NO LONGER UPDATED // The Illium Empire

[SimCoug 5,976]

Great details in your University pic - the pedestrian overpass is a nice touch.

[SAVAGExPHOENIX 955]

Replies:

SimCoug: Thank you!

Sciurus: Thanks! It took some work

Fox: Thanks! That's kind of my goal haha. I'm still up for that MMP Skype tutorial whenever you're ready.

LegoMaster: Thanks lol, but the Solar Plant is being replaced by a Hydrogen Generator.

Notes:

Two major updates in three days? Not too shabby, i say. I've been on a roll lately!

Update:

Well, welcome to Northfire City (formerly known as Civitas de Mons), Capital of the Serenity Province. Northfire City sits approximately 850km north-northwest of Illium City. This is the oldest standing city in the entirety of the Illium Empire, and second oldest standing city on the planet, dating back almost 6000 years. It was once the Capital City of the Empire, until around 250 years ago when Illium City was constructed specifically for the purpose of being the Capital. Northfire City has only had it's name for around 200 years. It's former name was Civitas de Mons (City of the Mountains). Northfire City was at one time the largest stronghold on the planet, tasked with protecting the entire Serenity Province and where the Queen kept her armies in ancient times. Northfire City holds significant cultural and spiritual value to the Illium Empire as a whole. The city gets it's name new name from the Northfire Palace, located 25km due north. Although the Serenity Province is the largest, it is the least populated. This is reflected in the size of the capital. Only about 25,000 citizens live within the bastion walls.

Welcome to Northfire City. Here we can see the city gleam as the early morning sun rises over the Serenity Mountain Range.

We'll start by taking a look at the Plains District, named aptly for the plains of the Serenity Valley. The Plains District's many farms supply food for the city, keeping it mostly self sufficient.

Moving into the city itself, we'll start in the Mountain District, named after the idea that Mountains are long-standing testaments to the fortitude of the Empire. The Mountain District is composed of mostly older (although restored) buildings, and includes Orion park.

Moving on, we find ourselves in the Central District. It is the oldest (and obviously most centrally located) district in the City. Here lies Mons Keep, one of the oldest free-standing structures in the world.

Moving onward, we are now viewing the Fire District. This district is named after the eternal fire that burns here inside the Eternity Castle. The castle has been restored several times throughout the ages, the latest about 25 years ago. Deep inside the castle, in the Central Hall, burns a fire that doesn't go out. Legend has it that the Illium Empire will not fall as long as the fire burns. Scientists have found that a fracture in the ground allows a very deep pocket of natural gas to escape at a relatively slow rate. To keep from rupturing the pocket and venting the gasses, drilling deeper than 250 meters is strictly forbidden for 250km around the city.

Finishing off our view of the city, we find ourselves looking at the Sky District. This particular district was burned to the ground 85 years ago, along with it the long-famed "Alchemy Castle", where ancient scientific research was done. The cause of the fire was never proven, but it is suspected that the radical group known only as the Stone Brotherhood may have caused it. Thanks to the fire burning everything to the ground, Northfire City has the ability to stay with modern times and up to date, without damaging historical or cultural buildings. Most residents don't mind the modern amenities, saying that Northfire City will always stand at the heart of the Empire, symbolizing both rich cultural history and forward progress, all in one city. The Sky district is named so thanks to the upward progress in modern technology and architecture.

We'll finish off this update with a lovely mosaic of the city and plains.

I hope you enjoyed this tour of arguably the most culturally and historically rich city in the Empire! As always, comments, criticism, and +1's are welcome and encouraged! See you next time! -daTS

[Markus J 242]

Awesome blend of historic and modern culture. I love how it really looks like a modern day village/castle

(Something my city lacks lol)

[SimCoug 5,976]

Those cliffs giving way to farms! Beautiful!

[SAVAGExPHOENIX 955]

Replies:

Markus: Thanks! It's not too terribly hard to do. You just have to be patient.

SimCoug: Thank you, sir!

Teaser Update:

Illium News Network says what most are unable to speak of without breaking into tears...

[Legobuilder123 24]

Woah, this was unexpected for the Empire... Couldn't things get any worse after this?

BTW - Great history behind Northfire City, I love history!

[SimCoug 5,976]

Great photo editing and snow scene. I like the smart phone news feed too.

[Markus J 242]

The Empire Strikes Back!!

(That comment wins on two levels lol)

[Fox 1,444]

Thanks for the offers of help .. I've been experimenting and I'm happy with my improvement.. but help is always needed

Great update.. Love the castle.. only just used it myself in an update, if you were on Earth, we'd be great sister nations ..lol

All the walled cities look amazing and as do the placement of all the flora and paths.

The latest news is a tragedy and sad to hear the loss of your monarch... great editing of the picture too.

[vivapanda 422]

Oh nooh! King Tobias II of Heimen sends his condoliances to the people of Illium, he is sad to hear one of his most loyal friends left this world.

The last couple of updates I missed are absolutely amazing! I love the walled city, the university is great as well =D

[emperordaniel 1,281]

The poor royal family...

[SAVAGExPHOENIX 955]

:: REPLIES ::

Legobuilder: Yes, it could, but let's hope it doesn't. And thanks!

SimCoug: The wonders of Photoshop

MarkusJ: Sadly, that's not the case for Her Majesty.

Fox: Any time you need help just let me know. And I agree, we'd make great sister nations.

Vivapanda: Thank you, sir!

Emperordaniel: I know. The loss of Princess Jasmin and now Her Majesty Queen Alexandra has rattled the royal family.

:: UPDATE ::

I deeply apologize for Illium & Calistan not being updated, but I now work 60 hours a week. My time is... occupied. However, I am working on something new.

Coming soon:

[twwalter 0]

what mods do you use? 

[SAVAGExPHOENIX 955]

Whoah, mega bump. You just revived a 4 year old topic man. That's generally frowned upon. 

Honestly, The major ones I used were NAM (at the time it was NAM 30, I think they're on version 34 now?), and just a bunch of buildings I downloaded from the STEX. It's more a personal preference. I play Cities: Skylines now. I haven't played SimCity 4 in probably a year or two now..