Arkaster
Overview
Arkaster, known as the “City of Alabaster” or simply the “First City,” is the capital of Asgartha and the chief town of Caer Eidos. The metropolis is nestled between the peninsulas and islands of Sekent, Kemeri, Kuna, and Nisan.
Population
According to the latest census of 380 AC, Arkaster has 695,648 inhabitants—nearly a quarter of the entire Asgarthan population:
- 268,873 on the heights of the Terraferma
- 426,775 on the Permukaan and other small islands of the lagoon
Topography
The Terraferma
The districts of the Terraferma are organized in tiers and levels, connected by wide concentric arteries or narrow lanes and alleys that steeply ascend the cliffside. Many of the dwellings have been carved into the rock; their facades, whether grandiose or more discreet, conceal labyrinths of corridors and rooms extending into the darkness of their stone framework.
Mostly historic districts, some dating back even before the city’s founding, the Terraferma areas are home to some of the oldest families in the capital.
Terraferma Districts:
- Tesh Kanat: Historic district on Kuna, seat of the Old Nobility, perpetual twilight
- Kuth Kanat: Historic district on Kemeri, seat of the New Exchequer, home to Kadigir
- Reykur: “Forest of Temples,” numerous Eidolons altars, The Acus peak, Wright Altiport
- Vejaskira & Jusaka: Working-class districts near The Foundry and Arsenal
- Sonowen: “Dormitorium,” home to Ordis scribes, sacred tombs along Nishaanfjord
- Renkairi: New district near The Kurung, receiving Sjena refugees
The Permukaan
Spanning nearly 200 small islets, most of which are artificial, interspersed by a vast network of 237 canals and connected by no fewer than 658 bridges, the Permukaan are now the beating heart of metropolitan life.
Thanks to Aerolith technology, the Permukaan have been able to expand significantly upwards. It is now common to see buildings of seven or eight stories rising above the waters, connected by suspended bridges. The bases of the buildings are often shrouded in darkness, while the rooftops house the apartments of the wealthiest families.
Permukaan Districts:
- Arsenal: Military shipyard, civilians prohibited, Aerolith vessels under construction
- Gwyntewyn: Artisan district, “lungs of the Permukaan,” The Foundry vapors
- Kladiver: Remote district, Mistbreakers stopover, designed by Nanha Niski
- Huskr: Ferrymen’s Guild headquarters, barge departure, The Monolith hovers here
- Porto Novo: Merchant port, Kelon transport from Suspira
- Sjena: Historic but deteriorating, legendary Alterer origin, sinking foundations
- Felsenwel: Festive Arts district, Ruzzante, restricted area near The Asterion
- Fosa: Bohemian district, named for Great Plague of 148 AC
- Kabatas: Modern district designed by Nanha Niski, Kelon experimental zone
- Nafitera: Modern district designed by Nanha Niski, Kelon experimental zone
- Karuna: Bourgeois district, merchants and shipowners, Karuna Altua and Karuna Behera
- Bacchanalia: Popular entertainment district west of Felsenwel
Special Districts
Districts Under Construction
Usku & Koru: Located between Kuna and Nisan, construction halted due to Rediscovery Endeavor budget constraints.
Major Islands
- Kuna: Political center, Kuningasplatz, The Asterion, Basileus palace
- Kemeri: Industrial peninsula, The Foundry, Kadigir
- Yeni: Northern isle, mostly uninhabited, location of Haven
- Sekent: One of the founding islands
- Nisan: One of the founding islands
Key Landmarks
- The Acus: Highest point of the Peninsula, overlooking Reykur
- Wright Altiport: Airship and aerostat hub at base of The Acus
- Kadigir: Yzmir Bastion and Alteration School atop Kuth Kanat
- The Asterion: Palace on Kuna, seat of political power
- Kuningasplatz: Political plaza on Kuna
- The Kurung: Military barracks overlooked by Renkairi
- The Monolith: Floating Ordis structure, frequently hovers over Huskr
- The Foundry: Industrial complex, vapors shroud Gwyntewyn
Waterways
- Sforafjord: Fjord between Kuth Kanat and Tesh Kanat
- Nishaanfjord: Also called “Kerf Canal,” sacred shore with tombs accessed from Huskr
Architecture
Early Asgarthans exploited the high cliffs surrounding the city to construct numerous troglodyte dwellings. These residences, some of which have become luxurious palaces, continue to be visible in the twin districts of Tesh Kanat and Kuth Kanat.
Administrative Role
The majority of Asgartha falls under the jurisdiction of Arkaster. While the Asgarthan Protectorate is divided into five autonomous Provinces (Caers), the territories of Vagheria and Suspira are directly under the control of Arkaster.
Government
Arkaster serves as the seat of the deliberative republic, led by a Basileus. Currently this is Avkan ruun-Heshkari.
Historical Events
148 AC - Great Plague
The Great Plague struck Arkaster. Bodies of victims were disposed of at what is now the Fosa district.
305 AC - Tsunami and Reconstruction
A devastating tsunami destroyed the old harbor of Arkaster. Chief-architect Nanha Niski directed the reconstruction, designing Nafitera, Kabatas, and Kladiver as modern districts showcasing Kelon technology. Porto Novo and Arsenal rose from the ashes of the old harbor.
Pre-Confluence Connections
Archaeological discoveries in Irundu revealed that Arkaster stands on the site of a significant pre-Confluence city. The ruins in Irundu feature the same architecture as the ancient settlement that once stood where Arkaster now lies, suggesting both cities were part of the same pre-Confluence civilization.
Relationships
- Caer Eidos: Province containing Arkaster
- Sekent: Island on which part of Arkaster is built
- Kemeri: Peninsula on which part of Arkaster is built
- Kuna: Island, political center of Arkaster
- Nisan: Island on which part of Arkaster is built
- Yeni: Northern isle containing Haven
- Vagheria: Territory directly controlled by Arkaster
- Suspira: Territory directly controlled by Arkaster
- Verbera: Strategic interface city administered by Arkaster
- Irundu: Region containing ruins architecturally connected to ancient Arkaster
- Avkan ruun-Heshkari: Current Basileus
- Nanha Niski: Chief-architect of post-305 AC reconstruction