Welcome to Gaia! ::

Barton Town is the considered the political center of the Gaian Republic as well as the second largest city by population after Durem. It is the hub of transportation, connecting by road and rail to Aekea, Durem, Isle De Gambino, and the vast suburban complex known as the Gaia Towns. The city is kept compact, separated from the outlying towns by a massive wall. It remains a quaint town to this day, most of the buildings are rather old structures and there are no skyscrapers as no buildings higher than the parliament are allowed to be built.

Economic Activities:

The main economic activities of Barton are government services, retail, printing, media, and the arts.

Barton Attractions:

Fountain: The main feature of center city Baton is the grand fountain. It is gathering place for market stalls, beggars, artisans, and street performers alike. Being so close to the central forums, there are many soapbox orators who come to set up shop here.

Forums (Central Parliament):

The central portion of the city is dominated by a massive building known as the Gaian Parliament, where issues of ever kind are debated in extensive detail. This parliament is divided into two divisions, the peoples forum, where any citizen can come to debate any other citizen either live or via net connection; and the lawmakers forum, where only the political representatives of the people can debate and actually change laws.

Ancient Colosseum:

This structure is one of the earliest known buildings in the Gaian republic. Dating back to the day when Barton was a center for gladiator tournaments. The arena is massive, stretching over area the size of four football fields. Today, it is unused for fighting and instead is a haven for the arts. Artists from all over the world have made the ancient structure a haven for the display of their works.

Central Station:

This is the central hub of the Gaian rail system. It is decorated in classical Grecco-roman architecture in the style of much of Bartons other buildings. The high ceilings and massive spires of the central terminal are meant to inspire awe at one's arrival to the capital of the Gaian Republic. This station connects to all the other major cities of the Gaian republic as well as having the only rail system to give access to vast suburban complex known as towns.

Market District:

Barton is considered to have the second most lively market districts in the Gaian Republic. The city is most notable for its quality jewelers and numerous flower shops. Two of which are exceptionally renowned. There are also numerous clothing shops such as the Barton Boutique. The central guild registration hall is located here, so that interest groups of various types can be registered with the government.

Besides government offices, the city is also home to numerous media outlets via television, radio, and newspaper.

(Updated as needed)

There was a young man walking through the streets in the slums. He was dressed in white robes, sandals, but didn't look the part of a prophet. He was to young, clean cut, perfectly shaven hale and hearty. The man carried a large staff, his only weapon, but he used it like a walking stick.

Yeshu might have heard him from the tenement. As he was speaking for the people on the streets.

"Repent, repent all citizens of Gaia, for the day of Ymir is soon upon us. The avatar of Ymir will be reformed to bring peace and stability to all the people of this land. But woe to those who resist the law of Ymir, they will meet a cruel fate."

He was right, the slums in Gaia tended to be nothing compared to the slums of Apothos when misery, poverty, and want was to be taken into account. It was an old section of sprawling Barton, but there were still some amenities. And as Barton was so keen on keeping a reputation for cleanliness and being a model city, services abounded and laws were strictly enforced. Still, like any sprawling residential complex, it was hard to keep control of the pests.

The young man had stopped at a corner near Yeshu's apartment. He lifted a book up in his hand as no one besides a single passerby took interest. The same passerby that had cooked a roach on his book. The young man pointed at the passerby.

The young prophet looked a slight bit nervous at this meeting, but continued with bravado.

"Is there no one who will listen to the teachings of a simple man, a simple man who wishes to serve the poor. I tell you this, the avatar of Ymir will soon return. And when he does the plight of the poor will be relieved. Those who are considered genetic anomalies will no longer be regarded as freaks, there will be no hatred of androids, or robots, or cyborgs. Do you actually hate these fellow beings, than pity on you. Do you know they are limited to the most grueling labor in one city of the Gaian republic. But imagine if they were free to serve society in the way they were meant to. There would be no more crime, no more want. Look to the prosperity of West Fall, our diverse population has built a city that rivals Aekea, even Durem, in only a few short years look who we have grown. Now, just imagine how much more it shall grow when the glorious, the immense, the all powerful, Edward Yaits III, finally returns to us. Yes the very avatar of Ymir. I am not full of beans! I tell all here, the avatar of Ymir is returning. Join me in his glorification and you will be richly rewarded beyond your wildest dreams. Honor, glory, riches, all yours for the taking."

By the end of this speech the prophet was nearly screaming, sweat pouring from his brow. Screaming to no one, except an old lady who screamed out her window for him to 'shut the @#$* up' The young man pulled out a map and checked it, maybe his next spot would be more receptive and he'd have a few interested parties to converse with.