This is the official Player's Guide. This contains any and all resources you'll need - including the linkmap! Come here and read up on the city before doing anything else!
(This is a thread from Mizahar's fantasy roleplay forum. Why don't you register today? This message is not shown when you are logged in. Come roleplay with us, it's fun!)
The Diamond of Kalea is located on Kalea's extreme west coast and called as such because its completely made of a crystalline substance called Skyglass. Home of the Alvina of the Stars, cultural mecca of knowledge seekers, and rife with Ethaefal, this remote city shimmers with its own unique light.
Welcome to Lhavit's Atlas - a complete overview of the Diamond of Kalea! Please read this through before engaging in any roleplay as it contains all the information you will need to know, both in and out of character. PLEASE DEFER TO THIS GUIDE, RATHER THAN THE WIKI. I cannot emphasize this enough! Below you will find quick-links to the varying sections of this Atlas. Remember to refer to this often, as it is designed for your convenience!
Credit goes to Gossamer for this lovely suggestion and to her implementation of Player Guides on the whole.
Lhavit is a city built upon the peaks of various different mountains in the Kalea region. Each peak has its own name and significance to the city and the culture of Lhavit itself. Those who are born in Lhavit hold a great sense of pride for how their fair city was constructed upon the high mountains of one of the harshest regions in Mizahar, and those who visit equally awed by the natural beauty and architectural might that went into the city itself.
The Peaks
Sharai
Shimmering greenhouses made of skyglass dot the open areas of peak Sharai, a place where agriculture rules and the Okomo roam free.
Food and Lodging
The Okomo Estates- Housing in the agricultural section, quaint little houses of all shapes and sizes; a gardener's dream.
Snow Apple Orchard- This orchard grows the specialty snow apple; here, one can buy snow apple cider and other treats as well.
-Where the Spinning Glimmers performance troupe practices and hangs out.
Parks and Exotic Locations
Okomo Villa- Home of the Okomos, the large goat-antelope mounts of Lhavitians.
The Swing- A dangerous swing on the edge of the Peak frequented by adventurous children.
Educational Facilities
The Crystal Seed Bank- A vast archive of seeds and information on various plants, particularly those native to Lhavit and Kalea.
Private Residences
Saiyin's Home- Saiyin Sesr's cottage at the Okomo Estates. PC Residence, inactive
Ember Cottage- Zach Grasswind and Dev'Ania's cottage at the Okomo Estates. PC Residence
Shinyama
Home of the Shinya and other ruling bodies of Lhavit, the Shinyama peak also boasts of a number of higher end restaurants and other fancy entertainment locations.
Food and Lodging
The Jugged Hare- The resident butcher shop. Stop in for a meat pastie!
Shops and Businesses
The Obsidian Club- This club is is so amazing, it's positively criminal.
The Star's Shadow- A small open air bar with a killer view, open Spring and Summer.
Touch of Fire- A smithy shop for all you metal lovers out there.
The Nine Lives- A small shop where you can come to get your fortune told; do you dare see what the future holds? PC Owned
Kinell Hotsprings- A perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Quartz Cave- Located along the shoreline near the Tranquil Port, this cave is full of glowing crystals, and is rumoured to be cursed.
Lover's Retreat- Sometimes Zintila's private residence, this lovely retreat down near the Tranquil Port is usually available to be rented for private and romantic get-aways.
Infinity Manor- Madeira Craven and co.'s manor. PC Residence
The Lymne House- A once beautiful home now fallen into disrepair, occupied by a lonely widower and with a strange atmosphere.
Dusk Tower- One of the three original Lhavitian families who specialize in the use of Auristics.
Tenten
A place where knowledge and education can often be found should one choose to seek it, Tenten peak is home to Alluvion Academy and the Bharani Library.
Lucis and Lucis- The local gadgeteer. Come to Lucis and Lucis for all your mechanical needs!
The Rabbit Hole- A place to find what's missing and lost. PC Owned, inactive
Sesr Glassworks- A shop for your glasswork needs. PC Owned, inactive
Star Gazing Gazette- Get all your news on what's happening in Lhavit here! IC Info
Entertainment Locations
The Basilika- Connected to the Bharani Library, the Basilika is a place for people to share their opinions, have debates and give readings.
Parks and Exotic Locations
The Dove's Tower- A mysterious dovecote with an equally mysterious keeper that leads to a strange city. ★ ★ ★Note: This location appeared early winter 519 AV, and as such cannot be used in flashbacks prior to this date.
Temple of the Sun- The Sanctum of Syna, where worshipers of every race come to give thanks to the Goddess of the Sun.
Private Residences
Dawn Tower- One of the three original Lhavitian families who specialize in the use of Reimancy.
Sartu
Sartu is one of the smaller peaks. Distant from the commotion of the central ones, it features plenty of nature attractions.
Shops and Businesses
Elena's Studio of Enchantment-Where Elena Lariet offers classes for a reasonable price on: Animation, Hypnotism, and Voiding, for all levels, novice to master. She also has a laboratory for hire, if you have the coin. ★ ★ ★Note: Due to Elena's death in summer 519 AV, this location is no longer available for use, and as such can only be used in flashbacks prior to this date.
Animation Studio- Care to learn how to breathe life into the inanimate? Stop by Maeki's Studio and meet the talented and beautiful wizard who owns it. ★ ★ ★Note:This location was destroyed as of winter 514 AV, and as such can only be used in flashbacks prior to this date.
Religious Locations
Temple of Time- Sacred grounds to honor and respect the Goddess Tanroa.
Private Residences
Twilight Tower- One of the three original Lhavitian families who specialize in the use of Morphing.
★ History Lhavit was not always the sprawling city that it is today - preceding the Valterrian, the Kalean landscape was far different. Five-hundred years previous it was the nation of Suva, ruled by the emperor Galifer Odalah. As the cataclysm raged, mountains sprang up between the indigenous Suvan people and their coastal homes; emerging after the Valterrian revealed a new and dangerous landscape of peaks and valleys, a vast and near uninhabitable mountain range that would come to be called the Unforgiving. Seeing this plunged the people into despair. Syna and Leth recognized their suffering, and sensing opportunity, sent two creatures known as Ethaefal to the people's aid.
These two Ethaefal - known as Aysel and Talora - led the tribes up what is now known as Zintia Peak. This is where the prone form of Zintila was discovered. The Goddess of Stars had fallen in saving her mother, Semele's, life and had consequentially became an Alvina - also known as a demi-goddess. Aysel, Talora, Zintila, and even the people themselves decided to begin anew; to establish a city fit to weather even the most unforgiving of storms.
They were not alone, however, for Caiyha recognized an immediate problem. Travel was difficult up and down the rough pathways of the mountainside. Seeing their plight, she granted the city special creatures known as Okomo; hale and hearty and not dissimilar to mountain goats, suitable for both mounted travel and husbandry. The people rejoiced and honored Caiyha, abstaining from needless slaughter of the animals, and only harvesting that which they needed from the noble creatures.
Before the mountain could become habitable however, many areas were first cleared and made flat by reimancy. The task was long and arduous, and many gave their lives in the process of constructing the tiers that comprise each peak. Those not claimed by overgiving simply worked themselves until death, submitting themselves to Dira's web. Moved by this devotion, Zintila granted the people a most interesting gift; the ability to fashion something called skyglass. Through her gnosis mark, an individual could harvest fallen stars, producing a crystalline substance that would hold faster than steel. Naturally, this became the primary material for construction in the new city, and before long it reinforced nearly every building one could imagine.
The city's construction was largely influenced by the Ethaefal, who were plagued by visions of the past and distant feelings they couldn't quite place. They had fever dreams of broad avenues and lush greens, columns and open halls. Yearning for cultures erased by time and distantly forgotten, Lhavit was built to reflect beauty that world had once known. It stood as a symbol of defiance, remembrance, and most of all, knowledge that could not be erased. It was the vow of each Ethaefal that so as Lhavit remained, even the Valterrian could not plunge them into obscurity.
Over the years, the city was discovered and forced to expand. In 402 AV, Wind Eagle riders from Wind Reach happened upon Lhavit and word began to spread. It was said there was a shining city upon the side of a mountain, overlooking Kalea's coast. Their industry grew outward over four glorious peaks, accommodating the influx of those seeking citizenship. Settlers were treated warmly and Lhavit's reputation grew. To those strong enough to brave the Unforgiving or the long and arduous journey across the oceans, it was akin to the Ukalas - the reward at the end of a long journey. Unfortunately, due to its isolation and the wilderness all around, Lhavit has only marginally grown in size since its discovery.
In 500 AV, Aysel and Talora were assigned individual tasks and sent off into the world, and Zintila herself became occupied with something only she was aware of. In their absence, the leader of the Constellations allowed Lhavit to slowly corrupt. Having assumed total authority, the Anchorite Hayani and the Towers together permitted human trafficking, the active slaughter of Okomo, and the overall perversion of the Shinya, the city guard. The scarcity of wealth began fueling the growing class divides and in ten short years, the general population lived in squalor. Before long, the Twilight Tower specifically had amassed such a gross amount of wealth, they owned a small army of slaves. Slaves became more common than the average citizen, and labourers shortly became irrelevant.
Upon their return just over a decade later, in the summer of 511 AV, Aysel and Talora's combined disgust was palpable. Many individuals were executed for their crimes, including the patriarch of the Twilight Tower and the proprietor of the Ethereal Opera House. Those who weren't killed were stripped of their titles and robbed of their wealth. The Anchorite was left as a symbol for those who sought to rise above themselves, and still remains as such, even after her death several years ago.
After ten dark years, Lhavit was tentatively restored to its former glory with the return of Aysel and Talora, and continues a steady recovery from this dark period of time. Wealth is still scarce, yet the citizens all share it more or less equally. All of the slaves were freed, and many still live in harmony across the city's peaks. None have forgotten, however, and all the people forced to live through the calamity still harbour some animosity towards those who might still wish them harm.
★ Culture Lhavit is renowned for the elements of its culture and many residents are avid painters, dancers, musician or artists of other types. The city is largely defined by a balance of freedom and obligation, a synthesis of conservative and liberal ideals. Most individuals work throughout the week sporadically, and many even design their own schedules. They strive to surpass expectation while still maintaining a sense of spontaneity. It is this that defines the essential Lhavitian - spirit and creativity.
The city has a unusual schedule, unlike other cities throughout Mizahar. Rather than running day-to-night, the city rotates through a set of predetermined rest periods during which most citizens rest and sleep. These rest periods occur four times throughout the 24 bell-cycle, and each is two hours, allowing for citizens to achieve the full eight hours of rest most other people get over the course of a night, but instead spread out over the day and night cycle.
Due to these rest hours spread periodically throughout the day, it is not uncommon for people to live in apartments attached to their businesses for easy resting. Other businesses have dedicated backrooms for their workers to relax during these rest periods, and there are rest and bath houses scattered across all of the peaks for those who may not be able to return home to sleep during these times. This unique schedule allows the general populous to come and go no matter the hour. Night-time activity is slightly lessened on the outermost peaks and increases as one travels closer to the Zintia, but overall the city is nearly as active during the nighttime as it is during the day. Lhavitians are notorious for work and play in equal measure and thus, the city is constantly in some form of celebration...especially at night.
Marriage in the city reflects this spirit of celebration. Love is encouraged through celebration, and most holidays are used as platforms for new relationships. Once in a relationship, it is customary the couple live together for a period of time, purchasing a house together and taking separate rooms. Once married, they move into the master bedroom together, leaving their previous bedrooms open for children - adopted or otherwise. A related cultural facet is the emphasis on freedom of love. Same sex pairs are married and treated the same as all else. This is largely inspired by the Endals of Wind Reach, who love passionately and without regard to gender. Homosexuality is still more uncommon than not, but viewed more or less as eccentric; something to be intrigued by, rather than repulsed by.
Class divides are distinct but mostly nominal, at times excepting the Towers. There is very little animosity regarding social standing, even amongst the Ethaefal. Individuals mingle and form relationships freely, within the limits of their own organizations. There are no societal restrictions on excess - to the contrary, industry and conviviality are encouraged in equal parts, again relating to that day-to-night schedule the city keeps. The Seiza and Shinya can be found meeting over tea, while the Servants of Eyris and the Towers can be found drinking alongside one another, raucous and free. There is a universal air of practicality that unites each and every Lhavitian, inspiring a sense of unity.
Lhavitians in general are a very friendly and warm people; they understand the necessity for cooperation and friendship, and value community highly, as even today life in the mountains is not easy. If anything, the dark ten years during Aysel and Talora's absence only reinforces this. As such, people tend to get along well with and socialize regularly with neighbours, and friends, acquaintances, and strangers alike are all treated with warmth. Visitors and new residences are always welcome to the city, and whether it's your first visit or your hundredth, you'll be hard-pressed to enter a home in Lhavit without receiving a warm welcome and an offer for tea.
While Lhavitians value hard word, dedication, and responsibility, they also are a fun-loving and free-spirited people; parties, celebrations, holidays, and festivals are deeply ingrained in the city's culture, and any good Lhavitian will find any excuse to celebrate something. Aside from seasonal and annual festivals, meteor showers, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, births, and any other happy occasion you can think of are all celebrated with fervor and excitement. These celebrations often feature good food and copious amounts of drinking and song.
Even funerals are an occasion for celebration in Lhavit, for Lhavitians have a somewhat unconventional approach to grieving. Rather than wallowing in grief and misery and bringing a somber atmosphere on the city, they take funerals as an opportunity to celebrate the life of the deceased, sharing happy memories and fond anecdotes at gatherings of friends and family. Almost all Lhavitians are cremated for their funerals, as the city does not have a graveyard; most commonly, these 'funerals' will end with the ashes of the deceased being spread into the wind off the mountain, so that they may be taken into the sky on the wind and become one with the stars of their reigning Goddess.
Due to these constant celebrations, there are a copious amount of bars and taverns spread across the peaks, some more popular than others; drinking is a common occurrence, even sometimes during the day. While rarer, there is also a not insignificant number of establishments that sell more intense stimuli; drugs are not illegal in Lhavit, and provided they are taken in moderation, safely, and responsibly, they are seen as no more than harmless fun on a similar level to alcohol.
★ Festivals & Holidays Lhavit is a city well-known for its celebrations and festivals; the locals can easily find any reason to justify a celebration. Birthdays, weddings, and shooting stars are the most common events for more impromptu celebrations, but the city also has several seasonal holidays that occur every year.
Spring Holidays
★ The Heart's Festival, 22nd of spring: The blooming of spring and the calls of newly born animals gracing the land has always been seen as somewhat romantic in Lhavitian culture, and so it is only natural that a festival was created to reflect this. The Heart's Festival is a chance to celebrate romantic love of all kinds, but also platonic and familial love.
While the festival itself takes place on the 22nd, preparation usually begings several days in advance. Ribbons and lanterns adorn most spaces for decorations, the colours white, yellow, and red prominently used. Sweets, baked goods, tea, and spiced wine are traditional foods served during the festival, and impromptu dances occur all over the city, some bigger than others. Proposals and marriages also commonly take place during the festival, resulting in a busy day for Cheva.
During the festival, it is traditional to give flowers to your loved ones. White flowers are given to family, yellow to friends, and red to the one whose heart you wish to (or have already) won. The flowers are often given in bouquets with different types meaning different things, but it's not uncommon for more elaborate wreaths to be given to those you wish to court. If a red bouquet is given and accepted, it is traditional for the couple to bind their arms together with red ribbon for the remainder of the day.
As most festivals in Lhavit, the Heart's Festival reigns all day and all night. During the day it is cheerful and everyone participates, but at night it turns into a much more romantic and sensual festival. Large gatherings are forgone for intimate dinners instead, and couples often enjoy the nights together; it is not unusual to spot at least one couple who are a little bit too eager with each other in the streets.
★ The Star Festival, 70th of spring: The Star Festival, held on the 70th of spring every year, is one of the largest annual celebrations in Lhavit and perhaps the most well-known; it marks the day that Zintila bestowed the gift of being able to craft and mold skyglass, and thus allowed for the creation of Lhavit. Most businesses close for the day, and for the duration of the festival, it is customary to dress finely in all white with gold and silver accents, as well as star-shaped jewelry and adornments. Even those without much money to their names often save up for or borrow fine clothing and jewelry for this event. Crystalline masks are also common, and sold throughout the city in the days leading up to and even on the night of the festival.
Music, dancing, and various other sorts of performances occur throughout the streets for the duration of the day. People give thanks to Zintila, as well as Syna and Leth, with the temples often full. The Constellations and resident Ethaefal often find themselves subject to more attention and affection than they usually are. At night, the Star Lady herself makes an appearance, and usually says a few words to the people of Lhavit. While the festival unofficially lasts long into the morning, at the peak of the night after Zintila's appearance, Lhavitians mark the official end of the festival by releasing lanterns into the sky. These lanterns often contain slips of paper that have written on them either wishes for the future or things from the past that people wish to let go of.
Summer Holidays
★ Okomo Day, 5th of summer: This annual summer holiday celebrates and honours the Okomo. People gather on the Sharai Peak to spend time with the Okomo, bringing food and various treats for the animals. It is traditional for the Okomo to have their crystalline horns painted (with a safe, semi-permanent dye, of course) by those who wish to do so; bright colours are used, and people often paint symbols of strength and love. Others with the appropriate skills spend their day making elaborate saddles and tack for the mounts, to be used by the Shinya when they have to ride the Okomo.
★ The Midsummer Festival, 45th of summer: A celebration in honour of summer and Syna, The Midsummer Festival is one of passion and heat. The city is decorated in red and yellow in preparation, and on the day of the festival, the Taiyang leave their posts at the Temple of the Sun; instead, they spend the day in the Surya Plaza, displaying feats of acrobatics and flame. The Sun Maidens perform fire dances, and others are welcome to perform fire-play and fire acrobatics as well. The Spinning Glimmers often perform for free on this day alongside the Taiyang.
Pendants filled with herbs and painted rocks are given as gifts, often to children, to ward off any potential ill-fate and instead welcome good luck. A celebration of passion, it has become tradition for those who are single but wish to find a partner to write conversation prompts on red pieces of paper to trade with others; while not everyone will find a partner in such a way, many find themselves with new friends.
Autumn Holidays
★ The Moon Festival, 22nd of autumn: Held on the 22nd of the season, the Moon Festival is held every year to honour Leth and celebrate the harvest. Hundreds of candles and lanterns are lit across the city, and people enjoy a night out underneath the moon, praying and partying in equal parts. Vendors line the streets selling all kinds of sweets, and the Chandra welcome many visitors to the Temple of the Moon. Many people leave out bowls of water to reflect the moon, or stop by the Alheas Park to admire the reflection in the still waters.
It is customary to gift peonies to your loved ones as a symbol of love and wishing them well during the Moon Festival; it won't be long before they go out of season, but the petals fill the streets with colour and a lovely smell. Without fail during this holiday, Aysel can be spotted around the city getting increasingly drunk; it is the one single night a year he allows himself to truly loosen up and relax, and many who encounter him on this night are surprised to find he's actually quite fun at parties when he wants to be.
Winter Holidays
★ The Midwinter Festival, 46th of winter: Held halfway through the season on the longest night of winter, the Midwinter Festival is meant to celebrate the balance between night and day, and between Leth and Syna. It is a celebration of renewal and hope, and of the beginning of the longer days to come.
It is largely a festival held with one's family, sometimes in their own homes, with plenty of feasting, drinking, and dancing throughout the night. Those without family of their own often find themselves welcomed to at least one table, and made an honorary family member for the night, so that nobody has to experience the festival alone.
★ Aviakittis, 61st of winter: Aviakittis is a celebration of the extra day in winter, and is a way to to honour the extra 'stolen' hours. It is a more relaxed festival than most others; almost all Lhavitians take the day off work, though most bathhouses and restaurants remain open.
Lhavitians take this day to relax and pamper themselves and their loved ones; sleeping, eating good food, giving expensive gifts, and attending the spa or a bathhouse are all common activities on this day. Many couples take the time to spend the day together and treat each other, resulting in many children being conceived on this day in particular. It is largely a celebration of relaxation, indulgence, and guilty pleasures, and a good excuse to pamper oneself.
★ The Azure Festival, 88th of winter: An extravagant festival, the Azure Festival extends throughout both the day and night. During the day, people take the time to go to the various temples throughout the city, praying to Syna, Leth, Zintila, and any other deities they might worship.
Gifts are often exchanged during this festival; most popular are baked goods, with restaurants and bakeries selling all sorts of pastries and cookies in the shapes of stars, the sun, and the moon.
Come night, the largest celebration of the festival begins; a masquerade to honour Zintila, people dress up in all sorts of clothes from ridiculous to luxurious when they go out for drinking and dancing. The common theme is that either way, it's over-the-top, and it reflects the celestial bodies in some fashion or another. It is also tradition to don a mask of some sort while out celebrating. Exciting and mysterious affairs are popular on this night as people meet charming masked strangers.
★ Magic Magic is a thing of power, beauty, and madness. It's possibilities and uses stretch far beyond the limits of mortal imagination, and yet mortals and immortals alike drink from the cup of mages in search of the mysteries of magic and spells to better themselves, their lives, and what they hold dear. As with all things, however, magic comes at a price, that most often being the sanity of the wielder, or the sacrifice of their body and sometimes even their soul. In spite of all of this, Lhavit still holds a deep and unwavering respect for all things arcane.
Magic actually played a large part in the founding of Lhavit itself. It was the sacrifices of early reimancers and the three main houses and their specific magical arts that brought about the rise of Lhavit, aided as they were by godly intervention to rise above the challenges presented to them at that time. Because of this, there is a not so secret admiration and respect towards those who can use and manipulate the magics in any form. Indeed, many mages will find Lhavit far more open and welcoming to the idea of them and what they do.
Magic is practiced and learned, and sometimes even taught, rather freely within Lhavit. While it is a powerful tool to be respected, it is also much more commonplace in Lhavit than many other places, and as such treated with a slightly more casual air. While the vast majority of magics are welcome without issue, there are some that even the Starry City are wary of. Familiary and Summoning are treated with caution due to the risks of interacting with other worlds. Summoning is still allowed, but there are strict rules in place around it; as such, it may only be practiced in certain locations, and with appropriate security measure put into place.
Leeching is the only magic that is frowned upon completely and seen as abhorrent; while the magic is not officially illegal due to the slippery slope that could create for other more dangerous magics, it goes unspoken that it is not allowed, and it is illegal in all but name. Anyone caught learning, practicing, or teaching Leeching will face swift punishment from the Shinya and Constellations, which may even involve being removed from the city.
★ The Tranquil Port & Sailing At the base of the Amaranthine resides the Tranquil Port, Lhavit's primary source of subsistence fishing. Though the city has not developed sea-faring vessels, trade still arrives regularly from more advanced naval cities. Many individuals find themselves at port if only to travel onward toward the Misty peaks, as it is the last vestige of civilization before one crosses into the wilderness.
For the most part the city sustains itself off fish weirs, an adaptation from their previous use of trawling nets. Weirs are strategically placed nets and traps along common traveled fish routes; preferable, as they are more cost effective and far less detrimental to the environment. Other methods of collection are simpler - many young women are employed to dig by hand for fresh-water mussels and other such shelled mollusks.
The most common fishing vessel is a small boat with a lateen sail, constructed mostly of fadeong timber. Due to the tree's unique pigmentation, these boats are quite vivid and reflect varying shades of crimson and purple in the light. Both ends of the vessel curve upward into a crescent, making Lhavitian ships incredibly distinct in both shape and color. They can be rented for commercial use, but are recommended for short distances and do not fare well in poor conditions.
★ The Towers There are three Towers erected throughout Lhavit, each controlled and maintained by a legacy. All three descend from those that were there after the Valterrian, when the city was founded, and each favoured specific magical disciplines that seemed to bring them prosperity. The Dawn Tower, erected in the name of the sun, used reimancy to help shape the city for construction. The Twilight Tower, most ancient of the three, were renowned for the ability to morph and used these abilities to gain influence and to help bypass Kalea's brutal dangers. The Dusk Tower, wealthiest by far, used their subtle auristic senses to their advantage, hoarding secrets and tasting the world by sight. These buildings stand proud throughout Lhavit ,and are now used as open houses, where elite and carefully selected students may come to learn their trades.
Once upon a time, these Towers made up a Council, one that largely influenced all decisions made within the city walls. Their power was inherited by birthright, causing each generation to in-fight for the position of Patriarch and Representative. Each head of household would meet with Aysel, Talora, Hayani, and even Zintila; between all of them, politics were decided through dialogue, and the Goddess alone had final say. As time passed, however, unrest grew. The Day of Discord changed everything, and Weisur Twilight was put to the sword. The Council, largely responsible for the mess that the city was in, was officially disbanded.
★ Architecture & Appearances Lhavit is a beautiful if eccentric city, and this is reflected in its elaborate and sometimes strange architecture. Lhavit favours gardens, colonnaded buildings and open column pavilions, arches, and spiraling towers. Many buildings have peristyles, usually containing internal gardens. Roofs are often domed, sometimes peaked or arched, and almost always made of skyglass, especially towards the center peaks. Pale stone and marble are not uncommon building materials on the center peaks, while more common stone and sometimes wood is used more towards the Sharai. The occasional building that stands out is built in a more tiered style, with decorative overhang-style roofs; these buildings are most commonly government buildings.
Businesses and residential houses are constructed by a dry stone method – structures are fitted without the use of mortar. They’re stabilized mostly by a weighted façade, made up of carefully fitted interlocking stones. The middle of each wall is filled with sand or earth to compensate for drought. Wood is used minimally in lieu of the high-speed wind and tempestuous rain the city is often forced to contend with. By tradition, many of the roofs either incorporate or are entirely constructed of skyglass. As a material, skyglass is incredibly versatile; the crystalline substance can be mostly translucent, completely opaque, clear, coloured, and even reflective. Its potential is endless, and as such it is used very commonly in the decorative aspects of many buildings; it is common for fixtures, ornamentation, and windows to be made of varying types of skyglass.
Much of the city seems haphazard, for the roads are winding and steep with many buildings still attached to the rock, and some even built into the mountain itself. Twisting, narrow staircases are common, as the city is built mostly on leveled land that was shaped into tiers. The Zintia has the most level and flat ground of all the peaks, with the most well-defined terraces, allowing for more level construction and slightly easier travel between levels.
The city proper sits atop a half-circle of mountain peaks, overlooking a bay on the western coast of Kalea. Much like the palm of a hand, the Tranquil Port sits at its base. Due to the city’s many peaks and tiers, the design radiates out from a central nucleus otherwise known as the Zintia. The city’s more modest areas have grown outward into the Shinyama, Sartu, Tenten, and Sharai peaks, each specific area developing a unique identity to those that reside there. There is a path from the Tranquil Port that leads up the central Zintia peak; this path, named the Diamond Road, is steep and difficult to walk, designed more to be traveled via Okomo rather than on foot.
The Diamond Road leads from the port, past a small skyglass shack, and all the way up the Zintia to the city's main gates; there is a very small, overgrown dirt path that leads off from the Diamond Road near the skyglass shack, traveling a few meters into the Unforgiving before it fades, where people who have crossed Kalea overland may find access to the main road leading to the city. It is, however, rarely used and clearly does not have much upkeep, as the travel across Kalea is so dangerous and near impossible that most visitors to Lhavit arrive via boat.
A main feature of the Diamond City is its legendary skyglass bridge system that connects the peaks. Each bridge is entirely wrought from the iridescent, crystalline substance that is skyglass, encasing the traveler in a radiant, multi-hued splendor. The bridges are maintained through the year by the Constellations, and are incredibly resistant to the elements. Along the walkways are minute carvings of exquisite detail, depicting the events of the Valterrian, Zintila's fall, and the founding of Lhavit. Each one tells but a part of the whole tale, prompting the tourist to explore them all. This is referred to as the Pilgrimage, and is recommended to each new resident at the Cosmos Center.
★ Fashion Much like the city itself, several different influences converge to create one cohesive style. Both men and women tend toward the dramatic in terms of accessory; women wear scarves draped over their shoulders or on their heads, circlets, and often an overwhelming amount of jewelry, as do the men to a lesser degree. This is primarily influenced by their daily interactions with Wind Reach, especially the adaptation of beads and perfumes. Men and women alike tend to favour long hair, usually left down and loose, though sometimes styled into elaborate up-dos in the warmer weather. For clothing, there are two distinct looks for the average Lhavitian - interior and exterior.
The interior look for men is very simplistic, usually consisting of woolen undershirts, tunics, and trousers; though it is not entirely uncommon to see more flamboyantly dressed men who prefer more flowing fabrics and even robes. Women, on the other hand, are generally far more ornate. The elegant styles of Kalinor fuse with the earthen influences of Wind Reach to inspire an eclectic look all it's own. Naked shoulders and arms are very popular, usually in contrast to long, flowing gowns. Layers are key, usually in the form of coats, scarves, and shawls. The look decreases in drama as the wearer increases in wealth. Whereas a normal woman would wear an overwhelming amount of cheap jewelry, the more to-do would instead don a few, more tasteful pieces. Lhavitians love elegant patterns and favor white, red, purple, blue, and gold. Embroidery is extremely popular, both for men and women, and is often present on clothing in some form or another.
The exterior look however, is wholly Lhavit's own. Due to the unforgiving weather, in the colder seasons residents wear long woolen coats with half-capes sewn at the top. They come in varying colors and lengths, but most are trimmed with fur of some kind or another. This lends a uniformity to those roaming the city streets, especially in the wintertime. Layers still reign in the warmer weather, but this time they are composed largely of lighter and more airy materials, many of which may also be sheer. Various styles of boots are the most common footwear no matter the season due to the rocky terrain and amount of stairs within the city, but sturdy sandals worn by women are not uncommon in the warm seasons.
Wealth is scarce, as the people of Lhavit tend to be self-sustaining. Fashion changes only slightly in the case of Shinya, the Seekers, and the Towers. Shinya tend to stick to their unique dress code, as do the Seekers. Members of the Towers tend to don an enhanced form of the style, favoring rarities such as silk and gold as small indicators of their affluence. Most of these adornments have been collected over time, and many have been imported in from the outside world rather than made by local craftsmen. Even so, their insignia more readily identifies members of theses houses rather than the grandeur of their clothes.
★ Societal Expectations & Laws Crime in the city is addressed in a two-part fashion. The Shinya are the warriors and guards of the city, and it is their job to subdue and incarcerate any individual attempting to cause harm. The Seiza are a sect of the Constellations, followers of Zintila, and they uphold the law through trial. The laws of Lhavit are as follows:
✰ You cannot not kill, steal, or cause any harm to your neighbor. ✰ You cannot abuse or subvert any preexisting law. ✰ Public disruptions such as riots or looting are forbidden. ✰ The Goddess Zintila has the right to veto any and all decisions regarding the law, and has final say in any and all trials. ✰ Pardons may only be given by Talora, Aysel, or Zintila herself. ✰ Okomo are sacred and protected by divine right. Abuse of an Okomo may result in death. Killing an Okomo will result in death.
Any who are found guilty of breaking the law and who are caught by the Shinya are taken into custody and then tried by the Seiza. The Twuele has eight different floors, each equipped with court rooms for each specific law. That is where criminals are tried. The uppermost is Zintila's Chamber, also known as the Astronomer's Paradise, where she most commonly resides. The consequence for each offense varies as the trials are conducted on a case-by-case basis. Background, social standing, previous convictions, and citizenship are all taken into consideration before the final decision is made. The most heinous crime that one can commit is the murder of an Okomo, and it is the only crime that without fail, is answered with death.
★ Currency The currency in Lhavit is different to that of most other cities. Lhavit uses Kina and not Mizas. You can only trade your currency if you are currently in, or started in, Lhavit. Any PCs arriving in the city can exchange their currency at the Cosmos Center; this may be done in-character if you wish, otherwise you can assume it is done and list it in your ledger as such.
Miza Equivalents 1 Gold Miza = 1 Kina (ki) 1 Silver Miza = 1 Topaz Kina (tk) 1 Copper Miza = 1 Jade Kina (jk)
★ Agriculture, Industry, & Cuisine Most of Lhavit's food industry is generated from the agriculture of the Sharai. Being one of the final peaks erected in the Starry City, its primary function is to sustain the growing population and produce their one and only export: tea. Tea is a widely grown crop in Lhavit, and is considered a specialty of the city; it is a much beloved drink by citizens, and they often trade it with other cities. Due to the issue in climate, however, the city has erected special skyglass hothouses in which to grow crops such as tea, allowing them to produce year-round and in bulk. Though there is very seldom a surplus, the city still manages to trade for essentials with the cities around them.
The Sharai fields are largely used to grow wheat, barley, and root and tuber vegetables due to their hardiness and resistance to cold. Other fruits and vegetables that require warmer weather are grown on a lesser scale inside of the special skyglass greenhouses, providing Lhavitians with a wide variety of foods overall. More exotic foods tend to be traded in from other cities and regions. A staple fruit that has long since been grown in Lhavitian greenhouses, though nobody quite remembers where it came from, is the star fruit; this fruit is less often used as an ingredient in drinks or recipes and most commonly eaten as-is for a quick snack.
Another facet of their market is the unique tourism that Lhavit provides. Though travelers are few and far between, many part with enormous sums to learn the magical crafts offered throughout. Reputation is everything, and the city has acquired a vast one in regards to the arcane. Most of Mizahar has at least heard tell of a glittering mountain city, lush and evergreen, offering tutelage to those who seek it...for a fee, of course. Those who travel to Lhavit just to learn the arcane will often find themselves disappointed, however, as it is not as simple as merely asking one of the Towers to be a student, and even vast amounts of gold aren't always enough. Connections and influence are what matters most when it comes to this, and so those seeking to learn the arcane who thought they could buy such secrets with money often find themselves putting in more work than anticipated.
Finally, Lhavit's greatest treasure are the beloved Okomo. The Okomo are large creatures similar to a cross between a mountain goat and an antelope, varying in size from that of a large donkey to a small horse, and blessed with jewel-toned skyglass horns and reinforced skyglass hooves and vertebrae; this allows them to act as mounts on the rocky mountain terrain without issue. Okomo are not kept as pets or mounts; though they are generally kept on the Sharai, they are allowed to roam the city freely and do as they please. People may use them for mounts or husbandry should the opportunity present itself, and should the Okomo allow it. Okomo produce a distinct milk that is thick and slightly sweet, a product unrivaled by others of its kind; it also makes for a very distinct cheese. Okomo are also shorn regularly, particularly in the warm weather to avoid them overheating; their pastel, multi-hued fur is then used to craft a fine, thick wool that the wealthier citizens of the city favour over regular wool. The Okomo are mostly gentle and are kept on the terraced fields of the Sharai, where they lead peaceful lives.
Cuisine in Lhavit largely consists of carbohydrate heavy root and tuber vegetables; potatoes, parsnips, carrots, yams, and turnips are all common. In the colder months, these vegetables are often mixed together to create stews. Bread is primarily made from barley with some wheat, and fresh fruits and vegetables are available as well thanks to the greenhouses on the Sharai, though depending on the season and type they are slightly less common. Milk and milk products are plentiful due to the Okomo.
Lhavitians enjoy spicy foods and blending favours; all of their dishes are well-seasoned with various spices, perhaps overly so if you ask those who are not used to the city's food. Sweet and savoury, sweet and sour, and sweet and spicy combinations are popular and common. Tea is served with just about every meal and throughout the day; black tea is most commonly had with okomo milk, which is sweet enough that sugar is rarely added. In fact, Lhavitian diets are rather dairy-heavy as the Okomo are so plentiful throughout the city, and milking them is easy once you know how to do it due to how laid-back and gentle the creatures generally are.
★ Weather, Climate, & Wilderness Being a mountain city, Lhavit tends towards a cooler climate year round. The tops of the Misty Peaks are covered in snow, ice, and glaciers at all times of the year, with only mild melting occurring during the warmer seasons. The air is thin due to the high altitude, which can be difficult to adjust to for newcomers to the city, and is brisk and fresh. Sharp, brine-filled ocean breezes and winds come in off the coast often. Thick fog and heavy mist are common around the city and in the surrounding forests at all times of the year, though most commonly in the mornings and in cooler weather. Rain is also a common occurrence in all seasons, though not a daily event.
Winters are cold and harsh; the temperature is freezing, and snowfall is heavy, with winds turning particularly bitter and cold. The air is generally mildly warmer and the snow accumulation slightly less towards the center peaks; this is because the skyglass that many buildings are constructed with reflects light and warmth, keeping the air slightly warmer. This effect is minimal, however, and becomes nonexistent towards the outer peaks where there is less skyglass.
Spring is a mild season as the weather warms and new plants begin blooming; the snow begins to melt, swelling the Amaranthine River. Combined with the frequent warm rains of spring, this can often lead to flooding and sometimes even landslides in the surrounding mountainsides.
Summers are warm and tend to be very humid, which can make them feel hotter than they really are. The weather is always hottest in the center peaks thanks to the same skyglass effect that keeps the winters slightly more mild in the same areas. Rain continues in the summer, which doesn't help the humidity at all, and thunderstorms are common.
Autumn is perhaps the most mild of seasons as the weather begins to cool; trees begin to change colour and lose their leaves, and plants begin to die as the first frosts creep in. Rain begins to lessen in the autumn, and is much colder when it does occur. The fog that is common year-round becomes even more prevalent during this season, and the early morning hours almost always find the city blanketed in mist.
★ ★ ★Note: The exact weather each season is subject to change; please check the seasonal calendar for more information. Due to Morwen disappearing in winter 516 AV, winter has not occurred since then; this has also affected the normal weather patterns of the other seasons.
The wilds surrounding Lhavit are harsh and, well, unforgiving; hence the name of the Unforgiving. The surrounding area is rocky and mountainous, composed of steep mountain peaks and deep valleys, and the terrain is difficult to navigate. The mountains are thickly forested, primarily with evergreen trees, and full of all sorts of wild animals, beasts, creatures, and monsters, including Kalean Zith. Wild djed pools are also not unheard of within the wilderness. The mountains are even more treacherous in the winter, when thick, deep snow makes walking difficult and the cold threatens to bite fingers and toes.
★ ★ ★Note: In order to enter the Unforgiving or the wilderness of the Misty Peaks alone, a master level in the Wilderness Survival skill is required. If you do not have this level of Wilderness Survival, then in order to enter the Unforgiving, you must be accompanied by either a PC or an NPC who does have master Wilderness Survival. If you wish to begin a PC with the Wilderness Survival skill in Lhavit, note that the primary biome is mountain, with the secondary being forest.
If you attempt to enter the wilderness surrounding Lhavit alone without the required Wilderness Survival skill, your ST can and will intervene, and there will be consequences, up to and including death. Proceed at your own risk, and consider yourself warned if you want to ignore this rule.
★ Flora & Fauna Below is a wonderfully detailed list of the wild flora and fauna found in and around Lhavit. This is by no means a complete list, but instead a constant work in progress. We encourage the players to submit their own ideas for any plants or animals they would like to see. Note that all of the flora and fauna listed below are original or unique to Mizahar, even if only minor changes have been made from their real life inspiration; real animals and plants are not listed, as otherwise, this list would be endless.
Players can safely assume that any animals found in the real world in climates similar to Lhavit and the Unforgiving can be found around the city and in the wilds as appropriate. Lhavit and the lower Misty Peaks are similar in climate to the real world Canadian Rocky Mountains, while the higher one goes into the peaks, the more similar the environment becomes to the Himalayan Mountains. If you are unsure about what animals or plants may be found in the area, ask your ST.
For any questions, feel free to ask! As stated above, everything can be expanded upon and is available for the players to include in their threads.
Enjoy!
Flora :
Image
Name
Characteristics
Bulboru
The bulboru is an easily recognizable plant due to its pale pink, pom-pom like flower. The flower itself is only present in the spring – a seed head or simply a flat stem top is present at all other times of the year. During the summer, the seeds scatter, and this is also the best time of year to harvest to the root. The roots of the bulboru plant contain a substance that aids in reducing a fever. L1 herbalism to identify and harvest.
Dula
The dula is the name of both a tree and the fruit it bears. The trees are tall and very leafy throughout the spring and summer seasons, with the leaves browning and dying off during the colder weather. In spring, the trees are covered with pale yellow blossoms that eventually grow into the dula fruit, ready to be picked during late summer. The fruit has a tangy taste, but is not unpleasant. It is usually seen as a dessert fruit – not many people eat it as a snack.
Fadeong
The fadeong is a tree unique to the Lhavit region. Even when taken and planted elsewhere in the world, it will die within days, since it is so finely tuned to the climate of the area. It grows very tall, and branches only grow above the halfway height of the trunk. They never grow alone, and are a very popular tree for lining paths or tracks. The leaves of each tree will be a slightly different color. Leaves take hues of blue, pink, purple, orange, and green. The leaves are tiny – no bigger than a thumbnail – and when leaves from different fadeong trees are gathered together, they can make very colourful and attractive decorations.
Ipdo
The ipdo is a very strange plant. It is a low growing shrub, favouring shady areas over direct sunlight. The flat green leaves are circular and have black dots on their surface. The ipdo is always in leaf, even during the winter. They die off in clusters and get replaced during the colder months, but there is never a time that the shrub is completely bare. The leaves have a couple of uses; when picked and chewed, they can keep hunger at bay, though the effect is short-lived unless you continuously chew. When crushed and added to candles that are then burnt, they lend a pleasant scent, not dissimilar to that of a forest after a rainfall. L2 herbalism to identify and harvest.
Jasao
The jasao plant, while pretty, is actually a weed. When allowed to grow near other plants, it overtakes them quickly. The stems of the jasao are very thin and long, and they wrap around and strangle other plants. As such, the plant is never found in the more cultivated areas of the city – gardeners work hard to keep it at bay. However, the blue weed grows in abundance in the Misty Peaks. When picked, the flowers take a very long time to wilt, so they are a very popular plant for use as hair decorations. On special occasions, many citizens will pick and wind many of the plants together to make floral crowns to wear.
Kariino
The kariino plant is actually a tree. It does not grow very tall, due to the branches overhanging rather than shooting straight up. The branches are thin, and the delicate flowers that it blooms during spring weigh them down, and they never spring back up again. The trees always grow apart from each other, since the roots are shallow and far-reaching. The trees are not only beautiful, but the blossoms they have during spring have interesting properties. When collected and crushed, they can be made into a tonic that helps one drift off to sleep. Interestingly, the sap from the tree can be harvested as well and has the opposite effect; the sap can be harvested and made into a drug that keeps one awake. L2 herbalism to identify and harvest, L2 poison to create the drug.
Keokina
The keokina flower is a very popular plant for decorations. Cornflower blue and white flowers grow in clusters, with each individual flower no bigger than a kina in size. The plant flowers at the start of spring, and lasts right through to the first touches of winter. As such, throughout the warmer seasons, many of Lhavit’s citizens collect bunches of the keokina and use them to add color and life to their homes. The plant possesses no medical properties, but it does have a very distinctive and sweet scent.
Kuhari
The kuhari is one of the more dangerous flowers in Lhavit and the Unforgiving. It is an extremely common flower in the wilds, but in the city, the Shinya make an effort every year to keep it completely eradicated from their midst. Its distinctive blue, white, and purple tones, along with its thin spines, make it easily recognizable. Though they don’t look sharp, the spines are thin enough to pierce the skin. If that happens, medical help should be sought immediately, since the spines hold a poison that will weaken the body significantly; if left to spread through the body for more than 6 hours, the poison can lead to death. With effort and care, this poison can be extracted; it will take a longer time to kick in, generally closer to 8 to 12 hours, but will have nearly the same effect as the plant, leading to intense pain and sometimes death. L2 herbalism and L3 poison to identify and harvest, as well as to craft the poison.
Leiyona
The leiyona is in the same flower family as the zujin. They are, however, polar opposites in their habits and their properties. The leiyona flower only blooms in summer, the warmest time of the year needed to kick-start their growth. The flower is always warm to the touch, as if it is soaking up the sunlight, much like a lizard on a rock would do. The leiyona only grows on thin soil, where there is a ground of rocks or a pathway or the like. It is not uncommon for one to find one randomly growing in the middle of the Surya Plaza. If one were to break apart the thick petals, much like the zujin flower, they would find an oozing liquid. This liquid can be used as an antiseptic on cuts, stings, or bug bites, and it helps numb pain. It is brightly coloured, almost garish, but indeed a useful flower. L2 herbalism to identify and harvest.
Moonglow Plant
The moonglow plant is a sparse bush-like plant with long, spindly branches. It grows upwards rather than out, with some very old plants easily clearing 6 feet. They tend to grow where there is little foot-traffic, making them most common on the outer peaks and in the Alheas Park. The plant has no leaves or flowers in a traditional sense; instead, they have flat, oval pods. These pods are an iridescent silvery colour, though they take on a peach tinge during the summer. At night, these pods reflect moonlight, which gives them the appearance that they are glowing despite not actually being bio-luminescent. The pods can be harvested and used as a sleep aid. Eating the pods raw can mildly help one sleep; they are crunchy, and taste vaguely like apples. Refining the pods into a powder and steeping it in tea creates a much more potent sleep aid that can knock a grown okomo out within a bell. L2 herbalism to identify and harvest, L3 poison to craft the drug.
Mountain Rose
The mountain rose is a small plant that produces beautiful flowers during the summer season. The flowers can be apricot, pink, or white in colour, and sometimes have pink lines marking the center of each petal. The flowers grow in groups; sometimes up to 10 flowers can grow out of a single leaf base. The mountain rose tends to favour the forest floors with deep soil, though it is very popular with the citizens of Lhavit, and can easily be grown in a garden.
Nokkochi
The nokkochi is an extremely common tree found amongst the trees of Lhavit, and in areas of the Misty Peaks that are close to the city. They are not very tall trees, but are quite small, with droopy branches that trail their leaves over your head as you walk by. On the Zintia Peak, they have been almost completely cut down, but on nearly every other, they are found in clumps in areas of dense vegetation. They are simple plants, following the seasonal pattern that many other trees do. They flower in spring, stay that way through the summer, and then lose their leaves in the autumn. They are a common plant, with nothing special about them - though, they are undoubtedly pretty.
Saegiro
The saegiro is a flower that blooms only in the hottest season of the year; they flower during the beginning of summer, and begin to die as the season approaches its end. They are usually a bright pink, though they can also range from purple to fiery orange; no matter the colour of their petals, they always have a pure white center. They grow only in clumps, never just individual flowers, and are usually worn in the Taiyang's hair when they do their fire dancing. They have no medicinal property, except they are often found in the summer months in the houses of Lhavitians, thought to bring longevity and honour to a household if they are hung above the door. It is an entirely decorational flower, but they have great spiritual significance for Lhavitians.
Savetta
Savetta is a type of fungus that grows in Alheas Park and some of the surrounding forest around Lhavit. It is a delicate, pink-white fungus that grows in the shape of leaves with an almost filigree-like pattern. Savetta will only grow on fadeong trees, and only down near the roots where there's the most moisture. It is a very thin fungus that tears easily, and while it is poisonous if ingested, causing intense fever, when used correctly it can be used to make a hallucinogenic drug. L2 herbalism to identify and harvest, L3 poison to craft both the poison and the drug.
Skyglass Flower
Skyglass flowers are native to Lhavit; the flowers are almost entirely found within the city itself, rarely growing out in the wild due to their delicate nature. They grow in clusters of 3 - 5 directly from the ground, often in fields; they are so-named for their petals, which are thin and delicate, with a faintly crystalline texture akin to skyglass. They come in various shades and colours, pink, blue, purple, and orange being the most common. Large groupings of the flowers can be quite striking, sometimes literally; sunlight tends to reflect off of the petals at the right angle, creating a shimmering field which has temporarily blinded people on more than one occasion. Skyglass flowers are a popular decorative flora, often placed strategically to either reflect light, or to show off light passing through the petals.
Snow Apple
Snow apples are a type of small, dark red apple unique to Lhavit; they are not a natural species of apple, but rather, were bred by combining various types of apple trees decades ago by the Snow family. They are named both after the family that created them, as well as the season in which they are harvested. The snow apple trees bloom at the start of fall with gorgeous, massive lime green and yellow blossoms. Some of the older and more prized trees bloom white. The first snowfall incubates the apples as they grow and mature, and they become ready to harvest at the end of winter. A unique and delicious type of cider is created by fermenting snow apples.
Snowberries
Also known as ghostberries, snowberries are not unique to Lhavit, and grow year round. However, the species that grows in and around Lhavit is slightly different from the ones that grow outside of the Misty Peaks. Small white berries, they grow on bushes in clumps; the outside is hard, while the inside is soft, granular, and crystalline. During the day they seem unremarkable, but like many of Lhavit's flora, at night the berries glow with a faint luminescence that is not present in any other variety of the berry. The berries aren't poisonous, but are hard to eat and entirely tasteless; when fermented properly, they create glace, a tasteless but strong spirit that glows brightly. Glace is a specialty at the Obsidian Club, used to make their signature glowing cocktails.
Taikapi
The taikapi is a flower that is only found on the Sharai Peak of Lhavit. The flowers grow in abundance over the fields of the Okomos, almost like a pestilence there; yet they are curiously absent from any other part of Lhavit. It is said that they grow anywhere where the Okomos grow, for the two are intimately connected - the taikapi is a flower that is essential for the Okomo's digestive health. These flowers are either white or blue, little and bell-like in shape. They are considered the children's emblem of Lhavit, and are often gifted to children on their birthdays.
Taka Moss
Taka moss is very common. It grows on just about any rock, and also covers the floors of woodlands and forests in the Misty Peaks. Taka moss is a light, yellow-green color and is very thick – trying to pull if off a rock is near impossible. If you wish to harvest the moss, you will need a knife or dagger to cut it away. When added to food, taka moss can help ease muscle pain and fatigue. L2 herbalism to identify and harvest.
Wanamu
The wanamu tree is a tree that only grew before the Valterrian. There are only a few surviving examples of these trees, and they grace the top of the individual peaks in the wilderness of the Misty Peaks. Their bark is cracked and wrinkled, and they are tall and winding, reaching up towards Zintila's stars. The trees have a minor field of hypnotism, so that when a weary traveler passes by a singular tree, they begin to feel much more rejuvenated and rested. The more trees there are in one spot, the more hope is instilled into the passerby. The wanamu tree is extremely rare, and only the most daring adventurers have the possibility of passing them.
Zujin
The zujin flower is a tough flower which is found, perhaps surprisingly, only in winter. When the water in Lhavit freezes over, the buds (which are present, along with the lily pad leaves, all year round) bloom into purple, spiky flowers. Not delicate at all, they have thick petals which can be broken, revealing a thick gel inside that is a subtle poison. The poison can be used to upset one's stomach for multiple days if slipped into food. However, the leaf itself has medicinal values when used whole and steeped to make tea; the opposite of its poison, tea made from the leaves of a zujin will help ease stomach aches. The flower, due to the fact that it blooms only in winter, has come to have a poor social symbol. It is often given mockingly to a woman who constantly rejects a potential lover. When given a zujin, the woman on the receiving end is often given the title "Ice Flower". L2 herbalism and L2 poison to identify and harvest.
Fauna :
Image
Name
Characteristics
Alheas Lion
This beautiful cat began as an indigenous species to the Misty Peaks. They are small for wildlife, but large compared to most housecats, measuring 45 cm at the shoulder, and have long, thick, grey or brown fur. One of the most fascinating aspects of the breed is their ever-changing eyes, reflecting their mood similarly to the Vantha, an effect caused by exposure to high levels of wild djed. They live in the forests of Alheas Park and are considered almost a sacred animal; while not common, they are occasionally kept as pets. Domestication is easy as they naturally have a relaxed temperament and enjoy being pampered.
Aura Moth
While bio-luminescence is common in the flora of Lhavit, it is less common in animals; the aura moth is one of the few creatures that displays this trait. Aura moths are huge, easily spanning the size of a grown man's hands side-by-side, and their wings are coloured a pale green with pink and yellow accents; they have a thick, furry body. Nocturnal, these moths are rarely seen during the day. At night, they exude a gentle white glow that seems to stream around and behind them as they fly; auristics users have likened the appearance of this glow to auras, hence the moth's name. They can be seen during all seasons, though they are most common in the winter. Aura caterpillars are plain white and slightly fuzzy, identifiable by the same gentle glow at night.
Changeling Mantis
The changeling mantis is a carnivorous insect that has the unique ability to mimic its surroundings. This ability takes about an hour to take affect, after such time it takes on aspects of whatever is around it at the time. This ability allows it to be a better hunter and to avoid being hunted itself. Many believe that eating it will allow you to heal faster, but few are brave enough to test the theory.
Ghost Hawk
Ghost hawks are rare birds that live in the higher parts of the Misty Peaks. Ghost hawks have pure white feathers, for which they are named after; their flight and tail feathers are partially translucent, while the feathers on their bodies have a very faint sheen to them, effectively allowing them to easily blend in with fog and snow. On average, they have a wingspan of 4 - 4.5 feet. They use this camouflage to their advantage when hunting. Rare and with aggressive temperaments, ghost hawks are not kept by any in the city, but are admired by many.
Golden Sun Monkey
The golden sun monkey are an elusive breed that reside in the trees of Misty Peaks. They are herbivores, eating mostly leaves and nuts. Golden sun monkeys are named for their fur, which is a rich, warm golden colour that shines and reflects sunlight. Despite the vibrant colors of their fur, they are very reclusive and thus, rarely seen. If someone does happen to see one, it is considered by the locals to be a sign of good fortune. They are a popular symbol with the Taiyang and those that worship Syna.
Kinell Kingfisher
This tiny kingfisher has an amazingly haunting voice that almost reminds the listener of a human choir chanting. One bird resembles a soloist, while a flock sounds amazingly like an entire choir. These birds are nocturnal and dwell in cavities found in the stone surrounding the Kinell Hotsprings. They have brightly coloured iridescent feathers, and to see a flock of them flying and singing their choir-like song under the moonlight is truly captivating. These birds can be kept as pets, and are easy to raise and breed in captivity.
Lhavitian Squirrel
The Lhavitian squirrel, referred to in the city as just a squirrel, is a very common rodent that lives in the trees in and around the city. They are dark in colour, ranging from a smoky grey to black, but they always have white undersides, including the underneath of the tail. The rare albino squirrel may also be found. The squirrels also have a tuft of dark fur on each ear to help keep them warm in the cooler climate. They are useful to the citizens, since they feed on fungi that is poisonous to humans, thus eliminating the threat from the city.
Misty Fox
The misty fox can only be found on the peaks around Lhavit. They are a small canine, growing no more than 30 cm at the shoulder. Their coats are pure white, and stay that way no matter the season, and they are well adapted to survive in the colder mountain temperatures. They have thick fur on the undersides of their paws, small ears and noses, and very thick fur. The foxes are very skittish, fearing human contact, and so they are extremely hard to find. Their fur used to be prized for garment creation, but since they were hunted to near extinction, killing a misty fox is now illegal.
Mountain Cat
The mountain cat, or Lhavitian cat, is unique to the Lhavit region. They are a sturdy cat that lives in wild packs around the Misty Peaks, making their home in crevices and rockfalls; however, they are also a popular pet. A few citizens have managed to domesticate the cats and now the cat is a popular pet for children. The mountain cat is very small, only fractionally bigger than a normal house cat, measuring around 25 cm tall at the shoulder. They are generally silvery coated with darker striped markings and thick tails.
Mountain Deer
The mountain deer are found much lower down the peaks than most of Lhavit’s other native wildlife. They roam in large herds feeding on shrubs and berries during the day, and then split up into smaller groups at night to make it harder for any predators to hunt them. The deer have large ears and white coats no matter the season, with only the males possessing horns. They are a popular game species, and Lhavitians often travel down the peak to hunt them.
Nistus Jellyfish
Nistus jellyfish are a species of freshwater jellyfish found in the ponds of Alheas Park. They are relatively small, ranging from 5 to 10 inches in diameter, with flowing tentacles that reach up to a foot in length. They are a pale, semi-translucent white, but glow with a blue bio-luminescence. They tend to stick to the deeper parts of the ponds; their tentacles contain a toxin that allows them to subdue and kill their prey with ease. The same toxin is much less effective against humans, but where contact is made, the skin will go numb and one will experience a blue-tinged, slightly glowing rash; this usually only lasts a few bells. The toxins from these jellyfish can be harvested to create a potent drug; L3 poison to harvest, along with L2 philtering to craft the drug.
Okomo
The Okomo is a sturdy and peaceful animal unique to Lhavit; common within the city and less common outside of it, the Okomo are revered among Lhavitians and considered sacred, often serving as mounts. Okomo are also used for their milk, which is also used to create cheese, and often have their fur sheared for wool, much like sheep, when it becomes too thick. However, the killing of an Okomo is illegal and a heinous crime, and their meat is never eaten; killing an Okomo is punishable by death. The size of a large donkey to a small horse, just big enough to ride comfortably, Okomos have soft pastel fur that comes in all colours of the rainbow, often in multiple shades. Both males and females have long horns that spiral upwards that glitter and glow with a bio-luminescence. Like their bones and hooves, their horns are made of skyglass, and come in the same range of shades as their fur.
Prismflies
Prismflies are cousins of fireflies, but of the two, they are much more common throughout Lhavit. Native to the city and surrounding forest, they are rare to find elsewhere. Prismflies are around at all times of the year, though they become more scarce in the winter, and are especially prevalent in Alheas Park. The insects glow come nightfall just like fireflies, except in multi-hued colours that drift across the spectrum of the rainbow. They provide beautiful light shows on clear nights, and it is not uncommon for Lhavitians to capture a handful in a jar to use as lighting.
Sartu Rainbow Trout
The Sartu rainbow trout, or simply rainbow trout, is a large species of trout native to the Misty Peaks, usually weighing around 25 - 30 lbs. The rainbow trout's scales are predominantly yellow, but they have large patches of different iridescent colours of all varieties of the rainbow, giving them their name. They live in the lakes and rivers of the Misty Peaks, but are particularly common on the Sartu Peak, especially at the Rainbow Falls. The Sartu rainbow trout is a popular sport fish among Lhavitians, and the most commonly eaten fish.
Skyglass Caterpillar
This insect is named the skyglass caterpillar because of it's remarkable translucent body that seems to look like its made of glass. This beautiful skin conceals that fact that it is actually poisonous, and if touched the subject will break out into hives; if something is foolish enough to eat a skyglass caterpillar, it may even prove to be fatal. Poison harvested from the insects can cause nasty rashes that last for days if applied topically. It spends most of its time eating as much as it can before it starts the metamorphosis process. L3 poison to harvest.
Skyglass Moth
The mature form of the skyglass caterpillar is a gold coloured moth with wings that seem to sparkle. Unlike their juvenile forms, they are completely harmless, and their diet consists mostly of nectar. The wings of a skyglass moth can be used to create the drug broken glass. L2 poison to harvest and create the drug.
Star Lizard
This tiny iridescent lizard survives on the nectar and insects found on flowers growing in and around the Lhavitian Hotsprings. They reproduce often and are favorite foods of all sorts of opportunistic birds and other smaller creatures. Primarily nocturnal, these lizards are fast, friendly, and make exceptional pets. Their dark colouring combined with white speckling is what earned them their name.
Steiggerhorn
Less common than their cousins, bighorn sheep, the steiggerhorn are smaller and have a much more mellow temperament. Their meat can be considered a delicacy, since they mostly inhabit the less accessible areas in the Misty Peaks around the Sharai and as such are more difficult to hunt. Also known as jyukurai to locals, they are characterized by their soft, brown wool, and are usually found with four horns, though they have been seen with anywhere from two to six.
★ Race Relations
Akalak These powerful warriors are incredible rare in Lhavit and treated with a great deal of respect when they do visit. Akalak may find themselves highly sought after, particularly by the Shinya, for their combat abilities.
Akvatari These creatures are seen as essential to the culture and creativity of any city and are treated politely. Many people may ask after an Akvatari's poetry or magical ability, the assumption being they are proficient in both.
Benshira Relatively unknown, these desert-dwelling nomads are treated as most any other human.
Chaktawe Due to their unnatural appearance, citizens will be fascinated with these beings and might even gape openly in the streets. Due to their somber exterior however, Chaktawe will likely be regarded with some suspicion and avoided by most.
Charoda These creatures are regrettably unable to survive under the atmospheric conditions in Lhavit; however, while rare, it is not unheard of Charoda visiting Port Tranquil. Such occasions do not occur often, and when they do, are cause for much talk.
Dhani The snake-people are feared, most especially for their ability to infiltrate human society and for their predatory appetites. Dhani are treated with extreme caution and watched strictly by the Shinya, and may even be asked to leave regardless of their behaviour.
Drykas These horse-people are treated much like any other human culture. Horses are something of a fascination for natives however, since they are near nonexistent in the mountainous region; tales of such creatures could very well become a crowd favorite.
Ethaefal These transcendent beings are treated with awe and openly admired, to the point where citizens may randomly present Ethaefal with gifts or acts of service. They are afforded the same liberties as other citizens, but seem to advance faster than ordinary humans. Ethaefal with mortal seemings of a mistrusted race are afforded more leniency and trust than pure members of said race, but they are regarded with much more suspicion than other Ethaefal, and will often be watched closely.
Eypharian Multiple arms would be quite an attraction to the local populous. Due to their scarcity in the high mountains of Kalea, Eypharians are nearly unheard of, and considered beautiful and exotic. It is not uncommon for the few Eypharian visitors that do grace Lhavit to attract many suitors, regardless of gender.
Ghosts Ghosts are not overly common in Lhavit, but like most cities, the occasional restless spirit does take up residence in the city. Seen both as scary and a curiosity, if a ghost minds its own business and doesn't cause trouble, they will likely be left to their own devices. Should a spirit decide to cause trouble, Rostam is usually called to deal with them.
Humans Regular humans are all treated with general respect as they make up most of the population. Actions dictate more than any variation of appearance when it comes to how a human is treated by the general population.
Inarta Wind Reach and Lhavit have a very positive relationship and because of that, Inarta are more than welcome. Wind Eagle riders regularly visit Lhavit for trading purposes, and will find themselves the center of attention.
Isur The Isur also have a beneficial relationship with Lhavit, having been a regular trade partner as well. Isurians are craftsmen and their goods will be highly sought after.
Jamoura Though extremely rare outside of the Spires, the mountainous and cool climate of Lhavit is more comfortable for Jamoura than many other places. On occasion, Lhavit will receive Jamouran visitors, many in search of knowledge. They are popular figures in folktales and stories, particularly for children.
Kelvic These shape-shifters are treated as mostly human, though their capabilities add to their usefulness and therefore make them more desirable. Exotic animals are especially liked and will find themselves being very popular with the opposite sex.
Konti Though few and far between, Konti are incredibly attractive to the natives. Vision water has graced many foreign myths and may be frequently asked about with these semi-aquatic beings. Their association to Laviku also lends value to how they're perceived.
Myrian The Myrians are feared and yet revered, to a extent; their combat skills are admired greatly, particularly among the Shinya. They are often used as fables for disobedient children. They will not attract crowds, but will certainly attract attention.
Nuit Nuit are regarded with deep suspicion and caution, and generally disgust. While allowed in the city, most go out of their away to avoid them, and the Shinya keep a sharp eye on them. It is highly frowned upon for Nuit to purchase or otherwise acquire bodies tha have died naturally, but not strictly illegal; however, the moment a Nuit kills in order to obtain a body, the Shinya will dispatch of them ruthlessly and without question.
Pycon Pycon are regarded with a great deal of curiosity. When noticed, they may become the center of a full-scale interrogation. People find their existence a mark of powerful magic and are endlessly fascinated by them.
Svefra These traders are highly regarded in Lhavit and are treated as dual-citizens. Due to the 512 AV Djed Storm however, populations have dwindled significantly on the west coast.
Symenestra Thanks to the Harvest, the people of Lhavit are wary of the Symenestra. It's proximity to Kalinor makes it an especially attractive target. But the city, being egalitarian, gives everyone a chance, though the Shinya watch them very closely. Females are marginally more trusted than males, but not by much.
Vantha Vantha are welcome in Lhavit; trade from Avanthal is not as common as from Wind Reach, but still more regular than trade from most other places. Vantha are all viewed as grand storytellers. Never enter a tavern as a Vantha; you'll be hard-pressed to leave.
★ ★ ★Note: Due to the disappearance of Morwen in winter of 516 AV, Vantha are being hunted across Mizahar at the request of other deities, and Lhavit is no exception to this. There were little to none of Morwen's people in the city to begin with, so it hasn't been a huge issue; however, should a Vantha show themselves in Lhavit and be identified as such, their time alive would be severely limited. While personal opinions may vary, there are plenty willing to kill a Vantha, either for the 1,000 Kina reward or for personal reasons; the Shinya would not intervene, nor would it be considered a crime. There are currently no Vantha NPCs in Lhavit. If you wish to enter Lhavit as a Vantha, contact your ST for permission; you may be required to take certain skills in order to do so.
Zith They are viewed as blood-thirsty monsters and will be attacked on sight. Half-Zith are permitted, barely, within the city; but they would be watched keenly by the Shinya and distrusted and discriminated against by all who knew of their heritage.
★ ★ ★Note: If you wish to enter Lhavit as a Dhani, Nuit, Symenestra, or half-Zith, please contact your ST; permission is required and moderation may be necessary. Zith are strictly forbidden.
★ Introduction Welcome to the OOC resource! Please read all of the following before posting in the city. It may just save your life.
★ Rules & Guidelines ✰ No metagaming, godmodding, or assuming control of other PCs. Remember that this more than just a roleplay - it's also a game that requires cooperation and collaboration with your fellow players.
✰No Symenestra, Dhani, Nuit, or Zith players in the city without ST permission. These races are by and large the most predatory, and are not generally permitted into the city. Zith PCs will not be allowed into the city no matter what, while the other races, along with half-Zith, may be allowed with ST permission. Contact your ST for information and permission if you are interested in playing one of these races in Lhavit; moderation upon entrance to the city may also be required.
✰Adhere to the Rules and Terms of Use. Lhavit, like the rest of the site, observes the rules. So should you.
✰Respect the setting. Many of the people who developed this site did so to provide context for the players. Do not invent locations or blatantly ignore the culture. Play within the context provided in the linkmap and here in the Atlas.
✰All private residences first submitted to the Development Submissions. If you begin with permanent housing from the Starting Package, you may post the description of your home in our Development Submissions.
From there it will be approved or denied; if it is approved, you will be allowed to post your home as a location, and it will be added to the linkmap. If it is denied, your ST will let you know what needs to be revised so that it can be approved. Do not post a residence and ask for it to be added to the linkmap without first submitting it for approval. We don't want anyone slipping through the cracks.
✰Moderation and jobs both require permission and an approved character sheet. PM your local storyteller to be granted either of these things. Job information will be added to your personal Storyteller Secrets page. You must have an approved character sheet to be eligible and if not, please request a character sheet liaison review it for you.
✰Lhavit uses Kina as currency rather than Mizas. Vendors and shopkeepers do not accept gold mizas, but both are equivalent in value. To exchange your currency, please do so at the Cosmos Center. Roleplaying through this is optional.
✰Have fun! Please enjoy yourself. This is a rule.
★ Starting a Business Interested in starting a business? The first place to start is the Business Plans page of our Wiki. It states:
There are seven simple steps to owning a business on Mizahar.
Talk to a local Storyteller about the feasibility of a business in their domain.
Find out if there is a thread where your pc can talk about acquiring financing in the form of loans and how they would acquire a building, if needed, and post in that thread getting the ball rolling for acquisition of funds and facility.
Write a business plan and post it in the Business Plans Forum
Get your plan approved by Gillar
Finish any final touches with the acquisition of funds/lands.
Get final storyteller permission to post up your new business (Ie. Make sure the business plan meets with their approval)
Post up your new business location (after the writeup has been approved by the local storyteller)
Lhavit provides plenty of financing for player-driven businesses! The PC should PM a local storyteller and from there, follow the steps provided above.
★ Development Feeling an itch to develop for the city? Never fear! So long as you adhere to the guidelines provided, you too can make a contribution. In fact, we encourage it! In order to guest develop, you must submit a write-up for the location, NPC or species desired in our Development Submissions thread. Make sure it contains the following:
✰Title of the location or species ✰Visual representation of the NPC, location, or species ✰Description of the location, NPC, or species
Please note that each entry is subject to revision before it is officially posted. Continuity is key, so take heed! The more effort put forth, the greater the reward.
★Plagiarism By agreeing to the Terms of Use, you've also agreed not to plagiarize. Here is the simple definition as given by Wikipedia:
'Plagiarism is the "wrongful appropriation" and "purloining and publication" of another author's "language, thoughts, ideas, or expressions," and the representation of them as one's own original work.'
Many people in writing skill training solos, have a tendency to use direct quotations from internet sources. While no one expects a person to begin with extensive knowledge on their own, it is imperative that all such writing is put in the person's own words. Failure to do so will result in moderator intervention. Multiple offenses can ultimately lead to being banned from the game.
★ Jobs, Wages, and Seasonal Experience After their sheet receives the official green check, any player may then contact their local storyteller about getting a job. There is a lovely section in the lore on income that they should then read. It provides starting rates of pay and how the skill system works alongside them.
Read the article. That's all I'll say. It makes us storyteller folk feel good when people listen to us. Anyway...
In a perfect world, when the player is done reading that entire section of the lore, they then write two job threads each season. Each thread should consist of 5 posts, each of approximately 500 words, for a minimum of 2,500 words total per job thread. Once you are done both your job threads, you are eligible to receive full wages for that season. If you only finish one of the two required job threads, you may be eligible for half wages at your storyteller's discretion.
Every player in Lhavit is required to have a job. You must have a job and earn wages in order to pay your seasonal living expenses for your PC to remain alive, healthy, and within the city. Lhavit does not allow homelessness in the streets or tent-living within the city, and as such, the squalor standard of living is not viable within the city. Citizens of Lhavit all live within the poor standard of living or higher, and this extends to players as well. The only exception to this is if a PC has a high enough level of Wilderness Survival to live on the outskirts of the city permanently, but this requires a minimum of the master level of Wilderness Survival. Slavery does not exist within Lhavit and is not an option should your PC run out of money. If your PC runs out of money and is unable to pay their seasonal expenses, discuss your options with your ST.
Now, here is the part that confuses most people. You can also earn something called seasonal experience points. You may earn up to a maximum of four seasonal XP per season, one XP per month in a season, and potentially an extra point for those that earn it. The points go towards the main skill your character uses for their job. To earn seasonal XP points, you must have threads showing your character living the lifestyle of their job, and/or being extremely dedicated to it outside of actually working. Job threads do not count for seasonal XP, nor do any threads where your character is officially working. If you've earned XP in the main skill you use for your job, then the thread is not eligible for seasonal experience.
Seasonal experience points come from threads that show your character doing things for their job, that is NOT their job, on their own time. For example, a thread where an herbalist goes shopping for herbs or medicines may be eligible for seasonal experience. If you are still confused or have questions in regards to earning seasonal XP, ask your storyteller.
★ Multiple PCs & Storytelling You cannot have more than one PC in a city. This is stated under the Multiple Accounts clause of our core rules, as found in the lore.
★ Interventions Storytellers have the right to intervene on both threads and character sheets. This is for your own good and the good of all. What is an intervention, you ask? It is when a moderators posts in a thread, pointing out any of the following things:
✰ Information in the thread contradicts the lore ✰ Information in the thread violates either the Rules or the Terms of Use ✰ Information in the thread violates the Creative Manifesto ✰ Inaccurate or false details included in a Character Sheet ✰ Inaccurate ledger information in a Character Sheet
Without fail, moderator interventions come with instructions on how to rectify them. When these instructions are followed, simply PM the storyteller to have the intervention removed.
★ Useful Resources Verillian being the mad genius that he is, one day decided to compile the most comprehensive FAQ in the history of Mizahar. I loved it so much that I decided to include it in this Player's Guide!
by Elysium on June 19th, 2013, 6:17 pm 
