Peregoth is the name of both an island and a city.
The Island
In the center of the island is Fire Mountain, a volcano that has sat dormant for many hundreds of years. Projecting around the mountain is the dry, hot, inhospitable Table of Eronesis: a black plateau covered in scrub-brush. Southeast, directly below the table of Eronesis, is the city of Peregoth. To the west of the Table of Eronesis is a malarial swamp where only fools tread.
The City
Population: 300,000
Nation: The Empire
Province: Imperial District
Nickname: “Birthplace of the Empire”
The city is 10 square miles surrounding the Bay of Kings, and is built directly below the Table of Eronesis. The location of the city is due to two factors: an ancient river that flows down into the Table of Eronesis and feeds into the sea; and the natural bay.
As the birthplace of the Empire, Peregoth holds a special place in the imaginations of citizens, although the capital has moved to Anthans in all but name.
HISTORY
Peregoth’s history is best described as bloody. Originally the site of two warring tribes—the Formusi and the Tenebarii—eventually they united, an event which is considered the founding of the Empire. In year 1 YE, a king named Peregothius laid the first brick of what was to be the center of a new empire. The bricks turned into the White Palace and the surrounding lands became the original city—the Old City of approximately 1.5 miles. The Peregothians became expert ship builders and sailors, and soon conquered the nearby eight islands. The city grew steadily in size as the Peregothians brought in new treasures from their conquests. In 320 the city was sacked by the ratling kingdom of Skeerin, but reclaimed six months later. Only the White Palace survived the Skeerin’s burning.
Peregoth was not sacked again. As the conquests continued, wealth poured in and great architectural projects were undertaken: the Temple of All Gods, the Heliodome, and the Sky Obelisk. Fortunes were made, and free bread was distributed to all residents. Early in the Empire‘s history, power shifted to the city of Anthans, Peregoth’s political importance dimmed.
RELIGION
The imperial cult—a religious order dedicated to the worship of the emperors (popular in Eloesus and Khazidea)—is currently banned in the city, as well as in Anthania and Gad.
The patron god is Lorenus, ruler of the seas. The patron goddess is Amara, mother of orphans and healer of the wounded. Both have temples in the Old City.
SIGHTS
The White Palace is the most visible building—a multi-storied, multi-walled work of architecture built of gleaming white stone. In the City Square is the Ricci Monument: a bronze statue of a ratling warrior who betrayed his Skeerin comrades and let the Peregothians back into their city. Perhaps the most famous monument is the Colossus which looms over the harbor and guides sailors.
