Heaton

## Summary

Heaton exists as a massive cityscape protected by large stone walls that have stood strong for centuries. Existing as a trading hub between a number of other kingdoms, you are liable to find anything you could desire in Heaton, for the right price. Though often seen as a bright and wonderful place, the city has a thriving criminal underbelly. Thieves are common and often make their escape and refuge within the labyrinth of Heatons sewer system (another staple of the city, working plumbing). Nevertheless, Heaton still holds reputation as a place for marketing, food, sex, and culture.

## History

The lands around Heaton once were occupied by many human tribes that would constantly butt heads over the resources of the land until the leader of the largest tribe, Titus the Mighty, would begin a historical event known as the Fiery Scourge. This was a long campaign of Titus either convincing other tribes to join him through show of force, or wiping them out. The scourge would finally end during the reign of his son, Titus II.

The now unified tribes of the scourge would settle near a great river, finding more resources then they knew what to do with. As such the tribe would grow and grow and over time they would build a massive city of stone. Naming it Heaton in reference to the Fiery Scourge.

While the past leaders have not been forgotten, the position was eventually dissolved in favor of the Council of Merchants. A member of Titus’ family has always managed to keep a seat on the council, so the legacy has not yet died.

## Council of Merchants

While it is specifically called the Council of Merchants, there are seats reserved for the Commander of the Legion and the Grand Magister of the Collegium as both individuals are of high importance to the city. Excluding the Grand Magister, every other member of the council lives in the noble district of Hightown. Whereas the Grand Magister either lives in the Collegium or in the Starlight District.

The councils duties are fairly simple: protect the city, govern the people, keep the economy stable. Mandates have been set when the first council was formed as a means to prevent any council member from abusing their power. These mandates are enforced by the highly disciplined Vigil Praetorians, an organization established by the last descendant of Titus before the council was officially in power.

## City Districts

### Council Building

A large stone structure where the council governs the city. It is here where they keep all original historical records, revered artifacts, and the city's wealth. Guarded 24/7 by the Praetorians, no one has successfully infiltrated the council building and lived.

### Hightown

A district occupied by the nobility of Heaton, very clean with fine art, food, and music filling the streets. Protected by Legion guards following the orders of Praetorian Commanders, it's easy to feel safe in Hightown.

### Cultural District

Similar in many ways to Hightown, minus the presence of the Praetorians, the Cultural district holds various art shops and theaters. The district itself is also decorated with the statues of Heaton Heroes and murals that depict the many legends on the land.

### Legion Academy and Barracks

In order for any citizen to join the Legion, they must first attend Legion Academy for their training and necessary education. Heaton warriors and very disciplined and trained to never give up until their last breath. Any active Legion soldiers are assigned to live in the Barracks until they are granted leave.

### Midtown

Midtown is the district where most of the middle class citizens live. They either work in the markets, docks, or take work outside the city as travelling merchants.

### Collegium

One of the more important locations in Heaton, the Collegium is a place of knowledge and teaching. People come from all over to receive a higher education from the Magisters, or if they have the aptitude, receive training in the arts of magic.

### Starlight District

Adjacent to the Collegium, the Starlight District is often where mage and scholar families take refuge, for no other reason than the fact that it's right next to the Collegium.

### Northern and Oldtown Markets

Both districts are nearly similar to one another; they both occupy the space around the main gates of the city and hold many markets, shops, guild locations and brothels. Most people who visit Heaton don't venture far beyond either district as most come to the city just for what they have to offer.

### Oldtown

While there is nothing too special about Oldtown, it does exist as the very first district of Heaton. Most people who live here either work at the Oldtown Markets or the South Docks.

### North and South Docks

Both locations serve as the primary import and export locations for any merchant or cargo ships travelling in and out of Heaton. Any ship that comes and goes and coordinates through the bulwark to make sure there are no crashes or invasions. Any ship that attempts an unauthorized entry can be forcefully boarded or fired at depending on their actions.

### The Warrens and Sewers

The Warrens are a district that has fallen in disrepair. Poverty, begging, and petty thievery are common in this district. Most who live here struggle to make ends meet as simple dock hands at the North Docks, but are underpaid compared to the more experienced dock workers.

The sewers technically span all over the city and end off in the river, a labyrinth that thieves abuse regularly. Some even have secret hideaways deep within the more ancient sections of the underground tunnels. Rumor has it some of the older tunnels have secret paths in and out of the city.

## City Structure

The entire city of Heaton is encompassed by a set of massive stone walls that end with the bulwarks build in the Goldspring River. Each district is built on top of a large stone platforms and within these platforms is the labyrinth of sewer tunnels. These tunnels end at the drainage ducts that then drain the sewage into the Goldspring River. These ducts separate each district, though the district platforms remain connected via stone bridges,

## Religion

The people of Heaton don’t believe in the gods as those who live in Atheria.  Even if one was able to prove the existence of those gods, the Heaton people would commonly refuse to kneel to them. The people of Heaton have a strong opinion that the gods are unworthy of worship for they did not bleed for the people of Heaton.

Instead of worshipping deities, the people of Heaton honor legendary individuals that have bled and died for the betterment of Heaton and its people. Upon their death, these individuals are granted title of Sanctus, a title that holds great weight in their culture. Any citizen of Heaton will scoff and ignore any holy preaching of the gods, but when a Sanctus is discussed they are fully willing to listen.

A Sanctus is a historical figure that gave everything that they were for Heaton and its people, and they are remembered for their deeds and what they represent.

The following is a list of all Sanctus in Heatons history:

### Titus the King

Titus was the first king of the people that would later become the citizens of Heaton. His death on the battlefields of the Fiery Scourge is forever remembered, and he was honored by being the first Sanctus in history. A symbol of order, unity, and war.

### Xios the Magister

Xios, born Alexios, was one of the most powerful mages in history and one of the Collegiums founding members. Through his knowledge of magic he was capable of doing a great many things, including extending his age to 250. It is likely he would of aged far longer then that if not for his death, which occured in his successful defense against a powerful lich that once threatened the lives of Heaton. Xios represents wisdom, knowledge, and an academic approach to magic.

### Rhea the Forsaken

While not one of those you will see openly worshipped in the public of Heaton, Rhea was a master thief during one of Heatons high points of wealth, she would steal from only the wealthy and give to those who were in dire need. The only thief in Heaton history known to get into the council building’s treasury vault. She was unable to escape after getting in and thus for her crimes she was publicly executed. Over time she would be looked to as a patron god of thieves, bringing upon ideas of stealth, wealth, and charity.

### Lydia the Magissa

In Heaton, a Magissa (or witch) is a powerful mage that learned magic outside of the Collegium, often looked down upon by the Magisters. As such the Magisters would try to enforce strict rules of magic. Lydia would consistently use magic in very selfish ways, including the act of permanent transformation into a hermaphrodite so that she may have sex with any partner any way she wants. She met her end during a festival she conducted for the people when the now Heretic Magisters conspired against her, poisoning her chalice of wine. She joined the pantheon that day as a lady of sex, wine, and Magissa Artis (Witchcraft).