Part 4: #postitmap #micromap #green For my 2nd green map, I re-imagined a setting from my old Rolemaster campaign, the city of Tawen and its surrounds.
Teltelkes
Heheces: Tawen
Tosca the
Mouse relates, "South of Squalo, mountains
rise across the southern part of the island. The source of the Qemasen is high
upon their slopes. Ridges of rock extend northward from the chain. Limestone it
is called. The weather of the world has gnawed away at the rock and left a
field of pinnacles, like pieces upon a chessboard, arrayed along the north
slopes. The Qemasen, as it grows into a large river, cuts through the slopes
and winds about the vast rocks."
Tawen is
the capital of the Peoples and the land known as Teltelkes Heheces. The town of
over 40,000 (in a nation of about 15 million spread over half a million square
miles) sits in the center of island, at the base of mountains to the south,
looking out on the plains that lead to the great inland sea, Snecec Sheli.
Tawen is the spiritual and political capital, Hearths of eight Peoples are
present, split between the Upper and Lower halves of the city.
"Tawen, our city, is built into one of these
spires, where the river has carved an opening in the plains. The side of the
stone was revealed and ages ago a collapse created a hollow in the stone. There
the first of my Peoples built the Lower City of Tawen. Up
in the air, atop the pinnacle, there is a hollow. In that opening, Phoenat's
People built the Upper City. Tunnels have been carved through the stone, shored
by magic and man, to connect the two."
A great limestone
pinnacle rises from the ground; the river Qemasen Stahlew (“Ravine River”) carves
a path along its eastern side. Comprised of three parts, the oldest portion
known as the Lower City nestles in a huge opening in the stone along the river
bank. Above, in the air, the slightly younger Upper City is perched in the top
of the limestone.
"As Tawen grew, other
Peoples and visitors settled in the area. Soon the pinnacle began to become
crowded. The Outer City was begun across the Qemasen and two great bridges
built to connect it to the spire. Tawen thus continues to
grow up, down and outward as you will soon see."
The Lower City:
The warrens
of the bottom of the pinnacle are the home to the People of the Fields: Mouse –
“Ketan”; Squirrel – “Toepsipaen”; Rabbit – “Sqeweo” and Rat – “Hewt.” Many
craftspeople make their homes here. Docks stretch out onto the river, launching
boats that make their way north to the inland lake. In darker corners, Rats run
the local Thieves Guild and other unsavory businesses.
The Upper City:
The spires
of the top of the pinnacle are the home to People of the Skies: Eagle –
“Cesqen”; Falcon – “Toixtex”; Hawk – “Xenxinele” and (Sea)Gull – “Geni.” Tall
buildings host churches, convents, hospitals, fine hotels and government
buildings surrounding the tallest building, the meeting hall of the Countil of
Eight, (the Chiefs of the Eight major Peoples of
Teltelkes Heheces.)
The Outer City:
Across the
river, spanned by bridges of fine white stone, lies the great semi-circle of
the Outer City. Here are the homes of members of the other Peoples and those of
other races who make their home on this island nation. Notable buildings
include various Guild halls, including those of Magicians, Merchants and
Adventurers, lesser government buildings, and walled estates of local rich and
stores of all types. Narrow walkways, ladders and an elevator lead from the
Outer City to the river below.
