Mittagard

## Sentinel of the East

With strong and high walls, and giant statues of knights keeping watch, the capital city of the Moirai Empire stands as a refuge and beacon amidst a sea of emerald plains and craggy, defiant cliffs.

Part natural cliff-face, part manmade construction, the city known as the Sentinel of the East sits in a highly strategic and prosperous location on the Eastern Continent. All roads lead to Mittagard and all roads can seemingly be defended by the keepers of the land.

The mighty Brimsevain River, the largest and longest on the Eastern Continent, sits close to Mittagard and provides trade, travel, and once out to sea, naval dominance.

### History of Mittagard

The capital was built upon the modest riverside port town that originally settled on the Brimsevain centuries ago of the same name. Moreso a "sister town" to the neighboring Kalmmenburg for generations as the two remained rather humble in their growth and ambitions. It wouldn't be until Odin began his conquest of the Eastern Continent that Mittagard would be claimed by the king for its strategic location and thusly changed into the capital of the Moirai Empire.

The town of Mittagard had been initially ruled by a smaller tier gentry house with the surname of Wella. Today the remnants of the house now serve in a city mayoral position with the title of baron/ess after Odin usurped their control. The title and role is largely useless in the grand scheme of local Mittagard politics however, and especially so on an empire level.

Conquest of Mittagard went largely uncontested. The town had been dealing with constant skirmishes and raids from neighboring tribes of goblins in the foothills as well as rising conflict with its sister town of Kalmmenburg. Odin came in with the promise of safety and improved defenses under one banner and the promise was readily accepted in exchange of the town's long standing independence.

### Commerce

Large amounts of trade flow in and out of the capital naturally because of its size and importance as a location in the empire. Originally, Mittagard focused on river fishing, claywork pottery, and masonry. These three industries still have considerable history within the capital, but, aren't so heavily relied on anymore compared to the past. If anything, Mittagard's main "export" these days is the Moirai Army and all of the logistics that entails.

### Religion

The Celestial religion plays heavily in the politics and influence over commoners and gentry alike within the city--not to mention the empire as a whole. Orthodox Celestial is the main religion of the Moirai Empire and what has the biggest foothold in Mittagard. In fact, the religion has laid claim to an entire district: *Celestigarten*. Churches large and small of the Celestial variety can be found all over the city, however.

### Military

It is only natural that Mittagard, as the capital, houses a majority of the Moirai Army and is homebase to the Moirai Order. The military and defense district of the city, *Ehrenburg*, is the largest district in the city even compared to the imperial core or religious Celestigarten. Most of the city's workers and able-bodied know Ehrenburg well and contribute to its size. After taking the town, the military district was the first to be built under decree of Odin's command.

The capital is perhaps the most fortified of the cities found on Gaia to date--including natural, non-magic, and magic defenses interwoven with one another. Sophisticated siege engines call Mittagard home and the Siege Engineers of Moirai is a highly prestigious unit within the Army. One prestigious unit of several. Others include the Knights Dragoon, The Ravagers, Order of the Aegis, Hussars of Moirai, The Moirai Intelligencers, and more.

### Culture

Mittagard's cultural traditions and way of thinking has remained mostly untouched throughout the years surprisingly. The added layer of Moirai pride, and a militaristic slant in expansion, is quite prevalent of course. The people are also still quite devout in their Celestial worship as the Eastern Continent has always seemingly been deeply entrenched in the faith.

A more negative aspect related to culture and mindset is the paranoia or general distrust of non-human races within the city. The Moirai Empire is predominately mortal human inhabitants, along with a modestly sized group of Dwarven peoples scattered throughout. Though native to the Eastern Continent just like humans, Dwarves still face scrutiny.

## Districts of the City

### ***Imperial Square***

The political and administrative heart of the city, where the imperial palace and government offices are located. It houses the ruling class, nobility, and the administrative elite. Grand halls and monuments symbolize the power and authority of the empire.

#### *Areas of Interest*

* **Caer Mydir:** The focal point of the capital, as it is the stronghold of the Moirai Order and King Odin. It almost operates as a small-scale city within the capital because of its labyrinthian causeways and network of towers, all with their specific functions and staff.

* **Visir's Seat:** An area dedicated to knowledge and wisdom related to the empire and the ‘state of the realm’. Visir's Seat features various halls that house storytellers and scholars alike.

* **Crownwatch Tower:** A prominent watchtower standing tall within the government administrative center. Crownwatch Tower serves as a symbol of the city's vigilant governance and houses skilled watchmen responsible for maintaining order and security.

* **Witan Council Chambers:** The chambers where the city's witan, a council of advisors and nobles, convenes to deliberate on matters of governance. In particular, the chamberhall is known locally as the Hall of Eberhon.

* **Court of the Exchequer:** A courtyard where financial matters, taxes, and economic policies are discussed and decided upon. The Court of the Exchequer is adorned with stone benches and statues representing prosperity and sound fiscal management. The Imperial Mint is located here which is responsible for minting Empyrean currency, the gilder.

* **Herald's Hall:** A hall dedicated to heraldry, where coats of arms, banners, and official insignia are designed and maintained. The Herald's Hall also serves as a space for ceremonies and official proclamations.

* **Belfry Commons:** A commons area where the city's bellringers and town criers gather to relay important announcements and news to the public. The Belfry Commons features a central bell tower, from which various tunes and signals are played.

### ***Ehrenburg***

A dedicated military district where soldiers train, armories are located, and military strategy is planned. Ehrenburg features sturdy stone walls, watchtowers, and disciplined training grounds.

#### *Areas of Interest*

* **Silversteel Foundry:** A street lined with workshops specializing in crafting swords and other weapons. Forges emitting the rhythmic clanging of hammers on metal. Each shop proudly displays a unique quillion symbol.

* **Yeoman's Quarter:** Barracks and housing for the city's military personnel, designed with practicality and functionality in mind. The quarters reflect residential quarters with a focus on order and regiments, providing a sense of camaraderie among the soldiers.

* **Neith's Reach:** A prominent training ground within the military district, where recruits hone their skills under the watchful eyes of seasoned instructors. The area is surrounded by towering stone walls adorned with banners depicting heroic deeds and featuring training yards for archery, swordsmanship, mounted combat, beastmasters, siege engineers, and more.

* **Griffin's Roost:** A perch for the city's aerial defenders, featuring a large aviary and training grounds for the falconers and archers responsible for handling and training griffins and wyverns.

* **Astral Arcanum:** A secluded area where arcane scholars and enchanters conduct magical research to enhance the city's defenses. The Astral Arcanum is known for its shimmering enchantments, glowing runes, and floating orbs that assist in divination and protective spells.

* **Celestial Bastion:** A towering bastion infused with celestial magic, dedicated to warding off otherworldly threats. The Celestial Bastion features ethereal lights, celestial symbols, and an observatory where seers and astrologers monitor celestial movements for signs of impending danger.

* **Sable Wing Aerie:** An elevated vantage point where magical ravens and other enchanted creatures serve as messengers and scouts. The Sable Wing Aerie provides a unique form of aerial reconnaissance, allowing the empire to gather intelligence from above.

* **Shroudweaver's Repository:** A secure archive where sensitive information, magical artifacts, and intelligence reports are stored. The Shroudweaver's Repository is protected by powerful wards and spells, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the valuable knowledge within.

### ***Celestigarten***

A serene garden where sculptures and depictions of celestial beings, angels, and divine messengers are placed. The garden provides a tranquil space for reflection and meditation, combining elements of cloister gardens with Celestial symbolism. The main landmark at the heart of the district is the cathedral Edifice of Celesti.

#### *Areas of Interest*

* **Edifice of Celesti:** The Moirai Empire aligns itself as Orthodox Celestial in their faith, with their patron deity of course being Moirai. As the name suggests, they have staunch beliefs amongst the spectrum of the Celestial religion and a rigid hierarchy within the church that adheres to age-old traditions. Because of this, and that it is the capital of the empire, there stands the massive and impressive cathedral dedicated to the faith. Crowned Edifice of Celesti officially, this grand church sees thousands of patrons daily both from the local populace and from those traveling on pilgrimage across Gaia to this sacred landmark.

* **Temple of Moirai:** The second-largest church found in the Celestigarten, after only the Edifice of Celesti itself. The temple is entirely dedicated to the Throne of Fate and the empire's patron deity. Truly devout will find an intricate and beautifully crafted temple with dozens of stained glass windows depicting Moirai and her myriad of stories in religious texts. The temple also has its own monastic order that operates within the confines of Orthodox Celestial.

* **Nebelhain:** A Celesti-themed garden where worshippers can find solace and commune with nature. Nebelhain is filled with vibrant flowers, ethereal lights, and celestial sculptures, creating a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere. It encompasses several blocks within the district.

* **Astrale Oratorium:** A sacred oratory where hymns and chants resonate. The Astrale Oratorium features acoustics designed to amplify sounds, creating an immersive and transcendent experience for worshippers engaged in their devotions.

* **Sæhrímnir Gagnrýni:** An outdoor amphitheater where religious performances, rituals, and holy days take place. Sæhrímnir Gagnrýni features a stage adorned with Celesti symbols and offers a space for communal celebrations and spiritual expression.

### ***Marketshire***

A bustling commercial district. Marketshire is filled with timber-framed buildings, market stalls, and guild halls. The locals engage in trade, and the district has a vibrant atmosphere with street performers and the cries of merchants.

#### *Areas of Interest*

* **Gildenmarkt:** A market square where guilds showcase their craftsmanship. Gildenmarkt features stalls dedicated to blacksmithing, woodworking, and other artisanal trades, creating a diverse and skilled marketplace.

* **Runenmarkt:** A vibrant marketplace specializing in magical artifacts, runic inscriptions, and mystical goods. Skilled runemasters offer their services, and the district is a hub for those interested in the mystical arts.

* **Jundalph's Court:** This area is a network of narrow streets with timber-framed buildings housing shops and inns. The district is known for its textile merchants, spice traders, and fine craftsmanship.

### ***Craftsbridge***

This district surrounds the castle walls and is home to skilled artisans and craftsmen. The buildings feature Kalm-style architecture, with narrow cobblestone streets lined with workshops producing high-quality goods. Guilds play a significant role in maintaining craftsmanship standards.

#### *Areas of Interest*

* **Eisenwerk Square:** A square dominated by blacksmiths and metalworkers specializing in more everyday needs for commoners and gentry alike.

* **Tinkers' Thoroughfare:** A busy street lined with stalls and workshops where tinkers, cobblers, and craftsmen specializing in small wares reside.

* **Steinmetz Guildhall:** A guildhall dedicated to stonecutters and sculptors.

* **Lehmer Guildhall:** A guildhall dedicated to clay works and pottery making.

### ***Hǫfn's Quay***

A maritime district settled right on the shores of the Brimsevain River. Hǫfn's Quay boasts sturdy ships, docks, and warehouses. Sailors, traders, and fishermen frequent the taverns along the waterfront, creating a lively atmosphere.

#### *Areas of Interest*

* **Drakkar Dockyard:** A dockyard known for its shipbuilders, seafaring merchants, and the presence of longships and trading vessels.

* **Wasserbär Inn:** A riverside inn named after the mythical wasserbär (water bear), where travelers and sailors enjoy a cozy atmosphere and local river delicacies.

* **Tidemender Apothecary:** An apothecary specializing in remedies for ailments common to sailors and river travelers, offering potions and salves to mend wounds and soothe maladies.

* **Streamforged Shipyards:** Renowned shipyards where skilled craftsmen forge river vessels with expertise, utilizing traditional techniques handed down through generations.

* **Torgrúna Square:** A bustling square where fishermen gather to sell fresh catches, and locals enjoy the daily offerings. The Square is a key aspect of the district's commerce.

### ***Altstadt***

The upper class district of the city, where architecture and cobblestone streets evoke the city's past. The district is home to ancient churches, museums, and monuments. It serves as a reminder of the city's rich (preserved) history and cultural heritage as well as featuring elaborate manor houses of the empire's gentry.

#### *Areas of Interest*

* **Manorvue Court:** An enclosed court surrounded by towering manors, serving as a prestigious address for those seeking privacy and elevated living standards.

* **Sovereign's Crest:** A regal district marked by residences adorned with distinctive crests, serving as a testament to the affluence and influence of its inhabitants.

* **Gullmǫrs Leið:** A charming lane lined with opulent townhouses, where wealthy merchants and dignitaries enjoy a refined and exclusive residential setting.

### ***Unterstadt***

A densely populated district where the working class and poorer citizens reside. Narrow alleys, crowded tenements, and markets characterize the area. Despite its challenges, Unterstadt is vibrant and filled with life, featuring street performers, bustling markets, and communal gathering spaces.

#### *Areas of Interest*

* **Lavak's Lane:** A lower neighborhood with compact timber dwellings. Lavak's Lane is a bustling area with narrow paths, communal hearths, and vibrant markets. The district embodies the resilience and solidarity of the common folk.

* **The Crags:** Within the Unterstadt came to be found a district within a district–in this case, this is the vast neighborhood that is almost all Dwarven.

## Notable Areas Near Mittagard

### ***Sjómenn's Hǫf***

Though not quite its own town and considered more so an extension of Mittagard itself, this is the main seaside port located at the crossroads of the sea and Brimsevain. It is a town largely revolved around the prominent ports and shipyards and acts as a 'watch tower' of comings and goings that arrive by sea into Mittagard.

### ***Fornburg***

An agricultural town right outside the walls of Mittagard. Their main crop being grain, which is exported all over the empire and Empyrean alike.

### ***Gardhr's Glade***

An area of natural beauty with lush greenery, it is considered a sacred site.

### ***Falkenhorst***

Another small town located near the fringes of Mittagard's reach. This hamlet is focused on falconry and old hunting traditions. Skilled falconers and hunters reside here, and the town hosts falconry competitions and hunting festivals annually. It is also well-known for its generational families of griffin and wyvern handlers who supply the Moirai Army.

## Misc. Notes

* Mittagard is primarily influenced by real-life medieval European cities of Aachen (Germany) and Lincoln (England), and various Norse cultural influences mixed in.
* Other influences from other fictional works include Gondor and Novigrad.
* Mittagard is the throughline equivalent of Midgar and is in fact within the same area Midgar will be built 2,000+ years later. Remnants of its naming conventions would go on to be utilized in the town that would later be usurped by Shinra and eventually turn into the mega-metropolis of Gaia.