New Thonham is the capital city of The Falderian Empire.
The city is divided into octants of varying financial and social classes. The numbering for the octants starts in the center, then continues West then clockwise.
Culture
New Thonham is a diverse population, as many cities are. It is predominantly comprised of humans and human-likes, although creatures of any race can be found within its city walls. The city is divided into unequal octants of varying financial and social classes. Generally speaking, travel between walled octants is regulated. Citizens of higher class octants are allowed to travel to lower class octants, and lower class citizens may travel to higher class octants when specifically authorised by a higher class citizen. This is to prevent lower class citizens from exploiting higher class utilities.
The 1st Octant
The 1st Octant is the seat of political power in New Thonham and The Falderian Empire. Most of the citizens in the 1st Octant are employed by governing organisations in one capacity or another. The octant is kept clean and orderly. Restaurants in the 1st Octant are generally high-end, with few options suitable for blue-collar workers.
The centre of the 1st Octant is culturally active, with a series of cafes and restaurants around a circular plaza with a fountain and statue of King Aldem Titanfoot at its centre. Here, you’ll find a bustling and diverse population of politicians and civil servants rushing between the tall state buildings that adjoin the plaza.
The culture of the first octant is not unique amongst New Thonham, although it does harbour the upper echelons of art and music one might find. Galleries of fine art works, and centuries old book stores line the streets near the centre. High-class thaumaturges, alchemists, and artificers can be found in the second story shops, their unique and dangerous wares hidden from the restaurant going citizens below. Simply put, if something can be bought in The Falderian Empire, it can be bought in the first octant.
The 2nd Octant
The 2nd Octant is the most culturally engaged octant. Often considered the “Arts district”, it is where one finds specialty crafts, musicians, painters and more. Although you’ll find churches throughout the octants of New Thonham, it is also the seat of faith in New Thonham and home to Our Church of Alorin.
The famous Silver Waterfowl Pub & Eatery sits towards the centre of New Thonham at the edge of the 2nd Octant, adjacent to a small tree shaded plaza. This site is often the host of spontaneous arts events such as cultural performances from minority groups, choirs, and dancers. Outside of these events, the corner is usually adorned with a Liereth, spreading the word of The Church of Kulkysm.
The 3rd Octant
The 3rd Octant is the heart of suburban life in New Thonham. It is a blend of middle-class suburbs, low-tier commercial spaces, and a mixture of medium and low-density housing. It’s where you’ll find the bustling Eriston Marketplace, a hub for local businesses and entrepreneurs.
Hercyne Park is nestled in the center of the 3rd Octant, surrounded by a variety of housing. This park is a common gathering place for community events such as neighborhood picnics, children’s sports leagues, and local farmers’ markets. Outside of these events, the park corner is usually graced by a Darneth, spreading the teachings of The Church of Kulkysm.
The 4th Octant
The 4th Octant is the backbone of military strength in New Thonham. It is home to training grounds, barracks, and armouries. It’s where you’ll find the impressive Fort Relon, a symbol of the city’s resilience and preparedness despite The Thonham Accords.
Orikas Square is located in the heart of the 4th Octant, surrounded by military facilities. This square is a common site for military parades, drills, and ceremonies. Outside of specific events, the square maintains a zone of silence in honor of those who gave their lives during The Race Wars. Groups of younger soldiers can be seen to fall quiet once they cross it’s threshold; senior officers are rarely seen in the square, often walking around.
The 5th Octant
The 5th Octant is the industrial powerhouse of New Thonham. It is home to warehouses, industrial spaces, ore processing plants, and more. It’s where you’ll find the massive Thonham Foundry, a core component in The Falderian Empire’s economic success, and an essential strategic component in The Falderian Empire’s ability to restore it’s military strength at a moment’s notice.
Trislee Plaza is located in the heart of the 5th Octant, surrounded by towering warehouses and factories. This plaza is a common site for trade fairs, industrial exhibitions, and innovation showcases.
The 6th Octant
The 6th Octant is a low income population, composed almost exclusively of humans. Following The Race Wars, the 6th Octant quickly developed into a hub for veteran affairs. King Aldem Titanfoot commanded the construction of care facilities, and instituted rent control policies for veterans of The Race Wars. Despite this, few veterans were ever able to escape the poverty The Falderian Empire fell into following the Scorched Earth event.
Today, a few hundred years after The Race Wars, the descendants of these veterans continue to live in poverty, regularly exploited by the higher classes as a source of affordable labour. Residents of the 6th octant live by the motto “hard work pays others”. The streets of the octant remain empty through the day, with bustling activity during the daily commutes at dawn and sunset. In the evening, 6th octant pubs and taverns are packed with residents. Often, drinkers can be heard singing The Few That Remain.
The 6th octant is also home to the port. The port is mixed use, berthing both military and civilian ships. It also has a shipyard, mostly used for the construction of frigates and caravels for the navy.
The 7th Octant
The 7th octant is the epitome of luxury in New Thonham. This high-class neighbourhood for the city’s elite is adorned with sprawling estates, opulent mansions, and a small but pristine beach.
In the 7th octant, you’ll find the prestigious Emerald Bay Golf Course, a facility primarily used for closed door political dealings. This rarely played yet beautifully manicured course is a testament to the octant’s extreme wealth, and detachment from the struggles of other Falderians. The 7th Octant is a showcase of New Thonham’s affluence and elegance, a neighbourhood that offers a luxurious lifestyle amidst the city’s urban charm.
The 8th Octant
The 8th octant is the home to Academy Falderia, the single largest education facility in Falderia. The academy spans the entirety of the 8th octant, and is home to the largest buildings in New Thonham. The main hall, once the royal palace, is now a library holding relics of cultural importance from across Falderia. The hall lies amidst two large expansive facilities, home to lecture theatres, class-rooms and arcane specialist facilities.
In what was originally the royal gardens, various buildings have been constructed including a small temple for The Church of Kulkysm, an auditorium, the empire’s largest Stadium, and specialist training centres.