Spire - Revision history

Matt at 12:34, 27 January 2026

2026-01-27T12:34:36Z

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	~~{{Disambiguation\|This page details the Urizen group. For the commission see [[Citadel]]}}~~
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Pensive Urizen.jpg\|caption=The spires of Urizen are flooded with light.\|align=right\|width=400}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Pensive Urizen.jpg\|caption=The spires of Urizen are flooded with light.\|align=right\|width=400}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

2026-01-15T21:31:13Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:31, 15 January 2026
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	==Temples==		==Temples==
	Urizen is a land where philosophy and reason are considered high ideals to which all citizens should aspire. Temples are spires that are dedicated to exploring spirituality and virtue, in the same way that an arcane spire might study magic. The temples guide the spiritual development of the people of Urizen, but each has their own vision of what that might mean and not all of them embrace the orthodoxy mandated by the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]].		Urizen is a land where philosophy and reason are considered high ideals to which all citizens should aspire. Temples are spires that are dedicated to exploring spirituality and virtue, in the same way that an arcane spire might study magic. The temples guide the spiritual development of the people of Urizen, but each has their own vision of what that might mean and not all of them embrace the orthodoxy mandated by the [[Synod]].

	It's a good idea to create a temple if a significant number of your group want to play priests or are interested in the [[sword scholar]], [[questor]] or [[illuminate]] archetypes. Most temples are interested in spreading their ideals. This can take many forms. For example sword scholars and illuminates alike seek to change society for the better, while questors are more focussed on challenging dogma and perfecting doctrine. All of them want to change the world, few temples are content with splendid isolation. Not everyone in your temple needs to be a religious character, but it works best if they are inspired by the temple's guiding philosophy. The only character you wouldn't see is a [[sentinel]] in a sword-scholar temple due to the longstanding feud between these two groups.		It's a good idea to create a temple if a significant number of your group want to play priests or are interested in the [[sword scholar]], [[questor]] or [[illuminate]] archetypes. Most temples are interested in spreading their ideals. This can take many forms. For example sword scholars and illuminates alike seek to change society for the better, while questors are more focussed on challenging dogma and perfecting doctrine. All of them want to change the world, few temples are content with splendid isolation. Not everyone in your temple needs to be a religious character, but it works best if they are inspired by the temple's guiding philosophy. The only character you wouldn't see is a [[sentinel]] in a sword-scholar temple due to the longstanding feud between these two groups.

Twiggy at 20:08, 15 January 2026

2026-01-15T20:08:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:08, 15 January 2026
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	You'll need to decide what kind of spire you are going to create. There are three different type of spires: citadels (that practice the arts of war); temples (that debate philosophy and morality); and arcane spires (that study magic). Somewhat confusingly the term spire can be used to refer to all spires in general, or as shorthand for an arcane spire. It's a good idea to pick an appropriate name to make your spire's status clear, such as the Spire of Endsmeet in [[Zenith]] or the Citadel of Phoenix Reach in [[Morrow]].		You'll need to decide what kind of spire you are going to create. There are three different type of spires: citadels (that practice the arts of war); temples (that debate philosophy and morality); and arcane spires (that study magic). Somewhat confusingly the term spire can be used to refer to all spires in general, or as shorthand for an arcane spire. It's a good idea to pick an appropriate name to make your spire's status clear, such as the Spire of Endsmeet in [[Zenith]] or the Citadel of Phoenix Reach in [[Morrow]].

	Many spires adopt an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adage apothegm], a short statement that epitomizes the focus and ideals of the spire. Your apothegm might be far-reaching like ''"Where there is darkness, we will bring light"'' or something more focussed such as ''"To master the ~~Realm~~ of Spring and bind it in service to Humanity"''. Choosing your apothegm will help to give your spire its own personality, and give everyone in the group some direction and potentially a common goal. If it's a pithy aphorism, it gives you a fun quote you can share in play or put on props. Some spires adopt a constitution to expound on this principle, providing guidance and clarity, but it's fine to stick with the freedom provided by having just a single unifying maxim if you prefer.		Many spires adopt an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adage apothegm], a short statement that epitomizes the focus and ideals of the spire. Your apothegm might be far-reaching like ''"Where there is darkness, we will bring light"'' or something more focussed such as ''"To master the realm of Spring and bind it in service to Humanity"''. Choosing your apothegm will help to give your spire its own personality, and give everyone in the group some direction and potentially a common goal. If it's a pithy aphorism, it gives you a fun quote you can share in play or put on props. Some spires adopt a constitution to expound on this principle, providing guidance and clarity, but it's fine to stick with the freedom provided by having just a single unifying maxim if you prefer.

	The notable characters in your spire will usually be the characters portrayed by the players in the group. Your spire may include a few off-screen magicians, sentinels, and other characters who never attend events, but it is usually better to avoid assuming that the spire contains dozens of magicians who are not played. In fact most spires have a small population, with labour provided by ushabti rather than humans. A "farmer" or a "miner" in Urizen is most likely an accomplished magician who uses their magic to control a score of ushabti to perform the necessary drudgery.		The notable characters in your spire will usually be the characters portrayed by the players in the group. Your spire may include a few off-screen magicians, sentinels, and other characters who never attend events, but it is usually better to avoid assuming that the spire contains dozens of magicians who are not played. In fact most spires have a small population, with labour provided by ushabti rather than humans. A "farmer" or a "miner" in Urizen is most likely an accomplished magician who uses their magic to control a score of ushabti to perform the necessary drudgery.

Twiggy at 17:56, 1 August 2025

2025-08-01T17:56:18Z

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	The most important choice when creating a spire is what your approach to magic will be. Because of the benefits of cooperation when performing [[rituals]], many spires are devoted to the study of one or at most two realms of magic. In Empire, the only way to cast the more powerful rituals is for magicians with expertise in the same realm to work together, so it's best to pick one or two realms of magic at most to focus on and coordinate at least some of your mastered rituals. You can take a different approach, focussing on studying a magic technique or principle that can cross realms - a spire might be devoted to creating new divinations, studying a specific [[Ritual_theory\|magical law or limit]], or trying to reap the benefits of a specific resonance or break the limits of a known dissonance. Adopting a specific magical focus, something the magicians of your spire are seeking to achieve with their magic, will make your spire unique and interesting and create impact for your group in play.		The most important choice when creating a spire is what your approach to magic will be. Because of the benefits of cooperation when performing [[rituals]], many spires are devoted to the study of one or at most two realms of magic. In Empire, the only way to cast the more powerful rituals is for magicians with expertise in the same realm to work together, so it's best to pick one or two realms of magic at most to focus on and coordinate at least some of your mastered rituals. You can take a different approach, focussing on studying a magic technique or principle that can cross realms - a spire might be devoted to creating new divinations, studying a specific [[Ritual_theory\|magical law or limit]], or trying to reap the benefits of a specific resonance or break the limits of a known dissonance. Adopting a specific magical focus, something the magicians of your spire are seeking to achieve with their magic, will make your spire unique and interesting and create impact for your group in play.

	Urizen is a highly magical land, so your magical focus can give you ideas for how to ~~characterize~~ the geography of your spire. A spire studying the Autumn realm might be built on a valuable mine - perhaps there are great vaulted caverns lined with veins of silver beneath your spire where the magicians can work their magic close to the wealth of the earth. If you are focused on exploring the magic of divination your spire may be built around a deep well whose waters bring strange dreams. Don't go over the top, Empire is not a setting with flying castles, but a touch of the magical can add to the flavour of a spire.		Urizen is a highly magical land, so your magical focus can give you ideas for how to characterise the geography of your spire. A spire studying the Autumn realm might be built on a valuable mine - perhaps there are great vaulted caverns lined with veins of silver beneath your spire where the magicians can work their magic close to the wealth of the earth. If you are focused on exploring the magic of divination your spire may be built around a deep well whose waters bring strange dreams. Don't go over the top, Empire is not a setting with flying castles, but a touch of the magical can add to the flavour of a spire.

	==Citadels==		==Citadels==

Hailmur at 21:17, 6 May 2025

2025-05-06T21:17:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:17, 6 May 2025
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			{{Disambiguation\|This page details the Urizen group. For the commission see [[Citadel]]}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Pensive Urizen.jpg\|caption=The spires of Urizen are flooded with light.\|align=right\|width=400}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Pensive Urizen.jpg\|caption=The spires of Urizen are flooded with light.\|align=right\|width=400}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==

Dre at 19:07, 29 July 2024

2024-07-29T19:07:45Z

Rafferty at 13:39, 28 September 2021

2021-09-28T13:39:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:39, 28 September 2021
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	~~{{stub}}~~
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Pensive Urizen.jpg\|caption=The spires of Urizen are flooded with light.\|align=right\|width=400}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Pensive Urizen.jpg\|caption=The spires of Urizen are flooded with light.\|align=right\|width=400}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==

Hastur: /* Formation */

2021-09-07T12:54:30Z

Formation

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:54, 7 September 2021
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	==Formation==		==Formation==
	The difficulty of producing food means that the population of each spire is relatively small. Most keep large herds of goats that provide meat and milk and feed on the thin vegetation that grows on the hillsides. This is supplemented by fruit and vegetables specially cultivated in arboretums and gardens. Magic is used to ensure that harvests are sufficient to feed everyone, using [[ushabti]] to perform the hard labour of agriculture. There is rarely much in the way of surplus but joining the Empire helped considerably, with shipments of grain from [[the Marches]] and dried meat from [[Dawn]] ensuring that there are usually reserves to fall back on when harvests fail.		The difficulty of producing food means that the population of each spire is relatively small. Most keep large herds of goats that provide meat and milk and feed on the thin vegetation that grows on the hillsides. This is supplemented by fruit and vegetables specially cultivated in arboretums and gardens. Magic is used to ensure that harvests are sufficient to feed everyone, using [[Urizen_economic_interests#Ushabti\|ushabti]] to perform the hard labour of agriculture. There is rarely much in the way of surplus but joining the Empire helped considerably, with shipments of grain from [[the Marches]] and dried meat from [[Dawn]] ensuring that there are usually reserves to fall back on when harvests fail.

	It is common for a spire to split if it grows too large to feed itself. If that happens they will begin construction on a new spire – usually on a nearby hill or mountain peak. When the new spire is ready, some of the existing members choose to move to the new home. The two spires may maintain a relationship a little like that of a parent and child until the “child” spire is “mature” enough to be self-sustaining. At that point a formal ceremony is held in which the two spires become independent but political ties often remain close between them.		It is common for a spire to split if it grows too large to feed itself. If that happens they will begin construction on a new spire – usually on a nearby hill or mountain peak. When the new spire is ready, some of the existing members choose to move to the new home. The two spires may maintain a relationship a little like that of a parent and child until the “child” spire is “mature” enough to be self-sustaining. At that point a formal ceremony is held in which the two spires become independent but political ties often remain close between them.
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	Often more than one spire will co-operate to create a new spire, mingling their populations in doing so. There's any number of reasons to do this, it might be to relieve pressure when the parent spires become crowded, to exploit a valuable resource, to defend a region or a key pass, or as part of a political agreement. Regardless of the reason for forming the spire, the assumption is that eventually it will achieve self-sufficiency and become independent of the parents.		Often more than one spire will co-operate to create a new spire, mingling their populations in doing so. There's any number of reasons to do this, it might be to relieve pressure when the parent spires become crowded, to exploit a valuable resource, to defend a region or a key pass, or as part of a political agreement. Regardless of the reason for forming the spire, the assumption is that eventually it will achieve self-sufficiency and become independent of the parents.
	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Aristotle">A great city is not to be confused with a populous one.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Aristotle">A great city is not to be confused with a populous one.</quote></div>

	==Creating a Spire==		==Creating a Spire==
	The spire is the best way for players to create an Urizeni group. Spires are in constant pursuit of excellence, giving everyone in the group a motivation to master their skills and achieve their ambitions. Urizeni often seek out a spire whose interests and endeavours match their own, so there's a good in-character reason for all the members of the spire to support a single unifying goal.		The spire is the best way for players to create an Urizeni group. Spires are in constant pursuit of excellence, giving everyone in the group a motivation to master their skills and achieve their ambitions. Urizeni often seek out a spire whose interests and endeavours match their own, so there's a good in-character reason for all the members of the spire to support a single unifying goal.

Hastur: /* Overview */

2021-09-07T12:53:48Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:53, 7 September 2021
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	Urizen architecture is among the best in the world, and they have developed ever more impressive ways to adapt the landscape to create defensible homes. Citadels take this approach to the apogee, but most spires are fortified. This is usually achieved by creating a central keep and building defensive walls and gates to protect the narrow paths needed to reach the summit, rather than attempting to wall off the entire community. To the Urizen life is rare and precious but space is plentiful so it makes sense to protect the former and not the latter.		Urizen architecture is among the best in the world, and they have developed ever more impressive ways to adapt the landscape to create defensible homes. Citadels take this approach to the apogee, but most spires are fortified. This is usually achieved by creating a central keep and building defensive walls and gates to protect the narrow paths needed to reach the summit, rather than attempting to wall off the entire community. To the Urizen life is rare and precious but space is plentiful so it makes sense to protect the former and not the latter.

	The unforgiving geography requires a rugged independence, so each spire elects their own leader and governs themselves. The creation of the [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#The_Heliopticon\|heliopticon]], a magical network of signalling mirrors, makes communication between spires practical, allowing spires to collaborate. Almost all spires ~~apoint~~ an [[arbiter]], the title used to describe whoever ends up representing the spire to others, as well as resolving disputes and overseeing the day-to-day business of the community.		The unforgiving geography requires a rugged independence, so each spire elects their own leader and governs themselves. The creation of the [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#The_Heliopticon\|heliopticon]], a magical network of signalling mirrors, makes communication between spires practical, allowing spires to collaborate. Almost all spires appoint an [[arbiter]], the title used to describe whoever ends up representing the spire to others, as well as resolving disputes and overseeing the day-to-day business of the community.

	Spires reflect the Urizeni search for [[arete]]. Most are founded for a specific purpose; to study a particular kind of magic, to embody an ideal, or to defend a region. All spires are dedicated to the ideals of learning, reason, and expertise but experience has proved that only by specializing on one subject or domain can a spire become a centre of excellence. If inhabitants want to pursue a different path, the expectation is that they will move to find a spire that best suits their temperament and interests. Most communities that have room to spare welcome new members who can contribute to the spire's arete.		Spires reflect the Urizeni search for [[arete]]. Most are founded for a specific purpose; to study a particular kind of magic, to embody an ideal, or to defend a region. All spires are dedicated to the ideals of learning, reason, and expertise but experience has proved that only by specializing on one subject or domain can a spire become a centre of excellence. If inhabitants want to pursue a different path, the expectation is that they will move to find a spire that best suits their temperament and interests. Most communities that have room to spare welcome new members who can contribute to the spire's arete.

Hastur: /* Overview */

2021-09-07T12:53:24Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:53, 7 September 2021
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	Urizen architecture is among the best in the world, and they have developed ever more impressive ways to adapt the landscape to create defensible homes. Citadels take this approach to the apogee, but most spires are fortified. This is usually achieved by creating a central keep and building defensive walls and gates to protect the narrow paths needed to reach the summit, rather than attempting to wall off the entire community. To the Urizen life is rare and precious but space is plentiful so it makes sense to protect the former and not the latter.		Urizen architecture is among the best in the world, and they have developed ever more impressive ways to adapt the landscape to create defensible homes. Citadels take this approach to the apogee, but most spires are fortified. This is usually achieved by creating a central keep and building defensive walls and gates to protect the narrow paths needed to reach the summit, rather than attempting to wall off the entire community. To the Urizen life is rare and precious but space is plentiful so it makes sense to protect the former and not the latter.

	The unforgiving geography requires a rugged independence, so each spire elects their own leader and governs themselves. The creation of the [[heliopticon]], a magical network of signalling mirrors, makes communication between spires practical, allowing spires to collaborate. Almost all spires apoint an [[arbiter]], the title used to describe whoever ends up representing the spire to others, as well as resolving disputes and overseeing the day-to-day business of the community.		The unforgiving geography requires a rugged independence, so each spire elects their own leader and governs themselves. The creation of the [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#The_Heliopticon\|heliopticon]], a magical network of signalling mirrors, makes communication between spires practical, allowing spires to collaborate. Almost all spires apoint an [[arbiter]], the title used to describe whoever ends up representing the spire to others, as well as resolving disputes and overseeing the day-to-day business of the community.

	Spires reflect the Urizeni search for [[arete]]. Most are founded for a specific purpose; to study a particular kind of magic, to embody an ideal, or to defend a region. All spires are dedicated to the ideals of learning, reason, and expertise but experience has proved that only by specializing on one subject or domain can a spire become a centre of excellence. If inhabitants want to pursue a different path, the expectation is that they will move to find a spire that best suits their temperament and interests. Most communities that have room to spare welcome new members who can contribute to the spire's arete.		Spires reflect the Urizeni search for [[arete]]. Most are founded for a specific purpose; to study a particular kind of magic, to embody an ideal, or to defend a region. All spires are dedicated to the ideals of learning, reason, and expertise but experience has proved that only by specializing on one subject or domain can a spire become a centre of excellence. If inhabitants want to pursue a different path, the expectation is that they will move to find a spire that best suits their temperament and interests. Most communities that have room to spare welcome new members who can contribute to the spire's arete.

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:07, 29 July 2024
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	You'll need to decide what kind of spire you are going to create. There are three different type of spires: citadels (that practice the arts of war); temples (that debate philosophy and morality); and arcane spires (that study magic). Somewhat confusingly the term spire can be used to refer to all spires in general, or as shorthand for an arcane spire. It's a good idea to pick an appropriate name to make your spire's status clear, such as the Spire of Endsmeet in [[Zenith]] or the Citadel of Phoenix Reach in [[Morrow]].		You'll need to decide what kind of spire you are going to create. There are three different type of spires: citadels (that practice the arts of war); temples (that debate philosophy and morality); and arcane spires (that study magic). Somewhat confusingly the term spire can be used to refer to all spires in general, or as shorthand for an arcane spire. It's a good idea to pick an appropriate name to make your spire's status clear, such as the Spire of Endsmeet in [[Zenith]] or the Citadel of Phoenix Reach in [[Morrow]].

	Many spires adopt an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adage apothegm], a short statement that epitomizes the focus and ideals of the spire. Your apothegm might be far-reaching like ''"Where there is darkness, we will bring light"'' or something more focussed such as ''"To master the Realm of Spring and bind it in service to Humanity"''. Choosing your apothegm will help to give your spire ~~it's~~ own personality, and give everyone in the group some direction and potentially a common goal. If it's a pithy aphorism, it gives you a fun quote you can share in play or put on props. Some spires adopt a constitution to expound on this principle, providing guidance and clarity, but it's fine to stick with the freedom provided by having just a single unifying maxim if you prefer.		Many spires adopt an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adage apothegm], a short statement that epitomizes the focus and ideals of the spire. Your apothegm might be far-reaching like ''"Where there is darkness, we will bring light"'' or something more focussed such as ''"To master the Realm of Spring and bind it in service to Humanity"''. Choosing your apothegm will help to give your spire its own personality, and give everyone in the group some direction and potentially a common goal. If it's a pithy aphorism, it gives you a fun quote you can share in play or put on props. Some spires adopt a constitution to expound on this principle, providing guidance and clarity, but it's fine to stick with the freedom provided by having just a single unifying maxim if you prefer.

	The notable characters in your spire will usually be the characters portrayed by the players in the group. Your spire may include a few off-screen magicians, sentinels, and other characters who never attend events, but it is usually better to avoid assuming that the spire contains dozens of magicians who are not played. In fact most spires have a small population, with labour provided by ushabti rather than humans. A "farmer" or a "miner" in Urizen is most likely an accomplished magician who uses their magic to control a score of ushabti to perform the necessary drudgery.		The notable characters in your spire will usually be the characters portrayed by the players in the group. Your spire may include a few off-screen magicians, sentinels, and other characters who never attend events, but it is usually better to avoid assuming that the spire contains dozens of magicians who are not played. In fact most spires have a small population, with labour provided by ushabti rather than humans. A "farmer" or a "miner" in Urizen is most likely an accomplished magician who uses their magic to control a score of ushabti to perform the necessary drudgery.
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	==Citadels==		==Citadels==
	The citadels of Urizen are an essential part of the nation's defence; without these doughty fortresses controlling the key passes, the land would long ago have fallen to the [[Druj]] and the [[Grendel]]. The nation is neither wealthy nor populous, but ~~it's~~ mastery of magic provides a way for them to mitigate those factors. Each citadel is an impressive defensive structure, an epic mountaintop stronghold capable of dominating the lands around them, strengthened by the support of the peaceful spires that shelter beneath their outspread wings.		The citadels of Urizen are an essential part of the nation's defence; without these doughty fortresses controlling the key passes, the land would long ago have fallen to the [[Druj]] and the [[Grendel]]. The nation is neither wealthy nor populous, but its mastery of magic provides a way for them to mitigate those factors. Each citadel is an impressive defensive structure, an epic mountaintop stronghold capable of dominating the lands around them, strengthened by the support of the peaceful spires that shelter beneath their outspread wings.

	It's a good idea to create a citadel if a significant number of your group want to play [[sentinel\|sentinels]] but you don't all have to play warriors. Citadels are devoted to studying the arts of war, in the same way that an arcane spire is focussed the arts of magic. A citadel might have their own [[Bands#Covens\|ritual coven]], if they have enough members who are [[Magical skills#magician\|magicians]], or they might include one or more [[Magical skills#battle Mage\|battle mages]] who support the sentinels in battle. Ultimately any character that wants to work together to ensure the defence of Urizen is a good fit for a citadel. The only character you wouldn't find in a citadel is a [[sword scholar]] due to the longstanding rivalry between them and the sentinels.		It's a good idea to create a citadel if a significant number of your group want to play [[sentinel\|sentinels]] but you don't all have to play warriors. Citadels are devoted to studying the arts of war, in the same way that an arcane spire is focussed the arts of magic. A citadel might have their own [[Bands#Covens\|ritual coven]], if they have enough members who are [[Magical skills#magician\|magicians]], or they might include one or more [[Magical skills#battle Mage\|battle mages]] who support the sentinels in battle. Ultimately any character that wants to work together to ensure the defence of Urizen is a good fit for a citadel. The only character you wouldn't find in a citadel is a [[sword scholar]] due to the longstanding rivalry between them and the sentinels.
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	The most important thing to decide when creating your citadel is how you are contributing to the defence of Urizen. What are your strategic and military goals? Your citadel might be keen to acquire more [[mithril]] so that you can improve the weapons and armour of your [[military unit\|military units]] or you might be looking to [[fortification\|fortify]] the [[territory#Region\|region]] where your citadel is based. You might be interested in pushing for the development of new military rituals or arguing for the invasion of the neighbouring barbarian [[territory]] to create a buffer zone between your enemies and the people you protect.		The most important thing to decide when creating your citadel is how you are contributing to the defence of Urizen. What are your strategic and military goals? Your citadel might be keen to acquire more [[mithril]] so that you can improve the weapons and armour of your [[military unit\|military units]] or you might be looking to [[fortification\|fortify]] the [[territory#Region\|region]] where your citadel is based. You might be interested in pushing for the development of new military rituals or arguing for the invasion of the neighbouring barbarian [[territory]] to create a buffer zone between your enemies and the people you protect.

	Choosing the region and [[territory]] is an important decision when you're creating a citadel. Your home exists to defend the surrounding area from the many dangers that threaten Urizen, so where you are located is going to be vital. If you know some existing spires or temples then it's not a bad to create a citadel near to them - having allies who support your citadel makes sense and can help in play. Another way to choose is to look at the recent history of the invasions of Urizen by the Grendel and the Druj. Putting your citadel somewhere where it is likely to be attacked is a great way to give everyone in the group something to focus on as soon as they hit play!		Choosing the region and [[territory]] is an important decision when you're creating a citadel. Your home exists to defend the surrounding area from the many dangers that threaten Urizen, so where you are located is going to be vital. If you know some existing spires or temples then it's not a bad idea to create a citadel near to them - having allies who support your citadel makes sense and can help in play. Another way to choose is to look at the recent history of the invasions of Urizen by the Grendel and the Druj. Putting your citadel somewhere where it is likely to be attacked is a great way to give everyone in the group something to focus on as soon as they hit play!

	Once you've decided on a territory and region for your citadel you can decide how it has been built and developed. The ancient fortification of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masada Masada] was a big inspiration for citadels in Empire, but your citadel might be built around a ~~labyrinthe~~ of twisting caves and caverns in [[Morrow#Peregro\|the mountains of Peregro in Morrow]], it could be a fortified lighthouse in [[Redoubt#Optarion\|Optarion in Redoubt]], or a fortress constructed in a volcanic caldera on the edge of the {{Black Plateau}} in [[Spiral#The_Black_Plateau\|Spiral]].		Once you've decided on a territory and region for your citadel you can decide how it has been built and developed. The ancient fortification of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masada Masada] was a big inspiration for citadels in Empire, but your citadel might be built around a labyrinth of twisting caves and caverns in [[Morrow#Peregro\|the mountains of Peregro in Morrow]], it could be a fortified lighthouse in [[Redoubt#Optarion\|Optarion in Redoubt]], or a fortress constructed in a volcanic caldera on the edge of the {{Black Plateau}} in [[Spiral#The_Black_Plateau\|Spiral]].

	==Temples==		==Temples==
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	A more dramatic alternative is to have your character set out to create the new spire as an in-character goal. The best way to start is to think of some ideology or goal that will form the core for your new spire. Perhaps you want to bring like-minded characters together to devote themselves to the defence of Zenith - maybe you want to attract magicians who will work with you to develop and perform Spring enchantments. Once you've played in Urizen for a while, you may develop an idea for a driving goal for a group to aspire to - you don't have to be part of a spire from the outset, or to remain with your current spire if you're looking for a new challenge.		A more dramatic alternative is to have your character set out to create the new spire as an in-character goal. The best way to start is to think of some ideology or goal that will form the core for your new spire. Perhaps you want to bring like-minded characters together to devote themselves to the defence of Zenith - maybe you want to attract magicians who will work with you to develop and perform Spring enchantments. Once you've played in Urizen for a while, you may develop an idea for a driving goal for a group to aspire to - you don't have to be part of a spire from the outset, or to remain with your current spire if you're looking for a new challenge.

	You'll need to choose a home for your new spire, but you're free to make up some appropriate details for this. The are lost spires scattered across Urizen so your new home could be some long-abandoned edifice - or it could be some entirely new domicile that you and your fellow spire mates are working to raise. While it's fun to portray some ancient congregation of wizards whose ~~fraternity~~ stretches back through the centuries, it's just as cool to create a vibrant new community that has come together because they are inspired to purse their arete and achieve something extraordinary.		You'll need to choose a home for your new spire, but you're free to make up some appropriate details for this. The are lost spires scattered across Urizen so your new home could be some long-abandoned edifice - or it could be some entirely new domicile that you and your fellow spire mates are working to raise. While it's fun to portray some ancient congregation of wizards whose fellowship stretches back through the centuries, it's just as cool to create a vibrant new community that has come together because they are inspired to purse their arete and achieve something extraordinary.

	[[Category:Urizen]][[Category:Archetype]]		[[Category:Urizen]][[Category:Archetype]]