Solarin

Solarin is a compact yet formidable city nestled in the Valley of Solus, between the towering peaks of the Giant's Range. Built atop a natural nexus of magic, it is inhabited by the countless mages who founded it to study and protect this power. Laws are strict and there’s an almost dogmatic reverence for knowledge that governs daily life, yet for those willing to dedicate themselves, few places in Al’Taj rival Solarin’s magical mastery and commitment to fairness.

Description

History

Eight centuries ago, the Archmage Solus gathered over two hundred wizards and researchers from across Al'Taj for a grand expedition. Months into their journey, they discovered a vast valley within the Giant's Range, home to a mysterious artifact they called the Heart of the Magi. The Heart radiated immense power, enriching the surrounding land and awakening nearby trees and stones into living beings. Its presence inspired awe and wonder in all who beheld it.

Recognizing the valley’s potential, the expedition established the city of Solarin, dedicated to the pursuit and protection of knowledge, the study of magic, and cooperation among all beings. The mages and the Heart’s creations signed a treaty ensuring fairness regardless of species or creed, that privilege would be earned by ability, and that knowledge would be safeguarded against those who might misuse it. Solarin has endured as a bastion of learning and harmony ever since.

Government

Solarin is an arcane meritocracy, where privileges and influence are granted according to magical ability. Citizens undergo rigorous trials and exams to register as mages, with the most skilled consulted on governance and granted access to greater resources. A singular archmage and their chosen circle serve as the city’s executive branch, with successors selected by the council of the city’s greatest mages upon the archmage’s death or retirement.

The city maintains strict rules due to its high concentration of magic users. Only those capable of casting magic may freely live and conduct business, while others must be vouched for by a mage or official. Licenses govern nearly every magical activity, from necromancy to teleportation, including access to the city’s libraries. Even visitors arriving via the city’s teleportation circle require prior approval and thorough inspections of their belongings.

Economy

The city doesn't necessarily rely on trade, but offers out a wide range of mage services to anyone willing to contact them. The greatest and most expensive of these services is teleportation, with Solarin mages often ferrying people between and drawing magical circles for a price. Otherwise, scroll scribing, enchanting, mana crystal refinement, and of course magical tutoring are all common exports from the city. In exchange, the city receives semi-annual imports of luxury goods from Aechoan merchants and the giants of the Giant's Range.

Climate

Solarin is built on flatlands between the Giant's Range mountains and a lake, resulting in it being a very temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. The influence of the Heart of the Magi has permanently warped much of the wildlife in the city proper, with many of the trees and flowers locked into an almost 'eternal spring'.

Districts

The city was very deliberately designed, featuring a distinct triangular shape and many tall towers to save on space. Each of the three corners and the center of the city are their own districts.

The Central District: Features the Archmage's Tower, where the government and current archmage rule from, and is theorized to be where the Heart of the Magi has been hidden for its protection. Surrounding it is the Arcane Market, a circular market made mostly of brick and stone.

The Shield District: Houses the city's main entrance and its teleportation circle. Both are protected by the Astral Knights, the city's peacekeepers, who also have their headquarters in the district. It also houses the Barrier, which can be activated to project a protective veil over the city in times of crisis.

The Vanishing District: A residential area where many of the city's denizens live, as well as the services meant for them. Its unique construction allows the buildings to be telekinetically moved as needed. Travelers to the city can come here to the Visions and Dreams Inn for a room and only slightly cursed food.

The Research District: Devoted to magical progress and research. All of the city's schools, mage towers, and research sanctums are located here, with wards to protect both the experiments and their surroundings. Most prominent here is the the Library of Endless Scrolls, the city's greatest library and common recreation site for much of its populace.

The Sparkling Gardens of Ishok: Once they were simple walkways that helped connect each of the districts with each other, but an artificer named Ishok rebuilt them as colorful gardens and places of rest.

Factions

Circle of Zahlia: The current Circle in charge of the city, compared to previous Circles, Zhalia's has been particularly interested in expanding relations with other cities. The city's other high ranking mages have protested against this policy.

The Astral Knights: An order of mage warriors charged with enforcing the city's laws and peace. While led officially by Grandmaster Jalen Pharnel, most are familiar with Knight Commander Karla Valerion, who often serves as its public face.

The Delver's Guild: Members of the Guild are given leeway in regards to the city's rules about non-mages; so long as one is operating on guild business, any member can travel to and from the city. Its current head is Guildmaster Prakash, a pragmatic man who specializes in abjuration magic.

Trivia

• The city was one of the few originally outlined in Al'Taj's design document. First called the Valley of Solus, the city was renamed to Solarin and the former title given to the region in which it resides.