Fulfwotz: Difference between revisions

From The Shire
Jump to: navigation, search
No edit summary
 
(60 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
[[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 due to the large Sammichian population, whose immune systems are very susceptible to the virus.
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.
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.


== Districts ==
=== Pinecone Village ===
The city of Fulfwotz is divided into numerous distinct districts or neighborhoods. A large amount of them form downtown Fulfwotz, AKA Fulfwotz Proper, with several others existing as incorporated townships annexed into the city limits. There are two districts devoted to corporate interests.
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.


'''Districts of Fulfwotz Proper'''
=== Frentwood ===
*[[Oldetown]]
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.
*[[Harbor District]]
*[[Theater District]]
*[[Watchtower Hill]]
*[[Ich Square]]
*[[Commercial District]]
*[[Follywood]]
*[[Grand Flafbenz Plaza]]
*[[Farside Park]]
*[[Edgewater]]
*[[Seaside Park]]
*[[Castle Mugg]]


'''Township Districts'''
=== Veneziana ===
*[[Feverly Hills]]
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.
*[[Pinecone Village]]
*[[Fulfton]]
*[[Venezia Beach]]
*[[Cephluss Heights]]
*[[Sandy Springs]]


'''Districts Devoted to Corporate Interests'''
=== Fulfton ===
*[[Shady Grave Retirement Village]]
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.
*[[Follywood Studios]]


== Culture ==
=== Capitolae ===
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.  
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.  


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.  
=== 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.


== Major Organizations ==
=== Sandy Springs ===
Fulfwotz is home to a number of organizations important to the Empire and the Shire.
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.
 
*[[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 ==
While visiting Fulfwotz would not suggest it, Fulfwotz is commonly regarded as corrupt and despicable. It is largely believed that the Empire has a hand in the Shire [[Black Market]], dealing weaponry and low-level classified research from DePrey Institute for profit. When the [[Shire United Nations]] demanded that the Empire (Fulfwotz primarily) withdraw from Black Market trade, the Empire responded with a suicide threat that included the signatures of 198,405,320 imperial citizens. Knowing that these people would most likely commit suicide, and wanting to prevent inciting the largest genocide in written history, the Shire United Nations withdrew the allegations.
 
== 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

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.