Secyclion is split into three main districts -- Toichos Kikkimos, Neos Megalis and the famed Arthro Galanos. Each of these Districts vary in demography, lifestyle, terrain and living environments -- factors that would eventually shape the differing type of culture manifested within them despite being located on the same Island.
Toichos Kikkimos
The largest and oldest District of Toichos Kikkimos, which translate into 'The Red Wall', is the famed location that has somewhat of a mythic stature amongst the most wonderous places on the Empire. Not only is the entire district set atop the remnants of a volcanic eruption; the make and design of the buildings, together with the random and seeming disarray building plan of the houses and structures blend together to celebrate a living art form that is unique and truly wondrous.
Many important logistics buildings, including the Secyclion Harbor are located just at the foot of the District where Nephule Bay lies quietly. All visitors to Secyclion, therefore would have been able to witness the beauty of the natural structure should they dock at the Harbor, a sight for them to drink on for candlemarks upon candlemarks of soaring red volcanic soil, green shrubs littered without care and abandon, with the houses and buildings created out of gypsum which seem to glow in the Darkening when the slightest light touches its surface.
Despite the branching off of the wealthy into Arthro Galanos, and many moving onto the enigmatic District of Neos Megalis, Toichos Kikkimos still remains very largely the heart of the City with its sprawling cliffs and unnavigable paths that snake without order or thought, seeming crawling toward the highest point of Secyclion, where the mountain regions eventually become so steep that no other buildings can be built without compromising safety -- Rhea's Reach, a singular mountain peak reaches towards the skies from this point on, where it's true zenith is obscured by the looming volcanic clouds that fill the skies with puffy gray clouds.
Important Logistical and Administrative Buildings such as the Palati Ariadne (Thanal Palace), Fort Helicon; which houses the six hundred strong members of the City Militia, and other important structures such as the Main Aedile House, City Tribunal and others are also found on the Red Wall, steepling onto the walls of the Toichos Kikkimos. Hellios, the tallest building in the entirety of Secyclion other than the Lunar Archives, is also found on the Red Wall, serving as a lighthouse beacon for all ships and vessels steering into the dangerous waters, and also doubling as a location where one can be offered a bird's eye view of the entire City; though the most popular destination for tourists would be it's Beach Front Resorts as well as the 'Red Market', or Agora Kikkimos in the native tongue.
The 'Red Market' where the majority of shops and wares are paraded is sure to dazzle the eyes of the shoppers and tourists, haggling over bargains as well as rare finds occasionally. Every Season, the Pleistiriasmos Spiti also auctions out some of the rare artefacts or finds that the traders manage to procure during their voyages, or that one of the Nobles are feeling generous and decided to donate her personal collection to charity. Whatever the case is, the often heated and excited auction process is definitely a sight not to be missed if one visits Secyclion.
Neos Megalis
If Secyclion was a coin, Neos Megalis would be found on the opposite side of one coin, while the rest of Secyclion rests on the other.
While Artho Galanos and the Toichos Kikkimos, the two other main districts of the island City is known for their spectacular beauty and beaches, the 'New City' is famed for its flooding phenomenon during the high tides. It looks to be like any other thriving market district one moment, while at the next, after the waters start creeping inland with the rising waters, the entire district would be flooded, and the entire region materializes into a floating City where walking and riding to get from one place to another becomes an impossibility; and so the next feasible alternative way of traveling would be implemented -- the use of boats that almost every household would own to get them around during the high tides.
Buildings are a sight to behold -- doors are positioned at least five meters high, and sometimes even that isn't enough, as waters may surge higher in unforeseen circumstances. Made out of tough volcanic Ignimbrite, these structures are able to withstand the constant lash of the waves. Many of the business are conducted over 'The Squares', large plateau like structures built to accomodate market stalls, as well as important buildings, far above the flooded waters. Over the Eras, bridges have also been constructed over areas which experience high volumes of traffic, though attempting to navigate the region when it is flooded is a futile task, even with maps.
Another feature of Neos Megalis is that it is almost completely run by pirate warlords. Over the last decade, fierce fighting had taken place between the Secyclionians and the nefarious pirates of Eunesia. The advantageous terrain that the Toichos Kikkimos and Artho Galanos made it extremely difficult for the sea rogues to attack, but Neos Megalis was a prime target, given that the advantage swings entirely towards the pirates once the region floods.
Over the last few Eras, Neos Megalis had evolved into some sort of a pirate haven, with many of the amenities run completely by pirates. While the main jurisdiction still lies with the Thane of the City, there seemed to be an uncommon understanding between the two forces that so long the pirates don't cause property destruction and wanton crimes, they would be allowed to have an unofficial control over the region, with regards to it's trade and manufactures. Engaging in a full-scale retatliation against the pirates would be futile, mainly because there were too many of them, and that the district is simply too vulnerable to their attacks.
In what seems to come off as a surprise, even the pirates themselves were more than happy to accept the agreement, and while extortion and petty crimes are common, the strong pirate presence have ensured that other forces, such as gangs and rogue and bullish pirate forces are seldom seen in Neos Megalis, for even the sea rogues know the need to protect their own investments.
Mainly because of the pirate presence, many exotic and rare goods can be found within the Black Markets of Neos Megalis, which also houses several important institutes such as the Akadimia et Palastra Apo Krasi, as well as the Akadiminia Apo Kales Synalattomai Kai Epistimi, which are institutes of learning. Several Churchs, namely the of Templum of Markalin, Concordia of Diana and the House of Minor Deities; done in traditional Eunesian architects to differentiate them from mainland shrines. The two sides of the Neos Megalis, both dark and light, truly make the region one of the most vibrant places within Secyclion.
Other than the pirate overlords that run the district, Neos Megalis also has its fair share of myths and legends, like many parts of Secyclion. On the 'Darkening of the Hunter's Moon', which occurs usually at the dawn of Autumn due to the close proximity of the twin moons to Telath.
The Darkening is characterized by the moons' unusually larger size. Boats are not used at all during the flooding, which are sure to take place every Era on that Darkening. Legends speak of a sea monster that is awaken this Darkening, entering unseen and unheard through the channels of water, preying on the foolish who dare to venture the waters on that Darkening. Even the pirates themselves, after reportedly experiencing strange happenings, have subscribed to the tale and have practiced staying on land just for that singular Darkening. Residents paint their doors on that Darkening with sulfur gathered from the volcanic regions, which are said to repel the creature, while many would also leave a small sacrifice, such as a chicken, or a cattle tethered to the outside of their homes in an attempt to appease the creature.
Arthro Galanos
Arthro Galanos is one of the most expensive Estate grounds to be found on the Empire, mainly because of its breathtaking view of the Eunesian province, and being able to enjoy some of the best sights of the dawn and dusk. It is also one of the places which are entirely made out of one main material, which is the delorite mineral, a deposit present in Secyclion volcanoes, and have the unique properties of turning a soft, sensual blue when it is wet.
Needless to say, the entire Estate almost magically transform from a cream color into a shimmering blue in the very early hours of the Brightening when the morning dew condenses on the cold surfaces, and whenever it rains. Archways line every singular path within the Estate, each one holding a lunetta from which beautiful bas-relief is scripted on. Calligraphy from several ancient tombs that are littered all over the island -- believed to be from the former civilisation that were consumed in the volcanic eruption are also carved onto the pillars, transcending the entire quaint quarter into a whispering stillness that bore strong cultural roots. Pathways are lined by mosaic in the design of opus sectile, inlaid with volcanic glass which is abundant over the island.
Houses are built in various taste with accordance to their owners, but most houses' designs are heavily Eunesian influence, with generous use of pillars, arches and domes which are heavily crafted with frieze and opulence. After all, only the extremely affluent could live within the walls of Arthro Galanos. Plants are plentiful in this region as well, with laurels and cypress being the two main plants that are not found on Secyclion naturally, but are donated by their sister island Arios and thereafter planted within the estate.
Entrance into the grand Estate is through a collonade called
Arthro Portico Galanos with over two thousand pillars all carved identical to one another. Sentries are positioned around the Brightening and Darkening, patrolling the jewelled streets to deter any troublemakers. At the top of the collonade, rumors have it that it contains the bezoar of one of the Imperial Warbirds which has hardened into a Baetylus. The artefact has said to be some sort of a volative offering to the spirits of the island to protect and bless the district.
Several places of interest are found within Arthro Galanos, with Pandora's Obelisk, which is a small Academy of Arcana studies, as well as the Ram's Court, a fountain that depicts the very ideals of Secyclionians' version of paradise. The Asclepieon, a Center of Healing and Herbology teachings is also located within the prime Estate, together with an open air theater, which is almost seen as a necessity within all Eunesian cities.