Hello all,

I'm building a campaign world for my first D&D campaign. I am trying to draw a capital city that's built into a large hillside/mountainside. The city extends from the river bank to almost the top of a plateau.

For context, the story arc of the campaign is that the city was built on the shell of a giant turtle that's been sleeping for 1000 years. The party won't know it until later in the campaign when the turtle moves from the area.

So, I want it to look inconspicuous to the eye until it's revealed. I was thinking elevated tiers or terraces of the city. Kind of like Severen from The Name Of The Wind. Any suggestions are welcomed. Thanks!