Bjália
Bjália was a city in northwestern Scalados. It was destroyed in the Siege of Bjália, towards the end of the War of Great Sorrow.
Government
Bjália was ruled by a great Metallic Dragon who lived deep within the heart of the Sanctum Aürum at the center of the city. The dragon's will was communicated and carried out by the Steward of Gold.
Infrastructure
Bjália had an astonishingly complex system of geothermal power for its day, fueled by steam created from its patron dragon. Buildings were heated comfortably, and steam-powered trolleys carried passengers up and down the steepest hills.
Assets
Rumors of great treasure, particularly within the Sanctum Aürum, have circulated since mere months after its destruction. However, the land is considered cursed, and few mortal explorers have rescued any treasures from within it.
History
The hills to the south of the city of Bjália were the homeland of the Human tribe first blessed by the Queen of the Night in the Uplifting of the Elves. Their leader, Corellon Latharien, led the tribe to use eyr long lives and incredible planning and diplomatic skills to partner with the dragon-god Bahamut and build a grand city around his lair, which would eventually be known as Bjália.
The darkest period of Bjália's history before its fall was the reign of Vecna during the seventh through ninth centuries of the Age of Anxiety. Driven to madness by a powerful curse from Morigana, the former scribe used eyr godlike powers to slay the Steward of Gold and the last of Corellon Latharien's line, put Bahamut into a deep sleep, and rule the city.
In the Y900s ANX, Alcaïna Verdini, a Paladin of Bahamut, defeated Vecna and became the first Steward of Gold in over two centuries. Her family, the Verdini Family, passed down the rank until Bjália's fall in the Siege of Bjália.
Bahamut ascended to godhood at the invitation of the Erden Dynasty in the Y2000s ITY. He left his son Bastien take over his lair, his hoard, and his role as the heart of Bjália.
Architecture
The architecture of Bjália was said to be among the most beautiful in the world. Its combination of foundational stone and intricate jointed woodwork created cavernous spaces punctuated by detailed columns and other supports meant to be as beautiful as they were structural.
The influences of Bjálian architecture can still be seen in the buildings of the High Elf Diaspora, such as those on the Via Verenestra in Cantonova.
Geography
Bjália was located in a hilly region at the foot of the Blue Mountains. The natural climate of the region tends to be hot in the summers, but bitterly cold in the winters. In the city's heyday, the Dragon that lived at its heart warmed the city to a point where its winters were relatively pleasant, though rainy and overcast.
RUINED SETTLEMENT
Y361
Founding Date
ca. Y500 Age of Audacity
Founders
Alternative Name(s)
Crown of the North, The Golden Metropolis
Type
Large city
Population
est. 300,000
Related Ethnicities
Inhabitant Demonym
Bjálian
Location under
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Additional Rulers/Owners
Ruling/Owning Rank
Comments