Eastlight
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
Imports
Canvas, tar, weaponry, lumber, and fresh water.
Exports
Volcanic rock, kelp, merchant vessels, fishing equipment, and dive bells.
Trade and Commerce
The city's waterfront serves as a hub of economic activity where many ships from distant realms dock to exchange goods, cultures, and unique items. The Grand Fleet, under the command of Fleet Admiral Jaquot Dieudonné, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding these maritime trade routes, ensuring the city's prosperity. The markets of Eastlight are vast, offering a unique variety of exotic wares, magical artifacts, and maritime treasures. The merchants' stalls, adorned with colorful canopies, line the waterfront, creating a lively atmosphere filled with the sounds of haggling and passionate negotiation.
The Astral Plaza, a celestial garden at the Grand Embassy, serves as a symbolic center for diplomatic and economic affairs. Here, diplomats and traders gather to negotiate deals, discuss alliances, and share knowledge. The plaza's mystical ambiance, illuminated by otherworldly lights, adds a touch of enchantment to the business dealings, making it a place where the magical and the mundane seamlessly intertwine.
Eastlight's trade network extends beyond the city walls, with merchant vessels sailing to and from distant lands, establishing lucrative partnerships and bringing prosperity to the Kingdom of Valo. The city's economic vitality is not just a product of commerce but also a testament to its role as a cultural melting pot, where the exchange of goods fosters understanding and unity among the diverse races and backgrounds that call Eastlight home.
Districts
- Embassy District
- Admiralty Ward
- Harper’s Way Borough
- Naval District
- Lighthouse District
Guilds and Factions
Lightkeepers Guild - Comprised of skilled individuals known as Illuminators, the guild's primary mission is to safeguard sailors and merchants leaving or entering the port city. These Illuminators are adept at manipulating and channeling light energies, utilizing enchanted artifacts, and mastering ancient spells to keep harbor and its entrance well lit. Renowned for their commitment to maintaining the city's several lighthouses, members of the Lightkeepers Guild are highly respected by the citizens of Eastlight. Beyond their standard duties, the Lightkeepers Guild also plays a pivotal role in nurturing the arcane arts within Eastlight. The guild conducts rigorous training programs for aspiring Illuminators, imparting the secrets of light manipulation and mystical knowledge. Illuminators often engage in scholarly pursuits, delving into ancient texts and collaborating with other magical academies to further expand their understanding of the mystical art.
History
Eastlight is a maritime city known for its strategic significance and political importance for the entire world of Dayne. Governed by the skilled and revered Fleet Admiral Jaquot Dieudonné, the city stands as the proud home of the Grand Fleet, a formidable naval force that safeguards the kingdom's maritime interests in the Arin Sea. The city's architecture is a harmonious blend of elegance and pragmatism, with towering spires adorned in mystical symbols and harbors teeming with activity.
At the heart of Eastlight lies the Grand Harbor, a bustling nexus of trade and naval operations. The harbor is a landscape of sails and masts, as ships from distant lands dock to exchange goods and cultures. The aroma of sea breeze and distant lands permeates the air, creating an atmosphere that resonates with both adventure and commerce. The city's grandeur extends beyond its maritime prowess, with districts showcasing Valorium craftsmanship, innovation, and the multicultural tapestry that defines Eastlight. The Grand Embassy contains a celestial garden bathed in ethereal light, serves as a testament to the city's magical and political heritage. It is a place where diplomats, scholars, and citizens converge to discuss matters of both worldly and mystical importance.
Points of interest
The Grand Embassy – The massive 5 story structure is home to the many nation’s embassies of Dayne. The building is considered neutral ground, with no weapons of any sort allowed. The security force is made up of various, unique constructs. The force is controlled via the Royal Valo Army and is populated by constructs geared to specific offensive and defensive missions. The embassies within are large, with private quarters for ambassadors, their staff, and families. The rooms are often decorated lavishly and have breathtaking views of the Arin Sea or port city.
The Battlehand Pottery - The workshop of a male dwarf potter named Oril, built within a large stone kiln. Oril spends several months filling the shop with thrown pots, then bricks in the door and spends several days firing it. The pots are highly sought after in Valo due to their durable nature. The opening of the fired kiln is a local festival.
The Guide Stone - A menhir of dark stone, which glows brightly with magical light upon sunset. Located neath the northeastern portion of the city, the light effectively acts as a point of reference for sailors entering the port at night.
Geography
Eastlight is situated in the southern region of Pallidon, within the Kingdom of Valo. The port city is located on the shore to the Arin Sea and is immediately northwest of Mount Cala.
Type
City
Population
1836
Inhabitant Demonym
Mixed – All lineages represented.
Location under
Owning Organization
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