Minas Aradûneth

Minas Aradûneth, also known as The Royal Kingdom, The Great Citadel, Aradyn to bureaucrats, and Minara to commonfolk and druids, stands as the enduring heart of Regalia and the seat of its ruling empire for over a millennium. Situated strategically on Spade Island, named for its distinctive shape, the capital boasts a formidable natural defense: a massive surrounding body of water, effectively the largest moat in the world. The only safe entry and exit point is via the Royal Bridge, a vital artery connecting the island to the mainland.   Founded in 1 SC (Sinya Cunta) of the 3rd Era by Regalia's first King, Elamdir Thaydes, Minas Aradûneth quickly became the continent's primary center of power. Its history is rich with pivotal moments, from its initial establishment as a monarchy, its expansion through trade under Queen Margarette, a period as an oligarchy marked by corruption and class warfare (236 SC to 261 SC) where the capital's Golden Shard went missing, to its dramatic takeover by King Vehm Faermir of Mur in 261 SC, who, as a descendant of Queen Margarette and an ally of the Hartwood elves, reasserted monarchical rule. Though Mur nominally became the new capital in 1 EG of the 4th Era, Minas Aradûneth remained the de facto residence of the ruling family and the true administrative core of the empire. It was under King Leonard Elessar that Minas Aradûneth solidified its dominance, eventually becoming the seat of Regalia's first Emperor, uniting the continent under one rule and establishing Regalia as a feared power in the northern hemisphere.   Today, Minas Aradûneth is presided over by Emperor Mythranir Ellessar and Princess Juniper Ellessar. The city is meticulously organized into ten distinct districts, each serving a vital function:  

High Quarters: An exclusive, heavily guarded residential area reserved solely for the ruling class and high-ranking lords.
Noble Estates: Home to high-class individuals and some of the capital's most expensive inns, reflecting the city's wealth and prestige.
Merchant Quarters: The bustling economic engine of the city, housing its largest marketplace and serving as the primary trading district.
Edict Square: The political and public heart of the capital, home to the famous Ignosi (a central meeting point for nobles), the main town hall, and the primary square for public announcements.
Theôs Plaza: Dominated by Theôs, a massive structure dedicated to housing most good deities, though numerous other churches and sects are scattered throughout the city.
Eastern End: An artisan district where most guilds reside, also featuring the city's second-largest marketplace.
The Shroud: The secluded district where the mages' guild is located, a center for arcane study and practice.
Barracks District: The military's living quarters, complete with extensive training grounds.
Slums: A shanty-like town, serving as the residential area for the lower class.
Western Park: The city's main dock, situated just outside the main city walls, near the defining moat.

  Minas Aradûneth stands as a testament to Regalia's enduring power, a city of grand architecture, intricate politics, and a history deeply intertwined with the fate of the entire continent.