Passage of Respite
Most visitors come to the city by passage on one of the Concord Jewels. However, it’s possible to find the Citadel through exploration of the Deep Ethereal. The Auroral Diamond acts like a beacon for the lost and hopeless, and many who seek the Radiant Citadel within the Deep Ethereal find their way there within a few days of searching.
There is only one official entrance to the Radiant Citadel: the Passage of Respite. The Concord Jewels dock adjacent to it, and people using other means to travel to the city are directed by guards to enter through it.
At any time, six guards are stationed at the Passage of Respite. They are led by a mage responsible for accepting tolls. These guards often employ magic items, such as helms of telepathy, when suspicious of the motives of a visitor. A priest from the House of Convalescence also attends the gate, ready to assist the ailing.
Visitors to the Radiant Citadel pay a toll to enter. Those with big pockets and big hearts give more according to their conscience rather than risk the rebuke of the city’s guards. Rich and poor alike can instead offer something unique that might be to the liking of the Incarnates, such as a lost song, a secret tale, or a rare piece of art. Those who choose this option may present their gift to the Dawn Incarnate of their choice. If their toll is accepted, the visitor is allowed to stay in the Citadel.
It’s possible to bypass the Passage of Respite by teleporting or flying into the city, but anyone caught doing so faces massive fines, and repeat offenders risk banishment.
The Passage of Respite is a district of meticulous craftsmanship and artistic pride, where the hum of labor and the glow of enchanted tools fill the air. This district is the Radiant Citadel’s center for artisans, crafters, and merchants of fine goods, showcasing the mastery of its residents. Each building is a testament to architectural precision, blending practicality with subtle beauty, while the sounds of hammer strikes, chisel taps, and sewing machines create a rhythmic backdrop to daily life.
Unlike the bustling Trade Discal, the Passage of Respite is orderly and calm, designed to facilitate quality over quantity. Gated and guarded, it is one of the safest areas of the Citadel, ensuring that the treasures crafted within its walls remain protected. While it lacks residential housing, it thrives as a workspace and meeting point for those with a passion for creation.
Key Features
Workshops of Mastery: Every corner of the district is devoted to the craft, from smithies producing enchanted weapons to ateliers designing intricate garments. The quality of goods here is unparalleled.
Luxury Markets: Boutiques and high-end stores offer custom creations for those with the coin to afford them, attracting diplomats, nobles, and collectors.
Calm and Secure: The district’s gated entrances and frequent guard patrols create a sense of safety, rare in a bustling city like the Radiant Citadel.
Cultural Pride: Artisans from Akharin Sangar, Yeonido, and the Sensa Empire bring their cultural flair to their crafts, making the Passage of Respite a tapestry of artistic expression.
Demographics
Dominant Cultures: Akharin Sangar, Yeonido, Sensa Empire.
Notable Minorities: Yongjing inventors and Atagua craftspeople contribute unique touches to the district’s diverse creations.
Ambiance
Walking through the Passage of Respite feels like stepping into a sanctuary of creation. The district is a symphony of activity, yet its calm atmosphere and orderly layout set it apart from the chaos of the Trade Discal. The polished stone streets reflect the warm glow of lanterns, and every building exudes elegance. The district’s residents are focused and purposeful, their craft a source of personal and cultural pride.
Locations
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