Althea Prone

**Althea Prone** is the capital and largest city of the Kingdom of Althea in the continent of Venthalia on the planet Daunt. Boasting a population of over 350,000, the city is a bustling harbor metropolis with a rich history that spans over a millennium. The city is well known for its magnificent colossal castle situated atop a hill at the heart of the city, which serves as the residence of Queen Leonora II of House Sylis. Althea Prone is a key center of trade, culture, and politics in Venthalia, and its strategic location on the coast makes it an essential maritime hub.

## History

Althea Prone, a city steeped in history and intrigue, was founded over 1,000 years ago during the Venthian Era. Named after the legendary Althion, Ventus' Great Lion, the city was originally established as a grand castle and garrison. Ventus, known for his ambition and ruthlessness, began the transformation of his landing site with grand plans. His vision for a powerful and mighty castle required an impressive display of architecture and grandeur. In order to achieve this, the Conqueror resorted to the use of slave labor, forcing thousands of orcs into servitude. These enslaved orcs, who were captured from the local mountains, were responsible for the construction of the city's infrastructure and monuments. It wasn't until the rise of the Sentus Dynasty that Althea Prone truly began to grow and thrive. The most iconic structure built during this time was the Althea Prone Castle. Its construction required an immense amount of labor and resources, including massive stone bricks that had to be transported from distant quarries. To facilitate this, the orc slaves were forced to drag the colossal stones along a path that would later be known to historians as the "Trail of Toil". This arduous and grueling task led to the suffering and death of countless orcs.

Over time, the Trail of Toil became the foundation for the main road avenue that now runs directly from the harbor to the castle. This avenue, lined with impressive buildings and bustling markets, stands as a testament to the city's enduring legacy but also as a painful reminder of its dark past. The city has played a significant role in the Kingdom's history, serving as the capital and administrative center for multiple dynasties, including the Sentus Dynasty, the Kirt Dynasty, and the current Sylis Dynasty.

## Geography

Nestled between the lush green hills and the sparkling waters of the Sentus Sea, Althea Prone's picturesque geography is as diverse as its people. The city's outskirts give way to verdant rainforests, fertile farmlands, and serene meadows, providing the perfect environment for agriculture and the cultivation of local flora. The abundance of natural resources in the region has allowed Althea Prone to become a center of prosperity and self-sufficiency, sustaining its people while also contributing to the greater economy of Venthalia. The city's architecture is a unique blend of styles and influences, reflecting the rich history and cultural heritage of Althea Prone. Majestic palaces and grand temples stand side by side with more modest dwellings and bustling marketplaces, embodying the spirit of unity and cooperation that defines the city. The ancient walls that surround Althea Prone serve as a reminder of its storied past, while the more modern districts showcase innovation and progress. Althea Prone is crisscrossed by a series of elevated aqueducts and waterways, creating a network of fresh mountain spring water for the city. The azure waters of these canals mirror the hues of the Sentus Sea, providing a tranquil backdrop to the bustling metropolis from atop the highest spires of the city. The city's numerous bridges, aqueducts, and bayside promenades offer breathtaking views of the cityscape, as well as opportunities for leisurely strolls. The city's green spaces are plentiful and well-tended in the upper-class districts, with public parks and gardens providing a refuge from the urban hustle and bustle. These oases of tranquility are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, fostering a strong connection between the city's inhabitants and the natural world. These green spaces also serve as important gathering points for the people of Althea Prone, hosting festivals, celebrations, and other events that bring the community together. Althea Prone is home to a variety of races, including Humans, Dwarves, Elves, Orcs, Baagians, Gnomes, Dragonborn, and Tieflings. While most of the city lives in poverty, the city overall has a large wealthy ruling class, and overall has among the highest quality of life of any Venthalian city. The city's inhabitants are known for their loyalty to the Kingdom of Althea and its monarch, Queen Leonora II. The city is designed as a series of ring shaped districts separated by wide avenues that descend away from the Castle, with the seat of the Crown remaining at the center of the city. In order from the center, there lies the Royal District, Noble District, Merchant District, and the Commoners District. On the outskirts lies the Royal Harbor, the farmlands, and Shtic Corprius, a former holy site and the site of Ventus' Tomb. Once separate from Althea Prone, the former holy pilgrimage site now serves as an impoverished district of crime and delinquency on the northern edge of the metropolis.

## Landmarks

* The Castle at Althea Prone: The most iconic landmark of Althea Prone, the colossal castle is an architectural marvel that has stood for over a millenia. The castle serves as the royal residence of Queen Leonora II and is a symbol of the Kingdom's power and prestige.
* Royal Harbor: The Royal Harbor is a bustling port that facilitates trade and travel in and out of Althea Prone. It is home to the Kingdom's naval forces and the T&K Co fleet, making it a center of maritime activity.
* The Round Market: The Round Market is a massive plaza, at the halfway point between the Harbor and the Castle, serving as a crossroads for the Ring Road that circumnavigates the Commoners Districts. The plaza features the largest statue of Venus in Venthalis, and is always a lively commercial hub where merchants and traders from all over Venthalia come to buy and sell goods. It is a melting pot of cultures and a testament to the city's thriving economy.
* Temple of Od: This massive ancient temple is dedicated to the worship of Od, the King of the Gods in the Royish Pantheon. Once a site of pilgrimage for many Venthalians, who come to pay homage and seek blessings, is now abandoned, only inhabited by derelicts and transients.
* The Pit: The enigmatic "Pit" is a legendary multi purpose fighting arena, tavern, and gambling hall. The Pit features fighters from across Venthalia and Daunt, and features many fighting sports, including Boxing, Wrestling, Martial Arts, as well as blood sports such as gladiator style fights to the death and other duels. The exact location of the Pit in the city is unknown, as only those invited may attend its audience.