Bichport

Society The Kingdom of Valo is as well known for its extravagance. As an ambitious and wealthy nation, Valo has been able to exert power across large swathes of Pallidon via their military and commerce. These flourished greatly under Queen Amaya Valorim III’s rule, inspiring a current cultural renaissance in the Kingdom. Her public support for the University of the Light has enabled it to become one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Dayne, attracting nobles from Alteria and the Frozen Sands. Similarly, her support for the arts has enabled them to flourish in all Valo.
The Cheance is in constant “play” throughout the Kingdom of Valo. Every social and political move is calculated in order to achieve more power and better standing. There is a slight degree of permissiveness towards immoral or illegal acts in Valo, provided the unspoken rule is followed: it is only a crime if you are caught. Even the law can turn a benevolent if not blind eye; an commoner in Valo could earn himself a wink and a grin for a crime that would earn them a year in a dungeon Kerak or the Frozen Sands. Appearance is a major factor in everything within Valo, and society reflects this through fashion, makeup, art, architecture, food, and the many social scenes. It is said that to have the appearance of wealth and power is as important that actually being wealthy and powerful.
Cities within Valo attract artists from across Dayne to seek employers and contracts, but is also home to internal talents as well. Son of Queen Amaya Valorim III, and an artist in his own right, Prince Venius Valorim is known for his works. He works diligently with models throughout the process of creating a sculpture, often celebrated dancers, performers, and athletes. Prince Venius draws and sculpts his subjects over and over, often requiring models to repeat a specific dance move or spontaneous gesture. This may include small, quick sketches or "maquette" in an oil-base plasticine clay. Using the "lost wax" method, he then cast the works of art into bronze. Using an artist method of patina, the Prince alters the surface color of the final composition. The completed patinated bronze is affixed to a marble base, also designed and selected by the artist as part of the overall sculptural composition.
Valo theatre makes use of ceramic masks to denote character and roles, with the mask's shape and color denoting the character's status and importance to the plot. Plays cover a variety of genres and topics ranging from the historical to current social scandals. Valo also has a tradition of puppet theater. The puppets involved can be so complex as to need five puppeteers to work them. Simple shadow puppets made of wood and paper —some more fancifully made of teak— have risen in popularity at smaller parties and salons in the Kingdom. They are often enhanced with the use of colored glass lanterns and musical accompaniment.

Government

Monarchy (Kingdom of Valo)

Industry & Trade

The city's strategic location and well-established harbor make it a hub for merchants from across Dayne. The Royal Market Square, a sprawling marketplace at the heart of the city, is a mix of colors and cultures. Bichport's reputation for quality shipbuilding and maritime expertise attracts a constant flow of business, with sturdy vessels crafted from nearby forests dominating the seas. The air is filled with the calls of haggling merchants, the scent of foreign spices, and the energy of a cosmopolitan crowd.
The city's economic prowess extends beyond goods and craftsmanship; Bichport is a melting pot of ideas, knowledge, and innovation. The Exchange of Arcane Wares, a renowned institution, facilitates the trade of magical artifacts, ancient tomes, and mystical knowledge. Scholars, alchemists, and enchanters converge here, creating a dynamic marketplace of intellect and arcane wonders. Bichport's commerce and trade not only sustain its prosperity but also weave a tapestry of cultural exchange, making it a captivating epicenter of economic and intellectual activity in the fantastical realm.

Districts

• Chain Docks District
• Performance District
• The Everglade Ward
• Alabaster Borough

Guilds and Factions

Whispering Shadows Guild - Considered an organization made up of the Bichport and Valo’s elite, it stands as a mysterious and secretive organization. Nestled within the labyrinthine alleys, their hidden headquarters is rumored to be a haven for skilled rogues, spies, and thieves. The guild's symbol, a shadowy figure cloaked in secrecy, is discreetly marked on the entrances to their clandestine enclave. Led by the enigmatic “Whisper”, the guild operates with an intricate web of informants and covert agents, dealing in the city's secrets for a price. Members undergo rigorous training in stealth, espionage, and subterfuge, and the guild's influence extends beyond the city walls, making them a formidable force in the realm.
The Exchange of Arcane Wares – The organization is unique to Pallidon and a favored spot for adventures and explorers from all over Dayne. Rare magical artifacts, scrolls, and relics are kept in a imposing library of sorts. With a large portion of it underground, the Exchange members maintain an extensive inventory of items. If you have the coin and recommendations, the Exchange is very open to trade, purchase, or sale of the rarest of items. They are also exacting on those that attempt to steal or remove any inventoried item within their bunkered home…

History

Bichport was built by the original human settlers of Pallidon and is several centuries old. Considered to be one of the first landing spots for the people of Valo, it holds a place of reverence for the Kingdoms citizens. Named for one of first noble leaders of the settlement, Bichon Falchon, who was considered to be one of the best physicians in the world of Dayne at that time. Because of this, many of the finest chirurgeons come from the port city. Bichport is the home port of the Valo Royal Fleet, though they occasionally dock elsewhere in Pallidon.
The ruler of Bichport is always female because Bichon was female. No one has succeeded in breaking this tradition. The leaders of the city are known as the Heart of Bichport. If there are no daughters, the heir's wife will be the Heart of Bichport and will share power with remaining family members. Bichport is ruled by House Mereliot and is a major force is the healing arts and medicine. The seat of House Mereliot is the Dome of the Heart. It is an impressive structure of white marble with a large golden dome surrounded by minarets. There is a legend that the golden dome can be seen far out to sea and has saved the lives of sailors during storms.

Points of interest

Dome of the Heart - It is an impressive structure of white marble with a large golden dome surrounded by minarets. The structure is ornate and heavily defended with a tall stone wall. Entrance into the Dome is highly regulated and is considered to be one of the most secure buildings in all of Pallidon.
The Silver House - A grand timber and brick theatre known to be one the oldest and most extravogent indoor theatres in Valo. True to its name, the architecture of the building includes extensive use of silver. The domed roof of the Silver House is painted with a brilliant silver paint, which reflects vibrant colors during sunrise and sunset.
Greenhome - A single story timber and brick building which has been completely overgrown by flowering vines with scale-like leaves thorny vines writhing vines. It is the home of Nanna Rousseau, a former diplomat and philosopher. Due to its unique vines and hanging gardens, the structure is a favored spot by visitors to observe from the main trade road.
Royal Chain Docks - The Royal Chain Docks of Bichport feature towering stone pillars intricately carved with the symbols of the Kingdom of Valo. The weathered stone docks, adorned with mystical runes and large chains used to move vessels into the massive docks, are a visual spectacle of Dayne. Vessels entering the dock complex move through a grand archway. People entering the Chain Dock District are met with a view of vibrant colors from sails and market stalls. The Royal Harbormaster's Tower, adorned with the city's coat of arms, stands at the heart, overseeing maritime traffic.

Geography

Bichport is situated in the southern region of Pallidon, within the Kingdom of Valo. The port city is located on the Kings Bay and is immediately east of the capital city of Valorim.

Type

City

Population

1020

Inhabitant Demonym

Mixed – All lineages represented.

Location under

Continent of Pallidon

Owner/Ruler

Elysant Cellier de Mereliot

Owning Organization

Kingdom of Valo

Characters in Location

• Elysant Cellier de Mereliot