The capital of the Arkian Empire is Arkys, the third largest city in Cyranos.

The High Monarch of both the city and the wider Arkian Empire, rules from the Basileus Pyramis. The 250ft tall marble and bronze pyramid features multiple tiers of battlements and anti-climbing spikes leading to the entrance roughly 150ft from the ground. Being too old or infirm to climb the steps is often seen as a bad omen, showing one unfit to lead.

An oracle operates in Arkys, this oracle is newer than the Oracle of Halosini but Arkians claim she is just as genuine, if not more so. This position, held only by maiden women, supposedly communes directly with Apollo to provide prophecies and advice to any to ask. The line to speak to the oracle is notoriously long, with some visitors waiting over a month to speak with her.

The Pit of Ares refers to an entire city district of arenas, gymnasiums and other facilities in which warriors are trained and housed. The district is walled and treated like a large temple, dedicated to Ares. Whenever one enters the Pit of Ares, they should expect to leave stronger in body, mind or soul, having participated in or witnessed training or sports. If they don't, then its probably because they are dead.

The Temple of Athena, like many temples, is open to the public for prayers, ceremonies and services from the clergy. However, the inner sanctum is more exclusive. If a visitor wishes to enter the inner sanctum to receive better services, supposedly gain greater favour from the goddess or just earn bragging rights, they must defeat one of the temple's sentinels. The sentinels are an elite regiment of holy warriors who guard the temple. A visitor must challenge a sentinel to combat (first blood or submission) or to a battle of wits (typically giving each other riddles until one falters). When a sentinel is defeated, they must atone, typically with a sacrifice or self punishment. If a sentinel is defeated thrice, they must retire from the position.

Illys is a dwarven city famous for marble exports. It is built inside a massive, disused marble quarry several miles wide. Several smaller quarries surround Illys, underground tunnels connect some of these.

The rain, and some small mountain streams form a small lake at the bottom of the quarry. The Illys lake feeds into the Aspro River, which in turn leads to Arcas Bay and the Sea of Cyranos. Along this river, large chunks of marble are transported and sold to the rest of Cyranos.

Originally a collective of small mining towns. The eight leaders of these towns gathered and agreed to join forces and formed the Illys Confederacy in 521 AoC. The intention was to be ruled by a council of eight elders. This lasted until 534 AoC, when Elder Titus, the richest of the elders, struck a deal with Arkys to conquer the rest of Illys and bring it under Arkys control. Titus became king, answering to the Arkys high king, and combined the towns into one single city.

Since time immemorial, the high cliff at the mouth to the Bay of Blood has been a gathering site for orc tribes on Agetos Major. Every few months, large numbers of tribal orcs would pilgrimage to the site to trade, pray and settle disputes through honourable single combat. Overtime, the site gained more and more permanent residents, and the blood sports that were once used to settle disputes became a regular spectator sport for entertainment and profit. Now, Gailum is perhaps the most famous city in Cyranos for gladiatorial combat. The Great Boar Pit alone sees at least three matches and a half a dozen deaths every day. 

A gladiator woos the crowd in the Great Boar Pit

Ormux is a coastal city famous for its high dragonborn population. Perhaps due to this fact, wood and thatch are rather uncommon in the buildings of the city. Instead, many of the buildings are made of thick and resilient stone. Rooftiles and decorative wall carvings often resemble layered draconic scales.

The Scaled Tower is the seat of power for the city...WIP

In front of the tower stands a sturdy, ancient tree that bears sweet honey-flavoured apples. A stone and bronze statue of the dragon Ladon has been erected, coiled around the trunk and lower branches of the tree. Allegedly, mages are regularly hired to keep the tree healthy and growing in a manner suitable for the statue.

There a small number in the city who worship dragons, specifically Drakon Olympus, 12 draconic versions of the Olympians. There are conflicting claims if these are supposed to be draconic forms of same beings most people know as the Olympians, or separate entities all together. These worshippers are tolerated but paid little mind by most, with their teachings and suggestions regularly dismissed as crazed ramblings. However, they have garnered a few wealthy and influential members to commission impressive structures and host large events.

The most significant example of this group's work is the temple known as the Drakon Dias. Unlike most temples in Cyranos, it is not a rectangular building flanked by columns. Instead, it is a cylindrical building featuring a large circular stone platform on top. A curved ramp leads down the ground, wide enough for three chariots. There are no columns directly in front of the 30ft tall bronze door leading inside, though columns do surround the rest of the building holding up the platform and ramp. The priests will often allow the platform to be used for festivals and ceremonies but are always insistent that it can be cleared quickly, going as far as to require wheels on every stall or stage and beasts of burden at the ready.

The Mausaleum of Ajax claims to have been built in the former home of the great dragonborn hero Ajax. It also claims to have once held the hero's body before it was stolen almost two centuries ago. A 10ft long sarcophagus and numerous artifacts are on display in the mausoleum, with rewards offered for the recovery of others. Multiple families both within and without Ormux, claim lineage from Ajax and some have even made efforts to have ownership of the mausoleum and its contents legally turned over to them.

The centre of the Nyrian Republic is Nyria itself, the second largest city in Cyranos. It claims to be a beacon of art and democracy.

The Tower of Athena refers both to the tower itself and the plaza it stands in, alongside the Temple of Wisdom and the Temple of Order, dedicated to Athena and Zeus respectively. The Tower of Athena stands almost 100ft above the plaza and just over 400ft above the sea and most of the city. It was formerly the palace of the monarchy. Much of the upper floors still serve as offices of the higher levels of government. The lower floors however are more open to the public and serves as a museum, a tourist destination and as a space for public events and debates.

The Senate Hall is a grand marble building on the water front. It was originally a simple warehouse in the city's poorer dock district, symbolically showing the senate as "of the people". However, critics highlight the elaborate and expensive refurbishments and the resulting gentrification of the surrounding area as damaging this symbolism. Many senators choose to approach the hall by boat and proudly display sails of their house or office. Passers by can make resonable guesses as to who is currently involved in a senate session or debate based upon the sails they see outside.

WIP 

The Senate Hall on the waterfront

Unlike many cities in Cyranos, Halosini has been relatively untouched by war since its founding almost a century ago.

The main attraction of Halosini is its academic community, primarily the College of Natural Philosophy. The College boasts scholars from all over the world gathering for intellectual discussion and study of art, science, philosophy, theology and magic. Realistically this supposedly diverse collection of people are mostly elves from rich Nyrian families, though others are technically welcome. The College also boasts a secretive library known as the Dragonvault, allegedly the greatest collection of knowledge in the known world. Gaining access to this archive is notoriously difficult and requires multiple oaths of secrecy.

Another notable attraction is the Oracle of Cyranos, supposedly the only true oracle in Cyranos (A disputed claim by the Oracle of Arkys). This position, held only by maiden women, supposedly communes directly with Apollo to provide prophecies and advice to any to ask. The line to speak to the oracle is notoriously long, with some visitors waiting over a month to speak with the Oracle.

Great Hall of the College of Natural Philosophy

In the most recent war between Arkys and Nyria, Plateia has switched sides more than any other city.

At the beginning of the war, it was an independent city state that was allied to Arkys, then it was taken by Nyria, who held it for 27 days before Arkys took it for themselves. Having suffered two sieges and still losing their independence, the citizens of Plateia began rioting. Eventually, Arkys gave up on trying to control Plateia and pulled back its armies, leaving the city to fend for itself. Nyria quickly retook the city. With most of the original residents dead or fleeing from multiple sieges and riots, Nyria planted many of its own citizens in the city to take over. Fewer than a third of the current residents were there at the beginning of the war.

Plateia also features the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon, which was torn down by an angry mob in the wake of the Sea People attacks. Some have suggested the misfortune that the residents have suffered since is the result of Poseidon’s wrath.

Ruined Temple of Poseidon

Trenin is a moderately sized mining city exporting mostly gold. Two decades ago (599 AoC), Trenin was purchased by Nyria from it’s former king for an undisclosed reward.

The Temple of Hephaestus is a series of connected buildings containing workshops, forges and smelteries alongside the shrines one would normally expect in other temples. The priests of this temple believe that work, specifically craft work, is the greatest offering to Hephaestus. Visitors can still bring more traditional offerings of gold, food and animals when making prayers and requesting services, but many choose instead to offer their labour and skill for the benefit of the temple and those it aids. The temple also sometimes hosts games in which teams compete to craft particular items with speed and quality.

A Temple of Apollo sits on a high hill in the city. Atop this temple is a golden statue of the god himself, arrow drawn. The arrowhead of the statue is made of crystal, and every morning the light shines through it at just the right angle to make it glow brighter than any torch in the city. This glow only lasts a few minutes and often signals the start of the work day for many.

There are rumours of rebellion and anti-government activity by disgruntled miners known as the Birds of Prey, including the death of the previous First Chancellor in a house fire. Nyrian supporters tend to downplay or deny these rumours, claiming it as anti-Nyria propaganda.

Perhaps due to this alleged unrest, the city has strict law enforcement and justice system. There are multiple semi-autonomous factions within the law enforcement, recognisable by the color of their capes.

The Greycapes are the common police force, typically tackling petty crime in the poorer districts. They are led by a marshall nominated from within their ranks. While they are branded as being of the people and for the people, critics have criticised corruption, poor organisation and how often the other factions seem to influence and command them.

The Bluecapes are better funded, better trained and better equipped than the Greycapes, though fewer in number. They are typically seen protecting the richer districts of the city, especially the nobles and businesses. Despite usually showing little interest in more common affairs, they have been known to send patrols and raids into other parts of the city, sometimes commanding the Greycapes, even if they don't officially have authority over either. The Bluecapes are controlled by the office of the Chancellor of Spears, typically under the command of a particular polemarch. Many of their higher ranking officers are from noble families.

The Blackcapes are the best of the best within the law enforcement of Trenin. They typically serve as the personal guard for many senators and nobles. There are fewer than two dozen Blackcapes at any one time and they are rarely seen outside of government buildings and noble estates. While the Greycapes and Bluecapes are funded by the senate and taxes, the Blackcapes' source of funding and leadership is not a matter of public record. Some have suggested they are actually privately owned by some noble or senator.

By far the largest and richest city in Cyranos, Rubin sits in the Bay of Leda on the island of Stredi in the centre of the Sea of Cyranos. Rubin is Cyranos’s most frequently visited port by navel traders both foreign and local. Combined with local bountiful fish, pearl and wine industries, this trading hub has made Rubin one of the richest and most desired seats in the land.

Don’t let Rubin’s mercantile focus fool you however, many have tried and failed to conquer the gilded city. The bay is encircled by tall cliffs, some reaching above 300ft, the entrance to the bay is a little more than 200ft across and protected by moving chains, ballistas and catapults. The most famous example of these defense capabilities was when King Tracus of Arkys led over seven thousand warriors in over forty ships against a defending army of approximately nine hundred. Tracus’s son, Pracus, had to transport his father’s body home with just three remaining ships.

The Pearl Tower...WIP

There are countless private and public statues of gods and heroes all over the city. The Five Statues of Hermes hold significant status however, often being used as marker to denote various districts in the city.

• Hermes the Merchant overlooks the largest and grandest marketplace of the city. This statue features an enchanted fountain, giving the appearance of gold coins falling from his hands.  Some have joked that Hermes the Merchant is actually Hermes the Thief when complaining about prices.

• Caduceus in hand, Hermes the Healer sits among several hospitals and apothecaries. Incense and herbs are common offerings at this statue to mask the smell, for the benefit of both Hermes and those nearby.

• Hermes the Thief watches over the poor and needy in the slums. Or he would, if his head hadn't been stolen. Rumors of its sale on the black market emerge every few years, but it's location is yet to renter public knowledge.

• Hermes the Traveler stands at the end of a pier in the city's main dock district. With a sack upon his back, he appears ready to board a ship for an unknown destination.

• Atop a high hill on the outskirts of the city, the Hermes the Psychopomp waits, ready to carry souls to the next life. At least that's what people hope. Several morticans, crypts and catacombs operate nearby.

They were allegedly created by the same artist at the same time many decades ago, though sources disagree on the artist and time period. Further tales tease some secret code hidden in or around the statues, leading a cunning solver to a great treasure.

The Arch of Hera claims to be the site of the first mortal wedding, officiated by Hera herself. Atop the cliffs overlooking the bay, it is a popular spot for weddings for couples from all over Cyranos, however the cost and waiting list are more than most can afford.

The canals of Rubin

Emeris sits atop vast wetlands, most of its buildings rise straight out the water on stilts. The city is surrounded swamps filled with alligators, and strange beasts and magic. These may seem like simple fisher folk, but it takes courage and grit to live in Emeris fighting off alligator attacks and insects daily. 

The Forth Castle is a stone fort overlooking the the city from an island. There are multiple unconfirmed stories as to why it is named the Forth Castle, though most agree that some poor fate befell multiple prior forts on the same spot.

There is a small temple dedicated to Artemis in the city, which sees visits from worshippers and hunters, notably including the Daughters of Artemis. The city also features various smaller dedications to other gods. Most of these dedications can be found within the Garden of the Gods, a public park featuring numerous shrines and religious sites.

Both alligators and crocodiles inhabit the waters and nearby swamps. The leather and meat of these creatures can be found frequently in the diets, clothing and armour of the locals.

Stilted buildings above the Peridot Marshes

Vrakos is a dwarven mining city built mostly underground and known for highly valuable mineral exports, including raw adamantine, which must be shipped to Thalia for refinement. The city itself can often be described in three layers:

The Upper Layer is a large hollowed out cavern. Stalagmites rise hundreds of feet and form the foundation for many of the more elaborate buildings. It is here that you will find the largest palaces, temples and businesses. Bridges span the gaps between stalagmites, stalactites and cavern walls, resulting in a rather vertical city design. An underground waterfall feeds multiple aqueducts in this layer, this water is often considered a gift of the mountains. The water supposedly gives those who drink it hearts and bones as strong as the stone itself. Most visitors to Vrakos only see the Upper Layer.

The Middle Layer is a series of tunnels stretching miles under the rock. Some of these tunnels are spacious and comfortable, others less so, not unlike the streets of surface cities. While no single part of the Middle Layer is as large as the Upper Layer, the area covered is far greater. The Middle Layer is the home of many middle and lower class folk, as well as smaller businesses. Visitors can easily get lost in the Middle Layer if they are unfamiliar or have no guide.

The Lower Layer is a complex and ever changing network of small tunnels and passages that are impossible to map. Only paupers, outcasts and explorers dwell here. Whilst the Middle Layer has many mines and mushroom farms, they are usually large, well-organized, industrial operations. The Lower Layer is where people often dig personal mines that usually only they know about. It is in these mines that the greatest treasures are found, or the greatest dangers. Cave-ins, monsters, floods, extreme heat and noxious fumes are all very real dangers here. Nobody knows exactly how deep the mines of the Lower Layer go. It is believed that some dwarves go their entire lives without ever seeing the sky.

Perhaps the most extravagant displays of wealth and engineering are the Tricolour Agora and the Skyshoulder palace. The Tricolour Agora is an elaborate stone plaza featuring many of the Upper Layer's most famous markets and businesses. Hanging from silvered chains above the agora are three giant crystaline lights, each a different colour, bathing the area in a beautiful glow. The Skyshoulder palace is the ancestral home of the royal family. A symbol of Vrakon endurance and engineering, the palace sits above most of the Upper Layer on a giant stone platform held aloft by an 80ft tall statue of a kneeling Atlas carved into the natural stone of the cavern. Water dripping from the palace gardens, along with tendrils of moss and vines, give the statue the appearance of a beard.

(Left) A passage on the Middle Layer
(Right) The Tricolour Agora on the Upper Layer

The Red King and his ruthless “Sons of Ares” have somehow maintained some semblance of order in this otherwise lawless city. Nekri is a haven for pirates, outlaws and mercenaries to hide and spend their spoils.

There are less than a hundred wooden buildings in Nekri and even fewer stone ones, most structures are tents or simple shacks. Despite it’s primitive architecture, the inner city is highly defensible with the surrounding rocky terrain being near impossible to traverse for horses, war machines and large armies, restricting access to the Patroclus River and the defensible Bay of Spears. 

The City has two names, Nekri and the newer “Red City”. Nekri was the city’s original name under King Hestos. Hestos employed large numbers of mercenaries in his army during his failed campaign to conquer Cyranos. However, in 617 AoC, The Sons of Ares, saw weakness in him and conquered the city for themselves. Since then, the city has grown greatly beyond its original walls mainly using tents crafted from sails and clothes pillaged from nearby Arkian convoys, creating fields of red tents, hence the name, “The Red City”.

The sea of tents surrounding Nekri