Karlovac is the second-largest city in District IX (Decelska), located in the western hills of the district, bordering Zahodecelska.
While the district capital, Kromine, serves as the economic and technological engine of the east, Karlovac is defined entirely by the presence of Karlovac University (founded 1825). The city is renowned for its preservation of Vosti-era architecture, its multitude of churches, and its quiet, studious atmosphere.
Historically, Karlovac was the site of the 1960 Bombing, the deadliest terrorist attack in the nation’s history. This tragedy has imbued the city with a somber, sacred status in the national consciousness.
Geography and Cityscape
Karlovac sits on a plateau overlooking the Decel River valley. Unlike the sprawling industrial grids of other Kresimirian cities, Karlovac remains contained within its 19th-century boundaries, surrounded by protected woodlands.
- The University Quarter: Occupying nearly 40% of the city’s land area, the walled campus of the University is seamlessly integrated with the town. Students in academic robes are a common sight on the cobblestone streets.
- The Cloisters: The residential neighborhoods are characterized by high stone walls and private courtyards, reflecting the conservative and private nature of the inhabitants (mostly academics, clergy, and theologians).
- No-Vehicle Zones: Large swathes of the city center are pedestrian-only to preserve the silence required for study and prayer.
History
The Imperial Sanctuary (1825-1921)
The city grew around the University, which was chartered in 1825 to preserve Kresimirian culture within the Vosti Empire. It became a haven for intellectuals and priests. During the Unification War, the city was declared an “Open City” by both sides to prevent the destruction of its libraries, escaping the conflict largely unscathed.
The 1960 Tragedy
On September 12, 1960, the peace of the city was shattered when BRC-21 operatives detonated a bomb in the University’s Faculty of Divinity. The explosion killed 28 people.
The aftermath transformed the city. It became a pilgrimage site for Kresimirian nationalists. The Garden of Martyrs, located near the city square, is the site of an annual vigil attended by the Divine Chancellor.
The Modern Era
While neighboring Kromine embraced the digital revolution under Ari Stov and YakaSys, Karlovac staunchly resisted modernization. The city council, dominated by the Sons of Kresimir, has passed bylaws restricting the construction of modern glass buildings and limiting the number of KresCom cell towers to “preserve the spiritual skyline.”
Economy
The economy is almost entirely dependent on the University and religious tourism.
- Education: The university employs thousands of staff.
- Publishing: Karlovac is the center of the religious publishing industry. The State Press, which prints the Books of Kresimir and school textbooks mandated by the Council for Education, is headquartered here.
- Tourism: Pilgrims visit the city to see the original manuscripts of the Prophet Zvonomir and to pay respects at the 1960 memorial.
Politics
Karlovac is the safest stronghold for the Sons of Kresimir (SoK) in the entire Republic.
- The SoK Base: The city’s population is older, highly educated in theology, and deeply conservative. Current SoK leader Malik Kondratiev studied here and considers the city his spiritual home.
- Tension with Kromine: There is a deep cultural rivalry between Karlovac and the district capital, Kromine. Karlovac residents view Kromine as a “soulless machine,” while Kromine residents view Karlovac as a “museum of the past.”
Culture
The culture of Karlovac is formal and ritualistic.
- The Bell Laws: A local ordinance mandates that all businesses cease operation for five minutes when the University’s Great Bell tolls at noon.
- The Festival of the Book: An annual literary festival focused on theology and history. Unlike the secular festivals in Sinj, this event is solemn and academic.