Fides

Fides is Galeon's internationally recognized capital and center of diplomacy and consensus. Located on a large hill in the center of Galeon's eastern river region, the city is made up of three major boroughs: Fides proper, Old Fides, and the Fides Outskirts. The main part of the city, which is what most mean when they refer to Fides, is a bustling metropolis known as a place where people from all over Mortanis and beyond travel for either business, politics, or pleasure. It is home to Galeon's main public forum, the Fides Amphitheater, as well as several foreign embassies containing portals to their respective nations. Old Fides sits at the western base of the hill, on the bank of the Draconis River. While a few people still reside in this area, it is largely considered a historical site, popular with students, researchers, and those looking to learn about the region's past. The Outskirts, located farther down the hillside in a circle around the metro area, is home to several farms, residences, and workshops, as well as the famed Fides Academy of Engineering, known as FAE.

Culture

As Galeon's center of diplomacy, Fides is home to a large population of foreign immigrants and diplomats. While Rashara also houses a sizeable immigrant community, the perception of the two cities is starkly different. Rashara is considered to be a haven for social outcasts fleeing their old countries, while Fides is largely seen as a respectable place for, for instance, affluent Restan expats to settle down in retirement. It is considered an easy place to start for those travelers who are unfamiliar with Galean culture, since one can always find a community of people from one's own country somewhere in Fides. 

In addition to hosting a large contingent of diplomats, the city is also home to those from within Galeon who seek to involve themselves with the greater workings of the nation. Because of this, there are some who view the city as a breeding ground for a new generation of Windtalkers - those they believe would regress the nation towards a culture of hierarchy and dishonesty.

Places to Visit

The Fides Amphitheater 

While there are many who attend the Amphitheater every day in order to discuss political matters of great importance, it is also a highly popular travel destination. People go to not only to observe the Galean political process in action, but to lay eyes on one of the oldest standing structures in Fides' metropolitan area. The grand, round coliseum is made of a striking red marble, and is visible from  almost anywhere in the city. 

Fides Academy of Engineering (FAE)

Located in the outskirts, this institution is known across Mortanis for its cutting edge research and the inventions it yields. For those who are interested in seeing some of these innovations in action, the Academy holds monthly showcases which are open to the public. Like many destinations in Galeon, many people also travel here to see some unique architecture. FAE is notable in particular for the manner in which the majority of the structure sits within the eastern side of the hill. When flying over Fides, many note that the visible side of the structure looks like a crescent moon. 

The Candle

While the official name of the structure is Helios Tower, it is far more often affectionately referred to by the locals as the Candle. The name is fairly self explanatory - this narrow tower juts out over the city and culminates in a grand, golden dome that comes to a point. Popular largely with tourists, traveling to the top provides one with a birds-eye view of the entire city, as well as much of the landscape beyond. 

Old Fides

As was previously stated, while there are some who still reside in Old Fides, most of these are people who are staunchly devoted to the preservation of the site, and as such, have opted to live much like the people who lived there long ago, when these original structures were built. Old Fides was, of course, the original metropolitan area back when it was far more beneficial to have direct access to the river and the trade and travel that came along with it. As the population grew and methods where devised to transport goods and people with greater ease, the people gradually migrated to the hilltop. A visit to Old Fides is a must for those with an interest in history or archaeology. 

Abu Moya

This fine dining seafood establishment, open only for dinner, is located in the heart of the metropolitan area. The restaurant is open air and located on a terrace atop the Fides Museum of Modern Art, high enough above the city to provide a quiet, comfortable, romantic atmosphere with a sparkling view of colorful Fides at night. It is a must visit for distinguished guests to the city, though reservations generally should be made a few weeks in advance because of high demand and the terrace’s limited space. It is a popular spot for those looking to book a memorable, romantic night out.

Abu Moya’s menu specializes in fish found in the rivers that outline Fides, which guarantees that all food served is freshly caught. While the restaurant’s famed chef utilizes many traditional Galean ingredients, their unique creations and reinterpretations of traditional dishes are considered daring and modern, and feature bold, exciting combinations of flavor and texture in addition to being visually striking.

Poached Verdant Riverbird
A flavorful cut, poached in white wine, served with olive brine popping pearls and chips of Galean fig. 

Trout Tamarind
Petite filets of trout, encrusted in a mixture of tamarind paste and crushed pistachio. Served with a rice pilaf and a tart lemon sauce. 

Fida Moya
River crab cakes - infused with spicy harissa, served with cooling goat cheese and a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds and almond.

The Red Lord’s Foot

This colorfully named inn and pub is one of few Heronite establishments in Galeon, and is discreetly located in one of Fides’ darker back alleys. Many well-traveled visitors say walking into the restaurant is like stepping from Galeon into an authentic Dalaskan pub. The founder and bartender is a first generation Heronite immigrant who moved to Galeon for unknown reasons, and is known as a shady, but charismatic character who often tells stories about his homeland.

The menu features several traditional Heronite dishes, making it a fine choice for anyone looking for a heavier meal than what many Galean restaurants feature. This makes the pub particularly popular in Fides’ colder months. The Foot is also known for its wide variety of alcoholic beverages, not only from Heron, but from all of Mortanis and beyond. It has a reputation for being loud and occasionally rowdy, frequently featuring live music — which often leads to patrons breaking out into drunken song and dance.

Rabbit Stew   

A traditional, hearty Heronite stew of rabbit, pearl onions, and several varieties of mushroom and root vegetable. Served with a heel of bread and goat cheese. 

The Foot’s Breakfast 

Lamb sausage, black pudding, morels with pearl onions and root vegetables, and fresh bread topped with fried egg.  

Boiled Lamb Dumplings 

One of the few dishes originating from the far eastern region of Heron. Boiled dumplings stuffed with spiced ground lamb, served with a side of roots and picked apples.