Palatine

Palatine is a large city bordered by the Fusus River in the southern portion of the Realm of Manicae. With a city population of over 200,000, Palatine is the second largest city in the realm behind Austeris. The city prides itself as a cultural center and devotes huge resources towards the development of science, research, and the arts. Currently the city is a gem of architecture and engineering, with impressive marble buildings and arches littered throughout the city.

The current ruler of Palatine is Galatea Primanova, the Sentinel of Palatine. She is a young, just, and, as the rumors go, beautiful leader who took over rule from her elderly mother and father, Claudia and Viktor. Galatea has a strong love of the arts, especially music, and she encourages her people to achieve greatness through discovery and creation.

History
Nestled on the shores of the Fusus River, the city of Palatine has had a long and boring history before the Langolier War. Originally a small village of farmers, discovery of gold nuggets in the Fusus river pushed the town to grow and expand, quickly becoming a hub of agriculture, trade, and eventually science and technology. While not powerful by itself, the long arms of trade sprouting from Palatine reached and unified all corners of Manicae.

When the Langoliers attacked, Palatine had little to no defenses. Within a few days, the city was engulfed in darkness and flames and it was clear that total destruction was inevitable. With the arrival of Austerian forces, however, the citizens of Palatine bound together and hoped to hold out as long as possible. Unfortunately, as the days turned into months, many seemed to lose hope. Rations began running thin and mistakes led to unnecessary casualties.

What few Palatinians noticed was that the Langoliers were troubled with the same strange affliction of dread, but on a much larger scale. It was Rothgar, the mysterious paladin who both noticed and put this knowledge to good use. As the Langoliers became more and more lax, Rothgar led a retaliatory attack, collapsing a section of defensive wall and bursting out in the heart of the enemy. The sudden fight was a success and the enemy forces were quickly overrun with confusion and dismay. The rest of the Battle of Asphodel is history.

After the war, Rothgar disappeared, but was not forgotten. As Palatine was rebuilt and the darkness spread by the Langoliers lifted, many Palatinians began memorializing Rothgar as a legendary servant of Bahamut.

Diplomacy
Palatine and Garum: Basic trade partners, but allied nonetheless

Palatine and Procerus: No official relations aside from trade, although a few Palatinian elders have often visited Procerus for the purpose of researching history, and, more quietly, the arts of magic and wizardry.

Austeris and Palatine: Austeris has always been close allies and trade partners with this inland city, and neither have forgotten the war they fought together. After the war, Palatine was left in ruins. Austeris put forth a huge effort into rebuilding the city, and it has thrived as a cultural, artistic, and academic haven in the few decades since it has been rebuilt. Austeris uses the creations of Palatine, while promising protection for the nearly indefensible city.

Leadership: Galatea's Court
Galatea Primanova, Sentinel of Palatine: The young and popular leader of the city, second child of Claudia and Viktor.

Claudia and Viktor Primanova: Galatea's parents and past rulers of Palatine.

Helios Occulent: Commander of The Watch, a veteran of the Langolier War

Halifax the Wise: Elderly but well respected Master of Magic. A well known mage who is known for his many years of travel and studying around the continent.

Amber Asshard: Master of the Courts, a young and strong Paladin in charge of trials and the city police force

Pigor Gloisil: Master of Builders, middle aged Dwarf known for his architectural and construction skills. A close friend of the Primanovas.

Elowen Patrel: Elderly elven woman, an adviser and friend of Galatea.