The City of Splendor
The city of Splendor is a city unlike any you have ever encountered before. In it's natural state, Splendor contains a multitude of environments, inhabitants, and opportunities that one would be hard pressed to try to find all in one place somewhere else.
Map(not to scale)
LANDSCAPE AND ENVIRONMENT
Splendor is surrounded by a unique landscape and has an ever-changing environment. For it's landscape, the city sits rather close to a large, open sea on the Eastern and Southern sides, while the far Western and Northern landscapes curve up into a treacherous and snowy mountain range. Past the outskirts of town on the Northern side, a vast forest sits, extending up onto the mountains at whose bases it rests.
Splendor's environment is very sporadic, and changes drastically depending on the district you are in. On the south-eastern part of the city, where the Bungalow District is located, the environment always reflects that of a tropical climate, while the Alpine District, located on the benches of the North-western Mountains, is constantly covered in snow. Foliage differs from district to district as well, including everything from Evergreens to palm trees.
The weather in central Splendor changes drastically from day to day. Sometimes it resembles a bright summer's day, while tomorrow it could become a crisp, autumn one. Rain, hail, snow, heatwaves, hurricanes, blizzards, and even violent windstorms bordering on the edge of tornadoes, while not common occurrences, are not unheard of. What is truly odd about Splendor's weather, however, is not how sporadic it is, but how it changes from district to district. For instance, there could be a massive blizzard in the Alpine district, but the second someone crosses over into the nearby Metropolis District, the weather will instantly change to whatever the forecast is for the Metropolis District.
Weather reports will be posted every so often if the weather is odd. If a weather report is not posted, it is safe to assume that the environment for each district is in it's default state.
THE SIX DISTRICTS
Splendor is comprised of six city districts, each reflecting a unique environment and style of living.
❁ The Alpine District curves around Splendor's western and northern sides, sitting on the benches of the mountain range that surrounds the city. This district houses the Cabins living area, and constantly reflects a snowy, winter environment. The temperature always reflects that of winter in the high mountains, and snow is always on the ground. Light snowfall from day to day is common occurrence, while blizzards happen less often. The road to the Alpine district can be accessed from the Metropolis District or the Alpha district, and is a treacherous one for those not accustomed to hiking through snow and ice.
The Alpine district has very little architecture, despite being one of the largest districts (as it includes most of the mountains), with it's infrastructures centered around the Cabin living area. There is a tiny general store for necessities, but groceries and other goods may have to be bought elsewhere.
❁ The Golden District sits on Splendor's north-eastern edge, right next to the coast. It is rather empty, containing only castles and estates, with no other buildings to be found. It's environment is usually sunny, but being near the coast, it often gets a thick layer of fog that rolls in, and usually is cooler due to the ocean breeze. A light drizzle usually occurs at least once a week, giving this district a rather gloomy aura.
❁ The Alpha District is located on Splendor's east side, right along the coast, and contains the Sigma Homes living area. Despite being right below the Golden District, the Alpha district is usually much sunnier and has fewer fog-covered days. The temperatures here are average to warm, and there is usually very little precipitation of any form in this district. Out of all of the districts, this one has the least changes weather-wise.
Aside from the Sigma Homes living area, the Alpha District also houses the more modern and expensive-feeling restaurants of Splendor, as well as the extremely high-end electronic and living stores. There is also a very large health-food grocer in the Alpha district, but the goods there are much more expensive than other grocers. It also houses a very large park, situated right off the coast.
❁ The Metropolis District is Splendor's central district, located right in the middle of all six districts. It resembles a massive city, and contains the most infrastructure of all of Splendor. The weather in the Metropolis district often varies, being sunny one day to rainy the next, then windy the day after that. It rarely has extreme weather, however.
The Metropolis District contains the Apartments living area, as well as numerous large grocery, electronic, furniture, and clothing stores, among others. There are two movie theaters within this district, as well as a small, central park in the middle of the city. Among the massive sky scrapers also lies the gigantic city library, as well as the Golden City Hall, the welcoming area for all of Splendor's new residents.
❁ The Wonderland District is Splendor's smallest district, situated right where the Metropolis, Bungalow, and Alpha districts meet, near the south-eastern part of the city. With odd looking and brightly colored foliage, the cute and oddly-sized homes of the Cottage living area, and locals in the shapes of fairies and elves, the Wonderland district resembles a fairy tale-esque village. The weather here often feels nonexistent, as it will typically feel absolutely perfect to whatever individual happens to be passing through, whether their preference is cold weather or warm weather.
The Wonderland district houses the Cottage living area, as well as many tinier cafes and trinket shops.
❁ The Bungalow District is Splendor's southern most district, and houses the aptly named Bungalow living area. This district resembles a tropical paradise, though there have been records of hurricanes here in the past. The weather is usually always warm, there is very little rain or clouds, and the city lights from the Metropolis district seem to disappear at night in this district, leaving a clear and starry sky for people to enjoy.
Aside from the Bungalow living area, the Bungalow district has a few roadside shops where people may find beach toys and supplies, firewood, or small drinks and snacks.
SPLENDOR'S PROBLEMATIC CHANGES
Splendor possesses the very defining and unique ability of being able to grant the wishes of those that live there. In the past, granting these wishes was as simple as changing one of the districts for a bit to allow the individual to live out a wish. However, with so many new inhabitants, Splendor has begun to get a bit overwhelmed.
In order to meet as many needs as possible, Splendor has adapted to switching it's landscape every so often into something entirely different. These new landscapes are so different that it may feel as if you have been teleported to a new world, but never fear - you are still in the same city! With these new environments comes new opportunities, abilities, and even the occasional threat.
The very odd thing about these dramatic changes, though, is that the locals of the city seem to disappear altogether. There may be other individuals who appear during these switches, but they reflect only the current environment, and always disappear when the city switches back. Many have suggested that these are simply the locals, altering their appearances to fit their city's needs, but it is not uncommon for these new individuals to interact with people living in the city, which is very unlike the locals. Very little is known about this phenomenon, though it is expected more will be learned as the city changes.
WISHES AND IMAGINATION
It has been said that imagination is the greatest weapon one can wield in Splendor; if one can dream it, Splendor can make it. This, for better or for worse, is completely true.
Splendor is a sensitive city, and is in tune with the wants and needs of all who inhabit it. The changes Splendor makes will greatly reflect the imaginations and dreams of those with the most powerful consciousnesses in Splendor. In other words, if you have a strong heart, a confident mind, and your greatest wish is to visit the bottom of the sea, you might just wake up in Atlantis the next morning.
However, this also brings new threats, as Splendor is blind to the intentions of these dreams. The city may end up granting the wish of an evil heart, changing itself into something where the truly diabolical may flourish. It all depends on who can master their imagination, focus their heart, and conquer their mind to sway Splendor in the direction they wish.
Be careful with your wishing, however, because while Splendor enjoys pleasing its' inhabitants, the Locals will not stand for any harm being done to other individuals. You may have the environment needed to fulfill your evil plans handed to you, but if you cause harm to others, you may not find a warm welcome home once the city switches back.
THE WAY HOME
If you enter the library in the Metropolis District, you will always find numerous Locals researching and studying away. These locals have made it their duty to find a way to send you home. As of right now, such a thing does not exist, but have hope, as Splendor's greatest thinkers are constantly trying to find a way to send you back.
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