History and Name

The Sapphire Square is one of Atalatha’s oldest and most prestigious taverns.  Over the years it has acquired a finer dining feel, though it does still retain some of its rustic charms.

It comically acquired its moniker when the owner met with the master craftsman just after the foundation was laid.  At that time, the place was nameless, and only a painted outline was visible beside the stone.  Henceforth, it had become known as the Sapphire Square.

Location

The tavern is located just north of Main Street on the western side of town.  It is also just east of the golden bridge that separates the upper class district of the city.

Clientele and the Endorsement of Eltan Mane

Because of its proximity to the upper class district, many nobles happened to attend the tavern as a matter of convenience.  Because of the polite and thoughtful treatment he received there, the Duke of Atalatha became a constant visitor.  It became his meeting place of choice, and has expanded remarkably because of his attendance.

Its proximity also makes it a prime location for the soldiers and guards of Atalatha, as the barracks is also on the western side of town.  The men in uniform will typically have their meetings there, including business arrangements with mercenaries and anyone else who might be in need of some spare coin.

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The Great Cathedral is located within Atalatha, among some of the northernmost structures.  Specifically, it is beside both the Museum of Wonders and the Great Library.

The Cathedral is a tall building with a sharply sloped roof.  Compared to the rest of the city, it appears quite foreboding and gothic.

Within the Cathedral, rows of pews lead to an altar, not unlike one of the temples in the city.  There are no effigies, however.  No symbols to the gods are apparent, and no statues are present.  It is typically dark, matching the deep tones of the wood outside.

Behind the Cathedral, Richard Lener’s cottage sits, fenced into the same lot.  A small stable also sits there, home to the massive horse, Ox.

History

Richard Lener had once been a cleric in Seramore, offering up his services to the people in an effort to help to offer prayer and reverence to the gods of Tellest.  As time went on, however, he learned that he didn’t fully endorse the polytheistic beliefs of the people of his congress.  He abandoned his city to try and find a more true purpose, and determined that he believed in a higher power.

His faith is not shared by many, and though he was given the means with which to build the Great Cathedral, very few people ever visit.  Almost nobody attends Richard’s services willingly.  In spite of this, he still holds a ceremony at least once every week.

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General description

Location

At the center of Atalatha, a great arena sits that entices the populace of the city.  The place buzzes like a hornet’s nest, and as such has given great popularity to the shops and tourist attractions of the area.  Some of the more well known buildings that surround the coliseum are the black tower of Andrakidus, and several pubs.  Grimes’ Pub is located just across the street from the coliseum, while the Bravado is just east along the main road.

History

When the Knights of Virtue thwarted the rise of Roark, the undead king from the north, Gregory, the king of Raleigh, made a carte blanche offer to them for their deeds.  Eltan Mane, an ambitious fellow, determined that he wanted to create the town of Atalatha.  Several of the other knights had less lofty goals.

Allan Mayheyre, one of the knights, was known for his prowess in battle, though he was a bit rugged compared to most of his comrades.  He saw the sport of fighting, and created a place within the city to allow men to test their mettle against one another.

Though it was conceived as a meager and simple field, it grew in popularity as the city grew in splendor.  Over the years it has transformed, and has become one of the prime entertainment venues for the people of Atalatha, as well as visitors from other cities and even countries.

Physical Description

The coliseum of Atalatha is the largest building within the city.  It has been said that the entire population of the metropolis could fit within the arena.  While it is not the tallest construct, if you stood at its highest points, you’d be able to see much of the city.

It is built with an exterior of sturdy marble, though the halls inside the place are more versatile granite.  Long, draping tapestries hang from its parapets, proudly heralding its events and champions.

Within, the arena floor is covered with sand.  This was primarily to assist in the cleaning of unfortunate incidents.  The seating is often thought of as being uncomfortable, as the spectators have to sit upon stone.  However, in the center of the audience, a more upper-class venue remains for some of Atalatha’s elite, including Mayheyre.

Notable Battles and Events

Over the years, Mayheyre has hosted plenty of tournaments and battles.  One of the most remembered ones occurred just as he was transitioning from the large, yet plain field to the great stone construct that exists in the city currently.  He inaugurated the advance of the coliseum by holding a tournament that threw many contenders against each other.  At the end of the battle, a contender, David Garus, stood victorious.  He was intended to be Mayheyre’s champion going forward, but because of unforeseen reasons, he never facilitated that role.

The people of Atalatha also know well the lasting legacy of the coliseum’s longest standing champion.  Geylard the Great seemed to come out of nowhere, and held onto his title with fury and violence.  For nearly a year, no one could match him for strength, and his speed was nearly unrivaled as well.  Geylard met his end at the hands of an unknown assailant during a confrontation with Kaos Kreegan.

After the passing of Geylard the Great, Mayheyre held another contest, The Tournament of Kings.  Among the contenders were Kaos Kreegan, the newest champion, and Zachariah Caista, Atalatha’s guard captain.  They met Randall Hart and Grant Scott in the final bracket of the tournament, and were victorious.

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Location

The Museum of Wonders is located in the city of Atalatha.  It stands adjacent to the Great Cathedral and the Great Library.  It is one of the northernmost buildings.

History

When Atalatha was conceived, and the Knights of Virtue were given a chance to forge their destiny, Maximus Xanders knew exactly what he wanted to leave in his name.  The Museum of Wonders was a place for all the antiquities and oddities that he had acquired or built throughout his life.

Rather than safely tuck the relics of great importance away, he decided to put them on display for all to see.  The Museum allows a great deal of coin to flow through the city, as out-of-towners will often flock to the building while on holiday.

Maximus has living quarters within the edifice, as well as a workshop where he tinkers with some of his more queer items.

Physical Description

The Museum of Wonders is a building that stretches fairly deep.  The entrance is styled almost like a temple, with marble steps and pillars that seem to hold up an effigy of the god, Mathias.  His eyes seem to follow passersby, enticing people inside.

Within, a large, lifelike statue of the dragon Batrura greets people, its legs opening toward the rest of the museum.  Each room within the place houses many of the items that Maximus has collected, the rooms open wide enough to fit several houses inside.

Each antique is typically held beneath thick glass or attached to the walls to deter thieves.  Some of the larger items are housed inside clear boxes in the center of each area.

Notable Items Within

Maximus has collected dozens, if not hundreds of antiques over the years.  Sometimes things are gifted to him, and occasionally, he visits far off lands to come back with souvenirs.

Among many of his presentations are busts of long lost leaders.  Several of them line the halls that lead one room to the next.  Full statues of other legends, including the dragon in the foyer, can also be found.

He is also an avid collector of weaponry.  The knife of Jasmine Byrne, which delivered the final blow to Roark, is situated not far from his workshop.

Maximus is also well known through the city for his personal ingenuity.  Several of the items that he’s tinkered with are on display as well, including everything from an underwater breathing apparatus to small windup toys.

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