Nova Excelsium

Description

A old, well-established city of inter-connected floating islands. A capital city in its region.   This is also the newly established airship capital of Zivaria. Many different types of airships are made here by the Five Families, each with a different concept. The Families compete biannually in airship races to determine who's method is the best. The city has established itself as a power in the region, establishing a network of patrolled air routes and roads, but also a military presence, and the Excelsior Guard (extensive city watch), who both are known to aid nearby settlements as needed. The city itself is a strong and formidable presence.   Nova Excelsium is incredible. Cleanliness, maintenance and structural integrity are all of the highest standard. Loving attention seems to have been lavished on as many aspects as is possible. The city's fundamental elements are firmly in hand, providing what it needs to perform at peak functionality. There is little to no room for improvement as the council has been managing the needs of the city so expertly. There is a large amount of people living in the capital. There are few, if any, vacant buildings. In high traffic areas, one generally has elbow room, but not much more.   The city's islands are surrounded by walls of heavy marble with several watchtowers along their lengths, gates and bridges are double-thick and reinforced with metal bands. Locals are generally friendly, welcoming and slow to take offense. Crime is common, but not frequent. Most are used to hearing about some sort of trouble every day or two, but the Excelsior Guard is always quick to respond. Everyone knows someone who's been a victim of crime, either a theft or, sometimes, even a mugging, or worse. There is talk of an organized criminal presence in the city, but nothing has ever been proven, and no one has been caught - yet rumors abound.   Within the city, the islands are connected by heavy anchor chains, along which are strung a web of ladders, rope bridges, and a complex crank-and-pulley system for hauling crates between the islands. The most common method of transportation is on foot, with laborers hauling hand carts of cargo to appointed pulley stations. Gryphons or other flying mounts are seen carrying nobles or wealthy visitors around the city.   Newly, cable lines for a kinetic tram system has been laid, and the Godolphin family has recently launched a small fleet of gondola sky-skiffs to serve as a sort of taxi service. This has become increasingly popular for the beau monde, however the price of the fare usually precludes the lower class from enjoying the new amenity.   There is little difference between day and night traffic. There are always people on the streets, and it may seem like no one ever sleeps. Most shops and services remain open constantly. The city gates remain open and are only closed under the most dire of circumstances.    

History

The city's origin was initially a natural progression from the fishing village and trading post formerly known as Southshield, located in Zivaria's eastern bay. The population grew and so the town expanded, until the very end of the Fifth Age, when an earthquake shattered the coastline, cracking the town at its bedrock, and before anyone realized it, the city was floating some 2,000 feet in the air, nothing but craggy rocks and a whirlpool to show where it used to exist before.   During this time, known locally as the Upheaval, four families stepped up and took charge in coordinating rescue and rebuilding efforts, two on the coastline, Valanche and Godolphin, and two on the floating city, Trigg and Adler. Also on the coastline, the Corentin family chose a different approach, seeing no way to travel from the coastline to the floating island, beseeching any gods that would listen for assistance to reach their unreachable friends and family. The next day, they saw a herd of pegasi grazing in the nearby plains. The youngest Corentin daughter, Persephelia was the first one to successfully ride a pegasus. Years later, the Valkyries would be formed under her leadership.   Once transport was established between the coastline and the floating city, proper rebuilding could begin, and once society was stable, a new council of leadership was formed, with representatives from each of the five families who made a difference during the Upheaval. The first task was renaming the city to reflect the change, and the council settled on Nova Excelsium, meaning "new heights."  

Nobility

Those granted noble status within the upper echelons are the wealthiest citizens, either monetarily or those with the most property, goods, livestock etc.

• Primary Nobles: see Noblility of Nova Excelsium
• General attitude of the nobility to the leadership: defended, since half of the noble houses are part of the council.
• Relationship with the people: Tepid. Both classes feel ambivalent towards one another. Nobles and commoners generally keep out of each other's way, and largely ignore each other when they come into contact. (Positive)
• Root of relationship with people: Resources. The common folk feel the nobles take the appropriate share of resources, as expected for their industries, and the nobles give charitably when able.

Culture

Citizens believe life finds its meaning in the appreciation of the world and its beauty, exploring it through creative pursuits. Interest is deep and far-reaching, but not overwhelming. Many folks incorporate some aspect of cultural endeavor into their daily life.   Architecture inspired by industrial-era London, baroque and belle-epoque Paris, with generous splashes of Venitian influence and art nouveau, in both structure and decoration. A city of glass, with skylights, glass domes, and greenhouses being popular common architectural elements, and vibrant splashes of stained glass brightening the city in the midst of the common fog and foul weather.