Difference between revisions of "Elten"
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==History== | ==History== | ||
Elten was founded | Dalar have lived in the vicinity of modern-day Elten for thousands of years, first as one of many camps for nomadic fisherdalar and then as a neutral meeting ground for trade between inland dalar and coastal dalar. The first long-term settlement was founded approximately 2200 years ago, when [[Dengel]] ordered the construction of a permanent military camp as part of the [[Garsenian Confederation]]'s expansion to the southern coast of [[Alpa]]. When Garsen and <north country> split following the [[Ahčān Revolution]], the small military fort rapidly grew into a city, filled with refugees or dissenters from the north. | ||
While always acknowledged as a good port, it was only after the establishment of transoceanic trade routes that Elten's true value became clear. Within a decade, the noble houses of Elten controlled half the trade in Garsen and even more of it in <north country>. With their newfound influence came a newfound desire for independence, and for many years, Elten functioned as semi-independent--formally claimed by Garsen, but rarely actually ruled by it. As a result, it became a haven for foreigners unwelcome in much of dalar-controlled Alpa, embracing international connections and supplying all sides of the many local civil conflicts, but simultaneously became the target of all other factions in the region, struggling for control. With the unification of Sanmra in <some year, probably 400-ish years ago>, and with the agreement that local leadership would wield major influence over the unification government, Elten formally became Sanmra's capital, yet again serving its historical function as a neutral place not unduly privileging any single region of Sanmra. | |||
(except for Elten itself, of course...) | |||
==Geography== | ==Geography== | ||
| Line 115: | Line 119: | ||
==Cityscape== | ==Cityscape== | ||
<!-- If it is for a city, you can include here various categories such as "Prominent buildings", "Parks", "Streets and squares", "Bridges", etc. --> | <!-- If it is for a city, you can include here various categories such as "Prominent buildings", "Parks", "Streets and squares", "Bridges", etc. --> | ||
Elten | Elten can be roughly divided into four sections: the three rings (located southwest of the Dera River) and North of the River (located, unsurprisingly, along the northeast bank of the Dera River). | ||
The oldest part of the city lies on either side of the mouth of the river, though mostly on the western bank. In time, this developed into a port and commercial district, with wealthier families moving to more desirable locations farther up the river; later, when Elten began to develop as a seat of government, government buildings were also built in this area. This section became known as the Inner Ring, surrounded by the Middle Ring of "ordinary" residences and small businesses, with the Outer Ring of commerce, industry, and the poor. Historically, separation between the rings was strictly regimented, with laws determining what social classes, occupations, or families could reside in each ring, with walls dividing the city. In the modern age, the borders are much more porous; the physical barriers have been replaced by major thoroughfares. In contrast, North of the River is a recent development, expanding only within the past few hundred years. | |||
The | |||
===Inner Ring=== | |||
The inner or central ring is the heart of the city, containing the majority of government buildings as well as the homes of many prominent families, who claim to have continuously inhabited the area for 1500 years or more. Commercial and industrial building is entirely disallowed, and new construction is heavily limited. As a result, much of the area is lightly developed, with the oldest and most elaborate architecture in the city. One of the oldest is the [[Aliseta ni Sadilan]] (the capitol building), which was first constructed over 800 years ago for the use of the local trade council, although it was extensively added on to in later centuries. | |||
Most prominant Sanmran families maintain at least a nominal residence or office in the Inner Ring. To accommodate the large number of government officials and representatives who live in the area on a temporary basis, a number of boarding houses are maintained by the city council near the fringes of the ring. | |||
===Middle Ring=== | ===Middle Ring=== | ||
The middle ring | The middle ring is the most densely-populated part of the city, primarily residential but also the location of most schools and temples. Originally the domain of skilled craftsdalar and wealthy non-nobles, it became the primary residential area of the city after a proclamation banned most production and industry from the city proper. The movement of those operations beyond the city walls led to what is today known as the Outer Ring, with an influx of working class dalar moving into the Middle Ring. While the buildings here are not as old as those in the Inner Ring, thanks to centuries of development and the occasional fire, many modern buildings are built on old foundations. Wood buildings are rare even today, a legacy of city fires throughout history, but modern steel construction is rare as well. In much of the city, buildings are a maximum of five or six stories tall, constructed of stone and brick, though some parts of the Middle Ring have been extensively rebuilt with taller, more modern buildings. | ||
Because many buildings are built on old foundations, often linked together row house style, much of the Inner Ring is difficult to navigate by car, the streets being narrow and winding. As a result, smaller vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and the Elten bus (a small motorized vehicle used as public transportation) are preferred by inhabitants over cars or trucks. Walkways above ground level also connect buildings in many areas, resulting in a maze unremarkable to residents but impenetrable to outsiders. | |||
===Outer Ring=== | |||
After being banished from the city proper, commercial and industrial operations were forced to set up outside the walls, first around the already-established port area and then spreading west along the coast. The Outer Ring remains the center of industry in modern times, but it has expanded greatly with many residential neighborhoods. Once home only to the poor and the lowest-class workers, now many well-off but newly-formed families live here as well, along with immigrants and nondalar who feel more comfortable in the more liberal part of the city. | |||
While much of the rest of the city is stone, the largest number of steel and wood buildings can be found in the Outer Ring. Given the vastly increased amount of space, residential properties tend to be larger and more spaced out, allowing for safe construction of wooden buildings over the past couple centuries--though brick or stone cladding remains popular for the look of things. For its part, commercial construction has embraced steel and modern techniques, though aesthetics-motivated building restrictions mean true skyscrapers can only be found near the extensive port area. Due to the later date of construction--and the historic and modern need to transport goods through the area--most of the Outer Ring is more-or-less planned, with wide, straight, gridded roads, resulting in the only part of the city where cars and trucks can easily travel. | |||
===North of the River=== | |||
The | The inventively-named North of the River consists of the district along the northwest banks of the Dera River. The newest part of the city, it is an eclectic mix of small industrial operations and workers who can't afford to live in the Middle Ring or rapidly-gentrifying Outer Ring. | ||
====Prominent buildings==== | ====Prominent buildings==== | ||
| Line 141: | Line 147: | ||
* [[Elten University]] - the most prominent university in Sanmra, specializing in political science and law | * [[Elten University]] - the most prominent university in Sanmra, specializing in political science and law | ||
* Letakan ni Kaorn, Letakan ni Losa, etc. - the Elten residences of many prominent families. Most of the oldest have a portion of their grounds open to the public; visitors should contact the Bureau of Tourism or the family's public relations representative for more information. | * Letakan ni Kaorn, Letakan ni Losa, etc. - the Elten residences of many prominent families. Most of the oldest have a portion of their grounds open to the public; visitors should contact the Bureau of Tourism or the family's public relations representative for more information. | ||
* [[Atonpada ni Sarda]] (Royal House of the Dead) - the mausoleum housing the remains of most sarda. By tradition, their skulls are entombed here, while their hearts are entombed in their family mausoleums. Of particular interest is the famous mural commemorating [[Tirina]] and the memorial wall dedicated to [[Lıniıl]]. | * [[Atonpada ni Sarda]] (Royal House of the Dead) - the mausoleum housing the remains of most sarda. By tradition, their skulls are entombed here, while their hearts are entombed in their family mausoleums. Of particular interest is the famous mural commemorating [[Tirina (person)|Tirina]] and the memorial wall dedicated to [[Lıniıl]]. | ||
* [[Usaralın ni Fotir Sotaopa ni Elten]] (Elten Library of Law) - contains the largest collection of law books and legal resources in Sanmra, along with a non-law collection; both are open to the public. Many historical documents are also housed here on permanent display. | * [[Usaralın ni Fotir Sotaopa ni Elten]] (Elten Library of Law) - contains the largest collection of law books and legal resources in Sanmra, along with a non-law collection; both are open to the public. Many historical documents are also housed here on permanent display. | ||
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====Seaport==== | ====Seaport==== | ||
The city lies at the mouth of the Dera River (''Nama Dera'') where it empties into the Bay of Storms (''Alni ni Pedyan''). The Elten City Docks (''Denereke ni Akoima ni Elten'', commonly called simply ''Denereke'', "The Docks") are located here, and are the busiest seaport in Sanmra. The majority of imports and exports pass through this port. While [[Orsili]] is more popular for tourists, the Denereke still also does a brisk business in cruises along southern coast of [[Alpa]]. A small number of visitors also arrive by boat here, primarily from [[ | The city lies at the mouth of the Dera River (''Nama Dera'') where it empties into the Bay of Storms (''Alni ni Pedyan''). The Elten City Docks (''Denereke ni Akoima ni Elten'', commonly called simply ''Denereke'', "The Docks") are located here, and are the busiest seaport in Sanmra. The majority of imports and exports pass through this port. While [[Orsili]] is more popular for tourists, the Denereke still also does a brisk business in cruises along southern coast of [[Alpa]]. A small number of visitors also arrive by boat here, primarily from [[Astalva]] and the nations on the nearby western coast of [[Miraria]] ([[Frithey]], [[Thythiscaland]], etc.) | ||
==Government== | ==Government== | ||
Latest revision as of 04:29, 21 January 2021
Elten | |
|---|---|
 Map showing Elten in Sanmra. | |
| Country | Sanmra |
| District | Elten |
| Area | |
| • Total | 100 km2 (40 sq mi) |
| Population (2010) | |
| • Total | 676,670 |
| • Density | 6,800/km2 (18,000/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | Loelten |
| Time zone | UTC-2 (EBT) |
Elten (pronunciation: /ˈel.t̪en/) is the capital and second-largest city in Sanmra. It is located on the southern coast of Sanmra, on the Dragon Sea, and is a major center of trade.
Etymology
lol iunno
History
Dalar have lived in the vicinity of modern-day Elten for thousands of years, first as one of many camps for nomadic fisherdalar and then as a neutral meeting ground for trade between inland dalar and coastal dalar. The first long-term settlement was founded approximately 2200 years ago, when Dengel ordered the construction of a permanent military camp as part of the Garsenian Confederation's expansion to the southern coast of Alpa. When Garsen and <north country> split following the Ahčān Revolution, the small military fort rapidly grew into a city, filled with refugees or dissenters from the north.
While always acknowledged as a good port, it was only after the establishment of transoceanic trade routes that Elten's true value became clear. Within a decade, the noble houses of Elten controlled half the trade in Garsen and even more of it in <north country>. With their newfound influence came a newfound desire for independence, and for many years, Elten functioned as semi-independent--formally claimed by Garsen, but rarely actually ruled by it. As a result, it became a haven for foreigners unwelcome in much of dalar-controlled Alpa, embracing international connections and supplying all sides of the many local civil conflicts, but simultaneously became the target of all other factions in the region, struggling for control. With the unification of Sanmra in <some year, probably 400-ish years ago>, and with the agreement that local leadership would wield major influence over the unification government, Elten formally became Sanmra's capital, yet again serving its historical function as a neutral place not unduly privileging any single region of Sanmra.
(except for Elten itself, of course...)
Geography
Elten is located along the southern coast of Sanmra, at the mouth of the Dera River. The city proper covers approximately 100 km² (40 mi²). The river flows through the northeastern part of the city, with the majority of the population living south and west of the river area.
Climate
Cityscape
Elten can be roughly divided into four sections: the three rings (located southwest of the Dera River) and North of the River (located, unsurprisingly, along the northeast bank of the Dera River).
The oldest part of the city lies on either side of the mouth of the river, though mostly on the western bank. In time, this developed into a port and commercial district, with wealthier families moving to more desirable locations farther up the river; later, when Elten began to develop as a seat of government, government buildings were also built in this area. This section became known as the Inner Ring, surrounded by the Middle Ring of "ordinary" residences and small businesses, with the Outer Ring of commerce, industry, and the poor. Historically, separation between the rings was strictly regimented, with laws determining what social classes, occupations, or families could reside in each ring, with walls dividing the city. In the modern age, the borders are much more porous; the physical barriers have been replaced by major thoroughfares. In contrast, North of the River is a recent development, expanding only within the past few hundred years.
Inner Ring
The inner or central ring is the heart of the city, containing the majority of government buildings as well as the homes of many prominent families, who claim to have continuously inhabited the area for 1500 years or more. Commercial and industrial building is entirely disallowed, and new construction is heavily limited. As a result, much of the area is lightly developed, with the oldest and most elaborate architecture in the city. One of the oldest is the Aliseta ni Sadilan (the capitol building), which was first constructed over 800 years ago for the use of the local trade council, although it was extensively added on to in later centuries.
Most prominant Sanmran families maintain at least a nominal residence or office in the Inner Ring. To accommodate the large number of government officials and representatives who live in the area on a temporary basis, a number of boarding houses are maintained by the city council near the fringes of the ring.
Middle Ring
The middle ring is the most densely-populated part of the city, primarily residential but also the location of most schools and temples. Originally the domain of skilled craftsdalar and wealthy non-nobles, it became the primary residential area of the city after a proclamation banned most production and industry from the city proper. The movement of those operations beyond the city walls led to what is today known as the Outer Ring, with an influx of working class dalar moving into the Middle Ring. While the buildings here are not as old as those in the Inner Ring, thanks to centuries of development and the occasional fire, many modern buildings are built on old foundations. Wood buildings are rare even today, a legacy of city fires throughout history, but modern steel construction is rare as well. In much of the city, buildings are a maximum of five or six stories tall, constructed of stone and brick, though some parts of the Middle Ring have been extensively rebuilt with taller, more modern buildings.
Because many buildings are built on old foundations, often linked together row house style, much of the Inner Ring is difficult to navigate by car, the streets being narrow and winding. As a result, smaller vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and the Elten bus (a small motorized vehicle used as public transportation) are preferred by inhabitants over cars or trucks. Walkways above ground level also connect buildings in many areas, resulting in a maze unremarkable to residents but impenetrable to outsiders.
Outer Ring
After being banished from the city proper, commercial and industrial operations were forced to set up outside the walls, first around the already-established port area and then spreading west along the coast. The Outer Ring remains the center of industry in modern times, but it has expanded greatly with many residential neighborhoods. Once home only to the poor and the lowest-class workers, now many well-off but newly-formed families live here as well, along with immigrants and nondalar who feel more comfortable in the more liberal part of the city.
While much of the rest of the city is stone, the largest number of steel and wood buildings can be found in the Outer Ring. Given the vastly increased amount of space, residential properties tend to be larger and more spaced out, allowing for safe construction of wooden buildings over the past couple centuries--though brick or stone cladding remains popular for the look of things. For its part, commercial construction has embraced steel and modern techniques, though aesthetics-motivated building restrictions mean true skyscrapers can only be found near the extensive port area. Due to the later date of construction--and the historic and modern need to transport goods through the area--most of the Outer Ring is more-or-less planned, with wide, straight, gridded roads, resulting in the only part of the city where cars and trucks can easily travel.
North of the River
The inventively-named North of the River consists of the district along the northwest banks of the Dera River. The newest part of the city, it is an eclectic mix of small industrial operations and workers who can't afford to live in the Middle Ring or rapidly-gentrifying Outer Ring.
Prominent buildings
- Aliseta ni Sadilan (Meetingplace of Government) - the capitol building where the nuoda (Voters; the legislature) meet
- Saka'an - the sarda's "palace" and official residence
- Elten University - the most prominent university in Sanmra, specializing in political science and law
- Letakan ni Kaorn, Letakan ni Losa, etc. - the Elten residences of many prominent families. Most of the oldest have a portion of their grounds open to the public; visitors should contact the Bureau of Tourism or the family's public relations representative for more information.
- Atonpada ni Sarda (Royal House of the Dead) - the mausoleum housing the remains of most sarda. By tradition, their skulls are entombed here, while their hearts are entombed in their family mausoleums. Of particular interest is the famous mural commemorating Tirina and the memorial wall dedicated to Lıniıl.
- Usaralın ni Fotir Sotaopa ni Elten (Elten Library of Law) - contains the largest collection of law books and legal resources in Sanmra, along with a non-law collection; both are open to the public. Many historical documents are also housed here on permanent display.
Culture
Education
Elten is home to Elten University, the oldest and most prestigious universities in Sanmra. It offers a variety of degrees, but is primarily known for its political science and law programs. Among its alumni include many politicians and several sarda. Most international students in Sanmra attend Elten University, but there are few of them even then.
The primary schools and public libraries in the city and surrounding area are administered by the Elten City Education Committee. The Elten Library of Law, located near the Aliseta ni Sadilan, contains the largest collection of law books and legal resources in Sanmra along with a substantial non-law collection, and while the law collection is not open for borrowing, both collections are available for public perusal.
Economy
Transportation
Airport
Elten International Airport (Emroili ni Elten ıku Adıfas) is located just outside the city limits. As the largest and busiest airport in Sanmra, it offers both international and domestic flights, and is the entry point for the majority of visitors to Sanmra.
Seaport
The city lies at the mouth of the Dera River (Nama Dera) where it empties into the Bay of Storms (Alni ni Pedyan). The Elten City Docks (Denereke ni Akoima ni Elten, commonly called simply Denereke, "The Docks") are located here, and are the busiest seaport in Sanmra. The majority of imports and exports pass through this port. While Orsili is more popular for tourists, the Denereke still also does a brisk business in cruises along southern coast of Alpa. A small number of visitors also arrive by boat here, primarily from Astalva and the nations on the nearby western coast of Miraria (Frithey, Thythiscaland, etc.)
Government
Elten is ruled by an elected council, which in turn elects a mayor from their number. The council consists of ten councilmembers. At any time, two of these positions must be filled by sitting civil judges, and another must be filled by a human acting as advocate for the human population of the city. The other seven positions are open to any Elten resident, dalar or human alike, providing they are an adult Sanmra citizen of good character. The councilmembers are elected at-large, meaning they do not represent any particular neighborhood or district, but rather the city as a whole.
The nuoda of Elten have honorary positions on the council. While they cannot vote or introduce topics in council meetings, they are frequently consulted on various matters and sometimes act as liaisons between Elten and other cities.
The Elten City Council meets in the Elten City Hall, which is located in the Middle Ring. The position of the building is a deliberate move to separate the governing of the city from the governing of the nation as a whole, which the Inner Ring is characterized by.