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Hades Description
Topic Started: Dec 6 2008, 05:55 PM (141 Views)
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It is a massive underground city, populated greatly by most commonly Dark Elves, and somewhat less commonly, Kobolds. It is the Dark Elf Kingdom, erected beneath two hundred feet of dirt, rock, and clay, and is seldom seen within any other race's lifetime as the city is very strict on who they allow inside. There is not a one insane enough to charge its gates, guarded by hordes of the most skillful and cunning of soldiers. It has amassed an intimidating army to protect it. It is a sanctuary for the hunted and a destination of pilgrimage to some.

Hades is a deep, deep cavern carved like a giant cylinder, built up in stories instead of out, connected by an extensive web of rope bridges and staircases. Artistic carvings - similar in style to our Greeks - are etched into the walls of Hades, depicting creatures, people of significance, and stories. Stone gargoyles stand on many tower edges, and everything seems ancient.

The city is always only dimly lit - as its occupants have no such adoration for bright lights - by glowing, violet and blue lanterns. It is not a place where a creature of the sun, such as a human, would be able to live for any long period of time, as those adapted to light will wither without the sun.

Its most impressive piece of architecture is the Midnight Tower, located within the heart of the city, standing nearly as tall as the cavern itself. It is the host of all important government matters, as well as home for the government officials, and on occasion, a place of celebration and festivity.

The decisions of the city are made by a council of thirteen wisemen, each one with a specific skill they have become unparalleled in: battle, logic, magic, hunting, speaking, creating, destroying, thieving, reasoning, controlling, loving, hating, and taming. While the council disagrees with one another quite often, they always decide based on what is best for the city, and it is never a good decision to fall into heated argument. The council, for the very reason that each is so different, has long since given up on consensus and has been utilizing a majority vote for centuries.

Hades exports many goods, enough to easily keep it thriving, as they own the only easy source of many things which can be found underground or only in dark places. Iron is a major export, as well as rare textiles, nocturnal domesticated animals, and herbs and medicines. They are the only sources for a plant called 'Black Lace', which is used as a base ingredient for potions and elixers, as well as recreation. When crushed and added to a beverage, the plant calms the consumer, or sedates based on the amount used.

Nightbreeds are another main export, a domesticated sub-species of equine. These creatures are nocturnal horses who have been the transportation of the Dark Elves for as long as their race's history dates back. It is assumed the first Dark Elves took their horses with them underground, and like their masters, adapted to darkness.

In order to get to this metropolis, there are two ways. The first is mainly used as a trade route or for people carrying many things with them. A large tunnel, about a four hour trip, give or take depending on your speed, spits you out at the southern wall near the main Bazaar, on the third level. Another route is to go directly down through something similar to a huge dumbwaiter, a medieval elevator manually powered, and while it is much faster, it may only carry twelve people and their horses at a time. You land on the top level.

All levels of the city are similar in their elegance and crime rate, except for the bottom floor. Not many venture there simply because of it's inability to keep clean as well as its fungal diseases. While it is residence to the poor, there is little crime and is just as heavily guarded as any other level.

Places of interest:

Level 1
-The Barracks - a tavern visited mostly by the military.
-Residential - The only reason why the poor live here is because it is cheaper. The houses may not be as magnificent and ornate as some of the ones above, but are still sturdy and respectable domiciles.
-Mercy's Ward - A 'hospital' of sorts. They are primarily here to offer a resistance against common diseases located on the first level, but see their share of wounds and freak accidents

Level 2
-The Colosseum - Closest to the first level without actually having to go there, this level holds pride in its more harsh environment created by self-proclaimed 'tough guys'. There is no better place to set a monument to who can beat up who.
-Den of Thieves - The lack of creativity in the name represents their lack of enthusiasm to give people a name to call it by. It is a widely known place and a handy one at that when you are seeking something shady in the city. These people know everyone and usually have a hand in everything.
-The Bat's Cave - A tavern populated by the so-called 'tough guys' who reside in this area. A medieval equivalent to a modern biker bar.

Level 3
-Residential - These places resemble suburbs: hovels blossoming from the sides of great pillars like Bluebonnets.
-Level Three School - Most younger residents are urged to learn and attend classes here on basics such as reading, writing, science, and simple math.
-Midnight Tower Main Entrance - The most-used entrance to the architectural genius and significance that is the Midnight Tower.
-The Bazaar - a bustling, huge market area where you can find almost anything for sale, even people. It's hours are from 7 pm to 5 am and, like most of the city, sleeps during the day.

Level 4
-The University - A place to seek educational enlightenment in most things, including medicine, magic, hunting, and even subjects as taboo (to us humans) as sex and the art of seduction. Almost anything you wish to learn about is here.
-Maya's - A tavern/inn, and the most popular, which seems to serve the best food, employed at which are mostly beautiful women and some large men. Travelers stay here, but important figures usually stay at the Midnight Tower as guests of honor.

Level 5
-The Stables - Nightbreed stables.
-Level Five Market - A place smaller than the Bazaar where mostly food is sold: meats, growing plants, herbs, fruits, and vegetables.
-Level Five School - Another school for those inconveniently far away from Level 3.
-Residential - a slightly nicer neck of the woods, as the military force is just above.


Level 6
-Defense Headquarters - HQ for the military and their men. Many Blacksmiths work and live within as well.
-The Gardens - A huge harvesting area for exported crops such as food and Black Lace. It is well-guarded as Black Lace is very sought-after.
-Mustang Cabin - An inn with a small tavern connected.
 
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