The Central Library, Alexandria Neighborhood

The Central Library is a large, imposing gothic structure which houses a rich and diverse public library, as well as some secrets. It was built in 1886 and was the only building in Alexandria to survive the 1908 fire. Originally conceived of by Nikolaus the Bloodied as his own personal cache of forbidden magic, Arcane Sentinel mystics usurped the construction project and sealed Nikolaus out via complicated wards. Sentinel mystics occupy and run the building to this day, guarding the cache from the grasp of evil. The Central Library serves as a source of mystic information for players. The building is heavily warded against evil magic, and makes a perfect target for power-hungry mages or demons concocting plans to get at the secrets within.

Pharos Fire Station Compound, Alexandria Neighborhood

This is the administrative home-turf of the Titan City Fire Department, and home of the local fire station. In addition to the basic offices of the Chief and other administrators, there are also training classrooms, and a flame-shaped beacon standing atop the tip of the tower. This beacon changes color as a weather alert system; on the rare occasions that the beacon is flashing, it is seen by the heroes of the city as a call to arms for some sort of large and dangerous event. A three-story (except for the beacon) structure covering most of a city block, the fire station serves the Alexandria District as well as contains the headquarters and central offices of the Titan City Fire Department.

The beacon burns blue when the weather is growing colder, red when it is growing warmer, and yellow when no change is expected. When a crisis such as Hurricane Atlas, alien invasion, or a citywide natural disaster strikes, the beacon flashes, alerting emergency personnel, ordinary citizens, and heroes to the danger.

The Vander Vere Museum of Technology, Alexandria Neighborhood:

Established in 1923 by the esteemed inventor and philanthropist Adde Vande Vere, the Vande Vere Museum of Technology was intended by its creator to help spread the knowledge of science and the countless new theories of technology that were quickly becoming the defining factor of the 20th century. Naturally, as with many such institutions of its time, this included many examples of Adde’s own work and theories. However, examples of technologies in every field were quickly collected with little expense spared. Adde established a trust for the Museum when he died in 1944, calling the Museum his ‘great gift to the world’. Since then, the Museum has sought to gather up examples of all the latest technologies wherever it could.

The Holt House, Alexandria Neighborhood:

Titan City found itself in the midst of a cultural and artistic boom during its early days in the 1920s. The feelings of hope and inspiration shared by so many citizens drew or created many ambitious young artists, all seeking to make a name for themselves and see where the muses would take them. The unfortunate consequence of this was that museum, private collection, and gallery space to display such works was quickly exhausted. Even with wealthy and influential people the nation over coming to find new and exciting works, it seemed that Alexandria simply did not have enough bare walls to accommodate its booming talent.

Enter Alexander Holt, an ambitious man with a vision. Taking out several loans with banks across the state, Alexander set about establishing a large collection to showcase--and sell-- the works of new artists. Holt was sure that given enough space and the proper motivation he could draw in a large crowd of wealthy investors hungry for young talent. If Holt happened to make a bit of money on the commissions, well so be it. Accordingly, he purchased a large building in the Library District, previously a private home gutted in the fire of 1908, restored the interior, and made a variety of acquisitions, particularly of late nineteenth and early twentieth century art.

The Thunderbolt Dive Bar, Alexandria Neighborhood:

A low brick building originally built as a restaurant in the 1920's, it has long since degraded into a dark, seedy bar. It has had a reputation as an underworld hangout for decades, and there are rumors of illegal gambling on the premise. But it does such a good trade among older university students with powerful family connections that the city has never bothered to make the effort to shut it down.

The establishment has several back-rooms nominally available for private parties, but generally used for illegal activity. These rooms would generally be good places to meet shady contacts for instanced content.

The description for this landmark was thin compared to others, so Carol, our organizer, suggested I have fun with the design. I envisioned the restaurant being like a stage-door restaurant at the back of an old, brick theater building. The Grand Alexandrian is that abandoned theater, where I imagine the “back rooms available for private parties and illegal activity” might be taking place.

I also thought that adding a rooftop garden patio might be a fun environment for a bar, so that’s included with fire escape access for non-flying players who want to join the party.