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starseedmods) wrote2023-04-02 11:52 pm
starseedmods) wrote2023-04-02 11:52 pm
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Reyl
Tucked away in the North of Abystine is the Kingdom of Reyl. It is known for its striking white snow, blood red pine trees, and strange red ice that seems to "bleed" when it melts. Reyl is one of the more isolated locations throughout the land, having little access to small amounts of modern technology that their neighbors covet.
For years on end, the Kingdom of Reyl has been in conflict with its neighbors on either side - but moreso with the Skyline to the East. Even so, the people here seem welcoming enough to strangers. (Even if the same can’t be said for their leaders...). As long as you act welcoming enough, people here are likely to return your mannerisms in kind. They’re simple people who simply want to live their lives and raise their families.
While other locations in Abystine are broken into multiple smaller locations, Reyl is one large kingdom surrounded by a forest. The outside barrier walls are made of gray stone with the odd green decorative pattern, and the buildings that make up the village are made of straw, mud, or rocks. Of course, the quality and cleanliness of the area will depend on what part of town you venture into.
The city is divided into four areas: Castle Area, High Town, Mid Town, and Low Town. Each area is associated with a certain class of people. (Royals, High class, Middle Class, and Low class, respectively.)
The main spire of the castle towers above High Town. It’s rather impractical in design given that its thin construction makes higher areas in the spire unusable for anything but storage.
Outside of the main spire is a beautiful castle covered in winter foliage and frozen falls. Small firepits will dot walkways and halls which will make the chilly castle feel like it’s spring even on the coldest nights.
Reyl is currently ruled by Prince Terrance and a panel of advisors. Terrance is new enough to the throne that he has not reached his coronation day. Asking around will reveal that he was recently placed in power after the untimely death of his family at the hands of assassins. Perhaps that would explain the royal's notable standoffish nature.
Frozen Falls Gardens - Outside of the Castle are the infamous Frozen Fall Gardens. This waterfall is said to be constructed by the hands of a Precursor, and that’s why the ice here never melts. It’s surrounded by lush winter plants and exotic winter flowers. A sight to behold!
This location has a carved marble statue of the Precursor, Rhea, on display in the Gardens. She resembles a fox with a long tail and multicolored eyes.
Several high-class venues call this place home - bathhouses, exclusive clubs, high-class restaurants, and political halls. Outsiders are only welcome here by invitation or social graces and may not enter without invitation (Unless you feel like ducking the guards.)
When talking with the people in High Town, they will be welcoming, but you will also get the distinct feeling that they consider themselves “above” all others in every single way with many underhanded insults.
The Doe and Stag - This is an exclusive open-air eatery for the cities most elite. Here, chefs will put their culinary skills on display in order to dazzle their patrons with exotic-looking food. It may look strange, but if one calls it “rare” and “exotic” the patrons will eat almost anything.
Tucked away in the corner of the restaurant is an exclusive section for VIPs - of which has been reserved for the Royal Family or other discerning guests. A guard stands perpetually at the doorway to block all from entering even if the room sits empty.
Messenia - This is a large amphitheater meant for debates or important political showings. It usually sits empty, and the most activity it sees are from children pretending that it is a place to put on plays.
The people here dress in modest fashion and have a reasonably welcoming attitude. They are far less condescending than those in High Town, but they will still slip in a condescending remark towards others now and again.
Frequent plays and musical numbers are performed here - many not requiring tickets in order to attend. With a little bit of social grace, they may even allow outsiders to perform artistic works of their choosing.
North Star Library - This large library features a domed ceiling made of copper. Within its walls are books of every genre. If you look hard enough, you may find books with contents that seem like they do not belong in this world. Tome after tome mention a “northern continent” that doesn’t exist or leaders that no one seems to remember. It’s certainly a curious mystery!
Stovehouse - Stovehouse is a collection of restaurants and taverns that have been built so close to one another that many think of it as its own large “house”, hence the name. Stovehouse features several restaurants of varying food types and two taverns - the most prominent among them being the “Sea Shanty” - a common place for drinks and weekend parties. The other tavern…most people don’t talk about the other tavern.
However, the people in Low Town are generally the most welcoming in the city. Nothing to lose by being nice if you don’t have anything to your name, right? Any newcomers will find a fast friend in the company of Low Town.
Low Town features a plethora of markets and restaurants. It is the hub of commerce and trade within the city. As much as the High born dislike the lower class among them, even they will venture to Low Town in order to buy or sell items. There are also restaurants, bars, weapons stores, and many other stores with questionable wares.
Madame Morgan’s Many Mysteries - This mysterious madame offers many kinds of potions. She does not sell these potions for mere coin, so you will not have much success getting anything through normal means. It seems she seeks some other form of currency…
The Limping Horse - The Limping Horse is an area that travelers can obtain travel supplies and rent a horse or carriage. Their prices are reasonable, but the cheapest horse you can rent does have somewhat of a limp. The old story goes that the Horse was attacked by an enemy soldier and was too stubborn to die!
The owner of the Limping Horse is something of a tinkerer on the side. He may be willing to part with communication devices if you’d just arrived or happened to have lost yours along the way. These devices are not of the highest quality but they do function!
One-Armed Knight - This humble smithy will provide you weapons or armor for the right price! They have everything from small knives, blades, claymores, to full suits or armor. The more intricate pieces will cost you quite a bit of money.
The store owner will say that they must charge a high price in order to repair the roof that was damaged in a siege months prior - but asking around will reveal that the roof has been damaged for years upon years.
The Boo Gang - The Boo Gange are not a place, but they are infamous enough to bear mention. The Boo Gang is a gang of feral chickens that wander Low Town in search of food and mischief. They are known for wandering inside businesses and demanding (yes demanding) food or drink. The locals know it’s not a good idea to upset the Boo Gang.
Outside of the general districts and locations, there are a couple other items that may be of interest about the Kingdom of Reyl! That information is organized below.
The people in Reyl dress much like a standard Mideval village. Lots of layered fabric, tunics, long skirts, robes, cloaks, and the like. Custom stitched clothing or more elaborate outfits are reserved for the highest class individuals.
Common colors for the Kingdom of Reyl are red and white with small turquoise accents. Turquoise jewelry is an especially fashionable item to have given how well it goes with red! But this clothing choice is not just a fashion statement, it also helps the people blend in with the red and white forest in the event they need to flee.
The Kingdom of Reyl is a cold place. You know what that means: plenty of hearty soups, heavy breads or pastas and meat from cattle. Reyl's dishes are an assortment of hearty home-cooked meals that are filling and keep in the long winter months. Unfortunately, there long winters ensure that fresh produce is in short supply.
Those in Low Town also have a healthy assortment of livestock on hand. Eggs and chicken are a common staple in any kind of dish, and it makes chickens one of the most prized things in all of the city.
There is one food item that is a favorite for many locals, and that is the wonderfully sweet Bloodberries. Nearly all (good) deserts have bloodberries baked in. Bloodberries are small berries that come from thorny bushes that dwell deep in the forest. Don't fret too much over the name - it's a nickname coined from how anyone who picks them is bound to shed a drop or two of blood on the thorny branches.
The people of Reyl regard Precursors favorably. Everyone in the city incorporates their names into slang (“Precursors, save us.”) and will speak of them with reverence, but they are far from fanatical. There are no temples, no churches, or anything for the purpose of worship. There is one statue within the castle Garden’s that is dedicated to the Precursor Rhea, who takes the shape of a fox-like creature with a long tail.
You may find small altars for Rhea in the nearby forest made of sticks and twine. Travelers will often put berries, coins, or other small offerings on these altars in the hopes of securing safe passage.
The forests surrounding Reyl is extremely dangerous. They harbor large black birds, massive speckle-furred cats with fangs as long as a man's arm, and huge red-and-black Direwolves. Traveling through the forest is perilous because of these creatures mixed with the frequent snowfalls. It’s advised to always travel in well-armed groups!
For years on end, the Kingdom of Reyl has been in conflict with its neighbors on either side - but moreso with the Skyline to the East. Even so, the people here seem welcoming enough to strangers. (Even if the same can’t be said for their leaders...). As long as you act welcoming enough, people here are likely to return your mannerisms in kind. They’re simple people who simply want to live their lives and raise their families.
While other locations in Abystine are broken into multiple smaller locations, Reyl is one large kingdom surrounded by a forest. The outside barrier walls are made of gray stone with the odd green decorative pattern, and the buildings that make up the village are made of straw, mud, or rocks. Of course, the quality and cleanliness of the area will depend on what part of town you venture into.
The city is divided into four areas: Castle Area, High Town, Mid Town, and Low Town. Each area is associated with a certain class of people. (Royals, High class, Middle Class, and Low class, respectively.)
[ More about the Castle Area...]
The Castle Area
Reyl castle hosts the royal family and members of the court. It is a spiral castle that has been constructed around the Sealing Gate, making the gate invisible to all those outside. Only those with an intimate knowledge of the castle would know about its existence, and even less who would know about its intended purpose.The main spire of the castle towers above High Town. It’s rather impractical in design given that its thin construction makes higher areas in the spire unusable for anything but storage.
Outside of the main spire is a beautiful castle covered in winter foliage and frozen falls. Small firepits will dot walkways and halls which will make the chilly castle feel like it’s spring even on the coldest nights.
Reyl is currently ruled by Prince Terrance and a panel of advisors. Terrance is new enough to the throne that he has not reached his coronation day. Asking around will reveal that he was recently placed in power after the untimely death of his family at the hands of assassins. Perhaps that would explain the royal's notable standoffish nature.
Castle Locations
The Grand Ballroom - The ballroom used for parties, celebrations, and anything else the royal family desires. Attendance to these events are by invitation only. In recent years, the Grand Ballroom has become a vacant storage room. It sits as a constant reminder of how the war has impacted the welcoming mentality of the royals in particular.Frozen Falls Gardens - Outside of the Castle are the infamous Frozen Fall Gardens. This waterfall is said to be constructed by the hands of a Precursor, and that’s why the ice here never melts. It’s surrounded by lush winter plants and exotic winter flowers. A sight to behold!
This location has a carved marble statue of the Precursor, Rhea, on display in the Gardens. She resembles a fox with a long tail and multicolored eyes.
[ More on High Town...]
High Town
High Town is as literal a name as could be - it’s the Higher Class part of the town that is constructed on a raised platform to overlook the rest of the city (sans the castle). Here, houses are large and made of elaborate stone and stained wood. The area is gated with heavy Iron Fences and a small number of guards wander the quarters to ward off intruders or interfere with disturbances.Several high-class venues call this place home - bathhouses, exclusive clubs, high-class restaurants, and political halls. Outsiders are only welcome here by invitation or social graces and may not enter without invitation (Unless you feel like ducking the guards.)
When talking with the people in High Town, they will be welcoming, but you will also get the distinct feeling that they consider themselves “above” all others in every single way with many underhanded insults.
Specific Locations
Lytra Bath House - The Lytra bathhouse is the epitome of relaxation! They have several marble baths which offer basic bathing services, baths with additional spa treatments, and steam rooms for a full sauna experience. If you want to be pampered in the best way (and get caught up with the local gossip), this is the place you’ll want to be!The Doe and Stag - This is an exclusive open-air eatery for the cities most elite. Here, chefs will put their culinary skills on display in order to dazzle their patrons with exotic-looking food. It may look strange, but if one calls it “rare” and “exotic” the patrons will eat almost anything.
Tucked away in the corner of the restaurant is an exclusive section for VIPs - of which has been reserved for the Royal Family or other discerning guests. A guard stands perpetually at the doorway to block all from entering even if the room sits empty.
Messenia - This is a large amphitheater meant for debates or important political showings. It usually sits empty, and the most activity it sees are from children pretending that it is a place to put on plays.
[ More on Mid Town...]
Mid Town
One Level Down from Higher Class living is Mid-Town. This area hosts modest sized stone houses which people may wander up to freely without the trouble of dealing with guards. There are many popular venues in this district such as a theater, library, and several eating venues.The people here dress in modest fashion and have a reasonably welcoming attitude. They are far less condescending than those in High Town, but they will still slip in a condescending remark towards others now and again.
Specific Locations
Red Pine Theater - This theater sports a large indoor amphitheater with a generously sized stage. All the architecture is hand-carved and seems a little too high-class for Mid-Town. Rumor has it that it was commissioned for High Town and built in the wrong place. Whoops.)Frequent plays and musical numbers are performed here - many not requiring tickets in order to attend. With a little bit of social grace, they may even allow outsiders to perform artistic works of their choosing.
North Star Library - This large library features a domed ceiling made of copper. Within its walls are books of every genre. If you look hard enough, you may find books with contents that seem like they do not belong in this world. Tome after tome mention a “northern continent” that doesn’t exist or leaders that no one seems to remember. It’s certainly a curious mystery!
Stovehouse - Stovehouse is a collection of restaurants and taverns that have been built so close to one another that many think of it as its own large “house”, hence the name. Stovehouse features several restaurants of varying food types and two taverns - the most prominent among them being the “Sea Shanty” - a common place for drinks and weekend parties. The other tavern…most people don’t talk about the other tavern.
[ More on Low Town...]
Low Town
Low Town is home to the lowest class in the city. The homes are made of straw or mis-matched stones and are of dubious quality. Livestock such as goats, chickens, and pigs will often wander the streets unabated.However, the people in Low Town are generally the most welcoming in the city. Nothing to lose by being nice if you don’t have anything to your name, right? Any newcomers will find a fast friend in the company of Low Town.
Low Town features a plethora of markets and restaurants. It is the hub of commerce and trade within the city. As much as the High born dislike the lower class among them, even they will venture to Low Town in order to buy or sell items. There are also restaurants, bars, weapons stores, and many other stores with questionable wares.
Specific Locations
Viran Marketplace - All the wonders of the city are for sale in the Viran Marketplace. Clothes, weapons, street food, jewels, animals, and the like can be found here for a price! You’ll want to be extra careful of getting swindled or pickpocketed.Madame Morgan’s Many Mysteries - This mysterious madame offers many kinds of potions. She does not sell these potions for mere coin, so you will not have much success getting anything through normal means. It seems she seeks some other form of currency…
The Limping Horse - The Limping Horse is an area that travelers can obtain travel supplies and rent a horse or carriage. Their prices are reasonable, but the cheapest horse you can rent does have somewhat of a limp. The old story goes that the Horse was attacked by an enemy soldier and was too stubborn to die!
The owner of the Limping Horse is something of a tinkerer on the side. He may be willing to part with communication devices if you’d just arrived or happened to have lost yours along the way. These devices are not of the highest quality but they do function!
One-Armed Knight - This humble smithy will provide you weapons or armor for the right price! They have everything from small knives, blades, claymores, to full suits or armor. The more intricate pieces will cost you quite a bit of money.
The store owner will say that they must charge a high price in order to repair the roof that was damaged in a siege months prior - but asking around will reveal that the roof has been damaged for years upon years.
The Boo Gang - The Boo Gange are not a place, but they are infamous enough to bear mention. The Boo Gang is a gang of feral chickens that wander Low Town in search of food and mischief. They are known for wandering inside businesses and demanding (yes demanding) food or drink. The locals know it’s not a good idea to upset the Boo Gang.
Outside of the general districts and locations, there are a couple other items that may be of interest about the Kingdom of Reyl! That information is organized below.
[ Fashion...]
The people in Reyl dress much like a standard Mideval village. Lots of layered fabric, tunics, long skirts, robes, cloaks, and the like. Custom stitched clothing or more elaborate outfits are reserved for the highest class individuals.
Common colors for the Kingdom of Reyl are red and white with small turquoise accents. Turquoise jewelry is an especially fashionable item to have given how well it goes with red! But this clothing choice is not just a fashion statement, it also helps the people blend in with the red and white forest in the event they need to flee.
[ Food...]
The Kingdom of Reyl is a cold place. You know what that means: plenty of hearty soups, heavy breads or pastas and meat from cattle. Reyl's dishes are an assortment of hearty home-cooked meals that are filling and keep in the long winter months. Unfortunately, there long winters ensure that fresh produce is in short supply.
Those in Low Town also have a healthy assortment of livestock on hand. Eggs and chicken are a common staple in any kind of dish, and it makes chickens one of the most prized things in all of the city.
There is one food item that is a favorite for many locals, and that is the wonderfully sweet Bloodberries. Nearly all (good) deserts have bloodberries baked in. Bloodberries are small berries that come from thorny bushes that dwell deep in the forest. Don't fret too much over the name - it's a nickname coined from how anyone who picks them is bound to shed a drop or two of blood on the thorny branches.
[ A note on Precastats...]
The people of Reyl regard Precursors favorably. Everyone in the city incorporates their names into slang (“Precursors, save us.”) and will speak of them with reverence, but they are far from fanatical. There are no temples, no churches, or anything for the purpose of worship. There is one statue within the castle Garden’s that is dedicated to the Precursor Rhea, who takes the shape of a fox-like creature with a long tail.
You may find small altars for Rhea in the nearby forest made of sticks and twine. Travelers will often put berries, coins, or other small offerings on these altars in the hopes of securing safe passage.
[ A note on Wildlife...]
The forests surrounding Reyl is extremely dangerous. They harbor large black birds, massive speckle-furred cats with fangs as long as a man's arm, and huge red-and-black Direwolves. Traveling through the forest is perilous because of these creatures mixed with the frequent snowfalls. It’s advised to always travel in well-armed groups!