Pontefract

Pontefract, on Aloysius... well, what can one say? Antiquity for antiquity's sake? Or is it real? Is Pontefract genuine or is it just an annoying masquerade of old customs and boring tradition?

Aloysius was among the first planets colonized from Earth and this definitely reflects on its cities: filled with a special ambience which appears real and authentic. Pontefract is an embodiment of the "Aloysian way". The combination of antiquity and the almost always present mist give the city a distinct atmosphere which you either love or hate. The small alleys, the confined squares, the little piazza's all remind of... well, of "days of old" on Earth and then the people... the stately citizens of Pontefract in their stately garments. One has to see to believe it!

Pontefract grew to be a centre for publishing companies and financial services. One of the landmark buildings in oldest part of the city is the Bramville Tower. It stands there in all its antique flair overlooking St. Paidrigh Square and nowadays acts as the headquarters of Cosmopolis.

And then there's of course the Penwipers Hotel. Overlooking old Tara Square, it's a statement of Aloysius's antiquity in itself. As said in many a traveller's guide, you will have to experience the Penwipers for yourself. A description hardly does it justice. From the inconspicuous entry to the garments provided by the hotel to suit the guests attire while enjoying their stay in Pontefract. As often said by the inhabitants of the old city:

"A person makes a statement about himself with his clothes. A genteel person wears genteel clothes to establish his status, and status, whether we like it or not, is a key factor in human interrelations."

To the north of Pontefract one finds the private estates, where some of the richest and successful people of Aloysius live. But be careful with touring the north of the city as Pontefract's finest are easily disturbed by prying eyes and cling to their privacy as they do to their SVU's. You might fall into the hands of the Inquisition for disturbance of peace. Most likely a very unpleasant end of your journies and without doubt a highly unpleasant experience....

So, Pontefract... real or fake? Well, although it's home to some of the largest enterprises of the Oikumene, Pontefract certainly retained that feel of a small, dozy, pretty litttle city. A city one would come across in the southern parts of Europe on Earth. Our verdict: it looks real enough, so it probably is...

- Eva Immeldos, on Pontefract in Lonely Planet: Aloysius edition, 3rd print