the Aldenheart is planted; a massive tree given to the city by the elves of Il’thray in the wake of the defeat of the Three Fathers. Surrounding the tree is a large park for citizens to frolic, and surrounding that are various universities, banks, trade schools, and cosmopolitan shopping centers. This is the most clearly the “tourist” area of the city. The Bronze Citadel also sits here, acting as the headquarters and institute of learning for the Bronze Hand.

COINWARD - A massive collection of shops, vendors, stalls, and mercantile practices. This is where most coin in Aldenor exchanges hands, and where the farmers surrounding the city come to sell the crop and livestock. There’s even a whole section for street food and culinary delights where citizens and visitors can explore both local and foreign foods.

THE COPPERPENNY - The poor district of Aldenor, but a tight knit and proud community. It has the reputation for being a center for black market trade and criminal activity, but those who live there do what they need to survive. It is rumored that the eyes and hands of Hemlock protect and look out for the occupants of the Copperpenny. Furthermore, it is not without its own enterprises, the entrance to the Undercroft (a large casino district beneath the city, within the underdark) is located in the Copperpenny, however the entrance is said to move constantly.

TEMPLE ROW - Where the center of faith and the gods sits in Aldenor. There are massive temples to the Holy Four, as well as temples and shrines to nearly every other god. Temples even oversee their own academies and gravesites here so that those of faith can have a place be put at rest.

THE ROUGE - A smaller district that houses much of Aldenor’s nightlife and adult entertainment. The district is vibrant and diverse, a near ghost town in the day but alive with life, laughter, and merriment at night, illuminated by thousands of red paper lanterns strung from building to building. Aldenor’s infamous cabaret, known throughout all of Cirine, the Grin and Bare It, is also located here.

THE SPRAWL - When the halflings left Redcrest, seeking new opportunities and to get away from the legacy of Agares, many settled in Aldenor, and naturally formed a small community, no pun intended. It was a home away from home, and soon became an experimental urban farming and scientific community. The homes here are markedly unique, with entire gardens on the roofs, and fruits and vegetables that have been manipulated and change with magic.

THE SCAR - A walled off portion of the city that once houses Abigor’s army and undead creations. After his defeat, Manus Populi cleared out his forces, but the district was so corrupted and blighted that they decided to hallow the grounds and wall it off. Attempts have been made in the past to build over it, but memories hold heavy. Entrance into the area is forbidden, and a wall of force keeps all out. The wall that surrounds it is made from obsidian, and inscribed across it are the names of victims and those who died both in the War of Awakening and the reign of the Three Fathers.

THE UNDERCROFT - Beneath to city, carved from a cave system is the Undercroft. It was once use to smuggle goods to the black market, but has since evolved. It is now a thriving casino and hub for black market trade. It is illuminated solely by luminous mushrooms in all sorts of shades, casting brilliant colored light everywhere. This casino is owned and operated by the Under King, a crime lord of Aldenor with a feisty reputation.