Xhosidva
The city of Lorisen a palimpsest. In a different age, the city was the elven capital and was named Athelis. Before Athelis existed, there were other cities on that site. It is ancient world and as such, there were other cities and other nations before the Lorasian Empire. In some areas of the city, there are secret entrances to the city below the city called Xhosidva. It is comprised of possibly hundreds of tunnels that have been excavated to reveal the ancient streets and buildings that existed before. In areas where the old buildings or stonework have been compromised, the current residents have supplemented it with new material, making for an interesting patched appearance.
Xhosidva is lit by a species of cavelight moss, which emits a soft, warm yellow light. It grows on the graves of individuals buried here and is harvested periodically to be transferred to homes, businesses, and streets. About twice a year, the moss produces spores which fall to the ground and produce a stardust affect that causes the entire system of caves to glitter. The residents utilize normal lanterns with hoods and variously colored glass to control the hue of the light being emitted by the moss. Be wary of this plant! When touched or provoked, it can cause potentially significant damage.
In the streets below there is a vast network of homes, shops, and entertainment. The shops often specialize in items that are banned "topside." Magic is practiced freely here, often out in the open. There are many connections here to Ilythyra, which seeks to help magic users find a place of belonging within the Empire. There are tunnels that can secret folks out of town and begin their journey to Ilythyra. For a hefty fee, folks can pay to use the one permanent transportation circle located in the city square.
Though many of the city military know of the potential existance of the city, the 'gates' to the undercity are closely guarded. Initial entrance to get in requires a specific symbol, phrase (which is often changing), and often a test to prove oneself. The symbol is the triple-nested raindrop of the Cult of Thydona in the city of Ilythyra or the duo-nested raindrop of the Cult of Ilyth. It can be as small a symbol as a piece of paper or as large as jewelry or tattoos. After gaining entry the first time, it is often easier to get in, but the symbol is sometimes still needed.
Archaelogists and excavators who occassionaly dig their way to Xhosidva tend to find that their dig sites collapse or are compromised in some way, rendering the site unsafe, dangerous, and useless. This is usually the work of the denizens of the undercity to ensure that their existance remains a secret. Scholars unwittingly have ascribed these collapses to the precarious nature of the sites below and have ceased digging there in fear of compromising more of the city or ruining the sites that are "unexcavated." On the extremely rare occassion that a topsider makes their way into the city, they are usually magically cursed to forget about their experience.
Within the city there are numerous residences and shops. Most noticeable is a Transportation Circle that is maintained in the city square. Operated privately, it costs a hefty amount of gold to use and will transport the passanger from Xhosidva directly to Ilythyra. Entrance requires both the price of travel as well as proof of residency of the city. This Transportation Circle may only go to Ilythyra though there are likely other circles elsewhere that can spirit travellers to other parts of the world.
One of the more illustrious magic shops is Mage You Look, operated by Gal Powers, who creates magical items for folks to purchase. A bit of an oddball, it can be difficult at times to tell if he's drunk, short a few marbles, high, or all of the above. Though, perhaps, that is just who he is!
There is also a notable jewelry store called Sapphire Ambition operated by an individual named Langley. His various shop associates all seem to resemble him in some way, though there are differences.
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