Stoneridge is a medium-sized city located in northern Queensland just beneath the snowy mountain range of Silverback. It has an estimated population of 328,621 and an area of 395 square kilometres. The settlement is one of the oldest and best preserved in the Kingdom with the vast majority of its buildings dating back hundreds of years. Formerly the Kingdom's capital, Stoneridge is host to many architecturally impressive structure such as the Palace of Damania, once the monarch's home and most important governmental buildings. Following the Galean war in which Lorian forces repelled invaders from the north, Stoneridge took great damage and suffered from significant economical losses, prompting the ruling house to move to a rapidly-growing Zerule that was soon named Loria's new Capital.
Stoneridge is distinguished for its abundance of old buildings aesthetically similar to each other; nearly all of its streets are lined with structures built of polished light gray stone with vibrant blue tiles, and its matching pavements make for a beautiful antique sight. Trees can be observed adorning the streets, mowed and well-kept, and the wanderer may frequently come across picturesque squares surrounded by varied establishments.
There are many small neighborhoods within Stoneridge, most of which share a similar appearance and structure to the rest of the city. Neighborhoods are distinguished by the smaller number of plazas and establishments, and the high density of houses along narrow well-kept streets. There are also inns and small apartment buildings.
Despite its old fashioned style Stonebridge benefits from electricity, plumbing, gas, and other modern accommodations. It is not a city optimal for automotive vehicle transportation although the streets are wide enough to easily allow minor traffic. Most inhabitants travel by taxi or carriage, or simply on foot.
As one of the biggest manufacturers of precious craftsmanship, the city's main source of income is jewelry. It is inhabited by many wealthy or noble families, making the settlement a considerable economical power despite its size and density.
Stoneridge is host to a few points of interest and areas worth noting:
The Argent Market is an internationally famous trading center located to the far west of the city, within a large and elegant rotunda built of white marble with azure tiles. Yellow banners depicting shaking hands beneath a diamond denote the main purpose of this ancient mall: to trade jewelry made in town or brought by craftsmen from other regions, countries, and continents.
Once a year the International Ornament Fair is hosted, where several craftsmen from other countries journey to trade their valuable foreign goods.
The inside of the rotunda is rather well-polished with detailed masonry on the walls, boasting candelabras, beautiful carved statues, columns, and colorful mosaics. The building would be empty were it not for the many trading stands where jewelers put their goods on display. It's a rather large and spacious building, and one of the tallest in Stoneridge.
The Stoneridge Reserve is a famous natural enclosure taking up 98 square kilometers of protected wilderness. It is home to twelve different types of Kryssids deemed harmless to the populace and ecosystem, and many rare species of colorful flora. Although the reserve's territory is mostly forested regions, there are multiple closed-off parks where visitors may camp and partake of the infrastructure, such as picnic areas, restrooms, and docks at the lake further east. Horse riding and boats for rent are part of the entertainment services offered there.
Overall, Stoneridge is a city that possesses the spirit of a quaint and tranquil village. It is a perfect place to live or visit, should one dare to brave the winter's cold.