The Military District
The West Gate and the Tolling Tunnel
You approach the West Gate of Shalannan City, the entrance to the overland routes leading to Volland and the southern plains. The towering stone arch of the gate, reinforced with iron, stands as a formidable barrier between the city and the wilderness beyond. Soldiers stand at attention in front of the gates, their eyes scanning the roads for travelers.
The West Gate is flanked by the imposing Tolling Tunnel, a passage that extends deep beneath the city. The tunnel’s name comes from the eerie tolling bells that echo through it at random times, a strange feature that causes many to whisper about the mysteries of the city. The tunnel is dark, damp, and long—some claim that it’s haunted by the spirits of past military leaders or that it’s been enchanted to confuse enemies attempting to invade. Whatever the case, the presence of the tunnel adds an air of mystery to this otherwise heavily guarded area.
Beyond the gates, the dirt road stretches out toward the plains, with caravans and traders frequently passing through. The bustling activity of the military forces here is palpable, as officers bark orders and soldiers conduct drills or sharpen weapons. Horses whinny in their stables, and the sounds of hammers on metal rings out from the armory. While the gate remains open during the day, at dusk, the heavy gates are drawn shut, sealing off the city from any unvetted individuals.
The Barracks and Officers’ Quarters
As you walk further into the Military District, the first structure you notice is the barracks. Tall, squat buildings with narrow windows stand in neat rows, their worn stone facades bearing the marks of time and constant use. The barracks are designed to house soldiers on active duty, and their windows are often filled with the movement of guards, some of whom peer out from the upper floors. The scent of sweat, leather, and freshly polished metal permeates the air, creating a sense of the intense training and preparation that occurs within.
The barracks themselves are crowded with soldiers who live here in communal spaces, each assigned to a small, functional cot and sharing the cramped space with several other comrades. The walls are covered with training schedules, maps, and sometimes crude sketches, drawn by soldiers who use their free time to reflect or amuse themselves.
As you continue through the district, you pass the officers’ quarters—a grander set of buildings compared to the barracks, located at the heart of the district. These structures are two or three stories high, made from more polished stone and better maintained. Their windows are large, and the balconies overlook the entire district. The officers’ quarters offer much more comfort and privacy, with fine wooden furniture and clean linens adorning the rooms.
These officers oversee the movements of the soldiers, ensuring order and discipline is maintained throughout the city. Occasionally, you catch sight of an officer, their uniform gleaming, as they stride purposefully through the district, barking orders to subordinates. The officers’ quarters are also where strategic decisions are made regarding the protection of the city, and you can feel the weight of responsibility that lies within these walls.
The Prison and the Armory
At the far end of the district, you encounter the prison, a grim structure designed for holding criminals and those who have broken the law within Shalannan. The walls of the prison are thick and reinforced, with iron bars covering the windows to prevent any escapes. Inside, the atmosphere is heavy with the scent of damp stone and musty air. Soldiers patrol the perimeter, ensuring that prisoners remain locked in their cells, and you occasionally hear muffled voices echoing from the inside.
Not far from the prison stands the armory, an imposing building where weapons and armor are stored and maintained. Inside, rows of swords, spears, and shields gleam on shelves, while suits of armor—some shiny and new, others worn from battle—hang in organized rows. The air smells of oil and metal, and the sound of smiths hammering out imperfections on swords and shields fills the space. Soldiers often come here to prepare for their shifts or to receive new weapons. The armory is a symbol of Shalannan’s military strength, and its contents are carefully guarded.
Connected to the armory is the brig, a smaller and more restrictive section of the prison reserved for those who have committed severe offenses, such as mutiny or desertion. The brig is darker and colder than the prison itself, and it is said that the guards here are less lenient, with punishment often being more severe. You can feel the tension in the air as you pass by, knowing that the individuals confined here are those who have gravely dishonored the city’s military.
The Stable and The Passage to the Noble’s Rise
As you make your way to the final area of the Military District, you pass by the stable. Horses are vital to the military, especially for the cavalry units and scouts who are stationed at the West Gate. The stable is a large structure, with open stalls where horses are groomed and prepared for patrols. The air is thick with the scent of hay, leather, and horse sweat, and the sounds of hooves and neighing horses fill the space. Several soldiers stand nearby, ensuring the horses are well cared for and ready to move at a moment’s notice.
At the far end of the stable, you can hear the steady rhythm of hooves as cavalry units practice their drills, galloping around the courtyard, their armor clanking as they move in unison. It’s a well-choreographed display of discipline and coordination, and it’s clear that the military is prepared for any threats that might arise from the plains.
As the sun begins to set, you feel the change in the district. The gates, which were wide open during the day, begin to close slowly, with the creaking of heavy iron mechanisms filling the air. Soldiers stand ready by the gates, ensuring that anyone who arrives after sundown will be forced to camp outside the city until morning. Those who arrive too late have no choice but to create makeshift camps just outside the gates, where they will wait for the morning’s first light.
With the gates secured and the night settling in, the Military District grows quieter. The soldiers return to their barracks for rest, and the last few stragglers outside the gates find their places to camp. The district’s activity, once frantic and purposeful, slows down for the evening as the city prepares for another night of peace and vigilance.
The Noble’s District
The Great Gate and Entrance
As you ascend the hill from The Military District, you approach the towering stone gate that marks the entrance to the Noble District. The great archway, made from white marble, is inscribed with intricate carvings of mythical creatures, and the golden accents shimmer in the afternoon light. Guarded by well-dressed attendants and armored half-orcs, the gate seems almost an impenetrable barrier between the hustle of the city below and the opulence above. The half-orcs stand with stone-faced professionalism, their hulking frames a stark contrast to the refined surroundings.
From the top of the hill, you can see the Military District below, its sounds faint but persistent. The clanging of iron chains and the rhythmic pounding of hooves mix with the distant call of drills and orders from the soldiers stationed near the West Gate. Though the Military District is an ever-present reminder of Shalannan’s might, here, in the noble heights, it’s as if the worries of the world below are a distant hum.
The gate opens, and as you step through, you enter a different world altogether. The streets here are wide and well-maintained, lined with tall trees that provide shade over the cobblestone pathways. The sound of soft footfalls and the rustling of leaves dominate the area, punctuated by the occasional carriage or elegantly dressed noble walking with their attendants.
The Palatial Estates and Their Gardens
The first thing that catches your eye as you walk further into the district are the sprawling estates. Each mansion is a work of art, constructed from the finest white marble, with intricate carvings adorning the facades. The houses are vast, sprawling across acres of land with expansive gardens and carefully manicured lawns. Ornate gates and hedges line the properties, and fountains of crystal-clear water sparkle in the sunlight.
As you walk past the first estate, you notice the wealth on display: servants moving in and out of the grand entrance, some of them wearing livery while others walk in more casual attire, often with baskets of fruits, flowers, or fine goods in hand. The houses themselves are a blend of classic elegance and modern excess, each building varying in its own way to reflect the tastes of its owner. Some are modest in their decoration, relying on the grandeur of their size to make an impact, while others opt for extravagance, with garish colors painted on the exterior walls, the windows framed with gold, or oversized sculptures of animals and gods standing in the front yards.
From the gardens, the smells of rich perfumes, fresh flowers, and the occasional scent of cooking meats drift past. The air here feels almost too pristine, every inch of the district carefully curated to perfection. At times, you see a noble family relaxing in their gardens, enjoying the quiet solitude away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city. A group of children plays by a fountain, their laughter ringing through the air as they chase each other around.
The Street Life and Servants
The Noble District is not just about palatial estates; it’s also a place where wealth flows freely. The streets are kept immaculate, with a team of servants sweeping and cleaning the pathways as they move along. These workers are often accompanied by arcane servants—small, floating creatures or constructs summoned from The Mages District—who assist in cleaning the streets and maintaining the beauty of the district. These magical beings move without a sound, their glowing forms providing an ethereal ambiance that matches the elegance of the neighborhood.
The noble families here may live in luxury, but the work to keep the district pristine is done by others. As you walk, you notice the many servants—humans, half-elves, and halflings—who are responsible for the maintenance of the estate grounds and the care of the nobles themselves. Some are dressed in finery to match their employers, while others are more plainly dressed, serving quietly and efficiently. You see them moving between houses, carrying heavy baskets or pushing carts loaded with goods.
The sound of conversations in various languages fills the air, as various races mix in this affluent part of town. Halflings chat excitedly among themselves, while a dwarf servant polishes the stonework of a grand entrance. A half-elf woman with sharp features tends to the horses stabled in one of the many luxurious estates, while a human man ensures the fountains are running properly.
Occasionally, you see the hired muscle—half-orcs serving as bouncers, bodyguards, or even as attendants in the most opulent of homes. Their presence adds a layer of authority to the area, as they stand at the entrances, stoic and unyielding. They keep watch over the streets, ensuring that no one disturbs the peace or the wealth of the district.
The Back Alleyways and Shadows
Despite the wealth and grandeur on display, the Noble District has its darker corners. Tucked away behind the pristine buildings are narrow alleyways, often obscured from view by large stone walls and overgrown ivy. These back alleys are a place where the less fortunate gather, far removed from the beauty and wealth of the open streets. Here, you find traders dealing in illicit goods—potions, enchanted trinkets, and rare objects not often seen in the light of day.
The alleyways are poorly lit, with the occasional lantern casting flickering shadows on the cobblestone ground. You can hear hushed voices, the shuffle of footsteps, and the soft clink of coin changing hands. The residents of these alleys are often those who serve the nobles during the day, but by night they gather here for a different life. Some sell their services or make deals for a better future, hoping that one day they’ll rise from the shadows and claim a piece of the prosperity that others here enjoy.
The air is thick with the scent of spice and incense, mingling with the quieter noises of the district. As you peer into the darkness, you catch sight of a few furtive figures moving quickly between the alleys, disappearing before you can get a better look. Some of the back doors of the grand houses open to reveal servants moving about, but they quickly retreat back into the shadows when they spot you.
The Sounds and Sights from Above
As you ascend the hill further, the district begins to open up. From here, you can look down upon the Military District, hearing now only the faint echoes of clanking armor, the rhythmic drumming of hooves, and the occasional sound of a soldier’s commands. Though distant, the sounds are a reminder of the bustling city below. The contrast between the quiet, well-kept streets of the Noble District and the rough, regimented nature of the military is stark.
From this vantage point, you notice that the architecture of the Noble District continues to rise, with taller buildings and more extravagant designs the further you go. Some of the houses here look more like palaces, with grand towers that reach for the sky, adorned with spires and statues. The rooftops are adorned with gardens, small towers, and even some observatories, where the wealthiest families take in the view.
The streets here are lined with expensive shops selling fine clothing, rare spices, and exotic wines, but the crowds are fewer. You can almost feel the isolation of wealth in this section, where the most influential people live in relative seclusion from the masses below. The nobles go about their business behind tall gates and walls, with only a few trusted servants and guests ever gaining access to the inner sanctums.
The Hidden Wealth and Disguised Luxury
Even though the Noble District is known for its visible wealth, there are deeper layers of opulence hidden from public view. Inside the homes of the richest families, the walls are lined with treasures—works of art, antique furniture, and exotic curiosities collected from across the continent. These hidden gems are not on display for the public to see but are carefully curated to impress the guests who are invited into the private spaces of these grand homes.
The backrooms of the finest estates hold secrets—vaults of gold, magical items, and enchanted objects that only the wealthiest can afford. Even the servants who live and work in these estates are often aware of the wealth that lies hidden behind locked doors. Yet, most never see it with their own eyes, only hearing rumors from the higher-ups.
As you leave the district, you catch a glimpse of the hidden corridors leading to the private wings of the estates—these are places where only the elite are allowed to enter, and where the real treasures of Shalannan’s upper class are stored away from the prying eyes of the public.
