I salute the so-far unknown Hippodamus who aided Hon-eel in developing the standardised grid plan for Lunar cities founded or rebuilt in the Fifth Wane. Each city was laid out on a grid of right angles which defines the allocation of public and private space. The center of the city is the location of the city’s most important civic public spaces, including the market, city administration, and temples. Residences surround the city’s public areas.
Such cities as Doblian City, Edasus, Haar Zaal, Hariij, Karantes, Kendesos, Palbar, Yelm’s New Foot, and many others follow this plan. But the most famous and most beautiful is of course Furthest, the gem of Lunar civilization in the Provinces. Although similar in some ways conceptually to the Jrustela Plan (used by Sartar for his cities), the Fifth Wane approach was far more standardised and the grid blocks are a key part of the city administration and identity.
This still-anonymous sage of Irrippi Ontor was among the greatest figures of his cult. Admittedly, in many cases, these new cities lack the flair of older cities – the claims of Haar Zaal to be a Glamour on the steppe are more embarrassing than laughable. But Furthest – Furthest! – is a wonder. Built amidst the high mountains of Dragon Pass, it is a gem of Heartland civilization and culture. Its beautiful temple to the Seven Mothers, the Moirasseum (were sacrifices to Hon-eel take place), and the royal palace are wonders that rival anything outside of Glamour. No wonder Jar-eel resided there for a time, and the Red Emperor has resided in Furthest twice in two generations.
Furthest! One can never forget on hot summer days, how the winds blow down from the pines of the Orvensdang Hills and bring that sweet incense to the city. The maize bread with fried pork! The fish on a stick, with a side of maize beer. The marble statues of the conquerers of Dragon Pass, Prax, and the Holy Country! The Palace and its gardens, with trees and flowers from the Aldryami! The cheers of the crowds and the scent of blood at the Moirasseum! The priestesses from the Temple of the Reaching Moon, sacred people of the Red Goddess. The philosophers and artists who have given up Glamour to reside here and provide it with Heartland culture and learning. And the largess of King Pharandos, who has built, decorated, and endowed this city!
Although the lands beyond Furthest are ruled by warlords and feuding tribes, Furthest itself is populated by scholars and artists, and is one of the glories of New Pelorian culture. It was naturally in Furthest, not dire Palbar or Alkoth-of-the-Enclosures, that Ariastus wrote his treatises on Friendship, Erotica, and Riddles. And it is Furthest, not Mirin’s Cross, with its bureaucrats and scribes, that is known for the splendid design of its Seven Mothers Temple.
Each king has their idea how to improve the city, and Moirades sometimes changed his mind.
I think blocks in the 5th Wane cities are generally named after gods and founders. In older cities, streets are named after trades, obscure figures, current fads, whatever. I suspect they change often, especially in places like Glamour.
But the city blocks are likely important for administration. Every block contributes a specific number of militia (or pays for a replacement), has civic duties, etc. A citizen of Furthest might say something like “I am Arimtasus, citizen of Furthest of the Daybreak Block. Hail the Red Emperor and King Pharandros!”