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| As the centre of power, the old city subscribes to the principles of Gothic architecture. |
As 'The Tower' is a unique construct without a real world analogue, I thought it best to provide a visual guide to its different districts starting with the 'Old City' of Connesford and the Diocese of Norvik. The districts are representative of the baronies in the other Freeholds of the UK. As such four of the cities districts (Connesford, The Diocese of Norvik, Mancroft, and Ultra Aquam) are strictly NPC districts in that players will not be claiming residence there, leaving the District of Westwyk for players who wish to primarily reside within the walls of the City.
Before I go into details about the 'Old City' there are a few important details I need to explain about the City in general.
The Tower's streets mirror those of old Norwich:
Although there are a few Gates in the city walls that lead to the wild hedge beyond traveling between the mortal world and the City is very simple. One simply enters a door along one of the City's medieval streets and opens a hedge gate; resulting in them appearing on the same street in 'The Tower'. On the flipside opening a hedge gate anywhere else runs the risk of being ejected into the deep hedge.
Residency is open to all citizens:
Once a Changeling has sworn the Citizens Pledge they can claim the right of residency within the City walls. lodgings will be found for them in a district that suits their position (Usually Westwyk though the more they do for their society the greater chance they gain of being invited to live in one of the more prestigious districts). It is then up to the Changeling or Motley in question to furnish this property.
(OOC: for characters wanting to take dots in Hollow they can do so within the city walls. In this respect Wards thematically functions more like security measures than the ability to keep the Hollow hidden. Having a Hollow outside the city is fine but with it being out in the middle of a hostile environment the local opinion is that if someone has a hollow outside the walls then they clearly have something to hide...)
Defacing or damaging the city is a crime:
One of the ways Changelings can source glamour is scouring it from the local hedge, sourcing it from the very Wyrd around them to top up their reserves. though this is common parlance in other freeholds it is strictly forbidden within and near the City walls. Such acts weaken the City's defences and draw hedge beasts to the area. As such any act that damages the city, especially integral architecture such as the walls, is deemed a serious offence.
Each district has its own code of ethics:
I have included area morality as a way to show the effects of the freeholds way of life upon its citizens. As one progress through its social classes the social expectations, court intrigue and the fight against the freehold’s enemies addle their moral compasses. Though those who have recently escaped Fairie cling to more idealistic virtues those who have become jaded by the experiences of their return see the expediency and rationality of pledge enforced decency. This won’t come up during uptime as games will be held either in the real world or Westwyk however it will mechanically come into play during downtime.
E.g. A character spends some time collecting information on their
courts leader in Connesford. At first they intended to simply listen in on
gossip but seeing the window to their home open one afternoon after they leave
for an important function they decide to take the opportunity and break in,
after all they have never sworn a pledge not to...
The 'Old City' is such named as it encompasses not only the City's oldest buildings but because it is the seat of power for the 'oldest and wisest' Citizens of 'The Tower'. It is undoubtedly the most traditionalist part of the city where its political and religious aspirations are imbedded in the very foundations of its Gothic spires and Cathedral like manors.
Connesford (Area Morality 5)
The home of the city’s great and the good. This large expanse of the city is a collection of well sculpted Gothic mansions and landscaped gardens. Hobs are not allowed into this district unless pressed into the service of a citizen or pledge sworn changeling. This area has become the spiritual home of the City’s Spring court as a location to undertake lavish ceremonies and balls.
Connesford literally means 'The Kings Ford' and as such it is home to the Cities administrative buildings alongside the residencies of the Monarchs and leadership of the changeling courts.
The Winter Palace
The seat of the Monarchy of the 'The Tower', so named as its original architect sculpted its facades to channel water into forming icicles during the winter. It is known for its lavish ballroom which has been used regularly by the Spring Court for various ceremonial purposes. At times when Justice is needed to be seen done the Palace has also been used as a courthouse and a parliament for reconciliation. The Winter Palace is located between Brazen gate and Finkel gate on the site of the real world Notre Dame High school.
The Great Library
Overlooking the Winter Palace are the three towers that make up the great library of the City. it is here an army hob servants toil day and night to underpin the City's bureaucracy. All sorts of records and documents can be obtained if one has the patience, nerve and guile to navigate its systems. the three towers correspond to St Julian's Church, Dragon Hall and the Church at St Peter's Court.
The Cathedral of St Elijah Morningstar
The Seat of power for the Revered Wycliffe and the spiritual home of the 'Church of Lost Salvation'. This lavish Cathedral was the original site of the Benedictine Monastery founded by the Dawn Court at the Freeholds conception and thus holds tremendous significance for both citizens of 'The Tower' and members of The Bloody Rose. Carved and painted along its walls are effigies of the Freeholds great heroes who have since been canonized for the services they did in protecting the city. Amongst the more religious members it is considered a great honour to be laid to rest amongst its crypts.
The cathedral is residence for the local Diocese of Norvik amongst the Bishopric of Blackbirds and its location corresponds to Norwich Cathedral.
The Tower of Salvation
Pointing up toward the heavens, the Tower of Salvation is the very essence of a Gothic Spire and the object for which the City is named. An ancient relic of the Dawn Court which houses the Mausoleum of St Elijah Morningstar who led a rebellion in Arcadia allowing for the first citizens of the city to escape. The Tower marks where he was fated to drop down dead with exhaustion on the spot where the Free Lost had found their Promised Land…
The religious amongst the city believe that the tower guides the righteous back from Faerie and it is generally said amongst those who venture out into the hedge that so long as you can see the Tower you can still find your way back home. The Tower of Salvation Corresponds to Norwich Castle but without express permission entrance is forbidden.
Bishopgate Hospital
Tucked in the corner of the Diocese is hospital tended by the Bishopric of Blackbirds. The Hospital is open to anyone who wishes to recover from both wounds physical and psychological through the Bishops programme of spiritual renewal. It is also where the 'Committee of Freedom and Stability' deliberate over those deemed too far gone for the Freeholds liking. Its location corresponds to St Helen's Church in Bishopgate.
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