Pylara - A City In Ilaaren

[jizerai]

I thought that I should probably make a WIP-thread instead of using my question-thread for updates, however small they may be, for clarity's sake. So I'll be posting my updates here from now on.

A little backstory: Pylara is a large bustling city, the largest located in the northern part of the country of Ilaaren with some 25,000 inhabitants. Trade in lumber and pelts are predominant and there are exclusive trade agreements with the reclusive dwarfs of Throm for ore, rare metals and even gems. The city was originally built by the Theran Empire after the Scourge had ended, some 80 years ago, around an ancient tower structure that have stood there long before they became the masters of those lands.

Since then, the Therans have retreated from Ilaaren to the last bastion of their crumbling empire in this part of the world, Mineia. The city is now ruled by a City Council, made up of influential members of the city. The Frostfall family, however, are the ones in de facto control of the city, as they control its military forces and have the popular vote.

The tower itself stands some 300 meters tall and can be seen from miles away. The lower parts of the tower is used as a market, training halls and storage, while the higher floors are mostly inaccessible due to old wards still guarding the secrets of whoever built it. Occasionally, meddling mages or curious adventurers try to venture further up, hoping to find artifacts, treasures or forgotten knowledge inside. More often than not, they do not succeed or even survive these attempts.

### Latest WIP ###
Pylara - WIP.jpg

I've tried redoing some of the streets, added the Order of Runes compound (a guild of magicians) and is slowly creeping my way toward completion. About 1/3 done of the inner city now.

[jizerai]

A small update. I'm wondering, what do you think of the white roof ridges. I can't really decide. On some buildings, I think it looks a lot better. On others, not at all.

Not that it would take that long to put the ridges in there, but since I'm slow enough as is, I'd rather not put more time on it than necessary.

As always, any advice or input is welcome.

### Latest WIP ###
Pylara - WIP.jpg

[Mouse]

Oh here you are!

(I lost you with the change of thread)

You've made a fair bit of progress, and it all looks really cool.

I don't know whether I like the white ridges or not. You could always leave them like that until you've finished the rest of the city, and see if you get any comments either way ?

[Falconius]

The ridges work fine and make sense for straight level bits, but not so well on cornered bits (like that square tower type building towards the bottom). I think they add something to an otherwise boring view, so I'd keep them in. Indeed I often put them on my own stuff.

This town looks really good by the way, nice lay out.

[jizerai]

The ridges work fine and make sense for straight level bits, but not so well on cornered bits (like that square tower type building towards the bottom). I think they add something to an otherwise boring view, so I'd keep them in. Indeed I often put them on my own stuff.

Thanks for the input! I had a similar feeling regarding the towers, they definitely don't work there. I'll probably get to work on the ridges on the homestretch, see how things turn out.

This town looks really good by the way, nice lay out.

Thank you.

[jizerai]

The Magistrate's Office
Originally built by the Theran Empire after they recaptured Ilaaren, shortly after the Long Night had ended. A majestic structure, towering over all those around it (except, the Tower itself), made to awe and impress those gazing upon it and feel those walking within its halls small and amazed, so they never forget the might and splendor of the Theran Empire. It served as the private residence of the governor and her family, but housed most of the vast imperial bureaucracy in its bowels as well.

After the Theran departed Ilaaren, some 40 years ago, it has served as the offices of the magistrate, housing what remains of the bureaucracy of Pylara as well as the private quarters of the magistrate himself, although, he is little more than a figurehead. But while the Theran flag no longer flies from its walls and rooftops, the palace still imposes itself upon the city of Pylara, leaving little doubt in its citizens minds that one day they will return.

### Latest WIP ###
Pylara - WIP.jpg

So, this is the latest update. Thought I'd add a little background for flavor. Hopefully, it makes them a little bit more interesting to go through.

I'm making some progress. I'm decently happy with how the "palace" turned out. Still have some work to do on it, add the rest of the ridges, for example.
Might also still do some tweaks here and there, add a larger garden area to the "west" to populate later etc.

Any feedback, comments or advice is - as always - greatly appreciated.

[Mouse]

A beautiful palace, Jizerai

The story certainly adds to the gravity of the city, making it seem real, but the city itself is already very intricate and believable.

[flyenemu]

Jizerai,

While exploring the forum to gain a better understanding of the guild I happened upon your work, and was instantly drawn into the world you are creating. Towns do not often bloom over night or out of nothing, and learning the history of how your town came to be gave me the feeling that this map was of a place ripe with adventure, mystery, and excitement. Looking over your map, I found beauty in the non-symmetrical clusters of uniquely constructed buildings, and an overall sense of realism; as if I could traverse the dark alleyways and learn of the rich history you narrated. Before I continue, I would like to explain I have no real knowledge of the setting of your world (technology, culture, factions) beyond what you have provided, and I am completely ignorant to the limitations of your software. That being said, know my following critiques are purely from the view of a D&D enthusiast aspiring to learn how to give my ideas beauty similar to what you have displayed.

A little backstory: Pylara is a large bustling city, the largest located in the northern part of the country of Ilaaren with some 25,000 inhabitants.

In my campaign, I am attempting to develop a kingdom of mankind that the players will be able to explore and influence while it is in its infancy. During my research into demographics and medieval/fantasy town development, I came across a document called “Medieval Demographics Made Easy” by S. John Ross. I found it really helped me understand how to incorporate land size, population, culture, and geography into a single self-consistent idea. With that document as a reference, your city has roughly the same population as 15th century London, would be around a square mile in size, and require roughly 135 square miles of farmland to support. This need not be part of your map, but might be worth thinking about.

Trade in lumber and pelts are predominant and there are exclusive trade agreements with the reclusive dwarfs of Throm for ore, rare metals and even gems. The city was originally built by the Theran Empire after the Scourge had ended, some 80 years ago, around an ancient tower structure that have stood there long before they became the masters of those lands.

The more I thought about the size of your establishment, the more I questioned the economy, as it would need to be quite robust to become such a large city that was fought over. Lumber and pelts could prove quite the catalyst for such a booming city, especially being augmented by dwarf trade; however, I feel your city is not really designed with its own history in mind. Lumber is heavy, and would need to have a large forest to pull from. Most places with such an industry utilize(d) rivers to help transport the wood to where it could be processed for use. Being that all civilizations (especially those with a large population) require a clean and reliable source of water, wouldn’t it be wise to add a river? Perhaps even give the town a port to further its strategic worth to invaders? Pelts are easily explained by the large forest you would need for the lumber, but you might want to consider what the climate of the area is to determine what creatures are being killed and their size. This may have an impact on the size and material of your roads in much the same way as the type of military your Theran’s may have had.

Since then, the Therans have retreated from Ilaaren to the last bastion of their crumbling empire in this part of the world, Mineia. The city is now ruled by a City Council, made up of influential members of the city. The Frostfall family, however, are the ones in de facto control of the city, as they control its military forces and have the popular vote.

I can see the renovation in your city spurred by the founding of the new City Council in the cobbled roads and private gardens, however, I am unable to see anything resembling the dwellings of those who suffer under such an elitist rule. Where are the slums and hovels that attest to the old city under the Therans? Where are the roads neglected by council funding? Where do the lesser working folk and the diseased and poverty stricken dwell?

The tower itself stands some 300 meters tall and can be seen from miles away. The lower parts of the tower is used as a market, training halls and storage, while the higher floors are mostly inaccessible due to old wards still guarding the secrets of whoever built it. Occasionally, meddling mages or curious adventurers try to venture further up, hoping to find artifacts, treasures or forgotten knowledge inside. More often than not, they do not succeed or even survive these attempts.

I truly love the tower you have here; the lore screams adventure! I would question why such an old and mysterious building would be retrofitted into a market, however. Wouldn’t the less educated peddlers fear the tower’s unnatural power, and seek another place in fear of ‘bad juju’?

A small update. I'm wondering, what do you think of the white roof ridges. I can't really decide. On some buildings, I think it looks a lot better. On others, not at all.

I like the color accent you added, but feel it makes things a bit muddled when taking in the entire map. The white is the same as the steps for your outdoor theater, and due to the solid colors of most your rooftops, elevation becomes confusing. I do think it needs an accent to help make give the roofs some life, but perhaps a different color or shade for the highlight depending on when the building was built?

Originally built by the Theran Empire after they recaptured Ilaaren, shortly after the Long Night had ended. A majestic structure, towering over all those around it (except, the Tower itself), made to awe and impress those gazing upon it and feel those walking within its halls small and amazed, so they never forget the might and splendor of the Theran Empire. It served as the private residence of the governor and her family, but housed most of the vast imperial bureaucracy in its bowels as well.

After the Theran departed Ilaaren, some 40 years ago, it has served as the offices of the magistrate, housing what remains of the bureaucracy of Pylara as well as the private quarters of the magistrate himself, although, he is little more than a figurehead. But while the Theran flag no longer flies from its walls and rooftops, the palace still imposes itself upon the city of Pylara, leaving little doubt in its citizens minds that one day they will return.

I truly enjoy your keep, but question some of its functionality. Wouldn’t it have been built to withstand attack if the main gates were breached? If so, I would think the old and grand tribute to the empire would be at least the largest complex in the city. I feel the description you paint with words dwarfs what you have put on the map; perhaps a different colored roof and a more ‘impregnatable’/ castle-esk structure?

In closing, I find your story and map to be simply dazzling! I can see many adventures starting and ending in your amazing creation! You have given me ideas and insight as to some things I need to think about, tweek, add, and remove in my own world (which I hope to illustrate here in the near future). I look forward to following your work, and hope my words offer some constructive feedback. Thank you for shareing!

~Syd

[jizerai]

Jizerai,

While exploring the forum to gain a better understanding of the guild I happened upon your work, and was instantly drawn into the world you are creating. Towns do not often bloom over night or out of nothing, and learning the history of how your town came to be gave me the feeling that this map was of a place ripe with adventure, mystery, and excitement. Looking over your map, I found beauty in the non-symmetrical clusters of uniquely constructed buildings, and an overall sense of realism; as if I could traverse the dark alleyways and learn of the rich history you narrated. Before I continue, I would like to explain I have no real knowledge of the setting of your world (technology, culture, factions) beyond what you have provided, and I am completely ignorant to the limitations of your software. That being said, know my following critiques are purely from the view of a D&D enthusiast aspiring to learn how to give my ideas beauty similar to what you have displayed.

A little backstory: Pylara is a large bustling city, the largest located in the northern part of the country of Ilaaren with some 25,000 inhabitants.

In my campaign, I am attempting to develop a kingdom of mankind that the players will be able to explore and influence while it is in its infancy. During my research into demographics and medieval/fantasy town development, I came across a document called “Medieval Demographics Made Easy” by S. John Ross. I found it really helped me understand how to incorporate land size, population, culture, and geography into a single self-consistent idea. With that document as a reference, your city has roughly the same population as 15th century London, would be around a square mile in size, and require roughly 135 square miles of farmland to support. This need not be part of your map, but might be worth thinking about.

Trade in lumber and pelts are predominant and there are exclusive trade agreements with the reclusive dwarfs of Throm for ore, rare metals and even gems. The city was originally built by the Theran Empire after the Scourge had ended, some 80 years ago, around an ancient tower structure that have stood there long before they became the masters of those lands.

The more I thought about the size of your establishment, the more I questioned the economy, as it would need to be quite robust to become such a large city that was fought over. Lumber and pelts could prove quite the catalyst for such a booming city, especially being augmented by dwarf trade; however, I feel your city is not really designed with its own history in mind. Lumber is heavy, and would need to have a large forest to pull from. Most places with such an industry utilize(d) rivers to help transport the wood to where it could be processed for use. Being that all civilizations (especially those with a large population) require a clean and reliable source of water, wouldn’t it be wise to add a river? Perhaps even give the town a port to further its strategic worth to invaders? Pelts are easily explained by the large forest you would need for the lumber, but you might want to consider what the climate of the area is to determine what creatures are being killed and their size. This may have an impact on the size and material of your roads in much the same way as the type of military your Theran’s may have had.

Since then, the Therans have retreated from Ilaaren to the last bastion of their crumbling empire in this part of the world, Mineia. The city is now ruled by a City Council, made up of influential members of the city. The Frostfall family, however, are the ones in de facto control of the city, as they control its military forces and have the popular vote.

I can see the renovation in your city spurred by the founding of the new City Council in the cobbled roads and private gardens, however, I am unable to see anything resembling the dwellings of those who suffer under such an elitist rule. Where are the slums and hovels that attest to the old city under the Therans? Where are the roads neglected by council funding? Where do the lesser working folk and the diseased and poverty stricken dwell?

The tower itself stands some 300 meters tall and can be seen from miles away. The lower parts of the tower is used as a market, training halls and storage, while the higher floors are mostly inaccessible due to old wards still guarding the secrets of whoever built it. Occasionally, meddling mages or curious adventurers try to venture further up, hoping to find artifacts, treasures or forgotten knowledge inside. More often than not, they do not succeed or even survive these attempts.

I truly love the tower you have here; the lore screams adventure! I would question why such an old and mysterious building would be retrofitted into a market, however. Wouldn’t the less educated peddlers fear the tower’s unnatural power, and seek another place in fear of ‘bad juju’?

A small update. I'm wondering, what do you think of the white roof ridges. I can't really decide. On some buildings, I think it looks a lot better. On others, not at all.

I like the color accent you added, but feel it makes things a bit muddled when taking in the entire map. The white is the same as the steps for your outdoor theater, and due to the solid colors of most your rooftops, elevation becomes confusing. I do think it needs an accent to help make give the roofs some life, but perhaps a different color or shade for the highlight depending on when the building was built?

Originally built by the Theran Empire after they recaptured Ilaaren, shortly after the Long Night had ended. A majestic structure, towering over all those around it (except, the Tower itself), made to awe and impress those gazing upon it and feel those walking within its halls small and amazed, so they never forget the might and splendor of the Theran Empire. It served as the private residence of the governor and her family, but housed most of the vast imperial bureaucracy in its bowels as well.

After the Theran departed Ilaaren, some 40 years ago, it has served as the offices of the magistrate, housing what remains of the bureaucracy of Pylara as well as the private quarters of the magistrate himself, although, he is little more than a figurehead. But while the Theran flag no longer flies from its walls and rooftops, the palace still imposes itself upon the city of Pylara, leaving little doubt in its citizens minds that one day they will return.

I truly enjoy your keep, but question some of its functionality. Wouldn’t it have been built to withstand attack if the main gates were breached? If so, I would think the old and grand tribute to the empire would be at least the largest complex in the city. I feel the description you paint with words dwarfs what you have put on the map; perhaps a different colored roof and a more ‘impregnatable’/ castle-esk structure?

In closing, I find your story and map to be simply dazzling! I can see many adventures starting and ending in your amazing creation! You have given me ideas and insight as to some things I need to think about, tweek, add, and remove in my own world (which I hope to illustrate here in the near future). I look forward to following your work, and hope my words offer some constructive feedback. Thank you for shareing!

~Syd

To begin with, thank you for your insightful and most helpful post. I enjoyed reading through it (and not only because I was agreeing with most of it) and it made me think a little deeper on some subjects I was unclear on. It's indeed quite easy to become blind to your own failings. I've also come across that article, but haven't read through all of it. I believe I just might have to, though! The city (and place in the world) is modeled around ancient Greece and Rome to an extent, so I took my numbers from there.

First of all, the world is an off-shoot from the Earthdawn rpg-setting. It shares the original world and events, but takes place in a non-canon part of the world.

In case you are unfamiliar with the setting:

"In Barsaive, magic, like many things in nature, goes through cycles. As the magic level rises, it allows alien creatures called Horrors to cross from their distant, otherworldly dimension into our own. The Horrors come in an almost infinite variety—from simple eating machines that devour all they encounter, to incredibly intelligent and cunning foes that feed off the negative emotions they inspire in their prey..."

The peoples of the world built kaers, underground towns and cities, which they sealed with the Theran wards to wait out the time of the Horrors, which was called the Scourge. Theran wizards and politicians warned many of the outlying nations around Thera of the coming of the Horrors, offering the protection of the kaers to those who would pledge their loyalty to the Empire. Most of these nations agreed at first though some became unwilling to fulfill their end of the bargain after the end of the Scourge, wanting to have nothing to do with the bureaucratic nation run on political conflict and powered by slavery. After four hundred years of hiding, the Scourge ended, and the people emerged to a world changed by the Horrors. The player characters explore this new world, discovering lost secrets of the past, and fighting Horrors that remain... - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthdawn

The city map itself is far from done, I'm afraid, so it does not really tell the whole tale. There is indeed no large rivers near the city proper and while I'm still considering a smaller one for the sake of health and aesthetics, there are aqueducts that deliver water from nearby sources to satisfy the city's demand for it. There are also large, old forests covering most of the northern parts of the country, giving an ample supply of lumber (and pelts), which is indeed transported by water, just not through Pylara itself.

The parts of the map made right now are of the inner city, and there is indeed a portion of the population that does not benefit from the wholehearted attention of the City Council, mostly residing outside of the city walls. The more ramshackle parts of the city will be illustrated there. I'm just a slow cartographer, if I dare title myself that.

The reasoning for the Therans to settle there initially is shrouded in mystery, but is definitely connected to the old central tower, which was used by them for magical research by the renowned and feared Heavenherd magicians. The lowest floor was initially used as a slave market to supply the magicians with "volunteers", but shortly after the Therans departed slavery was abolished and it was reconstituted as an open market. The use of the few floors it is mostly by the Order of Runes (the city's magician guild), adventurers and to train new adepts (people with magical abilities). Here, magical charms, potions, spells and sometimes even weapons or armor is bought and sold. Ordinary goods are found in the markets scattered around the city (one of them, the Great Market, is located not far from the tower). With that said, tales abound about the tower and while ordinary people usually stay clear of entering it, they have gotten used to living near it, as people usually do even in the strangest of places.

I do realize that the location of the Governor's Palace (now, Magistrate's) is not one of an especially defensive nature, nor is its form. This is intentional. It is not a fort or made to withstand siege, although it does have "walls" and a gate capable of withstanding a mob. Its design is simply to impress and awe, as well as its location is one of ... intention. The Therans realized even as the structures surrounding the tower themselves had been destroyed by time (or perhaps intent), below them, a network of old tunnels still stood that held magical properties. With this in mind, I might have to add some more to it. Right now, it's about 150m wide, disregarding any outer garden area. I'll definitely look into if I need to beef it up a notch.

In closing, I'd like to thank you again for your post. It was very constructive, and doubly so to be able to put even more of my thoughts down in writing.

[flyenemu]

To begin with, thank you for your insightful and most helpful post. I enjoyed reading through it (and not only because I was agreeing with most of it) and it made me think a little deeper on some subjects I was unclear on. It's indeed quite easy to become blind to your own failings. I've also come across that article, but haven't read through all of it. I believe I just might have to, though! The city (and place in the world) is modeled around ancient Greece and Rome to an extent, so I took my numbers from there.

First of all, the world is an off-shoot from the Earthdawn rpg-setting. It shares the original world and events, but takes place in a non-canon part of the world.

In case you are unfamiliar with the setting:

"In Barsaive, magic, like many things in nature, goes through cycles. As the magic level rises, it allows alien creatures called Horrors to cross from their distant, otherworldly dimension into our own. The Horrors come in an almost infinite variety—from simple eating machines that devour all they encounter, to incredibly intelligent and cunning foes that feed off the negative emotions they inspire in their prey..."

The peoples of the world built kaers, underground towns and cities, which they sealed with the Theran wards to wait out the time of the Horrors, which was called the Scourge. Theran wizards and politicians warned many of the outlying nations around Thera of the coming of the Horrors, offering the protection of the kaers to those who would pledge their loyalty to the Empire. Most of these nations agreed at first though some became unwilling to fulfill their end of the bargain after the end of the Scourge, wanting to have nothing to do with the bureaucratic nation run on political conflict and powered by slavery. After four hundred years of hiding, the Scourge ended, and the people emerged to a world changed by the Horrors. The player characters explore this new world, discovering lost secrets of the past, and fighting Horrors that remain... - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthdawn

The city map itself is far from done, I'm afraid, so it does not really tell the whole tale. There is indeed no large rivers near the city proper and while I'm still considering a smaller one for the sake of health and aesthetics, there are aqueducts that deliver water from nearby sources to satisfy the city's demand for it. There are also large, old forests covering most of the northern parts of the country, giving an ample supply of lumber (and pelts), which is indeed transported by water, just not through Pylara itself.

The parts of the map made right now are of the inner city, and there is indeed a portion of the population that does not benefit from the wholehearted attention of the City Council, mostly residing outside of the city walls. The more ramshackle parts of the city will be illustrated there. I'm just a slow cartographer, if I dare title myself that.

The reasoning for the Therans to settle there initially is shrouded in mystery, but is definitely connected to the old central tower, which was used by them for magical research by the renowned and feared Heavenherd magicians. The lowest floor was initially used as a slave market to supply the magicians with "volunteers", but shortly after the Therans departed slavery was abolished and it was reconstituted as an open market. The use of the few floors it is mostly by the Order of Runes (the city's magician guild), adventurers and to train new adepts (people with magical abilities). Here, magical charms, potions, spells and sometimes even weapons or armor is bought and sold. Ordinary goods are found in the markets scattered around the city (one of them, the Great Market, is located not far from the tower). With that said, tales abound about the tower and while ordinary people usually stay clear of entering it, they have gotten used to living near it, as people usually do even in the strangest of places.

I do realize that the location of the Governor's Palace (now, Magistrate's) is not one of an especially defensive nature, nor is its form. This is intentional. It is not a fort or made to withstand siege, although it does have "walls" and a gate capable of withstanding a mob. Its design is simply to impress and awe, as well as its location is one of ... intention. The Therans realized even as the structures surrounding the tower themselves had been destroyed by time (or perhaps intent), below them, a network of old tunnels still stood that held magical properties. With this in mind, I might have to add some more to it. Right now, it's about 150m wide, disregarding any outer garden area. I'll definitely look into if I need to beef it up a notch.

In closing, I'd like to thank you again for your post. It was very constructive, and doubly so to be able to put even more of my thoughts down in writing.

Jizerai,

I am so relieved you found value in my view of your work! Being new here, and have little to show for my understanding of world building, I feared my input would be received poorly. To my joy, the guild seems to take criticism positively, and I am able to learn in the process!

I attempted to Google "Theran" when writing my initial review, and did come across some Greek history. Now that you explain the Earthdawn setting, I am able to understand the parallel dimension aspect. Your clarification of how your economy functions and the social structure that has yet to be represented on your beautiful map, fills me with glee as I can see the thought you put into this town even more! I shall continue to follow your work, and offer any insight I can. Keep up the amazing work!