The East Corner of Laat Golz is the heart of the city’s residential life, where the people who defend and maintain the city find respite and community amidst the constant vigilance against the dangers of the Scar of Perdition. Though it is quieter and less industrial than the North Corner, the East Corner is no less important, serving as the home of the city’s soldiers, their families, and the countless workers who support the military infrastructure.
A Community Built for War
The East Corner’s architecture reflects the militaristic nature of Laat Golz, with houses and buildings made of sturdy stone, designed to withstand potential attacks. Even in this residential district, protection is paramount. Every building has reinforced walls and windows, while streets are arranged in tight, defensible layouts that allow soldiers to quickly mobilize in the event of an incursion. Narrow alleyways, high walls, and watchtowers dot the landscape, ensuring that the entire district is easily defensible from within.
At the heart of the East Corner is the Soldiers' Quarter, a sprawling residential area where most of Laat Golz's military personnel reside when not on duty. Soldiers live here with their families, and the district is filled with the everyday sounds of life—children playing in the streets, markets bustling with activity, and the hum of conversation in small taverns and communal halls. Though the city is always on alert, the East Corner tries to offer a semblance of normalcy to its inhabitants, a place where soldiers can rest, train, and prepare for the endless battles to come.
Most homes in the Soldiers' Quarter are modest but functional, with each residence equipped to accommodate a soldier’s lifestyle. The rooms are sparsely decorated but built for practicality, with spaces for weapons storage, simple furnishings, and compact living quarters. Many homes have small, enclosed courtyards where families can gather for private meals or quiet moments.
Community Life and Bonding
Life in the East Corner revolves around the bond between soldiers and their families. The community here is tightly knit, with everyone sharing in the burden of protecting Laat Golz. Neighbors watch out for one another, and families are always prepared to support those who lose loved ones to the frequent skirmishes along the walls or expeditions into the Scar of Perdition. A deep sense of unity and mutual care permeates the district, where shared sacrifice is an accepted part of life.
The Square of Resolve, a central gathering place within the East Corner, serves as a communal space where families and soldiers gather for festivals, meetings, and solemn ceremonies. At the center of the square stands a towering stone monument, the Pillar of Valor, engraved with the names of those who have fallen in defense of Laat Golz. This monument is treated with the utmost reverence, and it is customary for families to visit it on the anniversary of a soldier’s death, leaving small tokens or inscribing prayers on the base.
Throughout the year, the Square of Resolve also hosts communal events, such as the Night of Shields, where the families of soldiers decorate their shields with personal symbols of hope and strength. These shields are displayed throughout the square as a reminder of the collective resilience of the community. During this event, the city’s leadership addresses the soldiers and their families, honoring their sacrifices and reaffirming the city’s commitment to their protection.
Training and Readiness
Though most of the city’s military training takes place at the Kruziik Hofkahsejun, the East Corner has its own dedicated facilities for the ongoing physical and mental conditioning of soldiers. The Iron Circle, a modest but effective training yard, is where off-duty soldiers can spar, hone their skills, and prepare for the next battle. The yard features a variety of training dummies, obstacle courses, and weapons racks, offering soldiers everything they need to stay sharp. This area also serves as a meeting point for local militias, who are trained to assist the city guard in times of crisis.
In addition to the Iron Circle, the War Academy stands at the edge of the East Corner. Unlike the intense combat training at the Kruziik Hofkahsejun, the War Academy focuses on strategy, leadership, and tactics. Here, seasoned officers teach the next generation of commanders how to plan campaigns, manage logistics, and understand the battlefield dynamics of both conventional warfare and the unique dangers posed by the cursed beasts of the Scar. The academy also runs drills for younger recruits, preparing them for the day they will join the city’s military forces in earnest.
Market of Life
The East Corner’s Market of Life serves the daily needs of the district’s inhabitants, offering food, clothing, and essential goods. It is a modest market compared to the bustling trades of the North Corner, but it is central to life in the district. Farmers from the outskirts of the city bring fresh produce and meat, while bakers, brewers, and tailors provide everyday items.
One of the most popular stalls in the market is The Hearthkeeper’s Bakery, known for its hearty breads and pies that nourish the hard-working families of the East Corner. The bakery is a staple of the community, its warm hearth often drawing in soldiers for a quiet meal between shifts. Another well-visited vendor is Felorin’s Leathers, a shop that specializes in practical clothing and leather goods for soldiers and their families. It’s also where many of the district’s families obtain sturdy garments made to withstand the wear and tear of life in a war-focused city.
Schools and Children of War
While the East Corner strives to provide a semblance of normal life, even the children here are shaped by the city's ever-present conflict. The district is home to several war academies for youths, where children as young as twelve are trained in the basics of combat, tactics, and survival. These schools teach more than just martial skills—they instill the deep sense of duty and responsibility that every citizen of Laat Golz must carry. For those who show promise, further education at the War Academy or direct enlistment in the city’s military forces may follow.
Despite the militaristic environment, the East Corner still encourages moments of joy and childhood. The Hearthstone Hall, a community center located near the Square of Resolve, hosts gatherings for the children of soldiers, offering them storytelling, games, and lessons on the history and culture of Laat Golz. These activities help to foster a sense of pride and belonging, even for the youngest residents, and ensure that they grow up understanding their role in the city’s defense.
Security and Safety
Although the East Corner is primarily residential, security is still paramount. Watchtowers are scattered throughout the district, manned by off-duty guards and local militias who monitor the streets for any signs of unrest or external threats. The Shield Watch, a special unit of the city guard, is stationed here and tasked with patrolling the district to ensure the safety of its inhabitants.
The Shield Watch is also responsible for maintaining the district’s evacuation protocols in case of an attack from the Scar of Perdition. Every household in the East Corner is drilled on how to quickly and efficiently reach the Sanctum Barracks, a heavily fortified building that serves as both a safehouse and an armory during times of crisis. Inside the barracks, families can find shelter while soldiers are equipped to mount a defense or launch a counteroffensive.
The Burden of Legacy
In the East Corner, the weight of legacy is deeply felt. Families pass down stories of the Diathan War and the ongoing defense of Laat Golz from generation to generation. It is a place where every citizen is shaped by the knowledge that they are the descendants of survivors—those who lived through the cataclysm of war and now stand as the city’s last line of defense.
This sense of legacy is embodied by the Hall of Remembrance, a modest but solemn structure located on the edge of the district. Within its stone walls, the names and deeds of fallen soldiers are recorded on tapestries that hang from the ceiling. Families visit the hall to pay their respects and remind their children of the sacrifices made to keep the city safe. For many, this hall is a place of reflection, where the burden of duty is honored and passed down to the next generation.
The East Corner may not be the most glamorous or bustling part of Laat Golz, but it is the heart of the city’s strength. Here, soldiers find rest, families find support, and the enduring spirit of Laat Golz is nurtured. It is a place built on resilience, where the bonds of community, duty, and sacrifice are as strong as the city’s towering walls.