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Difference between revisions of "Thaylen City"

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In the past, the city has a developed system of aqueducts and sewers to deal with the water; however, most of it has been torn apart by the first Everstorm.{{book ref|sa3|12}}
  
In the past, the city has a developed system of aqueducts and sewers to deal with the water; however, most of it has been torn apart by the first Everstorm.{{book ref|sa3|12}}
   
⚫
[[File:Thaylen city map.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The ancient Thaylen City; in the present, this part is known as the Ancient Ward]]
  
 
=== Landmarks ===
  
=== Landmarks ===
  ⚫
[[File:Thaylen city map.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The ancient Thaylen City; in the present, this part is known as the Ancient Ward]]
 
==== The Oathgate ====
  
==== The Oathgate ====
−
The ancient [[Thalath]] Oathgate is located on the northern 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 other major settlement of the era, like [[Kholinar]] and [[Stormseat]].{{map ref|Thaylen City}} In the present, it has been turned into a sculpture garden.{{book ref|sa3|58}} It's unlocked by [[Kaladin]] and [[Shallan]], who fly there after Queen [[Fen Rnamdi|Fen]] agrees to ally with [[Dalinar]].{{book ref|sa3|51}}
 +
The ancient [[Thalath]] Oathgate is located on the northern 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 other major settlement of the era, like [[Kholinar]] and [[Stormseat]].{{map ref|Thaylen City}} In the present, it has been turned into a sculpture garden, and provides an excellent viewpoint to observe the city.{{book ref|sa3|58}} It's 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 has been locked along with all the others, the Thaylens have 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}}
  
While the Oathgate has been locked along with all the others, the Thaylens have 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}}
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==== Docks ====
  
==== 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 were located outside the fortifications, taking up the entire southern part of the shore, taking advantage of a natural bay formed there.{{map ref|Thaylen City}} They were constructed primarily of wood, which is why they were so easily destroyed.{{book ref|sa3|58}}
  
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 were located outside the fortifications, taking up the entire southern part of the shore, taking advantage of a natural bay formed 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 has developed greatly 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 structures were, like the docks, constructed from wood, the Evestorm all but flattened the area.{{book ref|sa3|12}} This part of the city was eventually renamed to '''Thaylen Field'''.{{book ref|sa3|122}}
   
 
==== Temples ====
  
==== Temples ====
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* '''The Temple of [[Talenelat]]''' - located in the central part of the Royal Ward, on a stone plaza dedicated to the Herald. A set of steps leads up to an arched enterance, while the surrounding walls are covered in mosaics showing Taln standing fast against the [[Voidbringers]]. The temple has fared poorly against the [[Everstorm]], with the entire roof having collapsed from a lightning strike; it's possible that [[Odium]] targeted it deliberately out of vengeance. It's in the temple of Telenelat that Dalinar discovers his ability to mend buildings; as such, it's the first he fixes.{{book ref|sa3|59}}
  
* '''The Temple of [[Talenelat]]''' - located in the central part of the Royal Ward, on a stone plaza dedicated to the Herald. A set of steps leads up to an arched enterance, while the surrounding walls are covered in mosaics showing Taln standing fast against the [[Voidbringers]]. The temple has fared poorly against the [[Everstorm]], with the entire roof having collapsed from a lightning strike; it's possible that [[Odium]] targeted it deliberately out of vengeance. It's in the temple of Telenelat 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 northeast 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 to see visions of the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]].{{book ref|sa3|117}}
  
* '''The Temple of [[Pailiah]]''' - located in the northeast 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 to see 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 Dalnar from accessing King's Drop, a [[perfect gemstone]].{{book ref|sa3|116}}
   
 
== History ==
  
== History ==
 
The once extensive docks of Thaylen City were mostly destroyed when the [[Everstorm]] first arrived. Much of the fleet that was in the harbor were destroyed or stolen by the awakened [[Parshmen]].{{cite}}{{expand}} Thaylen City was the site of the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]].
  
The once extensive docks of Thaylen City were mostly destroyed when the [[Everstorm]] first arrived. Much of the fleet that was in the harbor were destroyed or stolen by the awakened [[Parshmen]].{{cite}}{{expand}} Thaylen City was the site of the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]].
  +
  +
== 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, and the various merchant councils, as well as the Thaylen navy, have their headquarters there. The city's vast port holds 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 has been wrecked in the Battle of Thaylen Field, and though majority of the gems contained within appears 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, the city is all but reliant on [[Alethi]] support to survive the Desolation.{{book ref|sa3|113}}
  +
  +
Nonetheless, Thaylen City 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 is most important that the alliance keep it, which was the main impetus for the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]].{{book ref|sa3|107}}
   
 
== Notable citizens ==
  
== Notable citizens ==

Revision as of 17:25, 11 September 2019

Thaylen City
Thaylen City.jpg
by Isaac Stewart
Nation Thaylenah
World Roshar
Universe Cosmere
This page or section needs to be updated with new information for Oathbringer!
Be aware that in its current state, it may not include all additional content yet.

Thaylen City is the capital of Thaylenah.[1]

Geography

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 Rosharan mainland.[2] The city was built inside a massive, natural lait to protect it from highstorms. It's surrounded by mountains, offering additional protection.[3] While the local climate is warmer than in the Frostlands across the Straits, it's still cold, especially at night.[4][5] 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.[6]

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.[7][8]

Layout

A map of Thaylen City

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 cymatic pattern.[6][1]

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. The city wall served as a minor windbreak for those fortunate enough to have lived right by it when the Everstorm arrived.[6] A southern portion of it was breached during the Battle of Thaylen Field, though the gap was later filled in with Soulcast metal by Jasnah Kholin.[9]

Past the city wall lays the area now known as the Thaylen Field. Prior to the True Desolation, this area 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.[3] Unfortunately, the docks 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.[6]

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 section. It includes numerous palaces and mansions, including the Royal Palace, the seat of the Thaylen monarchs, as well as ten temples dedicated to the Heralds of the Almighty. Following the Everstorm, those temples were mainly used to house the numrous wounded and homeless citizens.[6][10]

The city's Oathgate is locatated on the same level as the Royal Ward, albeit further north, closer to the cliffs leading to the ocean. A small ramp leads up to it from the city proper. To the east, right past the Royal Palace, a trio of roads leads outsite, forming Thaylen's only land connection to the rest of the island.[3][6]

In the past, the city has a developed system of aqueducts and sewers to deal with the water; however, most of it has been torn apart by the first Everstorm.[11]

Landmarks

The ancient Thaylen City; in the present, this part is known as the Ancient Ward

The Oathgate

The ancient Thalath Oathgate is located on the northern 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 other major settlement of the era, like Kholinar and Stormseat.[3] In the present, it has been turned into a sculpture garden, and provides an excellent viewpoint to observe the city.[6] It's unlocked by Kaladin and Shallan, who fly there after Queen Fen agrees to ally with Dalinar.[12]

While the Oathgate has been locked along with all the others, the Thaylens have 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 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.[11]

Docks

The Thaylen docks had been one of the city's greatest points of pride before the Everstorm swept them away.[6] They were located outside the fortifications, taking up the entire southern part of the shore, taking advantage of a natural bay formed there.[3] They were constructed primarily of wood, which is why they were so easily destroyed.[6]

The area surrounding the docks has developed greatly over time into a market and warehouse district.[6] A notable feature there was the grand bazaar, a marketplace famous even in Alethkar.[10] Unfortunately, as the structures were, like the docks, constructed from wood, the Evestorm all but flattened the area.[11] This part of the city was eventually renamed to Thaylen Field.[13]

Temples

Like most major cities, Thaylenah has ten major temples, each dedicated to one of the Heralds. The temples are all located in the Royal Ward, and when visiting Thaylen, it's traditional to visit all of them, which allows the local ruler to show off both the city's most representative section and its piety. Following the Everstorm, the temples were instead used as makeshift hospitals and shelters for people injured and displaced in the Everstorm.[10]

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.[10]
  • The Temple of Ishi - the oldest temple in the city.[10] It sits in the southern portion of the Royal Ward.[3]
  • The Temple of Talenelat - located in the central part of the Royal Ward, on a stone plaza dedicated to the Herald. A set of steps leads up to an arched enterance, while the surrounding walls are covered in mosaics showing Taln standing fast against the Voidbringers. The temple has fared poorly against the Everstorm, with the entire roof having collapsed from a lightning strike; it's possible that Odium targeted it deliberately out of vengeance. It's in the temple of Telenelat that Dalinar discovers his ability to mend buildings; as such, it's the first he fixes.[10]
  • The Temple of Pailiah - located in the northeast part of the Royal Ward.[3] It's open, allowing wind to flow through it.[14] Renarin goes there to pray when he begins to see visions of the Battle of Thaylen Field.[5]

Gemstone Reserve

For more information, see 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.[3] The structure is build like a fortress, to protect its contents.[15] 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.[16]

During the Battle of Thaylen Field, the building is destroyed by a thunderclast on orders of Odium, who wants to prevent Dalnar from accessing King's Drop, a perfect gemstone.[17]

History

The once extensive docks of Thaylen City were mostly destroyed when the Everstorm first arrived. Much of the fleet that was in the harbor were destroyed or stolen by the awakened Parshmen.[citation needed][expand] Thaylen City was the site of the Battle of Thaylen Field.

Politics

“ Strategically, Thaylen City is far more important than Jah Keved—but at the same time, far worse defended. ”

Thaylen City serves as the center of Thaylen commerce and politics. The reigning monarch resides there, and the various merchant councils, as well as the Thaylen navy, have their headquarters there. The city's vast port holds numerous trading and naval vessels. Moreover, the Thaylen Gemstone Reserve holds vast majority of the country's wealth, allowing for long-distance trade via spanreeds.[6][15]

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.[11] The Gemstone Reserve has been wrecked in the Battle of Thaylen Field, and though majority of the gems contained within appears to have survived, they were scattered across the city, and it's questionable whether the government can retrieve them all.[17] In the present, the city is all but reliant on Alethi support to survive the Desolation.[19]

Nonetheless, Thaylen City remains important. It's one of the few cities with Oathgates 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 is most important that the alliance keep it, which was the main impetus for the Battle of Thaylen Field.[18]

Notable citizens

  • 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

Trivia

Notes

  1. ↑ a b c The Way of Kings chapter 33#
  2. ↑ Map of Roshar
  3. ↑ a b c d e f g h Map of Thaylen City
  4. ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 1#
  5. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 117#
  6. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k Oathbringer chapter 58#
  7. ↑ Map of Sea of Lost Lights
  8. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 115#
  9. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 120#
  10. ↑ a b c d e f Oathbringer chapter 59#
  11. ↑ a b c d Oathbringer chapter 12#
  12. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 51#
  13. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 122#
  14. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 118#
  15. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 111#
  16. ↑ Oathbringer interlude I-13#
  17. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 116#
  18. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 107#
  19. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 113#
  20. ↑ The Four Cities
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