Fulfwotz: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 15:07, 6 October 2020

Castle Mugg on Stony Isle; the primary residence of the Emperor and the oldest continually-inhabited royal domicile in the world, it is one of the city's most famous landmarks.

Fulfwotz (often referred to as Fulf, and Phellvux in Ancient Thrennexian), is the capital of and largest city in the New Sammichian Empire. The city lies at the heart of the Demmatrodine, surrounding Enderfulf Bay and the steep Alturas-Santos Mountains. The ancient core of the city lies within its central Seraphina Valley, with its more recent sprawl spreading far beyond and comprising one of the Shire’s largest urban agglomerations.

Boasting a GDP of nearly $600 billion, Fulfwotz is among the world’s most economically-productive cities and is a global hub for entertainment, finance, commerce, media, fashion, art, and tourism. It is considered by many to be the entertainment capital of the Shire, being host to numerous film and production companies as well as the headquarters of many other media corporations; it is also home to vibrant nightlife and a pervasive celebrity culture.

The city is divided into nine boroughs; Fulfwotz Proper, Feverly Hills, Frentwood, Fulfton, Pinecone Village, Sandy Springs, Verde Valley, Veneziana, and Capitolae, the administrative center of the New Sammichian Empire. Each borough technically constitutes its own city and operates with a certain degree of autonomy, and each is host to its own unique culture, history, and demographic makeup. Furthermore, it is one of the most ethnically-diverse cities in the world owing to the Empire’s colonial legacy; it has nearly an even split of Sammichian, Human, and Enpeecee inhabitants, as well as nominal numbers of Enderians and Laurelii.

The area that would eventually become Fulfwotz was first inhabited by the Seraphaho Enpeecee tribe. Around 500 PRY, they were brought into the fold of the Enpeecee proto-state of Mekjloka, before being seized by Xamichia around 200 PRY. Lucrative gold and ore mines in the surrounding landscape resulted in Fulfwotz, then called Phellvux, becoming one of the most productive colonies of the ancient empire and the provincial capital of Demmatrodenses. After the collapse and dissolution of Xamichia in 58 PRY, the ruling Ich Dynasty would flee to the city and form the Kingdom of Fulfwotz. Over the course of the following centuries, Fulfwotz would remain the economic and political center of gravity in the Demmatrodine.

Following the toppling of the repressive religious Orthodoxy in 1456, the city would become the site of the Kingdom’s Great Awakening, a period of great artistic and societal advancement which brought about the Revolution of 1681 and Fulfwotz Civil War. The Ich Dynasty of monarchs would be ousted and exiled as Fulfwotz was made the capital of the First, Second, and Third Chancelleric Republics. After the Ich Dynasty manipulated its way back into power, the city became the epicenter of an increasingly-powerful imperialist Kingdom, whose aggression would lead to the outbreak of the Great War in 1927. During the war, Fulfwotz suffered much destruction from targeted air raids and bombing campaigns as well as eventual occupation by enemy forces. After the signing of the Treaty of Niflheim in 1929 and the Imperial Reformation Proclamation the next year, Fulfwotz would become the capital of the New Sammichian Empire (and, briefly, the capital of the Fulflet Union following a communist military coup).

Today, Fulfwotz is one of the most-visited cities in the Shire for a variety of reasons, mainly owing to its architecture, well-known institutions, and vast number of historic landmarks. Additionally, its high concentration of bars and nightclubs, liberal and open-minded stance towards drugs and prostitution, and generally-relaxed societal norms make it a top destination for adult crowds. It has earned the moniker “City of Sin” and also accommodates a unique 24-hour culture. As a consequence of its relaxed laws and morals, as well as more systemic issues such as corruption, Fulfwotz suffers from disproportionately-high rates of crime, with some parts of the city considered extremely violent and dangerous. In recent years, it has also become a destination for the medical tourism industry, due to plentiful and affordable cosmetic surgery clinics. Furthermore, DePrey Institute is one of the Shire’s preeminent research institutions and places of higher education.

Boroughs

Fulfwotz Proper

Fulfwotz Proper is the dense historic heart of the city, with some of its most famous landmarks such as the Fulfspire, St. Flafbenz Cathedral, Watchtower Hill, and the Follywood sign. It is situated within the city’s inner valley, and also connects to Stony Isle via bridge. On Stony Isle is Castle Mugg, the primary residence of Emperor Sammus. After centuries of buildup, it is congested and often confusing to visitors.

Feverly Hills

To the south of Fulfwotz Proper is Feverly Hills, an affluent city known for its mansions, upscale shopping and dining, and concentration of famous residents. The LaFrea Shopping Center is home to a wide variety of upmarket boutiques and stores as is the rest of downtown Feverly Hills; both the Church of Sammintology and the Empire’s Noble Society maintain their headquarters in the borough.

Pinecone Village

To the east of Feverly Hills is Pinecone Village, a densely-forested community popular amongst Fulfwotzians seeking a more quiet and secluded locale. It has strong connections to the occult, with Samedi Street in the district of Underbridge host to many fortune telling parlors, witchcraft shops, and other occult offerings.

Frentwood

Further east lies the borough of Frentwood. Once the city’s industrial center, legislation forced industry outside of the capital and the borough suffered from poverty and urban decay. In recent years, it has become largely gentrified, famous for its colorful buildings, nightlife, and is considered to be the city’s LGBT village. Two of Fulfwotz’s most famous nightclubs, BnB and the Electrochapel, are located in Frentwood.

Veneziana

West of Feverly Hills is Veneziana, popular amongst beachgoers and surfers. Its beach is the largest and most visited in the city, and Peddler’s Way is frequented by tourists with its independent stores and vendor stalls. The hills of the district of Little Sur are home to many wealthy residents, and Veneziana is also where the Port of Fulfwotz is located.

Fulfton

To the north of Fulfwotz Proper is Fulfton, a cramped and downtrodden town which many view as an embodiment of the social stratification and inequality afflicting Fulfwotz and the Empire at large. Many of the city’s slums are in Fulfton and tourists are often advised to steer clear of the borough. Its population is disproportionately Enpeecee, and it has the highest rates of crime amongst the city’s boroughs.

Capitolae

The city’s southernmost borough, Capitolae is an extremely-distinct city devoted largely to the administrative functions of the New Sammichian Empire. Its conscious departure from the largely-homogenous architecture of the rest of Fulfwotz produces some of the city’s most impressive buildings, such as the Imperial Supercourt, the Imperial Chancellery, and the High Chancellor’s Mansion. Over half of its inhabitants are employed in the government, and it is the headquarters of all of the Empire’s ministries and governmental agencies.

Verde Valley

Verde Valley is a newer borough of the city, largely undeveloped prior to the 1980’s; lying to the south of Veneziana, it is the site of Fulfwotz’s burgeoning tech sector and headquarters to some of the Shire’s foremost tech companies such as Hexagon, Unix Systems, Provectus, and ENVIDA. It is dubbed the Demmatrodine’s “Cradle of Innovation” and is a top destination for startup companies and venture capital firms.

Sandy Springs

Located outside of the central Seraphina Valley, Sandy Springs is in the arid desert to the east of the city. Once a renowned vacation destination for the rich and famous in the 1960’s and 70’s, Sandy Springs accommodated many resorts and hotels -- however, with increasing salinity of the local water table and rising temperatures, Sandy Springs was neglected and has become one of the most economically-depressed areas of the city. Its abandoned resorts are popular amongst urban explorers.

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+[[File:Castlemugg.jpg|500px|thumb|right|Castle Mugg on Stony Isle; the primary residence of the Emperor and the oldest continually-inhabited royal domicile in the world, it is one of the city's most famous landmarks.]]
+'''Fulfwotz''' (often referred to as '''Fulf''', and '''Phellvux''' in Ancient Thrennexian), is the capital of and largest city in the [[New Sammichian Empire]]. The city lies at the heart of the Demmatrodine, surrounding Enderfulf Bay and the steep Alturas-Santos Mountains. The ancient core of the city lies within its central Seraphina Valley, with its more recent sprawl spreading far beyond and comprising one of the Shire’s largest urban agglomerations.
-== Overview ==
+Boasting a GDP of nearly $600 billion, Fulfwotz is among the world’s most economically-productive cities and is a global hub for entertainment, finance, commerce, media, fashion, art, and tourism. It is considered by many to be the entertainment capital of the Shire, being host to numerous film and production companies as well as the headquarters of many other media corporations; it is also home to vibrant nightlife and a pervasive celebrity culture.
-Fulfwotz is the capital of the [[New Sammichian Empire]], located in the northern section of the [[Demmatrodine Region]]. It is one of the largest cities in the Shire, and serves as an important economic center, as well as a trading hub of the southwest with its neighbor, [[Sol]]. It is an SUN World Heritage site, due to the remnants of the ancient tribes that used to reside in Bongva Valley.
-== History ==
+The city is divided into nine boroughs; Fulfwotz Proper, Feverly Hills, Frentwood, Fulfton, Pinecone Village, Sandy Springs, Verde Valley, Veneziana, and Capitolae, the administrative center of the New Sammichian Empire. Each borough technically constitutes its own city and operates with a certain degree of autonomy, and each is host to its own unique culture, history, and demographic makeup. Furthermore, it is one of the most ethnically-diverse cities in the world owing to the Empire’s colonial legacy; it has nearly an even split of Sammichian, Human, and Enpeecee inhabitants, as well as nominal numbers of Enderians and Laurelii.
-In approximately 2,200 PRY (Pre-Reckoning Year), a tribe of nomads inhabited Bongva Valley, using tools of stone to hunt their prey, which mainly compromised of the now-extinct Bongvian Mountain Goat. Ancient hieroglyphs found in caves within the mountains depict harsh and short lives for the indigenous Bongvites, partially due to the fact that they ate the goat meat raw, causing health problems later on. Eventually, bacteria in the raw meat caused infertility in the women, and the Bongvites soon died out.
-Later, in the year 200 PRY, the growing Lilladonian Empire begins to branch out into the western frontiers of the known Shire with hopes of establishing a colony. The Lilladonians chose the now-empty Bongva Valley because of its natural mountain defenses, and the proximity to the water. After a few years, the small colony of Fauna is established. It was small, weak, and strategically unimportant. All this changed when gold was discovered beneath Fauna. The town thrived, and became one of the most important centers in the Empire. The streak of prosperity continued unbroken for many years, until 130 PRY, when trouble began brewing in the north. A rival empire was growing, and challenged the size and power of the Lilladonians: It was the [[Old Sammichian Empire]]. In their capital of [[Ceriumuse]], the Sammichians were growing jealous of the fortune to be had in Fauna. Knowing if the Sammichian Empire wanted to be the most powerful that Fauna would need to be taken, Emperor Fikkle the First sent out a fleet of thirty ships to take Fauna from the Lilladonians. Commanding the fleet was the legendary Sammichian hero, [[Ser Leif]]. On December 12th, 122 PRY, Ser Leif sailed to Fauna in the dead of night. Believing that their town was safe, Fauna guards were out drinking at the pubs; but Ser Leif's fleet arrived, and began cruelly slaughtering every man, woman, and child in sight. Over 4,430 Faunites were murdered that night, while a group of 50 managed to escape across Enderfulf Bay, where they evolved into the current [[Enderian]] race. It is remembered as one of the most brutal and bloody conflicts in known Shire history.
+The area that would eventually become Fulfwotz was first inhabited by the Seraphaho Enpeecee tribe. Around 500 PRY, they were brought into the fold of the Enpeecee proto-state of Mekjloka, before being seized by [[Xamichia]] around 200 PRY. Lucrative gold and ore mines in the surrounding landscape resulted in Fulfwotz, then called Phellvux, becoming one of the most productive colonies of the ancient empire and the provincial capital of Demmatrodenses. After the collapse and dissolution of Xamichia in 58 PRY, the ruling Ich Dynasty would flee to the city and form the [[Kingdom of Fulfwotz]]. Over the course of the following centuries, Fulfwotz would remain the economic and political center of gravity in the Demmatrodine.
-Fauna was now in Sammichian control, and in gratitude, Emperor Fikkle allowed Ser Leif to rename it. It was renamed Fulfwotz by a drunken Ser Leif, and the Empire rejoiced. However, the festivities stopped when the Sammichians discovered that the Lilladonians had left the mines dry. They soon relied on trade, building up the town into a small city. As trade increased, Fulfwotz's influence grew too. Soon, power began shifting from the capital of Ceriumuse to Fulfwotz, the Emperor even taking up permanent residence in [[Castle Mugg]]. Eventually, due to a shrinking population and poorer opportunities, Ceriumuse was totally abandoned with thousands of years of history behind it, and the Empire was completely dissolved in 134. Fulfwotz remained as a large kingdom, ruled by the powerful [[Ich Dynasty]].
+Following the toppling of the repressive religious Orthodoxy in 1456, the city would become the site of the Kingdom’s Great Awakening, a period of great artistic and societal advancement which brought about the Revolution of 1681 and Fulfwotz Civil War. The Ich Dynasty of monarchs would be ousted and exiled as Fulfwotz was made the capital of the First, Second, and Third Chancelleric Republics. After the Ich Dynasty manipulated its way back into power, the city became the epicenter of an increasingly-powerful imperialist Kingdom, whose aggression would lead to the outbreak of the Great War in 1927. During the war, Fulfwotz suffered much destruction from targeted air raids and bombing campaigns as well as eventual occupation by enemy forces. After the signing of the Treaty of Niflheim in 1929 and the Imperial Reformation Proclamation the next year, Fulfwotz would become the capital of the New Sammichian Empire (and, briefly, the capital of the Fulflet Union following a communist military coup).
-== King Cephluss the Mad ==
+Today, Fulfwotz is one of the most-visited cities in the Shire for a variety of reasons, mainly owing to its architecture, well-known institutions, and vast number of historic landmarks. Additionally, its high concentration of bars and nightclubs, liberal and open-minded stance towards drugs and prostitution, and generally-relaxed societal norms make it a top destination for adult crowds. It has earned the moniker “City of Sin” and also accommodates a unique 24-hour culture. As a consequence of its relaxed laws and morals, as well as more systemic issues such as corruption, Fulfwotz suffers from disproportionately-high rates of crime, with some parts of the city considered extremely violent and dangerous. In recent years, it has also become a destination for the medical tourism industry, due to plentiful and affordable cosmetic surgery clinics. Furthermore, DePrey Institute is one of the Shire’s preeminent research institutions and places of higher education.
-A turning point in Fulfwotz history was when King Cephluss the Mad was coronated in 1253. He is considered one of, if not the most insane Ich monarchs who had ever lived. He was cruel, unstable, and combative, yet Fulfwotz saw the largest amount of growth under his rule. Many great construction projects were put in motion, such as St. Flafbenz Holy Cathedral, the Cephluss Colosseum, and Trinity Candle. He even annexed nearby [[Enpeecee]] villages, forcing them to pay tribute. But probably the most memorable exploit of his was the famous [[Cephluss Incident]], where he nearly bankrupted the kingdom and emptied the Treasury into [[DePrey Institute]], funding research for a time machine using ancient dark magic. It was done successfully, and new technology from nearly 1,000 years in the future was brought back. King Cephluss was originally intent on keeping the technology within the kingdom, but upon his death it was shared with the Shire, advancing the world at an alarming rate. King Cephluss was supposedly buried in the Fulfwotz Royal Crypt, but there are conspiracy theories that King Cephluss never left the time machine, and is stuck years into the future.
-== Civil War ==
+== Boroughs ==
-Fulfwotz was considered the main aggressor in the Civil War of 1927, which lasted until 1929. It declared war during a period of rapid expansion and imperialism, after a small town refused to be annexed and threatened the life on the then-King. Naturally, the kingdom became outraged and waged war on the town, before sides were chosen and the two main forces met in several different battles, the Overtakers, led by Fulfwotz, and the Liberators, led by the opposing town. Fulfwotz was winning in the beginning, but with the lack of troops in the city, it was vulnerable to Liberator occupation, which soon happened. In 1928, the city was occupied by Liberators and was set on fire. A large portion of the city was destroyed, but after Fulfwotz lost the Civil War, it somehow became more powerful than ever and incorporated itself as the [[New Sammichian Empire]].
+=== Fulfwotz Proper ===
+Fulfwotz Proper is the dense historic heart of the city, with some of its most famous landmarks such as the Fulfspire, St. Flafbenz Cathedral, Watchtower Hill, and the Follywood sign. It is situated within the city’s inner valley, and also connects to Stony Isle via bridge. On Stony Isle is Castle Mugg, the primary residence of Emperor Sammus. After centuries of buildup, it is congested and often confusing to visitors.
-== White Plague ==
+=== Feverly Hills ===
-During the [[White Plague]] in 1968, DePrey Institute in Fulfwotz was the forefront of discovering a cure for the deadly lymphrosis strain. Fulfwotz itself was quarantined to prevent the spread of the illness, but was soon infected after the quarantine was compromised. Nearly 1/4 of the population was killed,
+To the south of Fulfwotz Proper is Feverly Hills, an affluent city known for its mansions, upscale shopping and dining, and concentration of famous residents. The LaFrea Shopping Center is home to a wide variety of upmarket boutiques and stores as is the rest of downtown Feverly Hills; both the Church of Sammintology and the Empire’s Noble Society maintain their headquarters in the borough.
+=== Pinecone Village ===
+To the east of Feverly Hills is Pinecone Village, a densely-forested community popular amongst Fulfwotzians seeking a more quiet and secluded locale. It has strong connections to the occult, with Samedi Street in the district of Underbridge host to many fortune telling parlors, witchcraft shops, and other occult offerings.
+=== Frentwood ===
+Further east lies the borough of Frentwood. Once the city’s industrial center, legislation forced industry outside of the capital and the borough suffered from poverty and urban decay. In recent years, it has become largely gentrified, famous for its colorful buildings, nightlife, and is considered to be the city’s LGBT village. Two of Fulfwotz’s most famous nightclubs, BnB and the Electrochapel, are located in Frentwood.
+=== Veneziana ===
+West of Feverly Hills is Veneziana, popular amongst beachgoers and surfers. Its beach is the largest and most visited in the city, and Peddler’s Way is frequented by tourists with its independent stores and vendor stalls. The hills of the district of Little Sur are home to many wealthy residents, and Veneziana is also where the Port of Fulfwotz is located.
+=== Fulfton ===
+To the north of Fulfwotz Proper is Fulfton, a cramped and downtrodden town which many view as an embodiment of the social stratification and inequality afflicting Fulfwotz and the Empire at large. Many of the city’s slums are in Fulfton and tourists are often advised to steer clear of the borough. Its population is disproportionately Enpeecee, and it has the highest rates of crime amongst the city’s boroughs.
+=== Capitolae ===
+The city’s southernmost borough, Capitolae is an extremely-distinct city devoted largely to the administrative functions of the New Sammichian Empire. Its conscious departure from the largely-homogenous architecture of the rest of Fulfwotz produces some of the city’s most impressive buildings, such as the Imperial Supercourt, the Imperial Chancellery, and the High Chancellor’s Mansion. Over half of its inhabitants are employed in the government, and it is the headquarters of all of the Empire’s ministries and governmental agencies.
+=== Verde Valley ===
+Verde Valley is a newer borough of the city, largely undeveloped prior to the 1980’s; lying to the south of Veneziana, it is the site of Fulfwotz’s burgeoning tech sector and headquarters to some of the Shire’s foremost tech companies such as Hexagon, Unix Systems, Provectus, and ENVIDA. It is dubbed the Demmatrodine’s “Cradle of Innovation” and is a top destination for startup companies and venture capital firms.
+=== Sandy Springs ===
+Located outside of the central Seraphina Valley, Sandy Springs is in the arid desert to the east of the city. Once a renowned vacation destination for the rich and famous in the 1960’s and 70’s, Sandy Springs accommodated many resorts and hotels -- however, with increasing salinity of the local water table and rising temperatures, Sandy Springs was neglected and has become one of the most economically-depressed areas of the city. Its abandoned resorts are popular amongst urban explorers.