Morrow
Overview
The spires of Morrow are amongst the oldest in Urizen, dating back to the nation's birth. The heart of the Heliopticon is here, making it a centre of communication for the Nation. The miracle of the Heliopticon is administered from this territory, and most spires maintain a series of prisms, lenses and mirrors atop their tallest roof in order to pass on the flickering messages that keep the nation in constant communication.
Many spires in Morrow inhabit some of the original buildings discovered on the mountaintops by the first Urizen to ascend the mountains. Large open buildings, with doorways and halls just larger than a human might need, they create a sense of open space that has set the pattern for all Urizen architecture.
Despite its great age Morrow moves inexorably forward, and many of its spires are undergoing constant reconstruction and improvement. It is said that “no two days find the same Morrow” as the Urizen constantly strive to perfect their land even further. A project may take a decade or even more to come to fruition, but the Urizen pride themselves on vision and their desire to perfect their world.
Recent History
Major Features
Canterspire
Over time, a number of spires built around the same high peak have merged to form one whole, the Canterspire. In any other country, it would be called a town, and would sprawl like a nest of termites. As this is Urizen, the merge was carefully planned and executed over centuries. Each Spire specialises in one of the pillars of Urizen philosophy, and they are defended by a network of citadels sitting on the lower peaks.
Overlooking the preternaturally still lake known to the Urizen as the Eye of Morrow. Many of the inhabitantsof the spire are concerned with the training and preparation of the next generation of Imperial heroes, and it houses the Canterspire Academy, an august educational institution which over sees the Imperial Academy for Young Heroes in Anvil. Although it is an Urizen institution they accept trainees and scholars from all over the Empire. In particular, there is a long-established relationship with certain Navarr Stridings. These stridings make it their business to find orphans and other lost souls on their travels throughout the Empire and deliver them to Canterspire in order to discover their place in the Great Dance (or the Net of the Heavens, depending who you ask).
The Canterspire Circle is a Bourse position which produces weirwood.
Sunspire
This spire watches the forests of Therunin as much as it does the skies and heavens. If any outside Navarr understand the Vallorn, it is the Urizen of Sunspire. Navarri Vates are known to visit here to exchange news and knowledge.
Highwatch
A citadel that focuses on military science and leadership rather than the combat skills of individuals. It is where the Urizen met Giovanni the Peacemaker to negotiate their incorporation into the Empire.
The Weave
A spire dedicated to the study of the Net of the Heavens.
The Eye of Morrow
A small lake at the foot of the mountain that holds the Canterspire. Famed as a place of meditation. The air in this valley is remarkably still, and sound carries a vast distance. A perhaps misleading message is carved into a rock that stands next to the lake - it is in the Imperial tongue, and simply states "The Eye is Closed". That message has been there as long as any can remember.
The Heliopticon
A network of communication devices using bronze mirrors, maintained and used by Urizen since time out of mind.
The Caves of the Claw
The Caves of the Claw are a series of deep caves recently excavated by ushabti associated with the citadel of Phoenix Reach. While local records mentioned "bloody crystals" the exact location of the Caves was a secret lost to modern Urizen. Their position was uncovered by the Minister of Historical Research in 378YE, and initial explorations determined that they were rich in subterranean mana flows and crystal mana.
In Spring 379YE, the newly appointed Crystal Architect of the Spires announced that work would begin on developing and expanding the magical auras here, and the Imperial title of Custodian of the Claw was created to oversee the resultant sinecure.
Regions
Altis
Caeli
Operus
Peregro
Ravion
A remarkably flat region of western Urizen, Morrow is home to a number of spires and citadels including the academy of Canterspire, and the citadel of Phoenix Reach. it is also the location of the newly rediscovered Caves of the Claw.
OOC Notes
- The regions of Morrow are in Urizen (and by extension, Imperial) hands making this a staunchly Imperial territory.