#romworldbuilding

[romera-rp]

WORLDBUILDING POST 014: LOCATION; MYREFALL

Myrefall is the political city of Hegaehend, all the businessmen, officeholders and otherwise important nobles will be found here. It’s just a shame that they’re all corrupt. The city is unfortunately familiar with people bribing, threatening and even killing their way to the top. Assassins and thugs tend to get their fair share of important clients here who are willing to pay top coin to see their opponents gone. Such actions between high society have caused fear and unrest for the civilians and the church of Beshaba, Goddess of Misfortune, has thrived as a result. The clergy preach that if the people do not appease Lady Doom she will bring misfortune to all, and with the beginning of the war, the number of followers is only growing. Warsi, a young clergy member who the King has chosen to trust, has been placed as the council member in control of Myrefall in the hopes she will stop the corruption.

COUNCIL MEMBER: Warsi DOMINANT RELIGION: Beshaba, Goddess of Misfortune OTHER RELIGIONS: Ilmater, Mask, The Traveler, Talona, Cyric, The Shadow

PLACES:

THE TEMPLE OF DOOM AND DESPAIR - The church is a towering, hulking black structure with sharp spires that pierce the sky. The clergy of Beshaba have allowed the building to decay and crumble in places to add to its intimidating nature. When the wind blows, the walls creak and shriek, in certain light the grime on the windows resemble faces that leer at passersby, and some of the fang-like spires that rise up from the vaulted roof seem to move as the building shifts. It’s a despotic, undead thing of a building that haunts the city skyline. No matter the weather, the grounds are perpetually blanketed in thick, miasmic fog.

CATACOMBS - Attached to The Temple of Doom and Despair are the tombs. Its labyrinthine tunnels span half of the city and wind and twist for miles and miles. No accurate maps exist of them. When the clergy and the loyal followers of Beshaba die, they’re turned into undead and are set loose to roam in the dark tombs forever. No one, not even the clergy, knows precisely how many undead reside in the tunnels. The only official entrance to the tombs is beside the Temple, but because the tombs receive no maintenance, tunnels are prone to collapsing. It isn’t uncommon for holes into the tombs to open up in the streets, or the tombs to merge with maintenance or sewer tunnels, and for the undead to escape.

WHITEWOOD PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTION - This austere, brutal-looking hospital rivals the Temple in its intimidation. It’s surrounded on all sides by tall stone walls with metal spikes and locked iron gates. Masked guards patrol the fence and the curtains are always drawn on the windows. Some people claim to hear screams emanate from the building, but in truth, no sound ever escapes. No care or compassion can be found within the institute’s walls, but torment and cruelty abound. It’s an unspoken, but well-known fact that a lot of the businessmen and politicians in Myrefall somehow send their rivals to the Institution to get rid of them. No one who enters returns better than they were—that is if they ever come out at all.

MERCY’S HOME - Myrefall’s orphanage is run by priestesses of Beshaba. Matron Keyzana, a strict and cold elf, has run the orphanage for as long as anyone can remember. She’s “raised” thousands of children throughout the centuries. Rumours have begun to spread that Keyzana must be immortal, otherwise she would have died already. No one knows her true age and anyone who attempts to learn more about her, or investigate the orphanage and its cruel practices, are swiftly stopped. Everyone is frightened of the orphanage and terrified of Keyzana. Even the powerful men of Myrefall know not to trifle with her. Parents with particularly unruly children in need of correcting have been known to send their children to her for discipline. As a result, a common Myrefall tradition is for parents to tell their children that if they misbehave, they’ll be sent to Matron Keyzana.

THE VELVET CURTAIN - An establishment as old as the city itself, The Velvet Curtain is a family business that has been passed down through generations of gnomes, culminating in the current owner; Jelxi Slipwhistle, a woman of respectable regard in the city of Myrefall. Known for paying her employees well and using her connections within the city to benefit her business practices, not many would question her authority within her designated territory. Marketed as a place of reprieve from the political machinations that rule the city, The Velvet Curtain promises customers discretion, entertainment, and engaging companionship in a safe manner that otherwise could not be found within the city.

THE INFERNO - While campy grandeur and fun aren’t common in Myrefall, both can be found in The Inferno, the city’s favourite burlesque bar. The establishment is run by the effervescent tiefling drag queen Dongorzal and his cheeky, megalomaniacal, kleptomaniac imp familiar Zozo. Every night the bar hosts a different live performance: live bands, drag performances, burlesque shows, comedy skits, operatic renditions of things that should not be operatic—everything but improv theatre, which Dongorzal has banned. All are welcome, except improv performers, and all are encouraged to drink to their heart’s content and to enjoy the nightly shows.

GRIMFELL ALLEY - Amongst Myrefall’s many darkened, shady streets resides Grimfell Alley, a veritable candy shop of poisons, alchemical elixirs and tinctures, malicious tinkering, dark magic, and cruel favours. Nearly every building in the alley is some sort of shop with a shady seller and shadier merchandise. The sections of the alley where the buildings have been deemed too unstable to use are packed with temporary merchant stalls, all overflowing in poisons, venoms, weapons, or tomes of ancient, deplorable magic. Accidents and casualties occur often when a powerful magical item is misused or an unstable alchemical concoction explodes. Due to all the magical accidents and the general lack of maintenance on the street and buildings, the Alley is a common location for the undead of the tombs to escape into.

THE SILENT CONCLAVE - In the centre of the city is a well-kept, unassumingly nice meeting hall. It’s used by the many businessmen and politicians of the city as a neutral meeting place to discuss pacts, rivalries, business dealings, and the like. Violence is banned within its walls and that rule is enforced by all. While there is an expectation of privacy, spies are still often hired to gain intel for third parties. Very few common citizens see the inside of The Silent Conclave.

LICTOMP YARD - The Yard is a large swath of abandoned industrial factory buildings. Cotton mills used to line the rivers that ran down from the Drumgamau Mountains through Myrefall and the humid air made it perfect for cotton refinement. Businessmen attempted to capitalize on the optimal conditions but failed to earn a large enough profit in the industry. They eventually abandoned the district. Now the hulking, empty mills, some still with semi-functional machinery in them, along with the large foreman houses, have been taken back by the masses of Myrefall. The city’s homeless population have established shanty towns and communities within the large mills and the local gangs have taken up residence in the foreman’s unused mansions. Life isn’t peaceful in the Yard and it’s frequently the victim of territorial disputes and gang wars as various groups attempt to wrest more control. Those that find themselves living in one of the homeless communities are often forced to join one gang or another in order to survive.

[romera-shop]

Twist Fate Festival!

“How exciting! Today is Twist Fate, the holy day of Istus, one of our great and beloved deities. Followers from all over Hegeahend will be traveling to Arx to witness the festival celebrations. Although I’m sure many of you believe this festival will be filled with nothing but meditation, hymns and the clergies’ somber chimes music, it also consists of very lively celebrations! This is the one day of the year that the clergy seek reprieve from the seriousness of their divination tasks. The halls of the Siang Institute of Circumstance will suddenly become bustling as the normally quiet, complacent priests shed some of their gloom and pretense to celebrate.

The clergies of each Istus temple across Romera come together as teams and compete to see who can produce the most beautiful calligraphy and illuminated texts, tell stories, and demonstrate their magical skill and prowess. However, the main contest is seeing which temple predicted the most accurate prophecies from the last year. Some of the priests get so very riled up when they lose. I know they find great pride in their divination, but sometimes their predictions are just so absurd.

Personally, I find it quite amusing to see this other, more fun side of the priests. They’re usually so dull and glum and locked away in their temples. I believe most of us are so used to their customary gloom that we’ll be startled by their merriment today. I’ve heard that many of the local fishermen in Arx believe that worshipers of Istus preserve their sense of humor all year to prepare for Twist Fate.”

[romera-rp]

Bit of interesting lore for everyone in the RP; the year this storyline is taking place is 3508 AT. AT stands for After Titans, as all those thousands of years ago gigantic titans ruled over Romera. Their skeletons can still be found scattered across the continents, their skulls as big as temples. The most noteable one is sat in the Drumgamau Mountains as if the land is a throne.

There are obviously plenty of myths and legends about what wiped out these massive creatures but no historian can ever say they are 100% sure of the events that occurred.

[romera-shop]

Ritual of the Unseen Presence

“As always on festivals such as these, although I don’t judge anyone for the choices they make with their religion, I would like to remind everyone to please be safe if you find yourself around any celebrations of Mask. Keep your eyes open and any valuables close to your heart unless you want them whisked away by a few sticky fingers. 

Luckily for us, unlike most of the other... questionable deities, most of Mask’s festivities happen in secret within their temples. The Lord of Shadows’ followers are used to acting in the darkness and this doesn’t change as they conduct their hymns, chanted verse, and offerings of wealth while hidden. Or that’s only what I can assume they’re doing as, obviously, all of this is just based on rumors. Normally, I would be open to experiencing as many religious festivals as I could, but I would never dare wander into the revelry of the Ritual of the Unseen Presence through fear of losing my coin purse!”

[romera-rp]

WORLDBUILDING POST 011: FESTIVAL: RITE OF PAIN AND PURITY DATE: 16TH AUGUST DEITY: LOVIATAR

Loviatans often engage in self-flagellation and it is a prominent theme of their festival, the Rite of Pain and Purity. Worshippers celebrate with a circle dance of chanting, singing clergy members who perform upon barbed wire, thorns, or broken glass while being whipped by higher-level priests. Larger rites may also include the dancers moving around lit candles, passing some parts of their bodies through or over the flames repeatedly.

This rite is often done in small, private gatherings however many of Eowesoa’s people will suffer as Loviatar's followers were encouraged to wipe Ilmater's followers, many of which are the slaves under King Nickolas’ rule. The festival is known to leave quite a few dead bodies in its wake, whether accidental or not.

[romera-rp]

WORLDBUILDING POST 013: FESTIVAL: THUNDER BLESSING DAY DATE: 3RD SEPTEMBER DEITY: BERRONAR TRUESILVER

On this day thousands of years ago the Mother of Safety called a council of the pantheon to address the slow decline of the dwarven race. The council decided to split each existing dwarven soul into two when they were reincarnated. This act was called The Thunder Blessing and was Truesilver’s gift to her people to dramatically increased their numbers. After the Blessing most dwarven births are now twins.

Due to Truesilver being the religion of King Rolland mass celebrations will not only be held in the capital of Hegaehend but all across Romera as dwarves thank the goddess for her gift.

The clergy of Truesilver are also renowned for their marriage rituals, their reputation in organising the ceremonies is so widespread that even some non-dwarves ask a Truesilver priest to conduct their marriage rite. As such it is very common for a large wedding between important members of the dwarven community to be conducted on the day of the Thunder Blessing.

[romera-rp]

WORLDBUILDING POST 008: FESTIVAL: MARKING DATE: 20TH JULY DEITY: BESHABA

Marking is a ceremony of ascension for clergy of Beshaba and involves drum music, dancing over flames, and either branding or tattooing. The day also involves special ceremonies for the death of any important clergy members from that year. Such ceremonies are a rare time of dignity and tender piety for the Beshaba worshippers between their normal acts of chaos. The corpse of the departed is floated down a river amid candles in a ritual that transforms them into an undead creature and teleports them to a random location in Romera to wreak havoc. Although the majority of the festivities will take place in Myrefall where the head church resides anyone walking out at night should be wary of what lurks in the dark.

[romera-rp]

WORLDBUILDING POST 009: LOCATION; KHAGGON

Khaggon was built thousands of years ago by dwarven miners who carved out a massive underground cave in the Drumgamau Mountains for the city to sit in. It has always prided itself on being one of the most defensible cities in Romera. If someone was able to hike their way through the cold, hazardous climate of the mountains while facing any dangerous beasts they would still find themselves up against a very solid, bolted door at the peak. King Rolland is extremely confident that if the war is to become extremely dire he will be able to defend his people within the city as no army will be able to make it through the mountains. Any people that the King and council has approved, including many of the adventurers helping the war effort, have been granted permission to use the teleportation circle which is the main way in and out of the capital. However, what the King doesn’t know is that the thieves guild is using a massive underground river that runs through Khaggon and out the mountains to Dustspire to smuggle people in and out.

CAPITAL OF HEGAEHEND: This is the residence of King Rolland II COUNCIL MEMBER: Thazmoug Greyborn DOMINATE RELIGION: Berronar Truesilver, Goddess of Safety and Truth OTHER RELIGIONS: Erathis, Aureon, Auril, The Raven Queen

PLACES: 

TRUESILVER TEMPLE - The temple is clearly the most prominent building within all of Khaggon as it is built upwards into the wall of the massive cavern the city is set in. It towers over the rest of the buildings with its multiple tiers of enormous, thick stone pillars that make up the front, each tier disappearing further back into the stone of the mountain. The ground floor is dedicated to worship, piles of offerings of silver and white flowers starting to form on the hard marble floor. The entire back wall is covered by a mural of the Mother of Safety carved out of stone. It shows her looking over this very mountain as she bestows the martial plane with her Thunder Blessing. Those lucky enough to ascend upwards to the next floor will find a museum of Dwarven artifacts and history. Even higher you will find the Council Chambers and the residence of Thazmoug Greyborn and King Rolland II.

ACADEMY OF THE ARCANE - The Academy, ran in conjunction with the Temple of Aureon, is the original and therefore oldest university and archive of knowledge. Taking up a portion of the city the multiple halls of the campus is filled with dusty, ancient tomes detailing all the knowledge Romera has from the last several thousand years. A person can find anything from the best time of year to sow the right seeds to who the knight was that defeated the notorious ancient red dragon in 1845 AT. As Aureon is of a lawful alignment and most of his teachings focus on law, the Academy of the Arcane is also where you will find the Courts, the priests attempting to deliver justice to any that may need it.

HIDDEN ENTRANCE - A massive underground river runs through the centre of Khaggon before disappearing off into the stone. Those who know the right people will know that this is the same river that exits the mountain at Dustspire. This has been made into a very convenient secret passage put into use by the thieves guilds in either city. Exiting, you will be lead down to a small cavern off Khaggon where you will board a small, rickety, wooden boat on the river before enduring a journey down the fast moving rapids. Many people have been warned to keep their head down to mind the stalactites. Those who don’t listen, arrive in Dustspire with no head. If that doesn’t sound bad enough, attempting to journey the reserve can be even more daunting as the thieves have required magic that sends the boat flying backwards.

FIGHT CLUB - The Fight Club is yet another enterprise run by the thieves guild. Being trapped inside a mountain, even in such a massive city as Khaggon, does leave people craving the adventure of the outside world. As such, the thieves guild decided to create a fight club in an abandoned construction site in the slums of the city. Despite the unsavoury location, the club still attracts people from all across the city and all walks of life looking for the adrenaline of a fight, or just for simple entertainment. Although it is all in good nature it can get quite competitive as there is a leaderboard of the top 20 fighters. Matches between people in the top spots will be advertised on posters across the city and bring in massive crowds and gold for the thieves guild.

THE DEAD NIGHTINGALE - As the most luxurious and popular bar in the city The Dead Nightingale draws in its young, prominent clientele through their large menu of unique drinks. Not only will you be getting any combination of exotic flavours, but in a world with such notable amounts of magic, you can expect all types of effects to be flying around the dimly lit room. With their most popular drink, Citrus Ale, it wouldn’t be uncommon to see people walking around with bright pink or green hair as it changes it to your favourite colour, while some more hidden drinks on their menu offer effects such as growing a beard, forcing you to tell an embarrassing story or give the person a supernatural boost to their confidence.

THE MINES - As the city was originally created by dwarven miners it shouldn’t be surprising that the large dwarven community who still reside within the city keep to their typical professions. Each day the sprawling mass of tunnels under the city gets larger as minerals, gems and other materials are brought up out of the darkness to be traded. Despite being a very profitable job it is also one of the most dangerous as very often the miners find themselves breaking through a wall into the upper levels of the underdark, releasing all types of horrific monstrosities into the mines. This as a result provides plenty of work for adventurers and bounty hunters who happen to find themselves in Khaggon.

VULANAVI FAMILY BLACKSMITH - With access to such precious materials from the mines and the knowledge of traditional dwarven blacksmithing techniques, the Vulanavi’s, a family of goliaths, have been famed not only in Khaggon but all across Romera for their great crafts. What sets them even further apart from normal blacksmiths is the ancient runes carved into their anvils, allowing them to create powerful magical weapons as long as you have the gold to back it up. The newest addition to the family is Laylo, the owner’s thirteen year old daughter, who has already been seen weighing a hammer and creating weapons that would put most other blacksmiths to shame for several years now.

TARJTEIR FARMER’S MARKET - Many people would assume that most of Khaggon’s produce would be shipped into the city via the teleportation circle considering most harvests and livestock would struggle underground with the lack of sunlight. However, they would be wrong. As the city grew over the years, new resources and magic became available to the residents meaning massive farmers were formed ran by druids. Next to such farms is the Tarjteir Farmer’s Market. Tarjteir, meaning a place of happy gatherings in dwarvish, perfectly describes the sense of community within the marketplace as it buzzes with new life each morning. If you are a local this is exactly the type of place each person would make an effort to know your name and greet you as an old friend.

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WORLDBUILDING POST 010: FESTIVAL: FESTIVAL OF LOVE DATE: 6TH AUGUST DEITY: SUNE

The Festival of Love is a large party with dancing, poetry recitation, and heartrendingly beautiful or soulfully rousing music to which outsiders are invited with the intent to attract converts. Certain priests will organise more intimate, quiet affairs on the night, open only to the faithful, who lie on couches and indulge in liqueurs, appetizers, and sweet pastries while lone dancers perform. These dances are interspersed with readings of romantic verse, prose, and songs of love sung by skilled minstrels. Such rituals always break up into private gatherings, though bards are always on hand to relate tales of courtly love or mysteries of Romera for those who do not feel like socialising more privately.

[romera-rp]

WORLDBUILDING POST 005: FESTIVAL: FESTIVAL OF VENGEANCE DATE: 26TH JUNE DEITY: TIAMAT

Known as the Festival of Vengeance, this day marked the defeat of Gilgeam, an ancient king turned lessor deity, at Tiamat hands. The king was known for his jealousy, cruelty and pride, loosing most of his followers, and power, due to his centuries-long abuse before he was killed by his life-long nemesis Tiamat. In Romera the day is celebrated by general anarchy, rioting, and widespread mayhem incited by the clergy and the faithful. During the day, clerics of other deities try to contain the looting and destruction, and prominent officials are  wary against assassination attempts executed by Tiamat's worshipers.

[romera-rp]

WORLDBUILDING POST 007: FESTIVAL: GREAT MOON’S GLORY DATE: 2ND JULY DEITY: CELESTIAN

As many worshipers of Celestian are wanderers the festival of the Great Moon’s Glory is the one time of year that the clergy journey to the same point to celebrate together. Often taking place in the countryside, away from the bright lights of cities and towns, the faithful spend the night under the moons and stars sharing stories of their discoveries from their travels. Such privileged priests will have spent the year searching not only Romera, but beyond the stars on different planes for meteorites, artifacts, and philosophy before returning to bestow their knowledge to the others.

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WORLDBUILDING POST 012: FESTIVAL: NIGHT’S EMBRACE DATE: 26TH AUGUST DEITY: TALONA

Night’s Embrace is always open to nondevotees, where such visitors are encouraged to pray and give offerings to Talona to spare themselves or loved ones from death, disease, wasting illnesses, and the like. A long symphony of rolling drums and deep-voiced chanting proclaims the power and veneration of Talona throughout the day. Younger members of the church busily sell poisons, antidotes, and medicines during the festival, assisted by senior clergy who diagnose conditions (usually with great accuracy) and prescribe treatments in return for stiff fees.

Night’s Embrace is also used as a night where initiates of the faith are formally inducted into the clergy. Horrifying private ceremonies involving ritual scarring and sacred tattoos mark this ascension.

[romera-rp]

WORLDBUILDING POST 006: LOCATION; RUNSWICK

Runswick is hidden away behind great city walls and deep inside of a massive redwood forest that crawls with all types of beasts and monsters that threaten the surrounding settlements. To counter this problem, Runswick became a city built on bounties where the appropriate authorities or powerful nobles pay for the heads of the deadly monsters. The greater the threat the better they pay. These bounties draw in adventurers, mercenaries and anyone else looking to make some quick, albeit risky, gold. Over the years the bounties have become more and more popular. Alchemists put up listings for certain monster parts, farmers on the outskirts of the city request protection, and collectors looking for a new trophy for their collection likewise post their bounties. In a way, the bounties became a new sport as bounty hunters compete to see who can finish the biggest bounty first. Despite the rather inelegant business, the city is one of the most beautiful in Hegaehend. The city streets are grandly adorned with art, flowers and every manner of decorations. This is due to the main religion being Sune, the Goddess of love and beauty, with Aros sitting as the acting council member and Heartwarder of Sune for the city.

COUNCIL MEMBER: Lord Aros DOMINATE RELIGION: Sune, Goddess of Love and Beauty OTHER RELIGIONS: Dol Arrah, Milil, Lathander, Tymora, Malar

PLACES:

THE GARDEN OF ROSES - The temple of Sune is untraditional for a church. The main area of the building is taken up by a large garden courtyard. The garden is overflowing with cherry blossoms, willows, rose brushes and plenty more flowers, all nestling hidden areas of large pillows, wine and mirrors for worshippers to sit and admire themselves and each other. The small indoor shrine presents a large statue of Sune herself dressed in nothing but a translucent gown. The altar also offers perfume and cosmetic items for those who can’t afford such luxuries themselves.

LA ROCHE MOUSSUE - Attached to The Garden of Roses, La Roche Moussue is a luxury bathhouse. Featuring a high stained-glass window over the perfumed, soapy bubbles of the pools below. There are several private rooms available off the main bath, including both hot and cool pools, as well as a steam room and sauna. La Roche Moussue is the perfect place for any of the high class to come to relax and spend some time in their community.

LUNACREST - Originally a popular tavern in Runswick’s main square, Lunacrest took on the leading operations of the bounties once the enterprise got too big to be run from a simple bounty board. Now Lunacrest can be found always open, day or night, as mercenaries and adventurers lug back the results of their missions for rewards. A hub for all risk takers, the excitement of the competition never dims in this tavern.

THE GLISTENING TRINITY - Operating as an underground speakeasy, The Glistening Trinity is known as the most exclusive bar in town. Although the details and location of the bar is kept extremely quiet, anyone who is anyone will know how to get inside. Offering a lot more than alcohol, many people will turn a blind eye to the dealings of the owner Vinny Santos, a dwarven mafia boss, as long as they get to have a good time. With most of the city under his influence, including the guards themselves, Vinny needn’t worry about disruption. Whether it be through bribery or the promise of entertainment, he controls the grand majority of the business in Runswick.

HERITAGE AVENUE - With the fresh earnings of the bounties in hand, Heritage Avenue offers a quick way to empty your pockets. Every window showcases high-end stores such as dress tailors, glistening jewellers, and gorgeous beauty salons. As the city of Sune, every person walking the street is immaculately dressed and groomed with nary a hair out of place.

THE LADY’S CHASE - Worshippers of the goddess Tymora have a saying, “a copper to the Lady returns tenfold in gold,” and at The Lady’s Chase casino that is exactly what you can do. Patron’s can test their luck by taking part in card or dice games as well as place bets on races.

HEARTFIRE QUARTER - Lord Horcryn is a gnome nobleman who dedicates his every waking moment devoted to the Goddess of love. So much so that he has brought a manor house within Runswick to use for parties in her honour. Receiving one of the parties private invites will allow you to attend the celebrations when they occur on the first Saturday of each month. Within you will be met with unlimited amounts of alcohol and entertainment as people fulfil the goddesses wishes of appreciating love and beauty, spare bedrooms being in abundance within the large manor for anyone wanting to make their activities more private.

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WORLDBUILDING POST 003: LOCATION; LLYN

Up until the continent splitting, Llyn was a rather uncharacteristic, simple town. However, when the borders were put in place Llyn was extremely close to the Hegaehend-Kaivras line. As a result many refugees attempting to escape the civil war within Kaivras very often found themselves in Llyn. The townspeople took the people in with open arms, understanding the struggle they were going through as a result of Queen Ivana. The town is now mostly run by the army and volunteers who are all trying to take-in and help as many people as they can, hopefully finding them homes further within Hegaehend, away from the war.

RELIGIONS: Ilmatar, Lathander, Berronar Truesilver, The Traveler, Talona, Loviatar

PLACES:

GLYNNORIN MANOR - Lady Anula is a tortle who used to work as steward for a powerful noble in Kaivras. Her master had no heirs and she served her time so well that when he died he gave her her freedom and all his remaining money. Knowing the cruel people of Kaivras would never accept her if she wasn’t oppressed she moved to Llyn in Hegaehend where she brought land and a title. Over time, and a lot of work, she became the governing noble within Llyn and now runs a manor where she accepts as many refugees into her home that she can feed and provide for. She is known for being one of the sweetest, caring people within Llyn and many refugees that have moved on from the town will speak highly of their time in her care.

THE PASSAGE - Although Hegaehend wants to harbour as many innocent citizens as they can, there has been times spies and assassins have managed to sneak into Llyn as refugees. As a result a waypoint as been set up on the edge of town that the residents simply refer to as The Passage. Guards are stationed here to greet any travellers who will have to pass a few questions while under the effects of Zone of Truth. This may not be the most pleasant way to be greeted into the nation, however the guards understand what the people have been through to escape so are always gracious and sympathetic.

THE LAST CHESTNUT - The permanent residents of Llyn understand more than anyone what the refugees have been through as part of the war. Many people find themselves unable to sleep at night due to nightmares or insomnia from what they have been through. Klossa and Aldon, a gnome couple, run a local tavern called The Last Chestnut who purposely stay open into the late hours of the morning for refugees looking to seek a distraction. They provide hot drinks, blankets and snacks to those who need it as they share stories and songs for anyone who will listen. For some people this is the first time they will of experienced a friendly community working as one.

THE ENCAMPMENT - When refugees first arrive in Llyn they are sent to the encampment which is run by a firbolg called Traran, who provides medical check ups, new clothes, food and all the basics people need to survive from his tent. Once settled in, more permanent residence are arranged either with Lady Anula or with other families with open houses.

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WORLDBUILDING POST 001: LOCATION; ARX

Being the biggest port in Hegaehend, Arx is obviously known for its trade as well as fishing industry. Sailors would pray to the various deities associated with the sea or nature, such as Habbakuk or Melora, to ensure good weather and a safe trip on their next voyage. However, since the war broke out it has got increasing more dangerous to travel by the sea as opposing navies would take down ships. Since trade has also stopped to any cities outside of Hegaehend, Arx was in a decline. Many of the sailors retired or decided to find different occupations leaving ships to rot in the port. However, with the establishment of the council of priests, Isidora, the High Priestess of Istus, was placed in charge of Arx and the city started to focus more on education. Universities and libraries were built focusing on history, philosophy and humanities, which drew a lot of young, but rich, people to the city.

COUNCIL MEMBER: Isidora Siang DOMINATE RELIGION: Istus, Goddess of Fate and Destiny OTHER RELIGIONS: Habbakuk, Melora, Aureon, Erathis, Celestian.

PLACES:

WHALE WATER PORT - Although the port isn’t filled with the large scale trading ships anymore, many of the locals run modest fishing businesses and have small fishing boats they keep in the harbour. However, the main attraction of the port lies in the form of an old abandoned ship called The Blackmore Lady that was dumped in the port when the war broke out. On windy nights the creaking of the decaying timber can be heard all around the port and rumours have already started that the vessel is haunted.

PEARL PLAZA MARKETS - Pearl Plaza is the largest square in the city and contains the fish markets. There are hundreds of stalls all holding local businesses selling their daily catches. You can’t past within 20 feet of the place without vendors shouting about deals on their live squids or even common cod.

SIANG INSTITUTE OF CIRCUMSTANCE - Since the religion of Istus moved into Arx the city has slowly been expanding to include a massive university campus. Although the majority of the buildings are still under construction due to the intricate details going into the architecture, the area is already much more monumental then the rest of the old port town. A large part of the campus is taken up by the library, Destiny’s Archive, which hold books on history, prophecies and philosophy, and the Temple of Istus.

OLD HABBAKUK TEMPLE - In one of the oldest parts of the city is a small, humble temple of Habbakuk where many of the sailors would pray before voyages. Unfortunately, the number of worshippers have declined in recent years but many locals still keep the tradition of attending rites during sunrise. Due to the dwindling in compatriots the temple is constantly asking for donations to make the necessary repairments to the old building and it looks as if it will soon have to close due to not receiving enough.

THE TENTH RING - Syllana is an elderly elven women who used to work as a higher member of the Istus clergy before she received an enforced retirement from the other members due to her fortune telling techniques. The clergy have seen all the extremes of mortal destinies and tend to be only cynical and unfeeling people, as fate itself is callous and often unkind. However, Syllana was an exception to this and still showed kindness, often holding back the truth in her fortunes to make them seems more hopeful. She now runs a fortune telling store called The Tenth Ring in the hidden back alley’s of Arx where she provides her services.

[romera-rp]

WORLDBUILDING POST 002: FESTIVAL: AUREON’S CROWN DATE: 28TH MAY DEITY: AUREON

Aureon’s Crown is a celebration of knowledge, when the elders of the community share their wisdom with the young at evening feasts. Throughout the day, priests of Aureon gather within the Great Hall of Aureon in the University District of Khaggon, providing sermons and lectures on a host of topics, from history to philosophy and the nature of the gods. Aureon’s Crown has become a secular holiday that does not require any particular religious devotion. The festival is the traditional time for students to graduate or advance.