Florence
Florence is a major city in the northwestern mainland of the Caelsimilan Peninsula. It is situated east of Skysword Summit, the peak of the Lendover Mountains. It was founded by monks, the first of the Lend Pilgrims to set foot on the fertile land after emigrating from Teme-Rasadar, who settled where the Ki Serpent Priory stands today.
Demographics
Its population as of last count sits at 3,157,662 permanent residents within the city, plus another 599,204 including the surrounding area. Technically, the city is the most populous on the continent, though this point is debated politically by those who argue its non-humanoid residents do not count. Its population is primarily human, with notable numbers of elves and drow, though other heritages are growing in recent years.
Defences
Florence has three distinct walls. The first and oldest wall was constructed to protect the Ki Serpent Priory in the days when most of the territory was farmland. The second wall was built during the War of Strife and Life- intentionally built so the city had the potential to expand within its confines, it was much larger than necessary for a long time. By the time of the Caelsimil Crusade against Teme-Rasadar, the city had at long last begun to spill past its defenses, and a third wall was created around the outer city to contain its new core.
In addition, a large construct called the Colossus of Life stands outside the city's main gate. Created by Industria, its powered by a gem that holds the soul of her sister, bringing protection to the land she loved rather than vengeance against a peoples she despised.
Districts
Norbank
The old city of Florence existed on the north bank before spilling south; as it grew larger, the north district gained prestige. Poverty was pushed into the newly encapsulated south- though many inhabitants of the north retain memories of the days before. Still, the north is perceived as safer overall, and its watch certainly tends to possess more friendly guard assignments. Norbank hosts many small neighborhoods within it, including the working-class neighborhoos of Wetton, Burberry Park, Dover, West Hall, and the Docks. Most city services are hosted out of Verdant Plaza, while more affluent neighborhoods include Highton, Old Town, and Betwethates.South
For much of Florence's history the South was unsettled, its land set aside for farm work or future development. It was not until after the Crusade that its development began in earnest, growing to include both residential and commercial neighborhoods. Modern neighborhoods include the Estates, Cobalt Square, the Dorms, and Pompy.Outer Florence
Spilling from the North, South, and East gates are what is now known as Outer Florence. Once areas relegated to those who could not make it within the city's walls have now become a region of the city proper. Travelers and pilgrims often find themselves here first, and these areas often possess markets selling goods not allowed in the city walls themselves.History
In the years following its founding by early pilgrims traveling through the Lend Mountains, Florence had little draw to it, being known only as the city of Sabella for it's temple and monastery. It didn't rise to prominence until the War of Life and Strife, where its location near the mountain range and on the western edge of the peninsula made it one of the safest cities in the region and spared its populace from the worst of the conflict. As the war waged on, it became home to the rising Unification movement- a call among the pious who sought to rebel against the caitiff on an official front and unite the once disparate city-states into a more unified government.
Florence entered the national light once more during the Caelsimil Crusade against Teme-Rasadar, its proximity to the holy land making it a strategic power point and ideal recruiting ground. Following the Crusade, the city became the home of the Order of the Oracle's Eye, which fell under its Lady Industria Cellini's direct control after a series of assassination attempts. The Lady would call the First Synod, an event with the intended purpose of revitalizing and centralizing the Caelsimilan faith. It ultimately ended in bloodshed as many religious and state leaders of Caelsimil and Teme-Rasadar protested the event. Further trouble was stirred by uncentralized attacks from the Remnants of Bone and Rising Roc- killing invited religious leaders.
Not long after, the Second Synod was called to rebuild the powers of the faith once more, though rumors swirled of the catastrophe at the First Synod having been orchestrated by the Oracle of Nature herself. As a result, the few who still championed her held the event as a private affair. It was finished with the Oracle officially returning control of the city to the state.
During the Caelsimil Crusade against Teme-Rasadar, a general in the Caelsimilan military- General Rick Thaddeus, was assassinated by former Teme-Rasadii commander Rikius Falenmir. After an investigation ensued, it was discovered that Thaddeus's assistant, Sharon, had used mind control to influence Falenmir's actions in a bid to gain power. Rikius, who was set to be imprisoned for his crimes, was freed instead thanks to the investigative work of Caelsimilan spymasters Industria Cellini, Elathera Clearwater, and Zakina Kociak.
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