New Seran
| New Seran | |
|---|---|
| |
| Region | Elendel Basin |
| World | Scadrial |
| Universe | Cosmere |
New Seran is a city in the Elendel Basin. It is located on the very southern edge of the basin, on the rail line through the Seran Range to the Southern Roughs.[1]
![[1]](#cite_note-Elendel_Basin.png-1){kind=link}
Structure[edit]
The city spans across a series of enormous, flat-topped stone terraces.[2] There are at least a dozen of them, each being separated by multiple streams. These streams cross the terraces and drop off the edge down to the next terrace. The water eventually makes its way back to the river, which flows toward Elendel.
Aerial gondolas, strung by lines at least a hundred feet in the air, are commonly used for transport around the city. The gondolas are not only used to get from one terrace to another, but also from part of a terrace to another part. However, traveling is not limited to just gondolas. There are ramps for people who would prefer to use a carriage and bridges that allow people to travel on foot. The gondola system is run by the New Seran Transportation Authority, which is often abbreviated as NSTA.[3]
![[3]](#cite_note-New_Ascendancy_broadsheet.jpg-3){kind=link}
On average the houses are smaller than those in Elendel. There are only a few apartment buildings; Wax notes only three skyscrapers. Although the terraces constrain the boundaries of the city, it is large enough to hold a sizable population. This leaves room for many parks and streams.
New Seran is loud because of the waterfalls. Wax finds the sound comparable to that of an earthquake or explosion.[2]
Notable Locations and Features[edit]
Copper Gate[edit]
The hotel that Wax and his group stay at. It is run by a woman named Aunt Gin.
Shores Mansion[edit]
A building with stained glass windows. It has limelights burning outside (a classical style of lighting) though the interior looks little like the ancient keeps.[4] It has a multi-peaked roof design, similar to the profile of a mountain.
The mansion is owned by Kelesina Shores, although Hoid also claims ownership.[4]
University of New Seran[edit]
New Seran has a university, where the playwright B. Sablerfils teaches a course on writing "scientific fantasies".[3]
Gondolas[edit]
The city has a system of gondolas which carry passengers.
One of these is known as the Zinc Line. It broke due to an "unidentified disturbance", stranding passengers and forcing the NSTA to bring them to their destination "the old fashioned way".[3]
Culture[edit]
Animosity Towards Elendel[edit]
As one can see through the various political cartoons in newspapers, New Seran feels a large amount of animosity towards Elendel, saying that it stomps upon their liberty, prosperity, and fortune.[5][6] This is in response to the economic hegemony that Elendel has over them through unfair taxation, which has led many other cities to rioting.[5][7]
![[5]](#cite_note-New_Ascendancy_broadsheet.jpg-5){kind=link}
![[6]](#cite_note-House_Record_broadsheet.jpg-6){kind=link}
They often refer to Elendel, as a political entity, as "The Ravaging Lion", and as an extension know Elendel, as a city, as "The Lion's Den"[5] This hatred towards Elendel leads to many local companies profiting off of their locally sourced nature in order to be more supported by the people due to never passing through Elendel, therefore doesn't support the city.
By contrast, New Seran is represented by an Ornate Hawk-Eagle in a political cartoon in the New Ascendancy.
Fashion[edit]
People wear lighter clothing in New Seran than they do in Elendel. Women typically wear pastel dresses, while men wear striped white suits and boater hats.
Known Products[edit]
- Zinc Brand Whiskey is a product in New Seran marketed for being locally distilled, therefore having never went through Elendel, profiting off the New Seran animosity towards Elendel.[5]
- Soother's Choice Chewing Gum
