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A city floating in the center of a lake, Ravok is a place of dark beauty, romance and culture. Behind it all though is the presence of Rhysol, God of Evil and Betrayal. The city is controlled by The Black Sun, a religious organization devoted to Rhysol. [Lore]
When the war of the gods reigned down upon and ravaged the land, countless numbers of people lost their lives. Those that survived were forever changed. In the wake of the destruction, chaos and evil set in and took root. Of course this was all as Rhysol had planned. He reveled in the new world that he helped to create until one of his own followers, his greatest and most loved, The Voice, helped give birth to a new idea. As grand as chaos was, it would inevitably end as soon as the other gods renewed their own influences upon the world. The best way to counter this was to act in a way that none, not even the gods would expect.
Thus Rhysol revealed to The Voice, the location of a special landmark; a black shard found in the center of Lake Ravok. This shard had grown from the bottom of the lake at a point where a single drop of Rhysol's blood had fallen during his short but deadly conflict with Sylir. The shard was a direct link to Rhysol and thus could focus a bit of his divinity into the area surrounding it. The Voice traveled to Lake Ravok and constructed a temple around it. From that temple and with the help of her Druvin, she spread the word that Ravok was a place of safety, a place of protection from the chaos and uncertainty of the outside world. In the wake of the Valterrian, people looked for some sort of salvation and The Voice along with the yet young but growing religious organization offered just that. People began coming to the temple by boat or anything else they could find that floated. Over time, the hodgepodge of floating debris grew. The Voice and her disciples worked to educate and train the people how to survive. She helped provide them shelter and food and gave them new hope. This was of course all due to the mercy of Rhysol and by accepting help from The Voice, the people were accepting Rhysol into their lives.
Over the next few centuries, Ravok grew and flourished. Five hundred years after the Valterrian, Ravok is a city of art and culture; of religion and prosperity. While not everyone is wealthy and powerful, everyone who lives in the city and accepts Rhysol as their savior and protector finds that they are safe from war, safe from chaos and safe from the uncertainty that awaits them outside of their glorious city.
512 A.V.
Secret :
Spring
djed storm, destroying many structures in the city including a large portion of the Temple of the Black Sun.
Rumors of the Ravosalamen
The city of Ravok is a place of whispered secrets, shady back alley transactions, religious corruption, and rumors. There is one group of people above all except perhaps the spies of Rhysol himself, who speak only to their master, that hear and see the most, and that group is the Ravosalamen, the boat drivers who float the canals beneath the notice of most except for when they are employed for transport. They inhabit the watery passageways that infiltrate every portion of the city. They listen to the words of their passengers who so carelessly speak to one another and forget the Ravosalamen have ears. And they see the secret deeds that take place in the dark alleys next to their canals. On the surface their trade is legit enough, but for a price almost anything can be learned from these men who so few think to notice. These are their secrets, the rumors and truths whispered from one boatman to another when the day is done, ripe for the picking by those who would dare.
Whispers of the Ravosalamen
[*]Word is that a powerful individual has placed a sizeable bounty on a former Ravokian resident [*]Rumor has it the Rising Dawn is planning something to hit the city while it's down. [*]A Konti slave said to possess the ability to fullfill her master's every desire has just gone up for sale on the slave market [*]A few buildings in the city have been tagged with graffiti that reads, "The Dawn is Near" [*]Several Kelvics have escaped from the Kelvic Research Institution and the head researcher is offering a reward for their return. [*]Word is the wolves surrounding Ravok have grown more aggressive, but some say that is only the tip of the iceberg [*]The recipe to the Silver Sliver Tavern's famous Silver Sliver ale was stolen during the aftermath of the storm. The owners are offering a large reward for it's return, including free drinks for life.
Summer
Spring is over, but Ravok is still recovering from the effects of the Djed Storm of 512. The temple is still in ruins, though the framework for the smaller sections have been completed and walls will be going up over the course of the summer. There is much work to be had in construction as not only the temple, but many of the other structures in Ravok suffered damage as well. Most of the docks have already been rebuilt, and the Southern Trade Post is fully functional, but the Shipyard is low on ships and the Black Sun has sent riders to Zeltiva to request ship builders to come and help rebuild. Most of the shops and smaller structures that were damaged have already been repaired, but there is still some work to find there as well.
The Ebonstryfe will be very active over the summer and actively recruiting new members to replace their losses. The damage to the Temple didn't just affect the Black Sun, however, as much of the Vitrax was destroyed as well. All the Ebonstryfe are on edge, and violence has erupted more than a few times because a frustrated soldier decided to alleviate his stress on some poor unsuspecting citizen. Distrust for the governing bodies of Ravok has been on rise and, perhaps for the first time, the loyal Ravokian's are questioning the ways of their god and their rulers.
To counter this the Black Sun has started holding more sermons, held at the base of the tattered temple before the Black Shard for all to see. The Voice herself has made few appearances, and has not spoken at all, letting her Druvin do the preaching instead.
Beyond all this, rumors are abound of the Rising Dawn. It's members have graffitied various buildings with "The Dawn is Near" throughout the city, and are trying to spread dissent towards the government among the population. About two thirds the Ravokians see them as a nuisance or worse, trying to take advantage of poor people during poor times, but the remaining third has begun to listen to the whispers. More and more people are secretly turning against the Black Sun.
Overall, summer will be a time of rebuilding. While spring was spent in shock and trying to account for all the losses, the Ebonstryfe and Black Sun have managed to begin efforts to fix what was broken. Work is plentiful for anyone willing to try their hand at construction, and Ravok is well on its way to mending the damages done during the storm.
Fall
The Djed Storm of 512 has passed, and the city of Ravok has mostly recovered from the unexpected destruction. The temple, which was almost entirely destroyed during the storm, is complete and is set to officially reopen on the 41st day of the season. Things have finally gotten back to normal in Ravok, and it's citizens are excited to once again return to church and resume their worship of Rhysol.
In the east, a large contingent of Ebonstryfe and hired mercenaries make their way to the mysterious island of Sahova to recover an ancient artifact they believe rightfully belongs to the Defiler. Another army has been mustered within the city, numbering somewhere around three hundred Ebonstryfe, twenty Dravlak, and a large number of mercenaries totaling to around five hundred all included. That army marched out on the tenth of fall, headed to attack the city of Syliras.
Furthermore, the Voice has finally returned to Ravok, or so everyone believes. She is said to make her appearance on the day the temple reopens, and there isn't a Ravokian alive that isn't excited to see their mother make her return. She had been missing since the Storm, and many had begun to fear she did not survive, but the Druvin continue to assure everyone that she is alive and well.
Overall, it looks as if fall is going to be a good season for Ravok. The city has recovered, the Voice has returned, Ravok is about to obtain a powerful artifact, and the Ebonstryfe has finally made its move against Syliras. The populace is in a general good mood, and for once, everyone is happy. All of that will change on the day the Temple reopens.
Winter
After the attack by the Rising Dawn in the fall, Ravok was on high alert. Anyone even suspected of having connections to the terrorist organization was arrested and taken to the dungeons for questioning. Though they managed to fend off the attack against the temple itself, many slaves from the market were freed in the attack, and the CEB was destroyed, along with all of it's employment records. Other minor disturbances continued to occur throughout the fall, and into the winter, but since the major attack there had not been much overt activity from the rebel group.
With a large force of Ebonstryfe still away in search of the fragment, and a small army off fighting against Syliras, Ravoks resources were spread thin. The winter was to be a harsh one, and while the weather on the lake remained relatively mild as always, the shores and wilderness around the lake were buffeted with frequent snow storms and freezing weather. Not only did that make it difficult to resupply the army, but it also made it next to impossible for merchants to come to Ravok for trade. Luckily for the citizens, the lake was full of fish and plant life that they could eat, but anything from the Wildlands or from other cities was in high demand and hard to come by.
The Voice was returned to Ravok, and the people were glad for that, but for the most part it was the Druvin, Lazerin who took charge of the city and ran the day to day affairs. Normally The Voice would run things, or in her absence the Ebonlord Gru'tral took over command, but with Gru'tral away in Sahova and The Voice occupied with other matters, it fell to the head of the Lazerin family to rule the city. Lazerin was known to be a harsh man, and his laws were equally harsh. Throughout the winter the hunt for those tied to the Rising Dawn continued, and many were captured. Public executions were held every twenty days, and often included torturous displays and speeches by various members of the Ebonstryfe and Black Sun.
With the CEB destroyed, temporary laws were implemented by Lazerin to handle employment in the city. Employment and salary was to be handled privately by employers, rather than relying on the government to handle such things. No longer were all citizens of Ravok guaranteed work and it would be on their own merit, and not the command of the CEB, that they would keep their jobs. That meant that visitors to Ravok would find it even more difficult to get jobs, since employers rarely hired outsiders without the request of the CEB.
Slave owners were hit hard as well. Because of the Rising Dawn's tendency to recruit slaves and have them work as spies, any slave caught misbehaving in any way while in public risked immediately being arrested by the city guard and taken to the Vitrax for interrogation. Slave owners were required to keep their records up to date, and all slaves were required to make sure their brand was visible at all times, no matter where it was placed on their body. Any slave caught hiding their brand was immediately arrested and taken in for interrogation. The owners of slaves who were found to be spies, whether it was true or not, were required to pay a hefty fine as well, and possibly even be subject to the same interrogation as their slaves. The price of a well behaved slave skyrocketed, but at the same time the demand for slaves dropped due to the risk they now posed.
Lazerin ruled with an iron fist, but at the same time, he was no fool. For every Ebonstryfe that patrolled the street, there were members of the Black Sun preaching the good name of Rhysol to the city's people. Citizens of Ravok who were in need of food or housing as a result of the harsh times were provided for by the Temple, and given what they needed to survive. The executions were not a somber affair, but a celebration in Rhsyol's name with plenty of free food and ale to go around. While the Ebonstryfe worked hard to weed out traitors in the city, the Black Sun worked equally hard to keep the people happy.
Overall, the winter season was to be a hard one. While the Black Sun did the best they could to help its people, Lazerin's rule was harsh, and everyone could feel it. There was not one Ravokian that wasn't looking forward to the coming of Spring and the new year.
513 A.V.
Secret :
Spring With the coming of Spring came a new year for Ravok, and the end of a very harsh winter. Over the winter the temple had been rebuilt once again, and it reopened on the first of the year without any incident. Lazerin's harsh rule abated somewhat as the Rising Dawn retreated further into hiding. For the most part, things were relaxing. There was even word that soon the Ebonlord, Gru'tral, would be returning to the city.
There were still traces of the Rising Dawn attack, however, and the CEB had still not been rebuilt. While the Black Sun and Ebonstryfe did begin helping out with some employment arrangements, for the most part people were still required to find jobs themselves. The strict rules on slaves had not been lifted either. All slaves were still required to have their brand displayed at all times, no matter its location. Any slave caught hiding their brand was automatically captured and taken in for questioning by the Ebonstryfe. If they were found to be spies, they were publicly executed, and their owners were charaged a hefty fine, as well as being questioned themselves. The demand for slaves in Ravok was still low, making it hard for slavers to make money, and they began seeking revenue sources outside the city.
Overall, spring was to be a season of recovery, as well as political machinations. The people of the city finally began to relax again. The weather in the forests surrounding the lakes finally calmed down, allowing hunters to go out and collect fur and food for the city once more. Things were getting back to normal. In the political arena there were whispers of things to come. Diplomats from other cities had been seen in Ravok, and there were rumors of alliances and other things, but only a privelaged few knew the true details behind it all. Things were peaceful once more in the city, but there were many who worried it was just the calm before the storm. Only time would tell.
Summer The Summer during the year 513 AV in Ravok was mostly peaceful. The weather was nice, not too hot or humid, even outside the protection of the city itself, and the hunters and fishermen were bringing in large hauls of food. Gru'tral and his army had finally returned to the city, and everyone was in relatively high spirits.
Peace was only a surface condition, however. For those in the political know, it was far from peaceful. With Gru'tral back, he would technically reassume control of the Ebonstryfe in the city, and on the surface, that is what happened. But behind the scenes, Lazerin was resisting. He did not want to give up his newfound power, and the Ebonlord was caught off guard by the support the other Druvin had acquired.
The major families of Ravok took note of this as well, though it was yet to be seen who would back who. Of course the Lazarin family was going to back their patron, but their were still other powers in Ravok that might tip the balance. As for Rhysol himself, he seemed content to let the two druvin duke it out. As for the Voice, her presence was still lacking in the city, as it had been ever since the Djed Storm of 512. There were even rumors floating about that perhaps the Voice had abandoned Ravok. Of course any member of The Black Sun would deny it, but people were beginning to notice that she no longer seemed to have a hand in the governing of Ravok.
Fall
The Fall season of 513 was a rainy one, though of course the city itself experienced very little of of the actual rain. As usual, Rhysol's protection only allowed for near perfect weather conditions, but the shores and wilderness surrounding Lake Ravok were constantly peppered with small storm after storm.
The city itself was a buzz with excitement. The Ebonstryfe had grown very aggressive in it's hunt to root out and destroy the Rising Dawn. A number of small raids, some quiet, some in broad daylight were carried out throughout the season. Rumor had it, the leader of the Rising Dawn had been captured, and most assumed the interrogation masters in the Ebonstryfe were getting as much information as they could out of her before finally executing her. The execution itself was scheduled for the 85th.
Lazarin and Gru'tral were still at odds with one another, but in the hunt for the Rising Dawn both were more focused in proving who could wipe out the most rebels rather than actually fighting with each other. It was almost a friendly competition between the two Druvin.
Another event took place near the middle of the season, one that was kept quiet, though there are always whispers in Ravok and nothing is ever completely secret. A group of Nuit arrived on the 65th, though none know their purpose, and they were said to be carrying a number of valuable artifacts. The Nuit were taken into the city aboard Ebonstryfe boats and nobody is certain if they were ever seen again.
Winter
Compared to the rainy season of Fall, Winter has it's own interesting events. With the delayed Rising Dawn execution comes numerous other problems, including a small riot afterwards from those displeased with Rhysol's reign. However, overall, the city is quite quiet and calm, with only a few surprising events to excite the season.
4th: Execution of the Rising Dawn (Postponed from Fall) 8th: Small riot against the Rising Dawn execution: all participants 'dealt with' 14th: Several slaves escape from a rich merchant's household - quickly captured and punished 20th: Merchants from afar arrive! They refuses to say where they came from, but their caravan sells many wondrous goods! 23rd: Two of the merchants are murdered in their sleep by an unknown killer 25th: Murder found and captured 31st: An improvised dance performance occurs in the Nitrozian plaza: very popular, with a huge crowd. 41st: Seeing their first success, the performers from the 31st do another act - this one is even better than the last 47th: A minor flu hits the poorer areas, and many fall sick. Symptoms 50th: Flu clears up 51st: A third performance occurs. However, during this one, a fight breaks out that ends in a full-scale brawl containing huge amounts of Ravokians. It takes the Ebonstryfe the rest of the day to calm them down. 59th: Remarkably, the flu hits the Nitrozians, Lazarins, and Larks even worse than before. 64th: Most of the Nitrozians, Larks, and Lazarins recover from the flu. 72nd: A Bloodbane escapes from the Lakeside Stables. It succeeds in eating a rabbit and a mink before being re-captured. 85th: The House of Immortal Pleasures has half prices for the evening: Enjoy! 88th: A man attempts to preach Rhysol's death: He manages to drive three Ravokian men crazy. The Ebonstryfe quickly catch and kill him, however. The other three men, in turn, jump into the lake and sink.
514 A.V.
Secret :
Spring
The new year starts off on a good note, but quickly strange rumors start. People claim to spot the fin of a gigantic fish in the water repeatedly, and the gossip spreads quickly. However, slowly decreasing fish stocks (and rising prices), plus odd bird behavior, give substance to the 'myth'. Is there really something out there? Where did it come from? Some even claim that the thing is real, and that it was sent by Laviku and Makutsi as a curse to the city. 1st: The new season and year is celebrated with a giant mass in the Temple of the Black Sun. 3rd: The Ravosalamen of the city take a day off. The city falls into disorder for the day, because of the lack of transportation. 8th: Rumors of a large fish that lives in the depths of the lake begin. 14th: A few Ebonstryfe hold a weapons display. 20th: A fisherman claims to catch the 'monster'. However, calls of sightings of the huge fish still occur. 32nd: Fishermen seem to have steadily smaller catches. To prove this, fish prices are raised by a copper miza. 40th: The Lakebirds that usually float in the middle of Lake Ravok are seen in larger numbers in and around the city, and at the Lakeshore. Rumor says that they are avoiding the lake. Some even claim it's the monster fish that's the cause. 47th: The Malt House faces a violent burglary in the night. For three days after, an Ebonstryfe soldier watches the building, occasionally interrogating patrons. 50th: The Larks host the first Lakeshore Spring Fair! Many citizens participate in the fun. 66th: A pair of hunters claim to have found Alahean ruins on the shore 67th: Several members of the Ebonstryfe set out to investigate it, and come back remarkably quickly. 68th: An expedition is held to investigate this strange new location. To have a more rounded group, the Black Sun invites citizens to join in. (Quest!) 80th: The fishermen of the city bring in three meager catches in a row. Citizens begin to worry about a possible food shortage, if it continues. 91st: A few Ravosala boats, along with their occupants, disappear from the canals mysteriously.
Summer
This season is one of more turmoil than most. The rumors of a great monster fish underneath the city begin to look more like truth than fantasy, with more sightings and damage caused. At one point in the season the Black Sun declare it an actual creature, and a threat to the city. Most people by that time are panicking, fearing for their lives. Still, little human damage (with the exception of slaves and non-citizens) is done for quite some time, though every missing person is blamed on the monster.
The city begins to restrict access to all water after numerous incidents, starting with shutting down ferries to the shore. Only some of the sturdiest fishing boats are used to transport people to and from the mainland, and only when urgent. The only Ravosalas that operate are in smaller canals, where the fish –being so large- is less likely to attack. On top of that, many other things become quite chaotic. Fish is still at a limit, meaning raised prices all around and challenges with food stocks. The richer citizens are fine, but those in the lower class have trouble. As well, a strange group of men begin hunting down non-citizens and ‘feed them to the beast’, in order to sate it’s everlasting hunger.
Since a huge staple in the Ravokian diet is missing, other food prices rise to balance out. Many people have less money to spend on more trivial things, and stores focusing on luxury items falter. There is a general price increase, so everything in life is more expensive… especially the Ravosala. Even to the very, very wealthy… fish are hard to come by. Due to this, all prices are 20% higher than normal, from food to services. Living expenses will be 20% higher as well.
2nd - A group of Black Sun members spot the fish. They declare it an actual threat, and not a monster 3rd - The Black Sun begins buying slaves with the ability to swim, apparently to explore the lake and identify the fish 6th - Despite the season being Summer, the temperature seems to refuse to rise, staying at temperatures more normal to mid-Spring. 8th - The swimming-slave project is abandoned, due to numerous deaths and injuries 8th - The Soup House announces that, despite the rising prices, they will not change their prices. However, bowls are slightly smaller, and never filled to the brim. There are also no fish products, and rarely any meat. 10th - A ferry is nearly capsized on its way back from the shore. Due to the danger, trips are only run once every three days, starting the day after. 11th - In response, the Ravosalas restrict their own movement to smaller, tighter canals, and raise prices due to the ‘employee danger’. 19th - One man starts marketing his ‘fish supplement’, a liquid colored like fish flesh. It’s quite a hit. 22nd - The House of Immortal Pleasures has a new whore... rumour has it that her beauty means she must be descended from the Gods. 28th - The fish supplement is quickly disproven, when it is discovered that it is simply colored and flavored lake water. Strangely, some still continue to buy it, though at a lower cost. 34th - Hunters return to the city and boast a good haul of deer; people clamour to buy something other than vegetables and wheats. 47th - The temperature slowly rises, growing hotter than usual in the summer 51st - A small gang-like group called the ‘Fish Feeders’ begin specifically targeting non-citizens, who were already at risk in the first place. They shove them into the lake to drown, in order to feed the monster. 54th - The Fish Feeders publicly feed a non-citizen to the monster. The Ebonstryfe and Black Sun do absolutely nothing… As long as citizens are not in danger, of course. 56th - The heat reaches an extreme point (for Ravok, that is), but then quickly decreases after two days of heavy summer storms. 61st - A man runs screaming into the Healing Hand, with a bleeding stump instead of an arm. He claims that the monster bit it off. 64th - A shooting star is spotted by many over the city... people believe it is an omen from Rhysol - that he will help them destroy the monster. 78th - Just to add to the chaos, there is a breakout in the KRI. Luckily, due to the lack of transport to and from the facility, the damage isn’t much, and it is eventually put down. [Quest] 79th - In an attempt to fight the monster, the Ebonstryfe begins stationing more soldiers around the city. However, these would be mostly ineffective against such a great beast, so citizen and Black Sun reimancers – especially water reimancers - are employed to aid in the cause. Anyone that wishes to help is generally accepted. 82nd - The Distillery sells bottles at half price, as do Tarsin's Boarding House and The Malt House. 83rd - In an effort to raise the spirits of the citizens of the city, taverns and entertainment troops arrange a night of dancing, music and revelry for all to enjoy. The event unexpectedly continues for two additional days and nights.
Fall
Citizens that had any hope of the threat in the water dissipating will find their hopes quickly dashed. Catches of fish remain as sparse as they had been in the Summer season and the price of food remains high to reflect the struggle that Ravok is experiencing. Hunters leave the city for longer periods of time in the hopes of returning with more fruitful bounties, in order to meet the new, higher demand for meat. Crops of cattails and lily pads are also high, and more workers are called in to work the fields. Because of the extra workers, expenses have dropped down to 10% higher than what was once normal.
In the city proper, more and more people, citizens and otherwise, descend upon the Temple of the Black Sun daily to pray to the Defiler for freedom from the monster that lurks below the clear waters of Ravok. Some prayed for forgiveness, believing themselves to have done wrong against their patron. Ferries to the shore are still limited, and only those sanctioned by the Black Sun (and thus protected by Rhysol) are safe from the Fish.
The Ivyess
With the plentiful waters of Lake Ravok, Freshwater Ivyess have made their homes in the vast lake. For years, decades, they have survived undisturbed, living and feeding as required and they, in turn, did not affect the citizens of the city above the lake. It was not until the end of the Fall season in 513AV when the first of the unknown Dhani race left the water for the sanctuary that dry land could offer.
It was the monster, or monsters, the fish who lived in the depths of Lake Ravok, who drove the Ivyess away from their home. Trout and other small fish were not the only prey of the larger predators; the Dhani were being hunted too. So they left. Those old enough took human forms and joined the city and the shores, fitting in as seamlessly as any non-citizen might. During the season of Winter, and then the Spring and Summer following in the next year, even more arrived. Some who left the water did not remain in Ravok, and travelled to other cities, but those who remained did grow in number.
The season of Fall 514AV saw the largest influx of Freshwater Ivyess, as nothing seemed to stop the Fish. The Black Sun and the Ebonstryfe had far too much to deal with without having to worry about the slow surge of Dhani in the city, but the high numbers of new arrivals made it impossible for them to remain undetected. Despite the authorities ignoring the new presence, citizens were not impressed, and ostracised any with sibilance in their speech. The xenophobic Ravokians, who were already frightened and angry, grew violent when they learnt that more, unwelcome guests were living in their homes and eating their food.
A third of the way through the season, some of the Ivyess came to the Temple of the Black sun, and were met buy enraged and resentful silence. An Acolyte came out to greet the group, and treated them as though they were leaders, or spokespersons, even if they weren't. They offered their services to the Black Sun - they would transform into the Dhani or snake forms, and assist in any way they could to rid the city of the threat of the Fish. They wanted to leave the city, they wanted their home back.
3rd - The Institute of Higher Learning opens its doors to the non-paying public for one day only. [Requires Moderator Approval] 4th - Citizens begin to notice Dhani (specifically the Freshwater Ivyess) in higher numbers than ever before in the city. Some take longer than others, but by the tenth day, there is no denying their presence. 15th - A taster day in making one's own jewellery is offered at Gemmei's Engravings for just 5GM per person, and you can keep your jewellery! 21st - A mass prayer is organised for all citizens - all converge on the Temple of the Black Sun to pray to Rhysol for freedom from the monster in the water. All who don't attend are ostracised. 22nd - A small musical show is put on just outside Jester's Corner for any and all to watch. 24th - The illegal dealer, Tine's Exotic Goods, is investigated by the Ebonstryfe. 28th - Three citizens are killed when they attempt to travel ashore in a private boat. Rumours circulate that it was the work of the monster. 31st - A group of Ivyess spokespeople head to the Temple of the Black Sun to offer assistance against the Fish ruining everyone's homes. 35th - Rain begins to fall, and continues for nine solid days, with only a few bells of clear skies, yet the hot weather continues, so the humidity rises to uncomfortable levels. The banks of the lake rise and the Outpost floods slightly. 37th - There is a riot at the Healing Hand when a non-citizen is refused service. The Ebonstryfe is quickly called to calm the situation and remove the instigators. 41st - Fog wraps itself around the lake. All ferries and ravosalas are suspended for the day and the day after, in fear that the monster might strike at the opportunity. 56th - In order to convince citizens to cross the lake, the masseuses at the Ravokian Baths offer free massages for those who have paid for entry into the facilities. 59th - An impromptu busking performance turns into a friendly competition in acrobatics, even citizens take part. 63rd - High winds and thunder keeps most of the city awake through the early hours of the morning. 74th - A catch of fish is brought to the city; it's not comparable to the large harvests of the past, but it is more than has been seen in recent times. The fish are sold within a bell. 85th - For some, unknown, reason, the Bell Tower stops ringing out the time of day.
Winter
For the first time in a number of seasons, citizens and visitors alike have the chance to be free of the tyranny of the "Monster" that lurks in Lake Ravok's deep waters. On the 6th day of the season, a group of Ivyess Dhani come together with citizens in order to rid the city of the threat of the fish.
Desite any success they might have, catches of fish remain as sparse as they had been in the Summer and Fall seasons (as the waters need time to replenish what was lost) and the price of food remains high to reflect the struggle that Ravok is experiencing. Hunters continue to leave the city for longer periods of time in the hopes of returning with more fruitful bounties, in order to meet the new, higher demand for meat. Crops of cattails and lily pads are also high, and extra workers are called in to work the fields. Many of these new workers are the fishermen that have found themselves out of work. Because of the extra workers, expenses remain at 10% higher than what was once normal.
2nd - 'Terror in Stormhold? ': News of a powerful magic attack striking Syliras reaches Ravok. As widespread chaos, death, and looting ensues in the city of Order, The city of Chaos revels. 3rd - Surprisingly, the temperature drops within the city itself. During early morning bells, the windows on some buildings frost over. 6th - A group of selected citizens are invited to assist Ravok's visitors in ridding the city of the Fish. 7th - The Seasonal Open Day of the Kelvic Research Institute. 9th - An infant from a poor family in the Docks dies; it is suspected that poor insulation was the cause. 12th - 17th: Dry and heavy wind. Particularly bad on the 16th, where numerous ferries to the shore are cancelled with the possibility of tipping. 18th - The NMSS is broken into. The on-site Laboratory is ransacked and some equipment damaged, as well as medicines being stolen. The Ebonstryfe do only a little to discover the perpetrators. 25th - The Ivyess visitors no longer work so hard to hide their identities. Though they are met with fear and apprehension, none are injured. 31st - The first of the winter snow begins to fall on the east banks of Lake Ravok. 35th - All music stores are selling their wares with 10% off the normal price! 43rd - Rhysol blesses his city with a few days of warmth. 54th - A night of revelry is offered outside the Malt House, with minstrels and buskers coming to entertain the drunken masses. 55th - A man is found floating in a canal not far from the Malt House. Rumours spread like wildfire around the city of the causes*... a quick examination shows the cause of death to be drowning, post-intoxication. 67th - The flu is reported in the northern area of the Docks and begins to spread to the Merchant's Ring. 75th - The Stryfe finally discover who is responsible for the NMSS break-in. The three individuals are publicly punished... with removal of their left hands. Some reparations are also paid. 81st - The Black Sun decrees that ferry travel will return to normal. More ferries will be leaving both ports. 87th - For the first time in a number of seasons, a decent haul of fish is brought in by the remaining fishermen. 92nd - The canals of Ravok light up as all mourn and celebrate the Valterrian... and most praise Rhysol's rise to power.
515 A.V.
Secret :
Spring Whether or not the Fish Monster was destroyed on the 6th day of the Winter season is still under debate, but none in the city can deny that there have been no verifiable sightings of the Fish. The more devout and optimistic in the city are adamant that the creature is gone, and have returned to the lives they led before they were first terrorised by this beast. Others, those who enjoyed fuelling the rumours over the past three seasons, continue to do so, constructing new stories of disappearances or deaths.
There are signs that the Fish has been destroyed, however - catches of fish, particularly trout, become more substantial. They are still smaller than they were a year ago, but this season sees the biggest catches in a long while. Concerned about opportunity fishing, only a limited amount of fishermen were allowed to fish the waters of Lake Ravok, to ensure the fish were given a chance to grow in number once again.
1st - Revelry for the New Year carries on long into the night and through the day. 3rd - Tarsin’s Boarding House suffers the effects of a brawl between a group of Ivyess Dhani and non-citizens. The Ebonstryfe are called and all are fined for the damage. 7th - The seasonal Open Day at the Kelvic Research Institute. 12th - A fire breaks out at the Citizen Registration Office. It is quickly distinguished, but the Ebonstryfe suspect that it was deliberate, and search for the arsonist. 17th - The Lake slowly begins to warm, and woollen winter cloaks are exchanged for thinner garb. 19th - Black Waters offers basic training in massaging for citizens and slaves of Ravok, for only 5gm. 22nd - The Healing Hand closes for the day, having shortages on herbs and remedies. The NMSS thus becomes far more busy as patients flock elsewhere. 23rd - The Odds and Ends shop discovers a surplus of linen and sells it for a third off the regular price. 36th - Thorin’s Forge offers a basic welding course for beginners, for 7gm. 38th - Heavy rainfall lasts for five days, destroying some walk-ways around the city. 40th - Some trade is lost or slowed due to the adverse weather conditions on the Lakeshore. 42nd - Funel’s Ink is investigated following the necrotising of a customer’s flesh after receiving a tattoo. 49th - Once again, the Malt House and Tarsin’s Boarding House sell whisky at half price, in unison with the High Spirits Distillery. 53rd - Surprisingly, the temperature of the city drops for a day. 60th - Lakebirds are seen less and less frequently in the city, as they return to their natural home over Lake Ravok. 68th - A display of stringed instruments is funded by the Nitrozian Plaza by the residing family, pulling in a wide audience. 69th - A bad infection of colds and flus flies through the city, and is traced back to the House of Immortal Pleasures, which loses business as it has to close its doors to allow the girls to recover. 74th-79th - Heavy winds mean that a few ferries to and from the Lakeshore are cancelled, when one vessel is capsized. 17th - The Ebonstryfe holds a weapons display in front of the Temple of the Black Sun. 78th - Following the weather retuning to normal, The Black Sun decrees that the ferry schedule returns to the frequency that it had approximately a year ago, before the threat of the Monster restricted their travel. 81st - Most Fishermen leave their temporary jobs to return to the waters, hopeful that the Monster really has been defeated, and that their work might be successful. 89th - Taverns and canteens are filled with citizens as the first substantial shipment of trout reaches the city. For the first time, people believe the Monster has been destroyed. 91st - The final day of the season shows an uncharacteristic fog setting over the city and lake.
Summer
No one is ever happy unless they are complaining about something, and the general Ravokian public are no different. Now that there have been no sightings of the Fish in almost two seasons, the rumours of new sightings are generally ignored. But small-minded people need something to gossip about, and they have found it in the fires and deaths.
Catches of fish, particularly trout, improve once again. They are still smaller than they were a year ago, but this season sees the biggest catches in a long while. Concerned about opportunity fishing, only a limited amount of fishermen were allowed to fish the waters of Lake Ravok, to ensure the fish were given a chance to grow in number once again. And there is also a large haul of deer brought into the city by hunters. No one goes hungry this season.
1st - News of the beginnings of a new Outpost on the Lakeshore becomes common knowledge. With the promise that it will increase Ravok's trade and wealth, many clamour to assist in the project. 5th - A fire rages through, destroying the owner's personal bedroom, though it is suspected that an arsonist was targeting his lab. 7th - The seasonal Open Day at the Kelvic Research Institute. 10th - Light showers of rain occur sporadically over this day and the three following. 16th - The Silver Sliver Tavern sees a bar fight, ending in the death of a Freshwater Ivyess Dhani. All involved are arrested. 19th - The largest catch of fish so far since the Fish is brought into the city, though officials warn fishermen that the lake needs time to repopulate. 25th - All those held on involvement of the brawl 9 days previously are fined and released. 26th - The temperature slowly rises, though a light breeze continues to mask some of the heat. 36th - Another fire affects the city, this time blazing though the top floor of the Institute of Higher Learning. It is eventually put out, but the damage is severe. 42nd - The Bath House on the Lakeshore closes for four days when a slave girl reports that the water of the hot bath is nigh on black. 45th - The first stage of the Northern Outpost is completed, with foundations and docks, as well as some buildings 49th - The second stage of the Northern Outpost begins. This will see the creation of certain areas, as well as fortifications and defences added. Date - A minstrel sings tales of Sylir's amazing feats to an irate audience in the Malt House. It lasts for approximately half a bell before Ebonstryfe soldiers quickly remove the girl. 79th - An Agent of the Black Sun is found stabbed and scorched behind the House of Immortal pleasures. The Black Sun attempt to quell any rumours. 87th - The bodies of three men are found floating in a narrow canal of the Docks. The terrified populace, believing the Fish isn't dead, are reassured by Acolytes of Rhysol.
Ravok is the most northern settlement in the Sylira region. The most unique aspect of the city is that it is built in the center and on the surface of a vast lake which also gets its name from the city; Lake Ravok. The buildings of Ravok are constructed on wood piles, spaced very close to one another. Due to the nature of their placement and construction, the wood does not decay over time and is said to be as strong as stone. Building foundations rest on the wood piles while brick, stone and wood buildings rest upon the footings. Canals offer the main form of transportation throughout the city while small bridges connect upper levels and docks on the lower ones to allow foot traffic. Protected by its location, Ravok offers a home for those wishing to escape the chaos of the post-Valterrian world. It is also the home of The Black Sun, the main religious organization serving, Rhysol, the God of Evil.
The lands around Ravok Lake feature no specific roads of travel. As such varieties of forests riddled with marshes surround the southern parts of Ravok. In areas to the west and east are mountainous terrains with jagged and strange rock formations.
Ravok is a city of immense beauty and romance shadowed with darkness and corruption. Built to effectively float upon the water, a spiderweb of canals both large and small, weave their way between buildings like roads. One may access nearly all buildings via a canal; many of which actually run through the lower levels of various structures. Most people move around the city via bridges connecting various buildings to one another, over one of the many docks or of course by traveling down a canal aboard a Ravosala; a long, slender, elaborately carved boat steered by a pilot wielding a long pole.
From the mainland, Ravok is only accessible by boat as there are no bridges or other connections linking the city to anywhere else. There are a series of forts and trading posts located at various points around the lake which offer authorized transport to and from the city. Traveling from the shore takes a long time, averaging at 10 knots it can take anywhere from three to four bells to reach the city, even longer for slower ships.
The main form of travel for citizens to and from the city is by Water Glider, a special boat built by the Ravokians known for its speed. These boats consist of two or three hulls joined together, and often have a netted "deck" for passengers to lounge on during transit. The boats are built for speed, easily reaching 10 knots in average wind conditions, though they have been known to reach max speeds of up to 30 knots with enough wind. It is approximately 40 miles from the nearest point on the shore to the docks.
Local Travel
Ravok is a relatively small city in comparison to others, in that it is rather compact. It is built on floating platforms all bound together with ropes and other, more secure, forms of binding. While there are walkways and bridges, there are many locations accessible only by water. These locations are accessed by the canals, the openings between the platforms that the buildings float on that crisscross throughout the city. Ravosala, gondola-like boats, are the only form of water transportation allowed on the canals, and are largely piloted by the Ravosalamen, though it is possible to own your own Ravosala and pilot it yourself. The Ravosala are moved through the water using long poles to push off the buildings on either side, allowing the boats to glide along through the canals. It is not possible to push off the bottom of the canal.. unless you have a pole that can reach about five hundred feet down to the ground below the water.
Trying to walk from one end of the city is much slower than taking a ravosala, because not every platform connects to every platform around it. Sometimes a person would be required to take a very roundabout route just to reach a platform right next to the one they are standing on, simply due to there not being a bridge connecting those two together. It is much easier to simply take a boat and pay the boat keeper a minimal fee. These fees are considered part of your living expenses in Ravok.
The other aspect of local travel involves those with professions that take them outside of the city. The main reason I am bringing this up is because I often see characters who will leave the city for a few hours, go kill a deer or two, then come back all in the same day. Unless you are very lucky, this is not a very efficient way of doing things. Traveling from the shore to the city, or vice versa, can take as long as four bells (hours) depending on wind conditions and the type of ship. The average is about 3 bells, though particularly fast or magical ships might get you there in two. Also, most captains will not sail at night, so you can usually only travel to and from the city from dawn until dusk.
So.. leaving the city is a long trip. Using the hunter example again, because they are the most common travelers to and from the city, if you woke up early (let's say 6a.m.), it would be 10a.m. by the time you reached the shore. Then you would actually have to go out an hunt.. that is usually an all day affair, but let's say you got lucky. You hunted for five hours, and made it back to the docks by 3p.m. Then you took a boat back to the city, another four hours, and finally made it back by 7p.m, just in time for dinner. So you spent 8 hours on a boat, and five hours hunting.. that really isn't very productive. Most hunters should expect to spend at least one night outside the city if they want to be effective hunters. This goes for almost any profession though.. most of your day will be wasted traveling, so it would be best to make plans for extended trips when heading for the shore. This season I plan to make several new lakeside locations, including an inn, to make this easier, but the time constraint is not something you can get around. And it is highly unlikely that you can make multiple trips to and from the city in one day.. unless you are hiring a private boat, or using your own maybe. But even so, you would be spending a whole lot of time out on open water.
Long Distance Travel
Lake Ravok is miles away from the nearest city, nestled in the center of a dangerous forest filled with wolves, bears, and other monsters. There are no official roads to Ravok, only game trails and various land marks used by those who know where to find them. One can also come from the North, taking the sea route, but there is no official landing spot along the northern shores of the Sylira region, and after that it is still a few days travel to the lake.
One might ask, why does anyone visit Ravok at all? In truth, not many merchants do and Ravok is highly self sustained, but those that do visit find themselves generously rewarded and rarely leave the city without their purses heavier than when they arrived. Traveling merchants are perhaps the only outsiders to Ravok that are welcomed with open arms.
Any trek to or from Ravok should be undertaken with the utmost caution. Your trip will likely take you an entire season, if not more, especially if you do not have a map or lores regarding the various trails and landmarks in the Wildlands. It is also dangerous to travel alone, so if you are planning a trip, it would be best to travel with a group. You will never find a merchant, or one alive anyway, that made the trek without an armed guard to escort him.
Overall, travel to Ravok is dangerous, there are no roads to guide your way, and it takes a really long time. Be careful when considering this, remember to bring plenty of gear, and don't go alone.
Ravok is not a dank, dirty cesspool of crime and disgust. It is a beautiful city, safe if you know where to go and what to do and the people are filled with a sense of pride for their home. Even the slaves, many of them educated, are proud (not all of them of course and certainly not right away). On the surface, the city looks and feels like an ideal place to live. Few, if any of the general population has any notion that Rhysol, The Black Sun or the Ebonstryfe are anything other than symbols of greatness, love and protection. The city is clean and the people are content. Of course there is so much more behind it all; so much more that takes place in the shadows and behind closed doors but overall, Ravok is alluring and exotic, luxurious and inviting.
It would not serve Rhysol or his faithful followers to present an image of darkness and evil. Thus Ravok would not be a city if people were not attracted to it in some way. I mean, who wants to live in a dirty, crime-filled cesspool of violence and filth? A beautiful city of luxury, excess that is safe, clean and where the people are proud is the perfect lure to bring others into the fold.
The most noticeable feature of Ravok is the simple fact that it is on a lake. All the buildings float on large platforms, since the bottom of the lake is much to deep to touch. In between houses and other buildings are canals, some wide, and some thin enough to jump across. There is the occasional bridge, but those are few and far between. An adventurous runner could make their way though the city by jumping over canals, or crossing over the thick ropes that tie most of the floating platforms together... lest they drift and the whole city falls apart. However, most citizens prefer travelling by Ravosala, taking the easy way through the city's canals.
The buildings themselves are made of a variety of materials, though mostly wood. This is because the resource is easy to find on the Lakeshore, and quite simple to transport, compared to stone, as well as the lighter nature of the material. They are tall and multi-story, to save as much space as possible, and create as much living or working area on a single floating platform. The roofs aren't too steep, and generally covered with wood, or shingles for the richer residents. The mild weather means that protection from the elements isn't as important.
Because the city is in the middle of a lake, vegetation is particularly... lacking. Window boxes are popular for those who want a little bright color around their houses, and there are a few gardens here or there, for generally practical reasons. A herbalist might have a small plot of (transported) soil behind their work so they can easily gather supplies without having to take the long trip to shore. The richer citizens also have the money to build gardens, but they are few and far between. There are no trees, period, as they require too much soil and space to be practical.
Though there are streets closer to the center of the city, including a large plaza, most ways of getting around (by foot) are taking small and thin paths between buildings and the canals. Sometimes there is no flat space between these, and buildings drop straight down into the water. Paths will abruptly end, sometimes crossing over on bridges, sometimes slipping through covered walkways between and under buildings. Getting from one point to another by foot can be a dizzying experience for even the most sensible Ravokian, and the way can turn into a labyrinth for any unwary newcomer.
Ravok is a relatively small city floating on a giant lake the size of an inland sea
Lake Ravok is as massive, covering almost 12,000 square miles in its entirety. It is 150 miles east to west, 75 miles north to south at its widest points. It averages anywhere from 200-300 feet deep, with some areas as deep as 1200 feet or more.
The city of Ravok is floating on a portion of the lake in its center that is about 500 feet deep at most points. This means that, unless you can breathe underwater, you will probably never touch the bottom.
The canals in Ravok are just as deep, they are not dug out or anything like that, but simply openings between buildings that boats can travel through.
The Ravosala's that are used to navigate the city propel themselves by pushing off buildings, posts, and even other boats. A ravosala cannot be used to reach the shore, unless you have a paddle, and even then it would take a very long time.
It takes an average of 3-4 bells to get from the Southern Trading Post to the docks.
A Stroll Through Ravok
Secret :
After gaining passage aboard the ferry at the Southern Trading Post, I stood quietly as the ferry; a large, shallow bottomed boat with a handful of oarsmen on either side, transported me across Lake Ravok. The lake itself was immense; I couldn't see the city from my vantage point just off the outer banks. More of a small sea than a lake, Lake Ravok was quite a sight. The water was calm near the shore though oddly enough, things did not grow tumultuous the further we traveled from land. It is said that Rhysol blesses the lake with calm waters; protecting the citizens of Ravok from the natural elements that could send them to a watery grave otherwise.
The ferryman was quiet as we traveled; I was one of a small handful of people traveling to the city. A citizen of Ravok, I enjoyed no small amount of respect when compared to a couple of the other people also on board the ferry. From what I learned at the Southern Trading Post, they were visitors of some sort. There was nothing all that special looking about them and I didn't really give them any further thought; I doubted they would last long enough in the city for me to even care to begin with.
I wasn't sure how much time had passed, an hour, maybe two when the first good view of the city was available. It was early morning and the sounds of the docks could be heard even before details could really be seen. As the ferry approached the docks, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty even though I had made the trip dozens of times for work at the Trading Post. Small trading vessels of various sizes; all designed to transport cargo to and from various points on the lake's outer shores, floated lazily in the water. A winding boardwalk lined the docks while white stone buildings lined the boardwalk. Taverns, various types of shops and a large host of people went about their daily routines as the ferry grew closer. Though I had to admit, the docks were a bit dirtier than other parts of the city, they were still beautiful in their own way. The white stone buildings complete with fancy balconies, vine covered entrance trellis' and the occasional carved stone pillar created a welcoming atmosphere to all who passed through.
The ferry approached a large stone bridge that spanned one of the main canals that offered a unique entry into the city. Essentially a floating city, Ravok was built from the remains of ships that gathered around a strange black shard that stuck up from the depths of the center of the lake. As word spread of the shard, more and more people came to see it and their ships were eventually used to create the foundation around the shard; the beginning of the Temple of the Black Sun. Over the centuries, the city grew with new structures being built upon old ones and wood mixing with stone. This unique process of construction created a city connected by canals as well as countless narrow streets and alleyways. Bridges of all sizes spanned the canals; offering numerous paths of travel throughout the city. The bridge the ferry passed under was one of the biggest ones. It was covered; the covering supported by an elaborate set of pillars that formed numerous archways along the top of the bridge. Once could see a pair of lovers embracing each other in a hug as they leaned against the stone inside one of the archways; looking out on the water.
A pair of Ravosalas; long, slender, elaborately carved boats steered by a pilot wielding a long pole, passed by the ferry as it slowly moved under the bridge. These were the main form of transport through the larger canals of the city. There was nothing quite like spending an evening cruising the canals with a young lady next to you; the soft light of the moon blanketing everything. How good it felt to be home.
The ferry then docked on the other side of the bridge. I took a step up from the ferry onto the boardwalk. A few passing people nodded to me with a couple of them flashing a soft smile; I was somewhat well known in the area. This was in contrast to the outsiders who garnered a few frowns and muttered comments as they too stepped onto the boardwalk. The previous night had been a long one and I was ready to get home and relax. It would take a while yet to get through the city and back home but I always enjoyed the trip. Walking down the boardwalk, I passed by various people from all walks of life. Merchants, street-peddlers, dock-workers, a handful of city guard, women, men, children, everyone went about their business as usual.
From behind, I heard a scream cut short. A quick glance over my shoulder showed one of the outsiders having their throat slit and the body drug off down an alleyway; served them right for not being more prepared. The people around me continued to go about their business as if nothing had happened. When I see things like that happen, I sometimes ask myself why I don't care more. That's about as far as my sympathy goes though. Outsiders, their not like the rest of us, they don't deserve to be here, they don't deserve Rhysol's grace. Moving past the docks, I crossed a small bridge spanning one of the smaller canals. There were a few people standing on the bridge conversing with one another. A young boy passed by one of the people on the bridge, a small hand quickly and quietly reaching into a pouch and pulling a couple coins out before the boy was darting off down a nearby alley. Ah, the joys of youth.
As I walked down the cobbled-stone road, I couldn't help but marvel at the buildings around me. To those not of Ravok, the city may look a bit cramped and crowded. To me and in fact to most citizens I knew, the roads were perfectly wide enough, the alleyways comforting as long as you knew where you were and weren't supposed to be. The tall buildings, their white wash, beautiful trellises and carved archways filled me with a sense of pride. I had heard outsiders at the Post sometimes comment, without having entered Ravok, that the city was a dank, dirty pit of crime. That it was filled with gambling, prostitution and all manner of debauchery. At those moments, it was obvious just how ignorant they really were.
Was Ravok free of all of those things? Of course not. We had our share of crime. If you're not a citizen, you have no rights in Ravok. You are not one of us so don't expect to be treated like one. If you are an outsider and become a victim of "crime", then you weren't as prepared as you should have been to enter our city. Did people gamble? Sure they did but don't they everywhere? The people in Ravok aren't all rich and powerful. We make our living the best we can, sometimes anyway we can. There were brothels, I had been to a few. They were clean, luxurious and welcoming; some even had their own healers and all had their own security just in case things got a little out of hand. I've even heard outsiders comment on slavery. They can't believe that slavery is allowed in the city. Slavery? Not everyone is born equal in this world. If you can't stand up for yourself, someone is going to stand ON you. It's just the way of things. I mean, slaves, their provided with a place to sleep, food to eat and protection from those who would otherwise harm them. In return, they give their masters pleasure, clean their homes and do what needs to be done around the house. Fair trade if you ask me. I mean, even slaves are considered citizens. Our city wasn't dirty. Hell, we have slaves tasked just to keep the streets clean; that's all they do, all day long is clean. Damn fine job of it if you ask me, most of the time anyway.
As I silently talked to myself, I noted the passing from the Docks to the Merchant's Ring. See, the city is laid out in a pattern of rings. On the outside, there's the Docks. That's where those with lesser wealth live and work. The next ring inside of that is the Merchant's Ring where the city's merchants have their warehouses, shops and related buildings. Inside of that is the Noble's District. That's where the high and mighty live; those who are a part of wealthy and/or influential families within the city. It's a pretty plush place to be. Finally, you got the City Center with all the government buildings, the Vitrax and the Temple of the Black Sun.
Now in the Merchant's Ring, I could hear the pounding of a hammer from a nearby forge. The buildings here were not as tall; usually only a single story. Large doors offered entry and exit for carts bringing supplies in for storage or transporting it out to somewhere else in the city. Wagons were plentiful here; pulled by slave and sometimes horse. On the outskirts of the Merchant Ring where it bordered the Docks, there were shops of all kinds. One could find a tailor next to a blacksmith next to an art dealer. Anything anyone would ever want could be found here. As I made my way through the Merchant Ring on my way to the Noble Quarter, I passed by a man dressed in black armor; the symbol of the Ebonstryfe on his cloak. I smiled at him as he passed. Though sometimes found like he was, dressed in obvious Ebonstryfe attire, you usually never saw them openly displaying who they were unless they were on their way out of the city for patrol duty or taking part in the occasional parade that was sometimes held during various city celebrations. It was always an honor to see a soldier dressed in armor. Catching glimpse of a Paladin is even more inspiring. It's like being able to look upon a piece of Rhysol in the flesh.
I forgot how long the walk could be from the docks as I entered the Noble District. It's like the difference between night and day when you come out of the Merchant Ring into the Noble District. The roads really open up wide, the buildings are even cleaner with beautiful, graceful architecture, statues and carvings found almost everywhere. Small, forested parks are scattered here and there and nobles dressed in luxurious, exotic clothing can be seen making there way from place to place doing the things nobles do. I passed by a slave wearing a gold collar adorned with red gems signifying his being owned by one of the nobles. Every slave bore a symbol of their master; usually a collar of some sort.
My trek home finally brought me through the Noble District and to the city center. I passed by the Vitrax, headquarters of the great Ebonstryfe. Nearby was Fort Chrysone, the fortified outpost housing the city guard. Passing these, I continued on. The City Center looked similar to the Noble District although it was more formal looking with a bit less luxury to it. It was much more open than any of the other parts of the city. Especially the great square where I now found myself. The square surrounded the Temple of the Black Sun. This was home. Heading up to the main gates, a pair of the temple guards stood watch. They offered me entrance and I continued through. The temple was something of a maze yet after a year or so, I knew the passageways by heart. My destination had finally come when I opened the door and stepped inside. There, waiting for me, was my priestess; one of The Voice's top ones. I immediately knelt at her feet as she smiled.
"Mistress, your messages have been delivered as you wished." I said, unable to hide my love for her.
My priestess ran her fingers through my hair, down my neck to the jeweled collar that surrounded it.
"Well done. Now get in bed, I am in need of tending to." She whispered with a smile.
I quickly obeyed. Yes, Ravok was a wonderful place to live and life there could not be topped.
This map is not entirely accurate but is close enough. Use the locational descriptions for precise placement and size. More descriptions coming. Consider this a WIP until further notice. Credit to Gillar for 'The Docks' descriptions.
CITY CENTER City Center is one massive plaza with the structures being interconnected either in an obvious way or through passages known only to certain ranks within the Black Sun and Ebonstryfe. Canals offer access to everything either from the edge of the buildings or from a maze of the oldest canals in Ravok which runs underneath it all. These were built over to accommodate for the growing city but not blocked as the architects and Black Sun understood the importance of such routes. The Temple of the Black Sun dominates everything in the city but is most impressive when viewed from the inner courtyard. Large bridges connect the central platform to the Noble District but most people come and go by ravosala.
NOBLE DISTRICT Ravok's upper class holds a great deal of wealth and influence in all parts of the city as well as the Lakeshore. The Noble District is where they live, shop and socialize as they view themselves to be above the rest of Ravokians. The buildings are close together and there are plenty of walkways to get around though there are places where ravosalas are the best means of transportation. The bridges are elegant and sturdy as they form tall arcs over the canals and braziers light up the waters every evening in reflections of the gorgeous architecture.
9.The NMSS - A medical facility that provides goods and services for healing, as well as research... among other things. 11.The Owl's Den- A place for the most enlightened to learn more of whatever they might wish!. 10.The Pit- A city park where slave fights are held in a large, iron-fenced pit. 13.The Nitrozian Estate- Large estate housing the Nitrozian family and its slaves. 14.The Studio of Yae Varone- Art gallery and coffee house for the rich. 15.Chromatic Strings - A small, specialized shop focusing on string instruments. 15.Black Waters- A massage parlour and spa for those who do not which to travel to the Baths on the Lakeshore. 15.Azure Reflections Fine Tailoring- A store popular with the nobles that specializes in fine clothing and fabrics.
MERCHANT'S RING The Merchant's Ring is a small plaza south of the City Center where average people try their luck at running a business. There are a few places to eat or grab a drink as well as a handful of specialty shops. It's like a small town tucked away next to the big city. The architecture of the buildings and walkways is sound but much simpler than that of the Noble District and pales in comparison to the beauty of the City Center. Walkways are narrow but solid though foot traffic can be confusing since maintaining the bridges and catwalks can be so expensive. It's not uncommon to walk out of a shop and start home only to find yourself staring at an unfinished crossing. In a city of faith, sometimes you have to make a literal leap to reach your destination. The Merchant's Ring also acts a buffer between the City Center and the Docks.
16.Mystic Eye Fortune Telling- A not so easy to find place to find one's fortune. 19. Maven's Thread - A clothing store specializing in garments for people from all walks of life. 19.The People's Market - A small plaza filled with foodsellers and traders of edible goods of all kinds. 20.The Malt House- A bar that sells meals and drinks, family friendly in the early evenings! 21.The Defiled Blade- A forge owned by a pair of brothers; one an armorer, the other a weaponsmith. 22.Mikayas' Emporuim For Sculpted Curiosities - A carving shop! 23.Gemmei's Engravings - Dealing in carvings, engravings, and jewelry. 23.Café Fleurs- A small, very green, café specializing in teas and snacks. 24.The Galatos Family Commorancy for Children- A towering brick building that serves as a school, hospital and home for orphans. 29.The Spicy Lass- A tiny shop dealing in spices. 29.Jester's Corner- A corner shop offering a wide array of musical and entertainment gear. 30.Trigol's Tools and Trade- A popular store known for its tools, miscellaneous gear and wholesale trade goods.
THE DOCKS The most common sight for all who either enter or exit Ravok is the area known as The Docks. Although effectively consisting of the entire outer rim of the city, the largest part and most well-known section of The Docks are largest on the southern side of the city where one of the main canals joins with Lake Ravok. Large plazas line each side of the canal as do docks of various sizes. There are docks for larger trading vessels as well as seemingly countless ravosala's in a variety of colors and designs. The Docks are a place for gathering, be it for commerce, romance, or darker activities. The plazas are surrounded by merchant warehouses, shops, taverns and even housing. Great bridges span the canal and connect the two main plazas of The Docks, The Nitrozian Plaza and the Plaza of Dark Delights.
The Nitrozian Plaza The Nitrozian Plaza is named after the merchant who owns most of it, Sitanos Nitrozian. It is home to numerous taverns, boarding houses, shops and other forms of business. On the outskirts of the Nitrozian Plaza and lining a variety of small branching canals are the mass housing units of the Nitrozian Housing Commission. After the city was founded and began to grow, it was obvious that housing would soon become an issue. The Nitrozian family of the time devised a way to maximize housing space and created the NHC to solve the problem. The NHC is a series of large buildings each containing a large number of small housing cubicles. These cubicles resemble rooms one may find at an inn and in fact, each NHC building is designed much like a very large inn complete with common room and eating facilities. The rooms are cheap, far from extravagant, but offer citizens a place to live. The Ravokian Shipyard is also located on the lake side of the plaza.
33.Thorin's Forge- A large forge located on the northern side of the docks, dealing in anything non-weapon/armor related. 36.The Soup House- A simple restaurant that sells soup... and only soup. 37.The Healing Hand- A medical center supervised by the Black Sun. 39.Ino Vations- Funded by the Valdinox family, this is the new location of Inoadar's Poison Crafting lab and shop! 41.The Offices of the NHC- An organisation specialising in inexpensive housing for citizens. 41.Lucillus & Associates- Law and Attorney services for the citizens of Ravok! 45.Tarsin's Boarding House- Specializes in renting rooms out to visitors entering the city. 46.Odds and Ends- A shop dealing in a little bit of everything from food to clothing and all points in between. 51, 53, 55.The Ravokian Shipyard- City-owned shipyard; also monitors traffic on the lake. 59.The Silver Sliver Tavern- A popular tavern for city residents and visitors alike. 60.Sullins Residence- The home of Clyde Sullins
The Plaza of Dark Delights The Plaza of Dark Delights is quite the opposite entity compared to the Nitrozian Plaza. The "Dark Delight" as it is commonly referred to is a place where nearly anything can be found for a price. Brothels, slavers, the black market, assassins and criminals of all kinds frequent the Dark Delight. With all of these activities supported and regulated by the Ebonstryfe, individuals partaking in such activities need not fear operating openly in the plaza. The danger comes when someone oversteps their bounds and/or is caught interfering with the lives and businesses of those of influence within the city. Although still routine in its occurrence, such a thing incurs deadly repercussions.
31.Tine's Exotic Goods- A shop in the Plaza of Dark Delights dealing in exotic, rare and often illegal goods. 31.Black Tar's Alchemical Services - A small shop in the Plaza of Dark Delights that specializes in various alchemical concoctions. 31.Funel's Ink - Located in the Plaza of Dark Delights, this tattoo parlour can receive customers from even the most affluent families. 32.House of Immortal Pleasures - A popular brothel located in the Plaza of Dark Delights. 50.Nicolo's Ravosalas- The premiere ravosala dealer in Ravok. 50.The Last Row- Disposal and acquisition of bodies for those who desire. 52.The Spot- A place to get a drink and find odd jobs of all sorts. 56.The Fishermen's Anchorage - The one spot in Ravok where all Fishermen gather. 58.The Slave Market- Endorsed by the Ebonstryfe, slaves of many races may be found here.
For entrance to the city and all of the lakeshore locations, visit the Southern Trading Post.
Ravok is not a militant state. Ravok is not run by a military. Ravok, in all appearances, is just a normal city though to the pride of its residents -it's better than everywhere else. The City Guard are normal people. The men and women who watch over the everyday life of Ravokians believe that Rhysol is their savior and protector. As such, they consider themselves to be an extension of that protection to the rest of the civilian population. They work hard and take pride in keeping the streets and waterways safe; free of petty crimes as well as major ones. These people are public servants who dedicate their lives to upholding the paradise they call home to the high standards that all Ravokians set for their fair city.
There is no doubt that the Black Sun oversees everything in Ravok as well as all of Rhysol's interests on Mizahar. Within the city proper, law and order is handled by the City Guard. The Ravokian Navy patrols the waters of the great lake and the Ebonstryfe guard the Lakeshore including the surrounding area up to the North Ravok Outpost.
The guidelines for behavior are simple. If you are a citizen, you have rights. If you are not a citizen then you do not exist and therefore a crime cannot, by the law, be committed against you. So what does this mean? Citizens of Ravok are expected to treat one another with respect so long as the pecking order is maintained. That's not to say that one of the more affluent families would outright bully an average person. However, wealthier people have more access to the Black Sun and Ebonstryfe as well as easier means to remove someone who disrespected them.
Rights of Citizenship
To Life - Murder is a capital crime.
To Freedom - No citizen shall be enslaved.
To Possessions - Theft is considered heinous.
To Protection - Citizens are the most valuable resource in Ravok and are to be treated as such.
To Expression - Diverse thoughts and opinions are welcomed so long as they are shown with respect and in the proper forum.
Non-citizens walk a fine line. Too tough and you're disposed of for being a threat but if you're too weak or too slow then the wash of chaos, lies and betrayal that float along unseen in Ravok's dark alleys and canals will remove you. Don't expect a warm welcome in Ravok if you don't belong. Even those outsiders claiming to follow Rhysol are viewed through a lens of skepticism, apprehension and distrust.
[OOC Note]: Whether citizen, slave or non-citizen, murder for the sake of murder is not acceptable IC in this city. With good development and reason for murder, we'd love to see a bit of death but what we will not accept is a brand new player rocking on up and committing murder in their very first thread. It is a lazy shorthand to appear "badass" and it's not appreciated.
As such, as a courtesy, we would like it if you would fling a PM in the direction of a local ST, sharing a synopsis of the plot, just so that we are forewarned or can advise you. If you neglect to let us know, the local STs reserve the right to intervene in such a thread and arrest relevant PCs, with the possibility of execution. Don't say you weren't warned.
In Ravok, having a citizenship is very important. It means that you have rights and responsibilities, protection from the Ebonstryfe, and so on. Those without citizenship have literally no rights. They are not worthy of Rhysol’s protection until they decide to apply. However… slaves, despite not technically being citizens, still have rights. In fact, quite a few are in better situations than most non-citizens.
There are two ways to gain a citizenship. First is to be born in Ravok, where one is immediately a citizen and goes through no probationary period. Usually the parents handle the paperwork. This is the most common and easiest way to become a citizen. However, there is a second way. For those coming into Ravok, and planning to stay there for a while, there is a place where they can apply. They fill out a form, and end up on a probationary period for two seasons. During this they cannot leave Ravok, or forfeit the citizenship, and any trouble with the Ebonstryfe will probably result in the removal of their citizenship. After the two seasons, they are considered full citizens of Ravok.
Most average residents of Ravok are citizens, though they always carry their certification papers with them in case questions arise. Without the papers… they are no longer citizens. They have more rights than slaves and non-citizens, and generally live quite peaceful lives. They have free healing at the Healing Hand, and the protection of the Ebonstryfe. They are also immune to slavery, so anyone with a citizenship need not fear slavers, as they go after non-citizens instead.
Slaves are in a limbo between citizen and non-citizen. Their treatment depends purely on their masters. Some are treated quite well, and slaves of some of the major families are viewed with respect. However, others are treated badly, and often end up doing less than pleasant things. There is one cultural view of slaves that is quite interesting in Ravok. The actions and presentation of a slave are quite important, and generally reflect on the master. So well treated slaves are more common than in other cities… but are not exclusive. Kelvic slaves are also common, though are generally seen as pets, or live in the KRI simply as test subjects.
All slaves, whether NPC or PC, must have monies exchanged for their complete value. The prices of slaves vary, but can be found in the Price List, as well as in the Slave Lore page. If you do not pay for the slave, moderators reserve the right to penalise PCs of money in awards, until payment has been made.
Being a slave comes with some OOC perks (the biggest one being that they do not have to pay for expenses. However, it is the strong belief of Ravok STs that there should be a penalty for this perk that slaves have. And we believe this penalty is a fair one. History shows us that slaves are property, thus they cannot own property. Mizahar should be no different, therefore slaves in the Domain of Ravok are not entitled to own any property of significant value (other than clothing or small trinkets). They must also have just cause to have any monies in their ledger. OOC and IC reasoning must add up.
All slaves/Masters must follow certain rules in Ravok:
PCs with NPC slaves must pay for their slave's expenses.
PCs with PC slaves must pay for their slave's expenses.
PCs with NPC Masters must have said NPCs approved by a local ST or through the Help Desk. If a player is active in any given season, they must write at least one 'job' thread so show their servitude in order to earn their keep.
PC slaves upon starting will not start with any amount of money in their ledger.
Unless under special circumstances, PC slaves who are captured post-creation will also lose money.
Any items of high value (ie other than clothes/trinkets) will also be lost upon slavery.
It is at a Master's discretion whether 'pocket-money' is granted to a slave.
For ease, any items bought for a slave may be listed in a slave PC's CS, but it belongs to the Master officially and the Master/St reserves the right to remove said item.
Items purchased for a slave by an NPC Master must be agreed upon by an ST.
Any wages earned by a PC slave will be given immediately to a PC Master (as normal, this must be discussed with a moderator first).
Some PC slaves (who meet certain criteria) are entitled to retain half of their wages for their ledgers.
Ravok is a city booming with various trade businesses and markets. Most of the trade occurs between citizens of the city with the occasional visits from merchants and travelers. There are no distinct trade routes between Ravok and any neighboring or far city. Merchants require inspections and get permission to enter the docks and then the city. Trade throughout the city is prosperous and the city is mostly self-sustaining. Due to Ravok being self-sustaining the need for trade between other cities is sparse
Common Exports include wood, crafting materials and various other minor trade goods. Art and religion will always remain one of the main focuses of trade from Ravok.
Common Imports range from the dynamics of what is needed in the city. Slaves are the most common and sought after imports however; the city also looks to import a variety of exotic foods for the wealthier population.
Southern Trading Post
The Southern Trading Post is located along the southern edge of Lake Ravok. A large, fortified tower on a small hill overlooks an impressive system of docks where a number of small ships are tethered. Down the opposite side of the hill from the docks exists a small village of sorts. Made up of semi-permanent storage structures and tents, this 'village' is the first step in trade with the city. Nearly all trade goods, as well as would-be visitors, must pass through the trading post before being allowed near the water. The tower, docks, trade village and surrounding land are heavily patrolled by Ebonstryfe.
Businesses
First and foremost make sure you have read over Business Plans
Businesses in Ravok can be lucrative. The major families oversee many aspects of businesses within Ravok, and the Citizens' Employment Bureau (C.E.B.) is the only place that accepts proposals. The C.E.B. was destroyed but still functions out of a different location.
Finding proper locations to construct a business is also fairly difficult as room is sparse in Ravok. Please contact your ST with any questions regarding potential business opportunities.
Jobs
Seasonal Income
Over the course of a season, your character works at a job (or not) to earn money. However, you can not simply say they 'work there'. A job and wages must be arranged with the Storyteller through the Request thread.
Seasonal Expenses
All characters must live... and to live, they must pay Seasonal Expenses, or have someone else pay them in their stead (i.e. slaves). Seasonal Expenses come in five levels:
Squalor (5gm/season)
Poor (45gm/season)
Common (135gm/season)
Good (450gm/season)
Exquisite (675gm/season)
Ravok is a beautiful city, one which is looked after very well by it's God, Rhysol. As such, it is the expectation of the STs that all free PCs should be living on at least Common expenses when in the city, unless there is good reason not to be doing so.
For more information, read Gillar's PSA post about Living Expenses.
Ravok is utterly devoted to Rhysol, their one and only god. They view him as their protector and lord, and in turn he cares for Ravok, and makes it a safe city... for citizens, that is. Though there may be some who worship other gods as well, everyone in the city is expected to follow Rhysol, or face the consequences. Mentioning a preference for another god of goddess could get you in trouble, if with the wrong people. It is also important to remember that, although citizens and visitors would not know it, all prayers, no matter who they are meant for, are only heard by Rhysol. He takes all power from all prayers, and is the ultimate God of this area.
As to how citizens react to Rhysol... this is very important. The overwhelming majority of Ravok adore Rhysol. The citizens of Ravok live in relative safety, security and at least the illusion of prosperity, thus they want for nothing because Rhysol has given them all they might want or need. And they know that his Rhysol who has done this for them. The best way to describe it is "livestock complacency"; by making Ravok seem like a paradise compared to the outside world, Rhysol has made his people docile, ignorant and easily manipulated.
It cannot be stressed enough how much the majority of citizens adore Rhysol. From a young age they have been indoctrinated by their parents into loving this 'benevolent' God who protects them, and most do not even consider that there is an alternative to worshiping The Defiler. Those few who do give serious thought to why Rhysol should be worshiped have decided that he should be. These people most often end up working for the Black Sun or Stryfe. If any individual or faction exists in the city who works against Rhysol, they only continue to do so by the grace of Rhysol; he lets them exist, for his own purposes. There is almost definitely no citizen who is indifferent towards Rhysol, though the same cannot be said for visitors.
Education
From the start citizens of Ravok learn the religious aspects of Rhysol and grow up to praise their god and are offered great educational benefits. From a child citizens learn the basics of reading and writing, and once they have grown are offered a unique experience to learn of advanced studies at The Institute of Higher Learning.
Magic is a well known fact of Ravok among its citizens, and the city doesn't hide the facts that their lord Rhysol keeps the city magically healthy and free of adverse weather.
Recreational Activities
The city is known to expunge on some of the darker and guiltier pleasures one could enjoy. Aside from bars and brothels to enjoy mortal pleasures, Ravok offers unique experiences to those that are either bored or enjoy temptations which may involve torture or slave fighting. Those on the more relaxing venues of pleasure can enjoy a bathhouse to which massage, relaxation, and socialization is a well sought after past time.
Fishing is a great venue that many will participate in, and more uncommonly you can find those that know how to swim between certain canals enjoying a dip.
Food is a well enjoyed and socially sharing experience that many of the citizens of Ravok experience with each other. Taking to tea or coffee sometimes a nice relaxing setting talking or sharing rumors is almost always seen in more of the frequented cafes.
Cuisine
All the food in Ravok is grown on the Lakeshore, considering the main city is centered in the lake. Because of the waterfront, there are two slightly odd staples in their diets. Cattails are one, used for flour, sweetening, and even medical things. The different parts are eaten as snacks, main meals, and the root flour is the general base of their bread. The yellow lily is another staple, and another water based plant. The roots, leaves, and stems are all eaten for various uses, and the flowers make a popular tea. A mix of the two plants is common for meals, making up the main bulk of the food. The large amount available means they’re also a cheap food source, and sometimes the only things eaten by slaves and the poorer citizens.
Meat, though available, is rare. There are a few dairy and livestock farms along the shore, bringing wool, milk, cheese and meat to the city. However, there are not many animals, meaning the latter food is uncommon, and only really eaten by the rich, who can afford such things. Most people gain their protein from dairy products, and nuts. The main exception to this is fish. Being on a lake, Ravok has a plentiful fish stock, and fishing vessels are out most of the daylight hours catching food for the city.
Because of the lack of options, most Ravokian food is quite plain, with spices generally imported from more southern cities, including Kenash. However, Ravok prefers to be a self-sustaining city, so spices are reserved to the rich. There are a few salt mines nearby, meaning that that topping is common and well used.
Ravokian style, in the richer folk, is always shifting and changing. However, dark colors are worn by the general population, from deep blues to greys, to browns and just black. Sometimes a red accent might be fashionable, sometimes dark purple. Clothing is generally kept to plain shirts and breeches (or skirts), and coats are more popular than cloaks… though in the colder seasons, expensive fur-lines cloaks are quite in style. Scarves are also popular, for show or for warmth, though are generally made of wool. In fact, most Ravokian clothes are made of wool, as all other materials like cotton and silk have to be imported. The fineness of the wool, however, defines one’s wealth.
Holidays
Ravosala Regatta --Fall 18th -- The Ravosala Regatta takes place in Fall every year. Decorated boats with lanterns of many colors parade silently on the canals from sunset to midnight. This is the Ravonsalamen's event, their contribution to the beauty of Ravok. Many citizens spend the whole night outdoors, on walkways along the canals, on the bridges or in one of the boats. Right before midnight fireworks lights up the sky over Ravok and the organized part of the regatta ends there...the boats remains decorated and full of lanterns, but the Ravosalamen goes back to business as usual,and with all the people this enchanted event has drawn, and all the romance in the air, their business is good indeed this night.
Ravok is a city of factions. While most of those factions are all loyal to Rhysol, that does not mean they do not constantly work to better themselves and thwart their rivals. The great families are constantly struggling for superiority, the religions organization seeks to control everything, and even the Ravosalamen, the oft-overlooked boatmen of Ravok who hear and see everything are a faction unto themselves.
Making a friend or enemy of a faction can often mean the difference between life and death in Ravok. A friend of a faction may live a luxurious life, be able to call in favours from that faction, or even promote themselves within the faction much easier. An enemy may find it harder to do business in the city, find that the people of Ravok want nothing to do with them, and may even find themselves pursued by bounty hunters. It is a constant and ever changing game played by the people of Ravok, and one with consequences both rewarding and dire.
The Black Sun The real power and leader in Ravok - other than Rhysol and The Voice - is the Black Sun, a religious organization with a goal of spreading Rhysol's will throughout the world. This is generally done through more subtle means than the Ebonstryfe would usually take, and they are more focused on the religious aspect of Ravok rather than the physical one.
The Ebonstryfe The Ebonstryfe - often called the 'Stryfe' for short - are the soldiers of Ravok. They guard the city and its inhabitants, dealing with everything from petty crime to heresy. They enact punishments on the condemned, and work as general guards all around. If a full fledged war were to come around, they would act as the main infantry, fighting to bring Rhysol's chaos around all of Mizahar.
The Families In Ravok, though there are no nobles, there are five incredibly influential and wealthy families. Each has it's own alliances and enemies, and they play a huge part in Ravokian politics.
Galatos - They have a dark reputation that extends to the source of their fortune. They hire out assassins but don't shy away from other unsavory ways of making money.
Nitrozian - This family is one of the most influential. They own many important businesses including the Nitrozian Housing Commission and have deep ties with the city as a whole.
Lark - They are merchants but generate most of their revenue from the slave trade. They are well-known for their lavish parties and casual approach to spending their money.
Lazarin - This family is headed up by Lazarin, a Druvin and lead interrogator of the Ebonstryfe. Needless to say, this family has strong connections to the order.
Valindox - The matriarch is half Isur. This unique bloodline and strong ties to the Black Sun keep the family well-funded.
The City Guard +++This will act as the official City Guard info until further notice+++
-The City Guard-
There’s a lot of power and influence in Ravok. There’s also a great deal of pride for the city dedicated to Rhysol. While many types of unsavory acts are committed within the shadows, there is a group of men and women who spend their days and nights safeguarding the citizens.
-History-
The city guard was formed very early on because the Voice recognized a need for a separate entity to police the population. Using the Ebonstryfe to control Ravokians was bound to lead to resentment and bitterness in regards to the ‘noble’ army of the Deceiver. Furthermore, by creating this new entity, it gave the Voice and Rhysol another means with which to hide their true intentions. There is very little to tell in terms of great men and women of the Guard. They are just normal people. The potential for greatness exists in all facets of life. Do you have what it takes to write your story in the pages of Ravok’s history?
-Gear-
The city guards are normally dressed in black leather armor with a steel skullcap and equipped with swords and hand crossbows. There are no distinguishing marks or insignias and those who cannot afford to buy their own may pay a seasonal rental fee for used equipment. After the amount of rent has been paid equal to the cost of the item, it becomes the property of that person.
Note: Renting is a contract. These items are not yours. They do not go in your ledger and your character does not carry them when off duty. Failure to comply can result in IC action against your character.
+ Bastard Sword – 17 GM 5 SM (2 seasons) + Longsword – 7 GM 5 SM (2 seasons) + Shortsword – 5 GM (2 seasons) + Hand Crossbow – 25 GM (4 seasons) + Black Leather Armor Set w/Skullcap – 10 GM (2 seasons)
-Hierarchy-
The City Guard is not part of Ebonstryfe. The various influential families and organizations in the city fund the endeavor to enforce the laws set forth by the Black Sun which govern the city as a whole. No member of the City Guard is a Chaon –at least not openly. You will not see white-eyed men or women keeping the streets and canals clear of filth and crime. That being said, every member of this organization is absolutely dedicated to Rhysol and the paradise that he has created. Each believes his or her role to be vital in maintaining the cleanest, safest and best city in all of Mizahar.
Rank
Unit Type
Unit Size
Per Diem
Commissioner
City Guard (10 Divisions)
The Entire Guard
28 GM
Chief
Division (10 Patrols)
50 Members
14 GM
Commandant
Patrol*
5 Members
10 GM
Constable
--
--
7 GM
Cherry**
--
--
3 GM
*A Patrol consists of 1 Commandant and 4 other members. It could be 3 Constables and 1 Cherry or the opposite. It can be any combination of the lower two ranks. **A Cherry is a recruit. The moniker comes from the red paint applied to the member’s skullcap. After a few seasons of training and on-the-job experience, the red wears off. If a Cherry shows particular promise and is promoted, the red paint is sanded off. The citizens of Ravok love their Guardsmen and the tradition of Cherries is an endearing one –not some spiteful initiation.
-Promotions & Pre-requisites-
There are no pre-requisites to joining. There are some useful lores and skills that may aid you, however. Things related to investigation, the layout of Ravok, weapon skills, etc. would certainly fall under the realm of beneficial.
Constable: To remove the red paint from your skullcap, one must demonstrate a competent knowledge of either weapon (melee or ranged) as well as a working knowledge of the city (5 lores pertaining to Ravok’s culture or layout) and a competent understanding of how to deal with the everyday situations (Investigation, Logic, Tactics, etc).
Commandant: To move up to the first stage of leadership, one must demonstrate a competent knowledge of both weapons (melee and ranged) as well as a detailed knowledge of the city (15 lores pertaining to Ravok’s culture or layout) and an expert understanding of how to deal with the everyday situations (Investigation, Logic, Tactics, etc).
Chief: To run your own Division, one must demonstrate an expert knowledge of both weapons (melee and ranged) as well as a massive knowledge of the city (40 lores pertaining to Ravok’s culture or layout), a competent level of Leadership and a masterful understanding of how to deal with the everyday situations (Investigation, Logic, Tactics, etc).
Commissioner: The Commissioner is appointed by the Druvin or the Voice, herself.
