Nexus

At the heart of the city lies a massive tower lined arches that lead to gateways all across the continent, serving as the center of this shattered world and its only trade hub. This is the Nexus, and it does not end at the tower. The surrounding area is crowded with merchants looking to buy and sell goods—some legal, some not. The black market flourishes here, despite countless efforts to root it out. The Cobras have long claimed the Nexus markets as their territory, an attitude that the Crows do not appreciate.

= The Outer Facade = The Nexus towers above all of Sanctus, reaching higher than all buildings around it. The tallest unnatural point in the Gatelands. The walls and floor are made with durable black marblesque stone, unable to be chipped by even the most brutal of tools. Designs carve and twist along its outer facade, done in gold and silver. They depict the gods, the sun, twin moons, and all of the stars. A relic of a time long past, when such phenomena were part of the common day. High, open arches surround certain floors, allowing for unprecedented views.

= The Interior = First stepping foot into the Nexus is an experience like no other. The floors dance with ancient magics, green and golden lights painting ever changing images upon the stone. Vaulted ceilings and spiraling staircases lead those who enter up the tower, and past all of the Archstones. Each is proudly displayed, with enough space for each to have their own platform. Carved with images of their deities and heroes, the Archstones are the pathways to all places in the Gatelands. Dozens of floors crawl upwards, some containing Archstones while others are dedicated to administration and travel records. The Crows and Wolves work to police the spire, making sure no illegal activities are afoot.

Deathwatch Post
Below the first floor of the Nexus is deathwatch. Those who perish and return to life, not hollow, will appear there. It is the funnel point of all Archstones, so it only makes sense they are returned there. Wolves are posted there in order to take in those who have died, and log them. If they died adventuring, they are usually sent on their way. Murder victims can immediately report such a crime. This makes murder require an extra step. Bribing deathwatch to let you make sure they stay down.