Asty

Overview

Asty is a vast megalopolis built upon a floating island at the center of The Whiplash’s eye, home to the Reka people. A gigantic world-tree grows on the island, comparable in scale to The Nilam or The Spindle, with the city built at its base and extending along its trunk into its branches. The pillar of light that guided the Expeditionary Corps across The Turmoil originates from Asty. Admiral Temera Singh estimated the city’s surface area may surpass that of Arkaster due to its verticality.

Geography

Asty occupies a floating island drifting at the center of the Whiplash’s calm eye. The world-tree dominates the island, with the city colonizing the atoll from ground level up through the tree’s canopy. The island is surrounded by the double-funnel cyclone that forms the Whiplash, effectively isolating it from the surrounding Turmoil.

Architecture

The city’s streets appear carved from white stone and are veined with Sap. Rivers of golden Sap flow down the world-tree’s trunk and cascade to its roots. The city features platforms, docking ports, gardens, bridges, funiculars, and zip lines arranged across a myriad of terraces and levels. Entire districts are fully vegetated. Flocks of birds nest throughout the city.

Technology

Upon first observation, Admiral Singh assessed Reka technology as equal to, and potentially exceeding, Asgarthan capabilities. A multitude of flying vessels surrounds the city, along with military craft including what appear to be frigates and destroyers.

Timeline

393 AC - Discovery by the Expeditionary Corps

The Expeditionary Corps armada emerged into the eye of The Whiplash after a three-hour crossing guided by Leviathans. The fleet discovered Asty and its living world-tree city, in stark contrast to the abandoned City of Scholars. Reka warships initially formed a defensive barrier before broadcasting a welcome message identifying themselves and inviting the Asgartha fleet. Admiral Temera Singh ordered weapons armed during the initial standoff before communication was established.

Relationships

• The Reka: People who inhabit Asty
• The Whiplash: Double-funnel cyclone surrounding and shielding Asty
• Temera Singh: Admiral who led the fleet to Asty (393 AC)
• Expeditionary Corps: Force that discovered Asty
• The Nilam: Dead world-tree; Asty’s tree is comparable in scale
• The Spindle: Muna world-tree; Asty’s tree is comparable in scale
• City of Scholars: Abandoned city whose pillar of light triggered Asty’s answering signal
• Sap: Substance flowing through the city’s infrastructure
• Arkaster: Asgarthan city; Singh estimated Asty may surpass it in area