Alqualonde

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Alqualonde is a sprawling city located in central northeastern Oldeshire. It is situated in a broad, grassy valley and bordered by notable neighboring towns: New Brumley to the south, Equos to the west, and Camelot to the east. The city lies on a sandy beachfront at its southern edge, where a 300-meter sandstone bridge crosses the water to connect Alqualonde to Duomo. With its expansive territory, Alqualonde is the largest city within The Vaelthranni Compact.

Constructed primarily from stone brick and sandstone, Alqualonde's layout features wide sandstone pathways and numerous civic, commercial, and residential structures. The city blends architectural refinement with natural beauty, thanks in part to its terraced gardens and riverine geography.

History

Alqualonde was established as a central hub for the Vaelthranni Compact and has grown steadily over the years to become its most expansive territory. While originally a modest settlement, its strategic location between several key towns and access to both land and water transit allowed it to flourish. Over time, it absorbed surrounding regions and established a firm political and cultural presence in northeastern Oldeshire.

Central City

  • Meeting Plaza: A central hilltop gathering space with a fountain and scenic views.
  • Alqualonde Military Academy: Trains regional guards and officers.
  • Alqualonde Store and Restaurant: A cornerstone of daily life and tourism.
  • Urban Farm and Greenhouse: Provides sustainable food for residents.
  • Alqualonde Cemetery: A historic burial site.
  • Small Jail and Local Mine: Civic infrastructure for law enforcement and resource collection.

Southern Coast

  • Terraced Gardens: A beautifully designed, multi-tiered walled garden that cascades down toward the beach.
  • Tall Lighthouse: Guides sea traffic and provides panoramic views of the region.

Outlying Landmarks

  • Hellfire Pyramid: A red brick pyramid of mysterious origin, its peak perpetually engulfed in flame.
  • Sandstone Temple: A quiet place of worship and reflection.
  • Stone Wizard's Tower: A solitary spire home to arcane study.
  • Ningjing da Xiudaoyuah Tranquil Monastery: A serene spiritual complex.
  • Walled Temple: Known for its towering lava-lit core.
  • Eastern Watchtowers: Two defensive towers guarding the city’s border.
  • Abandoned Castle: A white stone structure with a towering central keep.
  • Biome Experimentation Facility: A half-lava, half-water pyramid containing four biome-themed chambers: grassland, tundra, mycelium, and ocean.
  • Miniature Isengard: A scaled replica featuring a perimeter wall.
  • Sandstone Jedi Temple: A mysterious structure of unknown allegiance.
  • Malefarn Temple: An elaborate underground temple featuring a vast subterranean hall and living quarters beneath a modest surface structure.

Governance and Affiliations

Alqualonde is governed as part of the Vaelthranni Compact and plays a crucial role in its administration and expansion. It maintains strong connections with nearby cities, particularly through its advanced rail and sea transport infrastructure.