Veritum
The History of Veritum
as told by the Halls of Verina's Castle in New Veritum, as of 253 E.WVerina and Jiro created Merfolk about five thousand years after the creation of Drakes. They were born into the aquatic world adjacent to that of the Drakes, Elves, Goblins, Nymphs, and the other sapient species that inhabited the Terra of Esmir. They favored warmer waters, raising coral, protecting other air breathing creatures of the sea, and at times, letting their curiosity wreak havoc on the small boats that ventured into the sea---which Jiro was persuaded to tell Verina was a problem.
One hundred years after their creation, Verina broke ground on her solution to the Merfolk's deadly ventures. On the coast of the world's largest gulf, she would build the biggest citadel Evren had seen---and Esmir's first---and inside of it would be a place of sanctuary. It would be situated half on the beach, and half in the sea, with the walls wrapping all the way around, and the gates well guarded. It would be a hub for intelligence and community; a place where all cultures could come together and share their unique ideas without danger.
She was advised by many. To name a few:
Bastian, on constructionCoyt, on civilzation and politics
Laritsi, on diplomacy
Zelki, on magical implementations
Sonu, on longevity of the foundation
Many others advised her in capacities, and nearly all of the Isendrakian deities, and some from Dalinda and Ilaeda, had homes in Veritum that they stayed in often, and were part of the culture. It was the first of its kind: a place where everyone was welcome. Even the Milianuans were invited, but less than a dozen set foot in the walls of the city in all of its time, and even fewer chose to stay.
Veritum thrived for 2812 Dalindan years, or ~29.258 Isendrakian years. It was Verina's most treasured creation. She nourished its culture as if it were a child in her arms, and she watched it grow into a bustling civilization, with rich culture and unmatched innovation.
On the day Zelki perished, the destruction of Veritum was wrought by the wrath of Morrah and Xe. A portal to Tezcatleila, and the plane of Tezcatleila, itself, were birthed in the heart of Veritum's ruin. Millions of lives were lost, both inside and outside of the city.
After 100,000 Dalindan years of tumultuous plate shifting and volcanic activity as Esmir recovered from the destruction, with 5,000 of those years being an ice age that Asher relentlessly kept at bay, little was left of Verite culture. Jiro was tried for each and every death that was deemed to have resulted from Veritum's end and all events stemming from it, and both Vermin and Verina remained in Tezcatleila with Jiro, where their mantre became Nycterai Urb Hiil: Dark Gods Stick Together.
Today, Veritum is just a legend to those who reside above the sea. They tend to believe what they can see, and because of the strength and depth of the Tezcatleilan Gate, it is all but impossible to unearth the ruins of Veritum from beneath the sea floor.
In New Veritum, we honor the truths of the past by remembering the lessons history has taught us. New Veritum remains a safe place for anyone who lives beneath the sea, and for any of those with the decency to treat others with kindness.
Os Kshechi Elom Tip pruch tsuf, ei os pruch Looshai Isendraki.
May we find the Promise of Peace, so that we may Rejoice that We are All One.
Type
Large city
Location under