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[[File:fulfwotz.png|400px|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.]]
'''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 largest city and the cosmopolitan capital of the [[New Sammichian Empire]]. It is the most populated city in the Shire, and an international economic hub. Sitting in the middle of the [[Demmatrodine Region]], the city acts as a major shipping center between the Demmatrodine and the rest of the Shire. Fulfwotz is known for its diversity and distinct media-centric culture, fueled by the presence of the [[Follywood Entertainment Company]], which dominates the film, television, and music industries. Fulfwotz lies in Seraphina Valley, a major coastal basin bordered on three sides by the Alturas-Santos mountains.
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.
Originally home to the indigenous Seraphaho Enpeecee tribe, the site was established as a colony of the ancient Lilladonian Empire around 200 PRY. The colony, named Fauna, flourished for years and became an important asset to the Empire because of the vast veins of gold underneath the valley floor. In the northwest, the [[Old Sammichian Empire]] grew jealous and sought to acquire the town from the Lilladonians. When diplomacy failed, the Sammichians annexed the city in a display of brutality and bloodiness which resulted in the deaths of over 2,000 Lilladonians and remains as one of the most infamous atrocities in Shire history. The mines were run dry soon after the occupation, so the Sammichians were forced to rely on other forms of trade. After the abandonment of Ceriumuse and the collapse of the Old Sammichian Empire, Fulfwotz became an independent kingdom until 1929, when it was incorporated into the capital of the [[New Sammichian Empire]] by [[Emperor Sammich the Magnificent]].
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 city is divided into seven distinct boroughs, which are further divided into numerous districts and neighborhoods. Fulfwotz sits in the center of the arid Demmatrodine Region and borders Demmatrodine Shrub Country. The city is a prime example of city planning and maintenance, being meticulously maintained through the detested Fulfwotz City Planning Office (FCPO). It is also a developing case of urban sprawl, housing roughly 11 million people in its metropolitan area and having one of the largest urban footprints in the Shire.
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.
Commonly referred to as "Fulf", Fulfwotz is a global city with a diversified economy in entertainment, science, fashion, research, technology, medicine, and tourism. The city is home to a large number of institutions pertaining to research and culture, such as [[DePrey Institute]], one of the Shire's most well-funded and skilled research facilities utilized by many other cities, Foie Gras Opera House, and Cabraxte Cinema, among others. It functions as one of the most substantial economic engines in the Shire and leads it in the production of films, television, and recorded music. In the nearby Colerica Desert, the music and arts festival known as Technostrasse attracts millions of tourists over the course of the first two weeks of June.
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).
== History ==
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.
=== Seraphaho Era ===
== Boroughs ==
Thousands of years before Lilladonian settlement, Seraphina Valley was populated by the Seraphaho tribe, a small offshoot of the greater Demmatrodine Enpeecees. Cave art discovered in caverns within the Alturas-Santos mountains suggest that the Seraphaho people ate a pescatarian diet, which is unusual and uncommon in people living in that time period. Scholars speculate that the Seraphaho tribe lived on the coast, not in the valley center, thus resorting to fish instead of other wildlife found in the area. It is unknown what happened to the tribe; it is a popular theory that the Seraphaho people were abducted by extraterrestrials, a belief somewhat supported by a conspicuous cave painting depicting several Seraphaho people being lifted into the stars. Others believe that it's more of a statement on the Seraphaho afterlife than their disappearance.
=== 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.
=== Lilladonian Era ===
=== Feverly Hills ===
Long after the disappearance of the Seraphaho people, the burgeoning Lilladonian Empire began exploring the uncharted southwestern lands of the Shire. Scouts discovered the Seraphina Valley, which scientists suspect was much more fertile during that time. Around 200 PRY, a small coastal colony was established, named Fauna, after the daughter of Lilldonian ruler Emperor Hommel. It wasn't soon after the establishment of Fauna that large ore veins rich in gold and iron were found directly underneath the colony. Generating huge profit from trading these precious commodities, Fauna grew exponentially and became known throughout the civilized Shire as the 'golden village' and a valuable trading partner. Meanwhile, in the Sammichian capital of Ceriumuse, the [[Old Sammichian Empire]], brought to its knees from the inside by feuding and hostility within the aristocracy, became interested in acquiring Fauna. Numerous diplomatic offers were made in exchange for the town on part of the Sammichians, but they were all rebuked by the Lilladonians. Angry and desperate, the ruling Empress Flux resorted to extreme measures to acquire Fauna.
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.
==== Night of Bones ====
=== Pinecone Village ===
In 122 PRY, in an attempt to capture Fauna from the Lilladonian Empire, Empress Flux deployed a fleet of 30 ships under the command of legendary Sammichian hero Ser Leif. The Sammichian fleet arrived in the bay in the middle of the night, launching an assault on the unguarded coastal town before they could react. Relentless and neutral in their killing, an estimated 2,000 Faunite men, women, and even children were slaughtered, mostly while they slept. Many others were enslaved and forced to repair their own town or work in the mines. Benedine, a famous Lilladonian philosopher who managed to escape Fauna, wrote: "...The [Sammichian] battalions tore into Fauna from the waterfront while we slept and smashed every door of every dwelling they came across. In the home across of mine, I spied Samichines [sic] rip a man from his family and bury an axe into his belly while his childs watched. The Samichines soon entered mine own dwelling, but I can only presume that the childs were then slain aswell." After all of the Faunites were either killed or enslaved, Empress Flux renamed the town Fulfwotz, after her deceased father, Emperor Fulfwotz VI. It is, to this day, considered one of the most condemned and bloody atrocities in recorded history.
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.
=== Sammichian Era ===
=== Frentwood ===
With Fulfwotz in complete Sammichian control, trade revenue helped lift the Empire out of its social, economic, and political respite. However, public interest in Fulfwotz and better opportunities incited a mass exodus from Ceriumuse which lasted around two decades. In 110 PRY, the estimated population of Fulfwotz was 3,500; in 90 PRY, it was 16,000. By 80 PRY, Ceriumuse had a population less than that of Fauna post-occupation. The ancient city, among the first civilizations in the Shire and an extraordinary collection of Sammichian antiquity, was unofficially abandoned once Empress Flux and the [[Sammichian Imperial Chancellory]] took up permanent residence in Fulfwotz. Not soon after, the elderly Empress Flux realized the depth of her mistakes and not wanting her children to follow in her footsteps, decided that the exorbitant imperialism characteristic to the Old Sammichian Empire was wrong; after experiencing this epiphany, she invoked an Ultimatum with the Chancellory (one of five unconditional decrees a monarch can pass without Chancellory approval) and completely dissolved the Empire in 58 PRY. Sovereignty was returned to former Sammichian territories and Fulfwotz was established as an independent kingdom, known as the Kingdom of Fulfwotz.
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.
==== Civil War ====
=== Veneziana ===
After about 2,000 years of relative peace and isolationism from the outside world, the Kingdom flourished and experienced a renaissance which saw the construction of great projects, such as [[Saint Flafbenz Holy Cathedral]], the High Chancellor's Mansion, [[DePrey Institute]], and Corrompere Grand Courthouse (also known as Sammichian Supercourt). However, under the rule of King Drefnex, Fulfwotz began revealing itself again to the Shire, annexing nearby villages and claiming territory, often in places that were given sovereignty by Empress Flux. This period of expansion began in the late 1800's, yet reached its height during the reign of King Sammich in the 1920's. Unrest in the southwestern Shire grew as the Kingdom asserted its presence in villages throughout the [[Demmatrodine Region]]. The expansion was halted after the considerable forces of Fulfwotz were driven from a minor fortified town, Fort Batmania. Believing the Kingdom to have been weakened, other nations began laying claim to Fulfwotzian villages under the impression that the Kingdom was not strong enough to defend them. Angry and humiliated, the vindictive Kingdom declared war on the town to reassert its power with full approval of both the Emperor and the Chancellory. The Declaration of War was signed in Castle Mugg on March 25th, 1927.
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.
Many nations in the Shire condemned the Kingdom's actions, claiming that annihilating a town for refusing to be controlled by an outside force was unjust and wrong; they quickly rushed to the side of Fort Batmania, announcing their intentions to treat any attack on Fort Batmania as an attack on themselves. Dubbed "Liberators", they not only sought to protect the town, but also strip Fulfwotz of its power and end Shire imperialism. Meanwhile, other nations, mainly key trading partners and allies of Fulfwotz, realized that the consequences of Fulfwotz being disenfranchised would be devastating. Trading partners who relied on business with the Kingdom would see their economies ruined, and allies who depended on Fulfwotz protection would be severely limited in their ability to defend their nations. Others simply did not wish to see imperialism ended. They sided with Fulfwotz, and were referred to as "Overtakers" by the Liberators, a term which they embraced.
=== 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.
=== Declaration of War ===
=== Sandy Springs ===
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.
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.
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.
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.
=== Occupation of Fulfwotz ===
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.
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.
=== Surrender ===
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:
*The Kingdom of Fulfwotz will release its grip on any village that refuses its rule
*The Kingdom of Fulfwotz may continue to exist as long as future annexations are agreed to by both parties
*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]]
*[[Veneziana]]
*[[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 ==
Because of the presence of major entertainment industries such as film, television, and music, Fulfwotz has evolved into a very media-centric and ambitious society. Many of its citizens wish to live the "Fulfwotz Dream', making it big in said industries, but the ambition and aspirations of its' citizens makes the city shallow and opportunistic.
=== Media ===
Being the hub of the entertainment industry in the Shire, media is very heavily focused on in the lives of Fulfwotzians. Those who work in the media, such as actors, musicians, and comedians, are held in very high esteem, and look to wealthy areas of Fulfwotz for their estates. not finish
== 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]].
*[[Shire Event Committee]] - The organization responsible for planning and organizing all the events in The Shire. Located in Follywood
*[[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.
*[[The Xan Clan]] - One of the Shire's largest and most infamous crime syndicate, led by the enigmatic [[Thatiana Xanthippe]]. A former Fulfton street-gang, after the social upheaval of the [[White Plague]], they were able to secure a higher position through claiming territory and assuming control of ravaged gangs. They are now a widely-feared (and respected) organization within the city.
== 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, resulting in a series of trials (dubbed Vetilla Trials) that lasted over a period of two years and the arrest of over 300 agents. It is believed that the confidential information that was passed to the FCC proved vital in their coup of 2001.
=== Crime ===
One thing Fulfwotz is known for is its excess amount of crime and unsafe areas. On average, over 200 people are convicted of or perform some sort of illegal activity every day. Poorer areas of the city are carved into territories for feuding gangs, but such crime is not limited to only the less wealthy areas; the [[Fulfwotz Mafia]] has an impressive foothold in [[Feverly Hills]] and [[Venezia Beach]]. Even despite the sale of legal drugs enhanced with Antinicotin to dilute the addictive effect, the drug trade thrives in poorer parts of the city since the regulated drugs come at a much higher price than the normal addictive street drugs.
==== Fulfwotz Banks ====
Due to the Empire's low level of interference in business and finance, it has become a haven for more sophisticated and wealthy criminals, most notably art thieves and corrupt businesspeople. In the late 70's, it had become popular for criminals across the Shire to store their money in Fulfwotz banks, since the Empire does not investigate large sums of money being deposited at once or keep tabs on account balances. The privacy made it possible for ill-gotten wealth to be stored safely. The [[Grummkin Financial Group]] is also suspected of knowingly valuing, purchasing, and storing stolen art, gems, and jewelry. The SUN Summit in 2000 attempted to rectify and bring reform to Fulfwotz Banks to prevent crime in their own nations, but said attempts were rebuked by the [[New Sammichian Empire]].
==== Shire Black Market ====
Fulfwotz, along with most of the New Sammichian Empire, plays a major role in the happenings of the [[Shire Black Market]], with a suspected Black Market facility in operation near the city. While such rumors have not been proven, many consider it factual that the government involves itself in nefarious and illicit activity, such as the sale of organs, Class III Weaponry, chemicals, information, and even indentured servants through the Black Market. Many suspect the Empire uses hundreds of fronts and fake businesses on the darknet to sell their goods as well. T
===== ASX-3 =====
These rumors first rose in the 90's when the SUN Monitor Rita Xanada reported large amounts of the chemical ASX-3 disappearing monthly, and a large amount of income several days afterward. ASX-3 is a highly-dangerous Class III chemical weapon that when inhaled for several minutes can completely overload and annihilate the victim's nervous system, placing them in a persistent vegetative state or causing death. It is only classified as a Class III weapon because the gas is easily detectable and prolonged exposure is necessary to cause severe damage. Created during the Civil War, it was never used in battle and kept contained in [[DePrey Institute]] until it could be repurposed into a more discreet and lethal compound. The project was soon abandoned after the war, with large amounts of the chemical still in storage. Investigators believed that the Empire took to selling the chemical on the Black Market for huge amounts of profit. No legal action was taken since the Empire claimed it was merely disposing of the chemical at handling sites (it was discovered that it had, in fact, disposed of some of the chemical) and the profit was coming in the form on anonymous donations. There was no hard proof that it was being sold on the Black Market.
=== Bureaucracy ===
Despite the high level of personal freedom Fulfwotzians enjoy, it is commonly criticized for its bureaucratic government offices, most notably the [[Fulfwotz City Planning Office]], compromised of 120 subcommittees and offices. Some offices include the Fulfwotz Sanitation Committee, Porcelain Bowl Protection Task Force, Department of Horse Whispering, Committee on Whispering Horses, Department of Possible but Unlikely Human Genocide, Bureau of Eugenics, Bureau Against Eugenics, Bureau of Resolving Eugenics Conflicts, and the Education of Dogs and not Children Commission.
=== Indentured Servitude ===
Fulfwotz is heavily scrutinized for its policies that allow indentured servitude, which is considered inhumane and degrading. Despite these accusations, the New Sammichian Empire defends its policies by claiming that a contract between the employer and the servant must be signed to enter servitude, so it becomes a consensual agreement instead of forcing one to work for another. It also says that it decreases crime and provides for the less-fortunate, since they will be provided with food and shelter upon becoming a servant. However, it was found that only 15% of those living below the poverty line actually entered servitude, and many consider the act of becoming a servant to be humiliating and lowly.
== 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.
