Crocus Description: Crocus is one of the largest cities within Fiore, having a vast amount of buildings aligned in a circular formation extending as far as the eye can see. As with the right part of the city standing atop a small crag, many parts of Crocus appear to be surrounded by walls that seem to eclipse the city itself. What is most distinctive is the abundance of flowers throughout the city; the streets adorned with flowers, flowerbeds being placed seemingly everywhere, and flower garlands serving as some of the city's most profitable souvenirs. The architecture of the buildings varies throughout the city, some of which appear more basic while others utilize far more elaborate schemes with mosaic tiling. All throughout though, the buildings possess vibrant colors and present an overall elegant appearance. Within the central part of the city lies a large round lake. Within its center lie Mercurius, palace to the King of Fiore. And to the west of Crocus rests the Domus Flau, the arena used for the Great Magic Games.
Localization: Crocus is located within a vast valley with a variety of features surrounding it. Hills with heights that range from small to slightly large litter the area. Additionally, rivers that venture through the area and woodlands on either side further add to the natural beauty around that of Crocus.
Politics: Considered the Capital of Fiore for a reason, Crocus has long been held in top regard, much like that of Era. Based within Crocus, the King of Fiore is regarded as the authority of not only the city but also that of the country. Having ruled for generations now, the lineage has ruled without any significant uprising that have come of decisions made. Rather, what few revolts there have been have resulted from vainful and otherwise greedy coups, all having been quickly put down before generating much success. Throughout the years, the King has shown to take great care towards the country and its people. Similar to how efforts against him have failed, so too is there a general loyalty and dedication towards the King. As such, most citizens in Fiore would be more than willing to fight, or even give their lives, knowing that nobody would ever compare to the King with respect to ruling over Fiore.
Economy: Poverty is a foreign concept to Crocus, as not only does the King live well, but much of Crocus too. Most of the wealth comes not only from taxes and trade but also in the real estate markets. Heavy investments into the industry have enabled most citizens to live comfortably as well as merchants possessing larger places of business.
Culture: Crocus has a culture regaled in festivity, beauty, and simplicity; a culture that has been wholly embraced by the people. When held, the Grand Magic Games bring out a level of excitement within Crocus that few - if anything - can rival. Watching the various guilds compete within Domus Flau has become a celebrated time, otherwise short but enjoyable deviance from the otherwise peaceful everyday life.
Guilds: While guilds are forbidden from settling within Crocus, their members are permitted to visit the city. Between the Rune Knights, the forces under the Church, and the elite guards who serve directly under the King, Crocus is adequately protected and able to handle pests.
Locations
| Mercurius: Mercurius is an extremely large and tall building, appearing as one of the most visible elements in the valley where Crocus is located, and towering over all of the city's other buildings, with even the Domus Flau located outside paling in its comparison. Mercurius is a very intricately decorated and designed castle. |
| Crocus Streets: The streets of Crocus are incredibly lively, which shouldn't come as a suprise since it's the capital of Fiore. Outsiders that are not careful easily get lost in Crocus since the circular shaped city often reminds people of a maze. Even most locals only know the streets in their own area properly. |
| Domus Flau: The Domus Flau appears to be a large, round, open battle arena and has no cover on the top. It has numerous arches in its walls, and a large entrance. The Domus Flau also has four gigantic statues, each holding a staff with a big circle on top that face inwards, surrounding the Domus Flau. |
| Grand Cathedral of Crocus: The Grand Cathedral of Crocus is where the Grand Cardinals often come for a short stay and then continue on their travels. It is considered the greatest Church of Illumin in Fiore, and also the largest by the way. The Divine resides in here but is rarely seen by anyone except for the Grand Cardinals that seek her council. |
| Crocus Train Station: The station in Crocus is as grand as the city itself, sporting multiple tracks to connect it to the rest of Fiore. In the center, a grand clock tower and entranceway was erected to evoke hope and peace to all who came to the city. The large station is constantly busy, either from the staff cleaning or operating the trains or the citizens of Fiore who have traveled to the capital for work. |
| Crocus Gardens: Crocus Gardens is a public garden for everyone to visit with flowers from all over Fiore. It is considered one of the greatest gardens in Fiore which explains why it has many visitors every day. Even the locals from Crocus come at least once a week to enjoy the view of all the beautiful flowers here. |
| Batra's Inn: Batra's Inn is a large two story inn. The first floor is a large restaurant and bar, housing several 4-seater tables. The second floor contains the living quarters, with a countless number of rooms situated on either side of a wide corridor, lit by candles. There are rooms with single beds up to five beds in order to house entire quest parties that are looking for a place to rest. |
| Artisan's Building: Many artisans reside in the Artisan's Building to do their work and sell their wares. There are smiths, tanners, potters and more in here. The rent here is much lower compared to owning an actual venue in the market streets. Besides that the artisans trade with each other for much lower prices since they know each other well, which allows them to create more interesting things. |
NPCs
| King Reign: A Newly appointed King elected by the people after the demise of the previous King was dethroned by Arthurias and Grimoire Heart. His popularity among both nobility and the common people has allowed for an easy transition of power. |
| Ulysses Seasan: Ulysses is a famous and renowned Rune Knight that has have faced off against a powerful demon that once threatened the land of Fiore. He is currently stationed as a Captain-Commander in Crocus. Ulyssess' personality can be described as easily embarrassed, strategic, wise, analytic, compassionate and unpredictable. |
| Lady Merlin: The king's personal advisor and well-endowed sorceress. She is a woman whom possesses inhuman amounts of magical power. Merlin is a witch turned saint that the king decided to partake under her wing when he was but a mere boy in training to become the king that he is today. It is unknown as to what her age is, but some speculate that she is even older than the king. |
| Luciel: Luciel was found abandoned long ago by Merlin and has been under her wing ever since. Emotional expressions can't be read off her face, most likely due to a trauma in the past. She is accepted by everyone in Crocus due to being seen as Merlin's daughter. She is currently being raised as an apprentice by Merlin and aids her motherly-like figure in any task at hand. |
| Grand Cardinal Ominus: Ominus is one of the few Grand Cardinals of the Church of Illumin. He is a mysterious figure that acts in a way he believes is the best for the church. Sometimes he does without even telling the Divine, which goes greatly against the natural hierarchy of the church. He is considered to be more radical than most of his fellow Grand Cardinals. |
| Armind Bartholomew: The son of once known great knight now gone, Armin Bartholomew is what is left of his family bloodline. Currently he is ranked as a Seated among his fellow fleet, but his name doesn't go without notice in this large capital. He's been known to help out the old, the young, and even the animals. Doing small, light deeds to strengthen himself not just physically, but spiritually. |
| Abbadon the Watcher: A homunculus crafted by Lady Merlin herself; he is but a mere prototype that ventures about the shadows at night. Dancing under the moonlit sky as he scavenges the blooming capital night by night, watching, when the Rune Knights are not, the city he was tasked to protect under his handler's orders. He is not only her ears, but her sight as well. |
| Batra the Bartender: Batra is a friendly and very helpful bartender who is always looking out for others. He owns a pretty popular inn in Crocus and often has a lot of miscellaneous quests for members which involves helping him out with all sorts of things regarding the inn. The reason he outsources these jobs is to help out rookies financially. |
| Samson the Smith: Samson is a common blacksmith that resides in Crocus and makes a living creating and selling common items. He owns a small forge in the Artisan's Building where he spends most of his days and receives his customers as well. The reason why most rookies prefer Samson is because he sells various types of weapons. |
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