Nearer to the Heavens
High Aranthaes crowns the city like a diadem, a sunlit terrace of white marble villas, wide promenades, and manicured public gardens that step down toward breathtaking views over the whole island. Fountains whisper along walkways shaded by cypress and citrus, beds of exotic flowers blaze with color, and the air carries the soft strains of string quartets from garden pavilions.
By day, sunlight warms sheltered lawns and belvederes designed to catch the sea breeze. By night, lanterns glow along paths of pale stone, reflecting in long ornamental rills and mirror pools. From it’s gentle terraced slopes the whole world seems to unfurl far below, with the lower tiers of Aranthaes glittering like starlight on stone.
The Grand Processional Stair
A broad ceremonial stair climbs the center of this noble city tier, leading to the High Temple of Lady Bune. Pilgrims and dignitaries ascend beneath carved friezes and niches of saintly figures, while terraces to either side offer viewing platforms and shaded seating. The stair is the heart of festival processions, blessing rites, and state announcements, and its landings frame unmatched panoramas of sea and city.
Manicured Public Gardens
The gardens are masterpieces of geometry and horticulture. Box hedges and laurel form precise parterres around long watercourses. Rose tunnels and pergolas lead to small gazebos for music recitals and quiet conversation. Herb lawns release fragrance underfoot, while sculpted topiary and marble statuary mark discrete alcoves for private meetings. Careful irrigation keeps the beds evergreen through summer heat, and discreet attendants ensure the peace that draws citizens here to stroll, read, and reflect.
Walled Estates of the Elite
Behind high garden walls and bronze gates stand the villas of the richest merchant houses and ancient families. Courtyards paved in mosaic open to colonnaded halls, private chapels, and galleries of imported art. Household guards patrol vine shaded paths, stewards negotiate deliveries at postern doors, and guest wings hold salons where alliances are made and unmade over wine and whispered promises. Invitations are coveted. Discretion is expected.
Temple District Presence
The High Temple presides over the quarter in marble and gold. Its cool colonnades, mosaic floors, and gilded throne are visible from the terraces, and bells mark the hours for worship and reflection. Acolytes tend shrines in the public gardens, offer blessings to travelers, and maintain the processional route. On holy days the entire terrace fills with green and gold banners, and drifting incense.
Order, Etiquette, and Security
Access roads are controlled by courteous but firm gatewardens. The City Guard maintains a visible patrol presence, and estate constables liaise quietly with temple officers to ensure the tranquility of the place. Dress is elegant, voices are kept low, and steel stays sheathed. Street vendors are few and licensed. Musicians, gardeners, and groundskeepers keep to rehearsed schedules so that serenity never feels staged.
Encounters
High Aranthaes invites quiet moments and polite intrigue amid terraces, lawns, and long views. Roll d10 for possible encounters…
- A procession of acolytes carries incense up the processional stair, inviting bystanders to join a short blessing before the next bell.
Acolytes (1d6): AC 11, HP 8, staffs (1d6), robes. - The head groundskeeper pauses a pruning team to ask the adventurers’ opinion on a planned topiary competition, clearly fishing for influential tastes.
Groundskeeper: AC 10, HP 9, shears (1d4), livery. - A jewelled signet skitters across a flagstone near a fountain as a noble couple strolls past, unaware they have dropped it.
Nobles (2): AC 12, HP 12, rapiers (1d8), fine attire. - A string quartet rehearses in a gazebo. The concert master beckons any bard in the party to sight read a challenging passage.
Musicians (4): AC 10, HP 7, improvised weapons (1d4). - Estate guards escort a sealed hamper to a private garden pavilion and ask the party to clear the promenade for a discreet meeting.
Guards (2): AC 13, HP 16, spears (1d6+1), chain shirts. - A child runs ahead of a tutor and becomes lost among hedge rooms, tearfully asking the adventurers for help returning without a scolding.
Tutor: AC 10, HP 6, cane (1d4); Child: AC 10, HP 4. - Two duelists practice forms at dawn on a fenced lawn while their seconds watch for impropriety. One invites a skilled warrior to critique their stance.
Duelists (2): AC 14, HP 18, rapiers (1d8), light armor. - A messenger trips on a stair and scatters sealed writs. One bears a crest the party recognizes and could be returned quickly or examined first.
Messenger: AC 10, HP 7, dagger (1d4). - A section of ornamental rill has undermined a path, creating a hidden soft spot near the edge of a view terrace.
Hazard: DC 13 Dexterity save or slip and fall prone, 1d4 bludgeoning on a bad landing. - A small circle of officials quietly reviews a parade route, measuring sightlines and shade while a clerk sketches maps. They may recruit neutral assistants.
Officials (1d4+1): AC 11, HP 10, daggers (1d4), robes.