Alpsbourg

Alpsbourg is the ruins of an unfinished settlement in the northern Great Mountains, nestled in the peaks above Shankspine Ridge. Originally planned to be a monument to a theocratic reign of terror by Archprelate Maximilian, the city - originally named Maximiliansbourg - was commissioned by order of the Prelacy of Chesley shortly after the First Schism.

Planned Architecture

Designed by a twisted and pathological architect, Maximiliansbourg was designed to mimic Aelyria Prime with its grandiose columns, broad promenades, and elegant spires. However, it was also designed to segregate inhabitants by race and social class; the latter was a favorite prerequisite among the Chesleyans, who blamed all of the world's ills upon the rich. One key feature of Maxiliansbourg was a zeppelin courtyard intended to be used to interface with dirigibles from Nod. It is ironic that as part of Lord Sabre Kane's campaign to crush the Chesleyan Revolution, he destroyed the city's foundations from above with a test volley of firebombs before proceeding to the final target, Aslangrad.

Postwar Construction

After the Second Empire collapsed, all work on Maximiliansbourg ceased. Shortly before the famed Kriskinstat Petitions that formed the Third Empire, local merchants in present-day Arium began to fund the reconstruction of the city, under the new name of Alpsbourg, as an aerial trade city. However, poor planning, weak funding, and the general unpopularity of the city's original design and reputation led to the stagnation of the project.

Dangers and Benefits

Today, Alpsbourg is a mish-mash of half-built buildings and the rubble of smashed foundations, but archaeologists, historians and adventurers are known to be able to profit from the excursion to visit it. Archprelate Maximilian was believed to have relocated the bulk of his church coffers to the Alpsbourg region, though many of the treasure trains were lost in the treacherous mountain pass and only a small portion were recovered. The harsh winter weather at these altitudes, especially a powerful frostchill descending down from Mount Icepeak, makes it extremely perilous to visit the region, but the true danger rests with fierce Yeti that have reportedly turned the ruins into their home.