Editing Thaylen City

{{settlement
|map=Thaylen City by Connor Chamberlain.jpg
|nation=Thaylenah
|ruler=Queen [[Fen Rnamdi]]
|world=Roshar
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
}}
{{update|sa4}}
{{quote
|A place that was hit hardest of all by the new storms. A place whose military might was severely undermined by the Everstorm. A place with an Oathgate.
|[[Dalinar]] explaining why the Voidbringers would attack Thaylen City next{{book ref|sa3|107}}
}}
'''Thaylen City''' is the capital of [[Thaylenah]] on [[Roshar]], and the site of the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]].{{book ref|sa3|12}}{{book ref|sa3|121}}

== Geography ==
{{image|Thaylen City on the map.jpg|Thaylen City on the map of Thaylenah|side=right|width=250px}}
Thaylen City is located on the northwestern coast of the largest of the islands forming [[Thaylenah]]. It sits on the shores of [[Longbrow's Straits]], a strip of ocean dividing Thaylenah from the [[Roshar]]an mainland.{{map ref|Roshar}} The city was built inside a massive natural [[lait]] to protect it from [[highstorm]]s. It's also surrounded by mountains, offering additional protection.{{map ref|Thaylen City}} While the local climate is warmer than in the [[Frostlands]] across the Straits, it's still cold, especially at night.{{book ref|sa2|1}}{{book ref|sa3|117}} Thanks to its location, the city ordinarily suffers only the mildest of stormwinds, but once the [[True Desolation]] begins, it's exposed to the full brunt of the [[Everstorm]].{{book ref|sa3|58}}

In [[Shadesmar]], Thaylen City can be recognized by the dais of its [[Oathgate]], which sits a little off the shore on the [[Thaylen Sea]]. A single bridge allows for accessing the dais from land.{{map ref|Sea of Lost Lights}}{{book ref|sa3|115}}

== Layout ==
{{quote
|This poor city. First the Everstorm, and its subsequent returns. The Thaylens had only just started figuring out how to rebuild, and now had to deal with more smashed buildings.
|[[Kaladin]]{{book ref|sa3|121}}
}}
{{image|Thaylen City.jpg|A map of Thaylen City|side=right|width=450px}}
Thaylen City is built on the mountainside and divided into a number of districts, called Wards. The '''Ancient Ward''', located in the city's center, is Thaylen's oldest section. It's built out of stone and rises slightly above the surrounding ground, with a street layout following a [[cymatics|cymatic]] pattern.{{book ref|sa3|58}}{{book ref|sa1|33}} 

From the west, the Ancient Ward is followed by the '''Low Ward''', where numerous businesses and government buildings are located. The Low Ward is bracketed from the west by a long wall going north to south between the mountain slopes. This city wall served as a minor windbreak for those fortunate enough to have lived right by it when the Everstorm arrived.{{book ref|sa3|58}} A portion of it was breached during the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]], though the gap was later filled in with [[Soulcast]] metal by [[Jasnah Kholin]].{{book ref|sa3|120}}

Past the city wall lays the area now known as the '''Thaylen Field'''. Prior to the [[True Desolation]], this part of the city was well-developed, with numerous taverns, warehouses and shops. The famous Thaylen docks were located on the shore there, stretching across the southern portion of the peninsula.{{map ref|Thaylen City}} Unfortunately, the area was not built to withstand violent weather, due to the protection offered by the mountainside. As such, it was swept away by the [[Everstorm]], leaving it ruined and empty.{{book ref|sa3|58}}

Surrounding the Ancient Ward from north and south are the '''North Ward''' and the '''South Ward'''. To the east, the city begins to climb up the mountain slope in a series of tiered terraces called the '''Loft Wards''', which climb up to the '''Royal Ward'''. The Royal Ward is the city's representative sector. It includes numerous palaces and mansions, including the Royal Palace, the seat of the Thaylen monarchs, as well as ten temples dedicated to the [[Herald]]s of the [[Almighty]]. Following the Everstorm, those temples were mainly used to house the numerous wounded and homeless citizens.{{book ref|sa3|58}}{{book ref|sa3|59}}

The city's [[Oathgate]] is located on the same level as the Royal Ward, albeit further north, closer to the oceanside cliffs. A small ramp leads up to it from the city proper. To the east, right past the Royal Palace, a trio of roads departs the city, forming Thaylen's only land connection to the rest of the island.{{map ref|Thaylen City}}{{book ref|sa3|58}}

In the past, the city had a developed system of aqueducts, cisterns and sewers; however, most of it has been torn apart by the first passing of the Everstorm.{{book ref|sa3|12}}

=== Landmarks ===
{{image|Diplomat by LaMaery.jpg|side=right|width=450px|A view of the city from above}}

==== The Oathgate ====
The ancient [[Thalath]] Oathgate is located on the northern-eastern edge of Thaylen City, next to the Royal Ward. Back in the [[Silver Kingdoms]] Epoch, it would've been beyond the city limits, in contrast to how other major settlement of the era, like [[Kholinar]] and [[Stormseat]], were arranged.{{map ref|Thaylen City}} Presently, it has been turned into a sculpture garden, and provides an excellent view of the city.{{book ref|sa3|58}} It's eventually unlocked by [[Kaladin]] and [[Shallan]], who fly there after Queen [[Fen Rnamdi|Fen]] agrees to ally with [[Dalinar]].{{book ref|sa3|51}}

While the Oathgate was locked along with all the others, the Thaylens retained some memory of the platform's original purpose. The local folklore refers to it as a "portal of worlds", claiming that only the most [[Passions|Passionate]] would be able to reopen it. While the story is particularly popular among young girls, the Oathgate holds great religious significance for all the Thaylens.{{book ref|sa3|12}}

==== Docks ====
The Thaylen docks had been one of the city's greatest points of pride before the Everstorm swept them away.{{book ref|sa3|58}} They lay outside the fortifications, on the southern part of the shore, taking advantage of a natural bay there.{{map ref|Thaylen City}} They were constructed primarily of wood, which is why they were so easily destroyed.{{book ref|sa3|58}}

The area surrounding the docks had developed over time into a market and warehouse district.{{book ref|sa3|58}} A notable feature there was the grand bazaar, a marketplace famous even in [[Alethkar]].{{book ref|sa3|59}} Unfortunately, as the area was entirely constructed from wood, the Evestorm all but flattened it.{{book ref|sa3|12}} This part of the city was eventually renamed to '''Thaylen Field'''.{{book ref|sa3|122}}

==== Temples ====
Like most largest cities, Thaylenah has ten major temples, each dedicated to one of the [[Herald]]s. The temples are all located in the Royal Ward, and when visiting Thaylen, it's traditional to see all of them, which allows the local ruler to show off both the city and its piety. During the True Desolation, the temples are instead used as makeshift hospitals and shelters for people injured and displaced in the Everstorm.{{book ref|sa3|59}}

The most notable temples are:
* '''The Temple of [[Battah]]''' - located in the northwestern part of the Royal Ward, it's the second-oldest temple in the city. It's particularly notable for the [[Simulacrum of Paralet]], a massive statue that once adorned the plaza in front of it. The Simulacrum was knocked over by the [[Everstorm]], sending large chunks of it into the Loft Wards; Dalinar rebuilds it with his [[Bondsmith]] powers upon his first visit to the city.{{book ref|sa3|59}}
* '''The Temple of [[Ishi]]''' - the oldest temple in the city.{{book ref|sa3|59}} It sits in the southern portion of the Royal Ward.{{map ref|Thaylen City}}
* '''The Temple of [[Talenelat]]''' - located in the central part of the Royal Ward, in a stone plaza dedicated to the Herald. A set of steps leads up to an arched enterance, and both the outer and inner walls are covered in mosaics showing Taln standing fast against the [[Voidbringers]]. The temple fared poorly against the [[Everstorm]], with the entire roof having collapsed from a lightning strike, possibly because [[Odium]] targeted it deliberately out of vengeance. It's in the temple of Talenelat that Dalinar discovers his ability to mend buildings; as such, it's the first he fixes.{{book ref|sa3|59}}
* '''The Temple of [[Pailiah]]''' - located in the north-eastern part of the Royal Ward.{{map ref|Thaylen City}} It's open, allowing wind to flow through it.{{book ref|sa3|118}} [[Renarin]] goes there to pray when he begins seeing visions of the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]].{{book ref|sa3|117}}

==== Gemstone Reserve ====
{{for|Thaylen Gemstone Reserve}}

The Gemstone Reserve is a national bank of [[Thaylenah]]. It's located in the Low Ward, near one of the entrances to the Ancient Ward.{{map ref|Thaylen City}} The structure is build like a fortress, to protect its contents.{{book ref|sa3|111}} It has no windows. Within are numerous vaults storing various gemstones, including some of the largest and most unique ones, like the [[King's Drop]]. People can sell and buy their writs of ownership, allowing them to trade large sums easily.{{book ref|sa3|i|13}} 

During the Battle of Thaylen Field, the building is destroyed by a [[thunderclast]] on orders of Odium, who wants to prevent the Radiants from acquiring the King's Drop, a [[perfect gemstone]].{{book ref|sa3|116}}

==== Court Square ====
The Court Square is a plaza somewhere in the city; its exact location is unknown, though the name suggests it might be near the Royal Palace. During the Battle of Thaylen Field, it's assaulted by the possessed Amaram soldiers. Initially, it's protected by the highguards [[Hrdalm]] and [[Tshadr]], both in [[Shardplate]]; eventually, Hdralm departs to combat one of the [[thunderclast]]s attacking the city while Tshadr remains to hold the Square.{{book ref|sa3|120}}

== History ==
=== Heraldic Epochs and Era of Solitude ===
{{image|Thaylen city map.jpg|The ancient Thaylen City; in the present, this part is known as the Ancient Ward|side=right|width=200px}}
Thaylen City is one of the oldest settlements on [[Roshar]], though its exact origins are uncertain. The modern history dates it as about four thousand years old; however, the existence of the [[Oathgate]] and the [[cymatics|cymatic]] pattern of its appearance suggest that it's much older than that.{{book ref|sa3|12}}{{file ref|Four Cities.jpg|Four Cities}} During the [[Heraldic Epochs]], it was located in the [[Silver Kingdoms|Silver Kingdom]] of [[Thalath]].{{map ref|Silver Kingdoms}} Its proximity to the Thalath Oathgate indicates that it might've been the capital even back then. At the time, it was a far smaller city, consisting only of the district now known as the Ancient Ward.{{book ref|sa3|58}}

The ultimate fate of Thalath and how it became [[Thaylenah]] is unknown. Thaylen City, however, retained its high status, and in the [[Era of Solitude]] it remained the capital of the newer kingdom, as well as a major shipping and banking hub. It grew far beyond its original constraints, becoming one of the greatest metropoleis of [[Roshar]] alongside cities such as [[Vedenar]] and [[Kharbranth]].{{book ref|sa3|58}} In the closing years of that age, it came to the attention of people researching [[Dawncities]], who investigated it due to the cymatic pattern of the Ancient Ward. Among others, [[Kabsal]] used its perfectly symmetrical shape as a proof of the existence of the [[Almighty]].{{book ref|sa1|33}}

=== The Everstorm ===
{{quote
|We tried to prepare, but a nation cannot upend four millennia worth of tradition at a snap of the fingers. Thaylen City is a shambles, Kholin.
|[[Fen Rnamdi]]{{book ref|sa3|12}}
}}
When the [[listener]]s summoned the [[Everstorm]] in the [[Battle of Narak]], [[Dalinar Kholin]] tried to warn the various cities of the world, including Thaylen, about the upcoming catastrophe.{{book ref|sa2|88}} The Thaylens believed him after confirming his information with [[New Natanan]], one of the cities struck earlier, and strove to prepare. There wasn't enough time, though, particularly as [[Odium]] targeted the city deliberately, both as a strategically-important location and as the stage for his confrontation with Dalinar.{{book ref|sa3|12}}{{book ref|sa3|107}} The once-extensive docks, along with the entire seaside district, were all but wiped out; most of the city's other Wards were heavily damaged by lightning, strong winds, and even debris falling from the terraces above.{{book ref|sa3|58}} The temple of [[Talenelat]] in particular was wrecked near-utterly, possibly out of grudge Odium might have against Taln for holding out for as long as he had.{{book ref|sa3|59}}

Along with the Everstorm came the awakening of the city's [[Parshmen]] population. While the Thaylen were warned of this, they again didn't have enough time to respond properly. As a result, when the Parshmen awoke, they stole the remaining ships, both the military and private vessels, and sailed away, escaping their former captors.{{book ref|sa3|12}} They would later become the crews of the [[Voidbringer]] fleet.{{book ref|sa3|115}}

=== Alliance with Urithiru ===
Dalinar quickly pinpointed Thaylen City as one of the critical locations for the upcoming war.{{book ref|sa3|1}} However, when he began to make his overtures of peace to various world leaders, Queen [[Fen Rnamdi]] initially rejected him, on the grounds that letting [[Alethi]] armies into her capital would essentially surrender her already-weakened country to them.{{book ref|sa3|28}} In time, Dalinar managed to convince her to agree, and dispatched [[Kaladin]] and [[Shallan]] to reopen the Thaylen City Oathgate.{{book ref|sa3|51}} 

Later, Dalinar visited Thaylen City personally along with [[Navani]] and king [[Taravangian]], and was given a tour of it by Queen Fen. It was then that he discovered his [[Bondsmith]] ability to mend broken structures, and began to aid in rebuilding the city, earning respect from the Thaylen. Alongside him, Taravangian's surgeons and [[Renarin]] likewise assisted with handling Thaylen City's copious wounded, further cementing Thaylenah's position in the alliance.{{book ref|sa3|59}} Later, the army of the [[Sadeas princedom]], under command of [[Meridas Amaram]], was sent to the city to assist with the rebuilding.{{book ref|sa3|96}}

=== Battle of Thaylen Field ===
{{for|Battle of Thaylen Field}}
{{image|Thrill.png|side=right|width=350px|Dalinar confronting Nergaoul on Thaylen Field}}

Following the revelations of the [[Eila Stele]], Thaylenah was one of the few countries to remain with [[Urithiru]], mostly because they had no other choice in their weakened state.{{book ref|sa3|113}} It was then that the Voidbringer armies, led by Odium himself, arrived on the shores of Thaylen City, having sailed there from the nearby country of [[Marat]]. Though the defenders attempted to prepare for battle, things changed dramatically when Odium first summoned a pair of [[thunderclast]]s, and then released [[Nergaoul]] upon the Amaram troops, turning them against the people they were supposed to protect.{{book ref|sa3|115}}

One of the thunderclasts breached the wall and made for the [[Thaylen Gemstone Reserve]], intending to secure the [[King's Drop]], a [[perfect gemstone]] that could trap Nergaoul. At the same time, Dalinar went down into the Thaylen Field to face Odium directly.{{book ref|sa3|116}} In the ensuing confrontation, Dalinar managed to open [[Honor's Perpendicularity]], providing the [[Knights Radiant]] present with much-needed [[Stormlight]].{{book ref|sa3|119}}

What resulted was a pitched battle between the defending forces -- mostly the Knights Radiant and Thaylen troops, later reinforced by [[House Kholin]] soldiers brought by [[General Khal]] through the Oathgate -- and Odium's soldiers, consisting of the two thunderclasts, the Amaram army and the [[Fused]]. Much of the city was ruined in the process, although the city wall was patched by [[Jasnah Kholin]] soulcasting the air in the breach into metal. Ultimately, Nergaoul was trapped in the King's Drop and the remaining Voidbringer forces withdrew.{{book ref|sa3|120}} 

The battle once more left Thaylen City in shambles, now augmented by the corpse of one of the thunderclasts. Massive surgeon stations were set up in the Low Ward to care for the numerous wounded, and the various alliance members pitched in to aid with the rebuilding.{{book ref|sa3|121}}{{book ref|sa3|122}} However, much work remains to be done, and whether the city can be brought back to its former glory is questionable.

== Politics ==
{{quote
|Strategically, Thaylen City is '''far''' more important than Jah Keved—but at the same time, '''far''' worse defended.
|[[Dalinar]]{{book ref|sa3|107}}
}}
Thaylen City serves as the center of Thaylen commerce and politics. The reigning monarch resides there; likewise, the various merchant councils, as well as the Thaylen navy, have their headquarters in the city. Its vast port is home to numerous trading and naval vessels. Moreover, the [[Thaylen Gemstone Reserve]] holds vast majority of the country's wealth, allowing for long-distance trade via [[spanreed]]s.{{book ref|sa3|58}}{{book ref|sa3|111}}

Unfortunately, the city suffered vast losses in the Everstorm, dealing a severe blow its power. The grand docks and warehouses were destroyed; the ships, stolen by the escaping [[parshmen]].{{book ref|sa3|12}} The Gemstone Reserve was wrecked in the Battle of Thaylen Field, and though majority of the gems contained within appear to have survived, they were scattered across the city, and it's questionable whether the government can retrieve them all.{{book ref|sa3|116}} In the present, Thaylen City is all but reliant on [[Alethi]] support to survive the Desolation.{{book ref|sa3|113}}

Nonetheless, it remains important. It's one of the few cities with [[Oathgate]]s controlled by the people opposed to [[Odium]], giving it an instant access to [[Urithiru]] and allowing the alliance to project power in the South of Roshar. Moreover, the city's location makes holding it crucial to any strategy in the region. Whoever controls Thaylen City controls the [[Southern Depths]], and can threaten the entire coast, from [[New Natanan]] all the way to [[Shinovar]]. As such, it's important for the alliance to keep it, which was the main impetus for the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]].{{book ref|sa3|107}}

== Notable citizens ==
{{for|:Category:Residents of Thaylen City|a full list see|here}}
* [[Fen Rnamdi]], the Queen of Thaylenah, who presumably resides in the Royal Palace.
* [[Kmakl]] and [[Kdralk]], the Queen's consort and son
* [[Rysn]], a master merchant currently employed in the [[Thaylen Gemstone Reserve]]
* [[Jochi]], a friend of [[Jasnah]]'s who pretends to be a woman to pursue scholarship, and who owns a pastry shop somewhere in the city

== Notes ==
<references />
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