Solinthar
The Golden City
Solinthar is the beating heart of the Holy Solarian Empire, a city of towering spires, radiant temples, and gilded halls that serve as the center of political, religious, and military power. Built upon the foundation of conquest and divine mandate, it stands as a monument to Solenara’s will and the eternal rule of the Empire.
However, unlike many monarchies where capitals remain fixed, Solinthar has not always been the Emperor’s home. Due to the electoral nature of the Imperial throne, every new Emperor must leave behind their ancestral seat and take up residence in Solinthar, reinforcing the idea that they rule not as a dynastic sovereign, but as the chosen champion of the Empire and the Church.
It is a city of both grandeur and intrigue, where faith and politics intertwine, where nobles scheme in golden halls, Inquisitors hunt heresy in the shadows, and the will of Solenara is enforced by steel and fire.
The Imperial Succession & The Moving of the Emperor
Because the Emperor is not chosen by birth but by election, each new ruler must leave behind their previous home and take up residence in Solinthar.
- Every newly elected Emperor must move to Solinthar, leaving behind their ancestral lands and holdings.
- This ensures that the capital remains neutral, separate from any single noble house’s influence.
- The process is a grand affair, with the new Emperor marching into Solinthar in a grand procession, escorted by legions, clergy, and nobles.
This system, while ensuring no single dynasty dominates, also creates tension—some Emperors resent abandoning their ancestral seats, and nobles often scheme to make Solinthar a tool of their own interests.
Points of interest
The Grand Solar Basilica (Spiritual Center of the Empire)
- The largest and most sacred temple to Solenara, towering over the city with its radiant golden dome.
- Home to the High Cleric, who acts as the spiritual leader of the faith and advisor to the Emperor.
- The Flame of Eternal Purity burns at its center, said to be lit by Solenara’s divine touch.
The Sunforged Citadel (Imperial Palace & Seat of Power)
- The fortified home of the Emperor, where all political, military, and religious matters of state are decided.
- Houses the Sunfire Council, made up of elector nobles, high-ranking clergy, and military commanders.
- Previous Emperors have left their mark, adding new towers, wings, and monuments to display their legacy.
The Grand Forum of Solinthar (Center of Law & Governance)
- The vast marble halls where laws are debated, noble disputes settled, and imperial decrees issued.
- The Elector Houses meet here to decide on matters of succession, taxation, and military campaigns.
- Public trials of heretics and enemies of the state are often held in its open courtyards.
The Inquisitorial Bastion (The Seat of the Inquisition)
- A forbidding stronghold where the Grand Inquisitor commands the Empire’s most feared enforcers.
- Houses the Black Sepulchers, secret dungeons and interrogation chambers for suspected heretics.
- Whispers say that ancient, forbidden texts are kept deep within its vaults, locked away from even the Emperor’s sight.
The Solsteel Foundries (Industry & Military Might)
- A massive complex where Solsteel weapons, armor, and siege engines are crafted for the Imperial legions.
- Controlled by House Solthar, the only noble house with the secret knowledge to forge the Empire’s strongest metal.
- The city glows with the light of forge-fires, symbolizing the strength and endurance of the Empire.
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