[[File:fulfwotz.png|600px|thumb|right|Fulfwotz's energetic Commercial District at night.]]
[[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.]]
== Overview ==
'''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.
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 ==
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.
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 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.
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]].
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.
== King Cephluss the Mad ==
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).
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 ==
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.
The Kingdom of Fulfwotz was the first to declare war after the rebellious actions of a small village it was attempting to annex left the kingdom humiliated and disgraced. After declaring war, the Shire quickly divided itself into three factions: the [[Overtakers]], the [[Liberators]], and neutral nations. Fulfwotz led the imperialist Overtakers, and the city was the site of many important events throughout the war.
=== Declaration of War ===
== Boroughs ==
During the early 1900's, when the [[Imperial Shadow]] was first being cast across the southwestern Shire, the Kingdom of Fulfwotz had begun its aggressive annexation of all nearby towns and villages, prompting nearby settlements that had not yet been annexed to militarize themselves and refuse Fulfwotz rule. Yet many settlements were outmatched by the kingdom's forces, and were forced to submit or have their village razed to the ground. However, one unnamed village under the rule of Count Batman was particularly strong in terms of defensive strength and position, and the kingdom's forces were not able to breach the settlement. Word spread quickly that the blossoming Kingdom of Fulfwotz could not even conquer a mere village, and other growing nations quickly swept in, claiming a considerable amount of towns that were under Fulfwotz control, believing that the kingdom was not as strong as previously thought. Outraged, embarrassed, and a little smaller, the kingdom declared war on the village, allowing it to use as much force as necessary to conquer and destroy the village.
=== 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.
The Declaration of War was signed on the morning of March 25th, 1927, in [[Castle Mugg]]. There was a large amount of unrest in the Shire afterwards, and many believed the possible destruction of a town that fought to remain independent was evil and unjust. Many sided with the village, and became the Liberators, seeking to not only allow the village to live in peace, but to completely dissolve the Kingdom of Fulfwotz, and end Shire imperialism. The Liberators represented independence and peace, and is commonly referred to as the "good" side.
=== 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.
After hearing that one of the main goals was the dissolve the kingdom, many nations who participated in and relied on heavy trade with Fulfwotz realized that if the kingdom was to be eradicated, they would lose massive amounts of profit and possibly be plunged into an economic depression. Others sided with Fulfwotz not necessarily because of trade, but because if imperialism was to be globally outlawed, they would be weakened severely. This faction was named the Overtakers, representing imperialist interests and expansion at any cost. They were widely considered the "bad" side.
=== 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.
=== Occupation of Fulfwotz ===
=== 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.
After the bloody Battle of Venezia, almost all of Fulfwotz's military was stationed outside of the kingdom, fighting and fending off Liberators. On December 24th, Christmas Eve, 1928, a Liberator force of 5,000 under the command of revered General Tumerik of Knavobuki moved in on the undefended city, easily occupying it by sunrise, Christmas Day. Although many Liberators rejoiced, many others claimed that occupation was exactly what they were fighting against, and Liberator support wavered after many unproven yet widespread accounts of atrocities performed by the Liberator troops within the city fell on the ears of Shirefolk. One Fulfwotzian claimed that a group of five Liberators broke into his home, assaulted his wife, killed his son, and ran off with jewelry and family heirlooms. This was afterwards proven true, along with many other accounts of terrorism.
=== 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.
Fulfwotzian life during the Liberator occupation was altered drastically, with martial law being declared by Provisional King Maltese after severe unrest and riots within the city. The historic [[Abyssinia Hotel]] in [[Pinecone Village]] was the site of numerous mass murders after it was turned into a Liberator Command Center, and proprietors Georges & Norma Abyssin were convicted of over 90 counts of murder. It was said that they poisoned the water, and blamed it on the claim that the filtration system was no longer functioning since the occupation. The claim was discovered to be false, and the couple was executed.
=== 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.
=== Surrender ===
=== 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.
With the center of Overtaker power occupied, and a severely weakened army, the Overtakers officially surrendered. After threatening to use nuclear weaponry, both sides recognized the implications of Mutual Assured Destruction, and the [[Niflheim Treaty]] was drawn up in [[Niflheim Palace]]. Some major agreements of the treaty included:
=== 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.
*The Kingdom of Fulfwotz will release its grip on any village that refuses its rule
=== Sandy Springs ===
*The Kingdom of Fulfwotz may continue to exist as long as future annexations are agreed to by both parties
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.
*Both sides must dispose of nuclear weaponry, allowing a maximum of 10 warheads per nation
*The [[Shire United Nations]] will be created to monitor and maintain peace throughout the Shire
*All trade embargoes placed on opposing nations by Fulfwotz must be lifted unless the embargo existed before the war
*Restitution must be given to Fulfwotzian families terrorized by Liberator troops, on part of any nation formerly aligned with the Liberators
*All nations along with Fulfwotz will be assigned an officer to monitor government activity and report to the Shire United Nations
*Any research of Weapons of Mass Destruction in any Shire institution must be disclosed to the Shire United Nations
After the treaty was signed on May 24th, 1929, the Kingdom of Fulfwotz was incorporated into the [[New Sammichian Empire]] the very same day.
== White Plague ==
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 due to the large Sammichian population, whose immune systems are very susceptible to the virus.
The infection of the city led to serious repercussions in the Shire economy, with the music, film, and television industries based largely in Fulfwotz inactive. Work inside DePrey Institute continued, until a vaccine was developed and distributed amongst the Shire.
== Organization ==
The city of Fulfwotz is known for its six distinct boroughs which make up the shape of the city. Each borough is controlled by a council, headed by an appointed Subchancellor by the [[Sammichian Imperial Chancellery]]. The various boroughs are remarked for their diverse and varying subcultures despite being in close proximity to each other. Due to the size of Fulfwotz Proper, it is also divided into numerous districts or neighborhoods recognized by the government. Other boroughs are also divided into neighborhoods, but said neighborhoods are unofficial areas named by those living within them.
=== Boroughs ===
*[[Fulfwotz Proper]]
*[[Feverly Hills]]
*[[Fulfton]]
*[[Pinecone Village]]
*[[Venezia Beach]]
*[[Frentwood]]
=== Districts of Fulfwotz Proper ===
*Oldetown
*Harbor District
*Theater District
*Watchtower Hill
*Seaside Park
*Follywood
*Farside Park
*Edgewater
*Wyrmwood Hill
*Grand Flafbenz Plaza
*Commercial District
*Follywood Studios (Owned by Follywood Entertainment Corporation for corporate interests)
== Culture ==
Fulfwotz is a very media-centric society, due to the presence of major industries such as music, television, and film. Its citizens enjoy a large amount of personal liberties and freedoms, and their devotion to the Empire. Fulfwotzians are known for their opinions on sexuality, which is not an issue in most imperial settlements due to the fact that Sammichians are inherently bisexual, and are able to choose their gender at a young age. Those who never undergo the procedure to assign them a gender grow up to be intersex, who still retain all of the rights guaranteed to others.
Despite the freedom in Fulfwotz, it is regarded as one of the most unfriendly cities in the Shire, thanks to the high [[Sammichian]] population. It is also renowned for its high crime levels, which you would not expect from the city's outward appearance, but many say it's probably one of the most dangerous cities today. Criminals flock to the city because of the very lax laws which legalize nearly everything except murder, theft, and corruption in the government, which still happens in large amounts anyway.
== Major Organizations ==
Fulfwotz is home to a number of organizations important to the Empire and the Shire.
*[[Shire Global News]] - A major news outlet covering all areas of the Shire. While the main offices are located inside the SGN Tower in [[Orikami]], the Administrative Offices are in [[Grand Flafbenz Plaza]].
*[[Fulfwotz City Planning Office]] - A commonly-criticized and bureaucratic committee in charge of everything from the locations of parks to taxes.
*[[Follywood Entertainment Company]] - A conglomerate at the forefront of media entertainment in the Shire, producing hundreds of movies, television shows, and music albums every year. Among the subsidaries of the conglomerate are Follywood Films, Vixen Records, and the Globul Theater Company.
*Biltbobble Pharmaceuticals - An organization controlled by the booming and affluent [[Biltbobble Family]], and one of the leading manufacturers of medicinal drugs and equipment.
== Controversy ==
Despite its relatively clean and attractive outward appearance, the city of Fulfwotz is quite well-known for being a dangerous and crooked city, being rated the ''No. 1 Most Corrupt City'' by the respected travel magazine ''Iteria''. It has among the highest rates of crime (primarily bribery, theft, murder, arson, and embezzlement) in the Shire, and travel to the city during Shire-wide social/political/economical upheaval (e.g. the [[Civil War]] and [[White Plague]]) is strongly discouraged as the city may become increasingly unsafe. Fulfwotz remains one of the most controversial cities around, mainly for the following:
=== Elitism ===
A natural outcome of its laissez-faire libertarian opinions, elitism is alive and well in Fulfwotz, and is hated by those at the bottom of the chain. Despite having a large middle-class population and a relatively wide gap between rich and poor, many claim the needs of the poorer citizens in [[Fulfton]] and Farside Park are buried under the more materialistic and frivolous needs of Follywood and Feverly Hills. The extensive amount of wealthy celebrities and moguls in the city look down on the poor, and have a considerably larger amount of opportunities. The rich are known for taking advantage of the poor, inciting the massive [[Labor Riots of 1938]]. The welfare system was only recently introduced after the [[Shire United Nations]] itself pushed for it to be established, even after the emotionally-confusing Sammichians angrily refused the financial aid several times.
=== Government Corruption ===
Over the years, countless government officials, the Imperial Family, and members of the Sammichian Imperial Chancellery have been accused of various accounts of corruption including bribery, money laundering, and embezzlement. The government is under near-constant investigation by the [[Fulfwotz Imperial Guard]] and corruption busts occur on a nearly biannual basis. It is unknown why such corruption is limited to the city alone within the massive Empire.
==== The Vetilla Trials ====
In 1958, a high-ranking [[Imperial Intelligence Agency]] official named Tac Vetilla, who held maximum IIA security clearance, was convicted of accepting bribes from the Fulfwotz Communist Collective (which later evolved into the NICA) in exchange for information on weapons research and the locations of strictly-confidential research bases and government-operated facilities. His secret was leaked by an anonymous IIA informant to the Fulfwotz Imperial Guard, and Vetilla was arrested and taken in for questioning.
During his trial, Vetilla revealed the names of over fifteen other FCC informants accepting bribes, prompting a massive investigation of the agency by FIG and SUN investigators. It was discovered that a whole sixteenth of the agency was engaged in some sort of illicit activity,
== Notable Locations ==
*Abyssinia Hotel - The Abyssinia Hotel was an important location during the Liberator Occupation in 1928, being retrofitted into a command center for the Liberator army. The owner, Georges R. Abyssin, was pro-Overtaker and poisoned over 90 high-ranking Liberators with his wife, Norma. They managed to convince the Liberator force it was tainted drinking water because the water filtration system was no longer in operation since the occupation.
*[[Castle Mugg]] - The royal residence of [[Emperor Sammich the Magnificent]], the castle has become a cultural icon and is easily recognized by many Shirefolk. Towering and imposing, just like the Fulfwotz ego, and opulently furnished, it is one of the oldest structures in Fulfwotz, even being inhabited by Lilladonian lords thousands of years ago.
*Church of Sammintology - Not to be confused with the religion in practice, this is the headquarters of the Church in [[Feverly Hills]]. Formally the Château de la Fièvre Hotel, it was purchased by the church in 1988. It serves as headquarters, a celebrity center, and hotel for Sammintologists exclusively.
*[[DePrey Institute]] - One of the most respected scientific institutions in the Shire, DePrey Institute is a leader in science, technology, sociology, and so on. Located in a massive castle larger than Castle Mugg itself, it has many departments dedicated to different fields of research. It is heavily guarded as most research that goes on inside are government-funded and classified, but tours are open to the public.
*Follywood Sign - Like Castle Mugg, the Follywood sign has become an international culture icon, used to denote Fulfwotz in all forms of media. It was built by the entertainment company of the same name in 1979, and
*Fulfspyre
*Grand Fulfwotz Terminal
*[[Hoppe Home]]
*Seaside Gardens
*[[St. Flafbenz Holy Cathedral]]
*Trinity Candle
==Geographic Location==
{{Geographic Location
|Centre = Fulfwotz
|North = [[Cathedral of Atheos]]
|Northeast = [[Bucketheadland]]
|East = [[Zaphoria]]
|Southeast = [[Sravasti]]
|South = ...
|Southwest = [[Summerstone]]
|West = [[Greenvale]]
|Northwest = [[New Enderton]]
}}
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.
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.
