Alethea
Often described as the beacon of religious learning and knowledge, Alethea is a truly beautiful city filled with a thousand opinions that no two people can agree on.
Demographics
While predominantly human, the city does have representation from every race in it. Elves and dwarves especially can often be found in the streets of the city with one dwarf even making it to the rank of Philosopher. The reason for this is the city's state as a center for religion with only the Theocracy of Shemlar as a true opponent of this.
Government
The city is ruled by a council of eleven Philosophers each of whom argued their way into getting a seat granted to them as well as having argued at least a 1000 times in the Temple of Manifold Truths. These Philosophers will then write laws based on visions they've received after a lengthy discussion amongst each other, naturally.
Defences
The most significant defense of the city is the Weeping Wall, so named for the fact that the founder cried at the sight of them being raised. They are however no joke, as centuries of holy magic have made them practically indestructible. There are also the many diviners within the city, which makes it somewhat easier to anticipate military strikes.
Infrastructure
Known for its flowing arches and great plazas, the are truly many beauties in Alethea. The main attraction however is the Temple of Manifold Truths. The enormous temple is larger than most on the continent, larger than even some castles, and shaped more like a colosseum than a cathedral. Framed by huge statues of the gods looking down, the centerpiece is the plateau in the middle of the temple serving as a stage for the preachers with stairs and seats going upwards so that all members can see the speaker with enchantments inlaid so that all attendants can hear the preacher clearly. It also features a domed ceiling with a shifting pattern of the sky, making it seem as if the ceiling simply doesn't exist.
Districts
Though it holds many districts, some do stand out in the praying city. There is for example the Old District, in the middle of the city, where one can find the Temple of Manifold Truths. There is also the Field and Hayrow, both named for the large amounts of people that live within them.
Points of interest
There are really only three things one needs to see in the City of Praying to have fully experienced it. The Weeping Wall in all of its beauty, the Temple of Manifold Truth full of priests debating Perfect Truth, and the University of Learning, where oracles and other diviners come to perfect their craft.
Geography
Alethea is located near temperate forests making building houses in the outer areas of the city significantly easier.
Founding Date
367 AEF
Founders
Alternative Name(s)
The Praying City
Type
Large city
Population
21726
Inhabitant Demonym
Alethean
Location under
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
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