The Chronoliths

The Chronoliths are massive cities, each with their own cultures and backgrounds. Chronoliths are led by noble families who strive to keep the teeming masses in check.

Umbra Tempestas-
Umbra Tempestas has been a seething den of politics, backstabbing, and rebellion. It is here that the first great house denied the queen her machinations and sought to bring her low. Oculus is still beloved here for trying to liberate all its people, and even in exile, many whisper of their return in hope--and in fear--of what it might bring.

Politics are still the bread and butter of this Chronolith, and many are fighting on the ladder of power to gain respect and capital to execute their plans. Assassinations are still common on this Chronolith, and the powerful nexus of Court of Silk holdings means that a cutthroat is always available to deliver the kiss of steel in the night.
Many nobles have fallen out of grace in this Chronolith, but their decadence hasn't. People still cling to their wealth and luxury, hiding in dark manses deep within the city, surrounded by squalor. Sometimes they hire gangs to protect their goods, creating a mighty pecking order of syndicates, criminality, and corrupt black coats willing to Beat one another to death for a fistful of Draichs.

Art and culture have permeated even to the lower classes, and some of the most potent theater troupes, musical performances, and painters have been born in the dark hollows of Umbra Tempestas, their desire for brilliance and color unswayed by the poverty they have been born into. Sometimes slights are settled in the shadows, but Umbra Tempestas still has a vibrant dueling culture, with many taking to the streets to kill one another or draw first blood to decide the outcome of hostility. Because of this, many schools of blade and pistol have opened up, allowing their students to become professional duelists. Some nobles will hire these individuals to fight their battles for them.