Willow

Willow
Nation:	New Brittania
Population:	{{{population}}}
Predominant language:	{{{language}}}
Main roads:	{{{roads}}}
Major districts:	{{{districts}}}
Current mayor:	{{{mayor}}}
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Willow is the capital city of the Kingdom of New Brittania and is home to the Royal seat of the Monarchy. The city became the national capital following the Battle of Ponton Green in 2005 which removed a group of communist revolutionaries from power within the Kingdom of Willow. The city is famed for its huge palaces and the ornately carved Ponton Bridge which has stood since the nations foundation.

History

When the Battle of Ponton Green ended the city was infact nothing more than a small town which relied on stone mining for its prosperity, however when the grand Royal Palace of Wellington was created in the town centre the settlement grew in size and population rapidly. The River Slea had seperated the town of Willow from neighbouring town of Muscadet since the begining of the Kingdom, however due to the expansion of Willow it soon found the river standing in the way of development. To counter this the Ponton Bridge was built to span the Slea and allow development of the other bank of the river. Soon Muscadet was absorbed into it's ever growing neighbour as more and more people moved into the district and constructed an ever increasing number of homes.

Following the Circum Raynor War in which the city was untouched the narrow streets surrounding the Palace of Wellington were demolished to allow the construction of new government buildings on either side of newly broad roads. The money for the regeneration came from the cities function as a centre of international trade, the wide River Slea was able to accept large ships and so a vast port complex sprung up on the Muscadet side of the water. Noticing the terrifying pace at which the city was expanding over formerly fertile land the city planning commission hatched a plan to encourage the development of brownfield sites within the existing city limits. This was done by the construction of a vast system of city walls and forts which boxed in the city and forced developers to build on sites within the walls. Soon property prices rose dramatically and skyscrapers sprung up in the cities financial district to optimise the availible space. With land in short supply within the walls companies building homes moved to building beyond the wall, this gave birth to vast housing estates where workers from the city would live in the shadow of the walls.

Geography

The city was built on a large area of flat farmland, the only landmark upon the area is the winding River Slea which passes through the centre of the city on its journey from the hills on the northern horizon to the sea in the south. The city is not entirely urban, a number of huge parks exist allowing Willowers to get out of the bustle of the streets and allows them to walk in shade of the trees amongst the flower beds and ponds. The main natural landmark of the city is the Old Willow which first inspired King Jeremy to name the city and his first Kingdom as he rode to the Battle of Morkery Wood in late 2005AC, this large tree stands upon one of three round-abouts which stand infront of the Royal Palace of Wellington. Once it stood alone, now however it hangs over one of the busiest streets in the city.

As far as human geography, many of the buildings generally have three stories and are made of the local limestone which adds some much needed colour to the steets of the city. The roads themselves are made of cobbles, often surrounded by avenues of trees and raised flower beds which are managed by the local residents in assosiation with the city council.

Transportation

• Most Willowers use the public transport to get around, this includes a vast system of electric trams as well as buses and taxis. Prior to investment in these types of transport congestion was a huge problem with tousands of people waiting to get through the narrow city gates.

• Foreign visitors can reach the city via Willow International Airpoty or through the cities river port, however the latter is largely used for trade. The A1B motorway terminates on the edge of the city allowing travelers from other areas of the country, alternatively visitors can travel into the city via St Diana train station.

Famous Attractions

• The largest building complex in the city is the Royal Palace of Wellington and it's gardens. As visitors enter the Imperial Square they are confronted with the mighty palace of the King which stretches the entire length of the square's east side. The building is constructed of white stone broken up by many tall windows on the palaces 4 levels. Numerous stone columns are built into the buildings front, pure while pillars against the pale green paint of the stone behind. The eye is instantly drawn upwards to the roof where a single gold dome stands proud, glistening in the sunshine high above the large doors which open onto a large semi-circular balcony.

Crossing the stone surface of the enclosed square walkers soon come to the centre fountain, a large white basin and pedestal topped with a single statue of a golden angel dressed in a long dress with water spraying vertically from each of her outstretched arms. From this central point government buildings can be seen on all sides, each tall and unique in its magnificence and splendour. However many visitors are drawn to the palace where the Imperial guards stand proud on either side of the great gates, their grey uniforms perfect and up-staged only by the matching cap which bears the black eagle of the King.

Passing the large iron gates visitors find themselves inside a long arched tunnel which leads from the square into the central courtyard of the palace. The tunnels roof is decorated intricately, with carvings of various coats of arms lining much of the long ceiling. When guests immerge they find themselves in a large square courtyard with the dome looming high above them, casting golden light down upon the ground on days when the sun shined. Below the doom, on the roof ledge, stands a row of 8 golden statues of the pasts King's of the empire: each looking downwards upon those who enter their former home.

In the centre of the top section of the far side of the courtyard a clock is built into the stone, chiming with a small golden bell upon each hour: sending large flocks of pigeons into the air in surprise. Below the clock, at ground level, a flight of ten broad steps leads up to a large arch way: flanked by stone statues of crowned lions. The stairs climb upwards in a triangular shape until they reach the high arch, with the eagle of King painted onto a oval panel at its highest point.

Once inside the arch and past the large oak gates visitors are inside the Palace porch, a cavernous room where guests are greeted or enemies turned away. The walls of the porch are decorated with large paintings of past battles, shown in great detail and on an epic scale. Soon however most people pass through another set of smaller pale green wooden doors and find themselves inside the hallway, a huge corridor which runs the length of the palace from which all other areas can be reached. The entire room is a mass of plaster castings and paintings, a red carpet is met by equally vivid golden walls which are split up by tall scarlet columns with golden bases. The ceiling is covered in golden plaster castings of angels surrounded by castings of nature including the image of several life-size reindeer.

Half way down the corridor a staircase breaks off on either side, sweeping in an arc onto the open landing. The banisters match the archways into the rooms on either side of the corridor: golden wood carved into the shape required of it. However if visitors continue down the hallway they eventually come to a large golden plaster-cast arch which leads into the throne room.

Once inside the throne room guests are before the King, sat on one of two matching thrones separated by the Coat of arms of the Empire behind them upon the red wall. Large windows run down the left hand side of the room where as the right is decorated with paintings of the King's ancestors, tall images of the gory of the King's of old alongside His Majesty the ruler of the empire.

• The Old Willow which initially inspired the naming of the city and the then Kingdom stands on a round-about in the Imperial Square, although often surrounded by cars thousands of citizens and foreigners visit the tree each year to see the plant which named a country.

• Ponton Bridge spans the River Slea and connects the traditional city of Willow and the industrial Muscadet region on the eastern bank of the river. Originally the bridge was a simple arched structure, however over the years it has been carved to resemble different aspects of the Kingdom. Images of animals and plants as well as people cover the stone surface, the newest of the carvings is the Sudentor war memorial which is carved into the central pilar of the bridge. The surface of the pilar is covered with 18,000 names of the dead as well as a statue featuring a line of three life-size soldiers leaning on the butts of their rifles with their heads bowed for their lost comrades.

More recently still a number of statues have been added to the top of the bridge, 4 of these stand facing accross the bridge: one in each corner. The statues are of Prince William of Shalta, Prince Vincent of Franklin, King Jeremy I of Franklin and Prince Wilfred of Shalta. The members of each house stand on opposing sides of the bridge facing inwards, in the centre on a stone plinth stands a statue of King Jeremy II. In this statue he stands between the two houses, his sword raised to the sky and an ornate crown on his head.

Famous Produce

• Haslet is a local speciality of Willow, it is a type of spiced pork loaf which can be eaten on its own or as part of other dishes such as pasta and sandwiches.

• Travellers can purchase a number of tacky Royal memorabilia from gift shops around the city, this includes the traditional "King's Head" tea towel which is a regular sight in many New Brittanian Empire homes.

Cultural Tips

• The national, infact only, religion in New Brittania is Christianity. Consequently many people go to church on Sundays and guests are likely to be expected to do so also.

• It is considered an offence by many in the city to attack the national tree, although there is no actual law to state this the tree is covered by vandalism laws.