The Whiteshock Citadel

Great Northwesterners

The **Whiteshock Citadel** is the capitol of the Great Northwest, a massive fortress built into and above the crescent of mountains known as the Silver Moon. It is the home of the silver Dragon-God Ester Pyx, as well as her brood and guild of followers called the Crusaders of the Sterling Serpent. Compared to the rest of the continent of Halintar, it's one of the largest and oldest cities still actively inhabited.

## Etymology

According to standard creation mythos amongst those who worship the Dragon-Gods, the home of Ester Pyx is said to have been one of the first "structures" ever made, as Pyx was the firstborn of the six and it's where she began building her home.

During the time of this creation, the territory was largely inhabited by dwarves, whom struck up an agreement to live cordially amongst the silver goddess and her children. Ester Pyx then "carved the mountainside with Her great power", creating the fertile valleys and canyons that surround her den. From there, the dragons and dwarves dug into the earth, building the first major city of Halintar.

It's assumed that it's present name, the "Whiteshock Citadel" is the result of a translation between the original Dwarven title and Common. However, after the Insurrection all use of the Dwarven language was banned, resulting in the original title being lost to time and known only by Pyx and particularly old dragons.

## Government

The government of the Great Northwest can be described as a Theological Autocracy in current day terms. Ester Pyx is seen in many sense as the supreme leader and any illusion of the government having true decision making power would be broken if Ester Pyx wills it. luckily enough, this doesn't appear to happen too often and also is seldom actually talked about in terms of controversy.

The government outside of Ester Pyxs influence is a Theological Republic. There are hundreds upon hundreds of different administrations that all "technically" are representatives of the Silver State; so many even the mighty Ester Pyx could be caught blindsides by the amount. Being elected to any administration that holds power is normally reserved to those who have contributed to the military efforts of the land in some way, those who haven't served do not get access to the bountiful resources of the electoral commission branch of the Crusaders. That being said, there are five divisions that end up primarily actuating all major decisions and actions through the day to day of Northwest.

### The Provincial Senate of the West

The Provincial Senate of the West; or the Senate, is comprised of over 600 individuals that assist in the passing of legislation. This legislation falls directly within the borders of all territories controlled by the Great Northwest primarily, and has less to do with the going ons of the Whiteshock citadel.

### Crusaders of the Sterling Serpent

(:see Crusaders of the Sterling Serpent)

Arguably the most influential group in the Whiteshock Citadel, the Crusaders are the fangs and talons of the Northwest, and focus primarily on the security of all citizenry within the her borders.

### The Glacies Jury

The Glacies Jury is the highest court of law, responsible with the one true interpretation of all legal cases brought towards her. The Glacies Jury is made up of 9 individuals from the 9 Noble Families of the Great Northwest.

### The Principality for the People of Whiteshock

An entity of 124 individuals (Some with overlapping duties) that create legislation for the Whiteshock Capital specifically.

### Cicero

A name that invokes fear in many, Cicero is a highly secretive group that works directly under Ester Pyx herself. Not much is known about what specifically they do, but it is allegedly related to the protection of information through any means necessary.

## Defenses

The Whiteshock Citadel has been called unconquerable by the world, being protected by three seperate layers of wall each guarded by powerful elementals and constructs produced by Dragon Mages, as well as highly skilled Crusaders. If one wall were to fall, all forces from that wall would then be added to the next layer, making it twice as difficult to take down. Even Tephras great explosive blast can not fully destroy the outer wall.

## Layout

The Whiteshock Citadels architecture is inspired by a fusion of Russia's Muscovite Era (1200s-1500s), and French Gothic Architecture. Large domed buildings with rough intricate arches. Large imposing arches, colorful blue buildings, stained glass fixtures, and imposing churches are seen on every corner, meticulously placed across the massive city. the City as well seems to build upon itself, as older eras and styles of architecture can be seen built around the city in rings, with the most recent style being within the center.

The Whiteshock Citadel is a complete nightmare to navigate for most outsiders. To the point that glitterati spies spend several years studying a small sector of the city before beginning their stay there.

## Trivia

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