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Construction, Urban Planning & Architecture in Umbak
The Umbakians used formulaic and standard approaches for everything. Urban Planning and Architecture in Umbak is overseen by the sect of Balthazaar, Icon of Order.
Reduce, Recycle, Reuse: The Umbakians are known for the organized planning, which includes a strong drive to reuse materials. Only holy places and family homes are sacred and not to be touched. Other than this, city planning is a constant process of improvement. This means that the old makes way for the new, and any materials that can be reused will. This is most efficient when done right.
Record Keeping: Meticulous Record Keeping is always practiced in Umbakian settlements (in Umbak itself). There is ALWAYS a Hall of Records – even in the smallest of settlements.
Holy Ground Facing: Regardless of location, Umbakian holy ground and structures of faith have entrances that either face the rising sun, or the High Temple of Aerna (the current one in the Grand Duchy of Rhyl.
Hallmarks of Umbakian Architecture/Construction
Umbakian Architecture/Construction At-A-Glance:
The construction has all the hallmarks of Umbakian formal policy. The Umbakians, regardless of specific era architecture (which is purposefully changed every few hundred years), have distinct construction approaches that mark their work. The heavy use of stone, built-up structures, cornerstone and keystone marks, and precision and uniformity all reveal the Umbakian origins of the structure.
Long-Lasting Stone: Umbakian engineering uses a great deal of stone. Base levels of buildings (not just foundations) are almost all stone before successive levels of wood are placed on it. Columns and supporting walls hold up stone slabs for first floor roofs/second story floors are quite common. This increases costs as well as durability to Umbakian structures. While not the absolute craftsmanship of the fluid style of Ducateons, the Umbakian style is one of rigid proportions and made of stone. Ceramic cups and plates, stone tables and bed frames, tongue and groove chair pedestals to make position at tables uniform. Shelves, benches, and stems of stone rather than wood. Wood is placed on top of stone and where weight is critical.
Fortress-Like Foundations: The buildings the Umbakians create are made of stone, and thick walls – exterior and interior. They are made to last a thousand years. While a mix of wood and stone is used for higher levels, ground levels are made to withstand sieges to provide a solid foundation for the higher levels. Umbakian preference is to build upon bedrock or solid stone of some kind rather than soil. Compacting soil and using a foundation level of multiple layers of overlapping cut stones for a floor is their way.
- Sealed Entry: Many remote monasteries and secure buildings have no openings at ground level except a single door. A series of mirrors and/or “Sun-Stones” brought light into them. They were intended to serve as a secure bastion of the faith and culture in dangerous places.
- High Ceilings: All ceilings (at least on ground levels) are a uniform 4m high.
- Double Arch: All modern doorways are made with double row arches with keystones in both rows. It is a uniquely Umbakian aspect from the last thousand years.
- Thick Walls: All the walls are .5m thick.
Precision and Uniformity: Full distances and layouts are done using strong natural ratios and geometry. All post and lintels, arches, and measurements are done with practiced prevision and an attention to exactness that implies a purpose and deliberateness to even the smallest of construction. Umbakian precision is well known, a virtue personified in all works built by them, especially their master crafters. It is clinical and impersonal to the dwarves and Ducateon – though impressive in its quality.