Muchislie (Closed)

[Maeve]

An Isle on the rise, experiencing a small economic boom, making room for many opportunities. Still, a crime lord goes unchecked in the North, and the Nobles seem to be preparing for a war that none but them see coming.

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Entrance Thread

Only two regions accept newcomers to the land of many isles, Muchislie. The first, and fastest one to get through, as their is less traffic is the ports in Levouir.

A bleak fishing town known for its cutpurses, and cut-throats. A haven for criminals trying to make a name for themselves, and get noticed by Giovanni Cuzaccio, the leader of The Accio. The only crime sydicate around as it has muscled everyone else out, and the profits are all theirs.

Getting off the boat at Levouir, several city guards will take down the names and place of orgin of those getting off the ships. This not a simply beaucratic act, the city guards are screening for any criminal with not enough wit to use a different name, or to recognize anyone trying to sneak back onto the ilse after banishment. The city guard also records where the newcomers hail from, information the goverment uses, but the commoners do not know to what effect.

All the city guards work for Giovanni Cuzaccio, and in this region a jingle of the purse from the nastiest of criminals half way into the nether can let them sleep directly into town.

The first inn to be seen is the Drunken Parrot, a squalid place, where sailors and dockworkers share tales over ale. The prices are cheap, but the ale is watered down, and the rooms are down right filthy. But if one can stand the lack of amenitys, it will save them a great deal on coin.

Of course there are a number of other inns, but the guards here are beyond lax, they are disrespectful to most citizens unless they have ties to Giovanni, so one must find the rest of lodgings avaible for themselves.

Stepping off the ship, one almost needs to get the attention of one of the city guards, before he finally turns and gruffly asks, "Where ya from? Wats ya name? And do ya have business here?"

The other port, in the capital city of Adzerik, could not be more different. Off the coast the ships most wait in a holding pattern while the Muchislie war ships make there sharp manuvers. Even after they clear away, the sight on the docks is still not ahead, as the merchant ships clog the way. Finally after a full two marks, the way is clear for a passenger ship. However, the city guards though more strict in making sure they collect all the proper information, however as soon as that is done, a warm greeting is offered.

"Welcome to the finest of shores in all the Seven Isles, Muchislie. If you need a place to stay, there are several inns in the Maraxiel District, but I am quite fond of the Tower View Inn, though of course you can see the tower from anywhere, Tower View offers a great vantage point. May your time in Muchislie be pleasant. Next!"

[Maeve]

Adzerik: The Capital

Adzerik is the largest of the islands and islets of Muchislie, but still it is only half the size of dort. However, those of Muchislie don't let any inch of this land go to waste. Those of nature would say that is shame since before the great and modest houses came along, densely covering this mound of an island.

It is a mound albeit mild incline, just above where the waves crash against the rocky shores, lush green grass (where buildings are not set upon it) sprouts up from the ground. The mound is almost perfect and climbs to political heart of Muchislie.

At the apex and center of Adzerik is the De Bessnie Estate a large group of buildings where the ruling family of Muchislie makes their home, namely, Lady Marie, and her three sons Counts Jacob, Matthew, and Eric. All political business is done in the De Bessnie tower, an immense obelisk-looking-structure that keeps a protective, yet watchful eye on the entire island as it can be seen from everyone on the isle, being the largest building. There are a few lesser nobles who make there home there, but no one dares go onto the fifth level of the Tower. The young do not know why, but do not ask, some of the older know, but do not speak of it. The inhabitants have even gone so far as to build a special stare case that by passes the fifth level.

The only other building that compares to the De Bessnie Tower is the Temple of Illuminatus, this is also no coincidence as when the Temple was built a law was passed saying no building should ever reach higher, however, the tower was already constructed at that point. Nearly all who are natives of Muchislie (except for those on the island of Smettic) worship Illuminatus, and even as the Temple fills on days of worship many can be seen standing outside, talking about there religion. There was a time when some were weary about such a strong single following, but now after seeing what the followers of Dominicus are doing. The building is large and stone, and sits very near to the Tower and cast even a shadow upon the Tower, but also on the Maraxiel District.

The Maraxiel District is also not far away from the De Bessnie Estate, but that is just logical, for here lives the lesser nobles vying one day to have their name attached to the Tower. As the Adzerik landscape is much the same all around, the nobles stay close to attend Council meetings, and send there lesser nobles to court for the three Counts (Jacob, Matthew, and Eric), to have as personal servants. This is often the way many young would be political players get there foot in the door, but to get any more of themselves in, they will need a bit of luck, or some strings to pull.

The richest of merchants also live in the Maraxiel District staying close to the lesser of the nobles, to try and buy up there power should they falter. Also, this leads to a large trading area in the region called The Traders Nook, and even though it is in the richest part of the city, people from all classes come to buy things from everyday goods to small treasures. That which isn't bought that day, is shipped to the docks, a cheap strategy employed by the merchants to get the citizens to impulsivly spend their coin.

The docks in Adzerik are by far the least illict in Muchislie, but still palms can be greased with coin, and contraband from Great Gulandur to Worlds Mouth. The goverment does it's best to try and control it to keep it's reputation of what they think is the "finest citizens in all the Seven Isle's".

Perhaps the reasons the three Counts insist on having the best people of the Seven Isles is because they have citizens from nearly every corner of Tazlure. Though the majority of the population is still native to Muchislie, and the only telling feature of that is slightly olive skin that seems to be common. Peace is amazingly kept well, as when passengers arrive from the docks most seem to want to start life anew, those from Kings Court and Worlds Mouth can even be seen getting along.

Maraxiel District & The Traders Nook (Adzerik)

The Maraxiel District is richest place to be found in all of Muchislie. Some of the lower nobles live here, but mostly it is the rich merchants who reside here with mansions that are only out done by the those in the De Bessnie Estate.

While each merchant family specializes in a certain goods (or some that make a hodge-podge of goods) it is easy to find a job here, in just about any trade one could hope for.

Currently weaponsmiths are in high demand, especially those who can make a quality bow or are willing to learn, these weaponsmiths will get paid a little more, but overall any weaponsmith will satisfy the arms dealers of city. The merchant houses don't know why the goverment suddenly wants an influx of weaponry, but then, that is not their business, they are in the business of making money, and not asking questions.

The goods are shipped everywhere, with shipments twice a day the Levoiur region in large covered carts. However, most people come to The Trader's Nook, directly inside the Maraxiel District. In The Trader's Nook (basically dozens of large stalls put together to make one large square) just about anything can be found, and the price is often much cheaper than can found anywhere else, as the merchants save money on shipping and all other middlemen. The items for sale change everyday, it is a ploy, to make people more impulsive to buy on the spot, for the items that are not sold are shipped off to the docks.

[Maeve]

The De Bessnie Estate (Adzerik)

A stone wall three times the height of an average size man surrounds The De Bessnie Estate in a large circle. The diameter so large it would take someone a full mark to walk it. Thus even inside the stone walls that separate this Estate from the lesser ones, avenues have been made for horse-drawn carriages to escort the ruling family from building to building. Entrance without permission is nearly impossible as a large company (numbers not disclosed) of highly trained Muchislie Marines walk the grounds inspecting everyone they see. There is only one entrance guarded by a metal portcullis to the south, which is manned by six Muchislie Marines

If allowed inside one will see many structures. The majority of the buildings are the homes of the De Bessnie family, mostly fine homes made with fine, yet sturdy wood, with gardens that attract welcomed exotic birds. Servants can be seen tending to these gardens almost non-stop as if waiting for a shrub to grow slightly, to trim it in a timely manner.

The second most remarkable structure is where the four most powerful De Bessnies take quarter. A staunch, almost intimidating, building with columns of black marble, with green jade infused into it in a swirling pattern. The home predates the De Bessnies' reign so not even they know the method of this. The rest of the house is made of dark stone, and stands four stories high. Fifteen Muchislie Marines guard the mansion three at each four corners, and three at the entry way. The counts themselves did not order this much protection, but Lady Marie who goes to all measures to protect her sons. Even though she has much sway over her three progeny, some of the snide remarks made by the unhappy at court call her, 'The Uncrowned Queen'.

The three counts and the rest of those who attend court do so in what has become known as The De Bessnie Tower. An obelisk like structure, the tallest structure in the city, which can be seen at any distance on the island. Every major section of Muchislie Politics is represented in this building, and they all gather once a week for section meetings with the three counts.

If an outsider is lucky enough to get through the first gate, and inside the estate, they will be escorted by two Muchislie Marines to the only entrance to The De Bessnie Tower, where they will meet another six Marines, who will throughly pat them down and remove all weapons.

'The Uncrowned Queen' thinks she has given Muchislie three great leaders, and she will go to any measure to protect them.

[Maeve]

Temple of Illuminatus (Adzerik)

The great stone Temple of Illuminatus stands proudly; strong, stable, ageless. Its broad steps beaconing worshipers to enter and find knowledge within its pristine, white marble walls. Towering stone pillars flank the vast wooden double doors, which lead into the sanctuary of the god.

Within is a hive of activity, yet often only the scratching of many quills upon parchment and quiet conversations can be heard. The chamber’s soaring ceiling is supported by pairs of sculpted pillars, and wooden tables are set about the space, with an altar at its centre, creating perfect symmetry throughout. At the tables, priests and priestesses sit, lovingly and painstakingly coping texts from all over Tazlure, creating beautifully illuminated works of both literature and art.

The large polished-stone altar itself stands upon a circular raised dais. At the centre of the stone surface, a sculpture of gemstone gleams. Intricately formed from deep green jade stone, it depicts a pair of jade trees; their trunks and branches intertwined. Dozens of pillar candles surround the united trees, and, lit by the hopeful and the gratified, the light of Illuminatus glints from the many leaves of the sculpture.

From the main sanctuary, a central hallway leads to several much smaller chambers. These are reserved for teaching and studying the wisdom of the Light One. The personal quest for knowledge is esteemed above all here.

~~~~~

“Welcome into the light,” an older Human woman smiles as she offers the formal greeting. She wore a simple robe of spotless white, despite her ink-stained fingers. She had intelligent hazel eyes and her long grey hair ran down her back in a single plait. “How may we of Illuminatus aid your quest for knowledge this day?”

[Maeve]

Smettic

Smettic is by far the most peacful isle that will be found in Muchislie. In fact, most political experts do not even considered it to be part of Muchislie. It is but a small settlement of Pan adheil, who Pan sent to spread his word. The population small, perhaps two to three hundred, the counts see no need to make this place a burden. Thus, Smettic governs itself, by the way of The Council of Elders. Seven in number, they were first voted upon, and now as one member fades away, or steps down, the Elders confer, and select yet another.

The land in which they inhabit, strikes the eyes like blow to the head. As opposed to the grasslands to the north, this southwestern island changes scenerary to lush green forests, with many rainy seasons.

Finding this community can be a bit tough as it part of the forest itself, but make no mistake, they will know if anyone is coming. Adheil perched high in trees watch for outsiders, and when a friendly one passes they shake there branch so that you look and smile at you, a friendly way of saying, 'I've fooled you.'

The community itself consists mostly of elongated half-circle structures, made from flexible, yet surprising strong wood. Over the top, can be placed varying furs, or skins, depending on the weather.

Outsiders are rare, but not unwelcomed as long as they adhere to the adheil way of life.

[Maeve]

The Elders Circle (Smettic)

Nestled in southwestern most region of Smettic (as to be closer to Pan's Isle) is the Elders Circle. Yahren ago it started out as a meeting place where the Elders would sit and listen to the villagers worries, and petetions.

Though the yahren a structure has been built to help signify the importance of these meetings. A dome structure, wood in framework, and kept together by tough animal hides

The small region itself has peaceful feel about it, so much that it would almost seem surreal, if it was not for the patiently waiting adheil to see the Elders inside.

A number of the Elders are availble each day for everyday advice in common problems, it is a simple matter of waiting one's turn, however, all the Elders convine every other day to discuss matters for the entire community.

[Maeve]

Pan's Temple (Smettic)

The largest and most noticeable of the structures in Smettic. It is constructed in the traditional way of the Smettic homes, but is twice as long and high. Decorated with fresh flowers every morningtide, the place always has a wonderous smell to it. Several acolytes can be seen merrily attending this task.

Adheil go in and out at their leisure, for there is no door to this structure, just a wide opening in the middle allowing all to feel welcome.

There is always a Preist of Pan avaibable and usually a few can be seen making polite conversation in the back of this 'temple.'

[Maeve]

Leaviour

Nothing seems awry at first glance at this large fishing town on the northern end of Muchislie. Sons and daughters run about the avenues dodging between carriages, and recieving a quick scolding as the drivers would past, and all the while snickering at them knowing they could not stop their carriage and give them a good talking-to as there patrons would grow upset. Though is just one side of the city

The Southside

This is the part of the city where those young sons and daugthers can weave through the cobblestone avenues with just the normal amount of danger--just being troublesome really.

Some of the better homes found in Leaviour are on the Southside. This is where the honest employer of a fishing crew lives, and goes about his days. Though the houses are quite nice, they seem to be emptying at a quick pace. Causing most of small market stalls to close down as they relied on the regular business to keep in competetion with The Traders Market.

The Traders Market

In this second largest city, this is where the goods from the northern harbour, and goods from the south meet. Jesters and bards can be seen marching along the square, hired by the larger merchant families to keep people at the square, doing there craft in order to keep people at the stalls. Nearly all types of goods can be found here, cooking supplies to imported weapons. Traders from both the northern harbour region and the Southside bring goods here to trade or sell. As far as those to the South are concerned, they would much rather have it that his was the only place they had to mix with people from the harbours.

The Leaviour Harbour

Amongst the clatter of waves crashing and the peoples chatter can a feeling can be felt that is not quite on the level. No homes can be found here, nearly every structure is meant for the fishing industry. A few rag-tag inns can be found; for the less faint of heart there is always the Drunken Parrot, with cheap drink, food, and lodgings, but the old addage is true you get what you pay for.

For those with a bit more coin in there purse, but still wanting that chill to run down their back there is the Dragon's Hoard. It is an inn, but most rooms are not rented throughout the night. Most peculiar of all, is the quality of the inn, it stinks of wealth and...corruption. And there is no attempt to hide that stench, it is well known that a crime lord own, runs, and operates out this building. For now it seems the goverment looks away.

This may be the only time the phrase, 'Any port in a storm', in it's literal sense is not true. Known around the world as perhaps the seediest of all docks, hardly any ship that isn't meant to stop here does, and often times when they do their ships seems to travel faster than it did before--as it is much lighter.

The rhetoric of sailors and dock workers can be heard all around and rumors of cutpurses, cutthroats, and even assassin's were always a favorite talk for those that worked the docks.

Still there was plenty of oppurtunity here, if one could stay on the straight and narrow, head down and working hard. But there was something shady about this place, and that it seemed is what held this class of workers down, not lack of will.

[Maeve]

Dragon's Hoard Inn--The Levouir Region

Admittance to the Dragon’s Hoard Inn, owned by Giovanni Cuzaccio, was gained by firm use of the golden knocker, main feature of the Inn’s ornate door. Elaborated carvings adorned the wood of both the entrance and the Inn’s window frames, forming an elegant addition to its otherwise severe and dark exterior.

It was only once inside that one discovered just how luxurious and elegant an Inn could be. A corridor opened with an archway to the left into the main room, where richly decorated chandeliers spent enough light to bathe the inner circle in a warm, golden glow. In the secluded alcoves lining the walls on both sides, additional candles had been placed that would normally be lit but could be extinguished when discretion was desired.

In the center, several chaise longues stood juxtaposed to low mahogany tables. Porcelain bowls bearing a rich assortment of fruits had been provided on each table, a little bit to nibble on for the spoiled customers while they awaited the completion of their order. To further enhance the appetite for one pleasure or the other, samples of the Inn’s other ware had draped themselves alluring on strategically placed seats from where they would toss the customers with sultry glances from dark, kohl lined eyes.

This was no ordinary Inn, the owners valued discretion and luxury above all. Any rowdy visitor would find himself escorted out upon the first sign of trouble.

[Maeve]

Drunken Parrot Inn--The Levouir Region

En route of the traffic coming to and from the harbour lay the Drunken Parrot Inn like a haven for the thirsty sailors after their journey. The one storey building itself had seen better times. Rather than repairing the windows after a late Jarym storm, the owner had covered them with wooden planks. The door creaked, opening immediately into the taproom where smells of sea, fish and yesterday’s ale hung heavily in the air.

Eveningtide or Tradetide, come wind or weather, the Drunken Parrot was always open for darkhaired locals and seafaring strangers alike. A hearty welcome was given to each customer, be they stranger or well known. In the Drunken Parrot Inn, only the contents of your purse decided your welcome.

To the right of the bar, a curtain separated the common room from a small corridor where two guest rooms were available. Each contained a narrow cot, a small table and a lantern.

A barmaid would welcome each new arrival with a gleaming smile. “Greetings, and welcome. What will it be?” Even as she invited the newcomer in, the girl’s greedy eyes would flicker to the newcomer’s purse, measuring his worth before the drink was poured.