[Thoughts on This Dying world needs a Hero 1]
The city of Caloth is home to the Academy of Xeruem, the sole religion in this world, and mind you literally a carbon copy.
Its significance is magnified by its role as the backdrop for one of the game's narratives, rendering it impressively expansive as one might expect.
From above, the city unfurls in the shape of a circle or an oval, its form curvy and wavy—a structure that may seem almost inadequate upon a cursory glance.
According to a dialogue I had with a passing NPC, this city is among the oldest settlements not just in this continent, but in the entire world also.
Logically, if this had existed in the real world, one would expected its walls should have developed outward, centering around the most important structures—the grand cathedrals and, the later academy—layering and developing their defenses over time.
However, I believe the territory of the Church of Xeruem is not a place any rational person, with a half working brain would dare to invade.
As a result, the walls have remained steadfast and unchanged for centuries, while parts of the inner walls inside the city have been carved through to accommodate the needs of its inhabitants.
Thus, the city has expanded, leaving the walls not demolish, but altered in most areas for better flexibility of its inhabitants.
To describe them, the walls form an oval shape, encompassing only about one-eighteenth of the actual city.
The front gate, perhaps out of respect or tradition, has not expanded, while the backside of the city has grown, resulting in a peculiar, meandering shape that appears awkward from above and oddly distorted from any angle except the front.
Interestingly, perhaps due to the whimsical logic of this world, there are no slums or impoverished districts within the city.
Strangely, despite this illogical absence of disparity, the grand buildings and architectural wonders are strategically positioned, creating an aesthetic that, while irregular, does not detract from the city's magnetic allure.
From a distance, the city radiates warmth, its landscape adorned with beautiful temples and ancient, steadfast walls that have weathered the ravages of time—older than all but two kingdoms on this continent.
The great Cathedral of Caloth, Mlethr, meaning "Victorious" in the old tongue, and the Academy, named Azaros, translated to "Hope," stand at opposite ends of the grand courtyard, merely three hundred meters apart.
Although I have heard this game is extremely immerssive and the world building is terrific, considering the ages it was based upon, I find the lack of agricultural farms or livestock farms, or any of those necessary settlements to be implausible.
I am Currently at Act 2, so I shall give my review a part 2 and so on.
R/needsAhero Post by [u/SeriousComplaint4749]
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As the ancient edifices cast elongated shadows, the sun dipped lower, enveloping the city in a warm amber glow as we followed the Archbishop.
The aroma of freshly baked bread lingered in the air, mingling with the subtle scent of incense wafting from the numerous chapels and shrines that dotted the cityscape.
After approximately twenty minutes of quiet marching, we arrived at the heart of the outer district.
During that time, I noticed a festive atmosphere, with uniformed students mingling with the residents, their curious gazes following our procession.
As we approached what I assumed to be our destination—a cathedral of some kind—the magnificent expanse seemed to breathe history itself.
Even there still, many human teenagers, with casual clothes, most likely of the Ashfort kingdom were hanging around, casting a complex gazes my way.
The Archbishop turned briefly and spoke in an authoritative tone.
"This is where we shall part ways for now," he announced, his voice carrying an unsettling crunch tinged with finality.
"Your accommodations have been prepared. Rest well and sleep tight; you have had a long journey." He gestured some clerics loitering around the courtyard to assist them.
Sir Roderic, ever the epitome of stoic duty, nodded curtly to the Archbishop before addressing his men.
I watched as the knights dispersed, following the Nuns and priest, their movements efficient and practiced, though I wished that such efficiency were not wasted on idle gossip about their candidate.
Speaking of gossip, was it just my imagination, or were the students watching us dissing me?
I couldn't quite hear them cleanly, but I could make out phrases like "I don't think so" or "Involved" and "He is too weak for that."
Ignoring those muffled words, I look at the girls, Luce in particular, the party's mage.
Perhaps due to her expressive attire, she drew blushing glances from the surrounding students, and I could even hear some girls scolding the boys for their behavior.
Without paying attention to their chatter, I stepped closer to them, who was casting weary glances around, when suddenly, "Are you sure you'll be alright here?" Ask Luce, her voice sharp yet tinged with concern.
Her eyes were reflecting the golden hues of the setting sun
"Oh, you're concerned now?" I responded.
She did not respond to my sarcasm, or show any reaction, just waiting patiently.
Feeling a bit awkward, I sighed lightly and offered a reassuring, albeit fake, smile.
She has not done me wrong at this point in time, I echoed in my heart, though it become painful.
"I'll be fine. I have to meet the saintess and the pope first, after all." Though I wasn't entirely sure what was important.
Cecilia, standing behind Luce, still appeared slightly embarrassed from her earlier predicament, giving a hesitant nod. "Umm... Well, good luck."
Maria and Lily exchanged side glances, but add nothing.
The Archbishop gestured for me to follow, and I nodded. "Well then, see you tomorrow."
Falling into step beside him, the knights and my party members faded into the background as we navigated a series of winding corridors.