City of Malaspina

Scourged Lands of Valenor    The Land    Country & Kingdoms      Principalities of Hansa      Granducato del Giglio      City of Malaspina

City of Malaspina by Alberto Zanini with Midjourney

### **Malaspina: The City of Wonders**

#### **History of the City**

Malaspina is one of the oldest and most culturally rich cities in the Grand Duchy of Giglio. Founded centuries ago by settlers attracted by the region's natural resources, Malaspina has maintained a reputation for excellence in arts and crafts. The city has thrived thanks to its strategic location and unique resources, such as the fine clay extracted from the underground lake accessible via the famous Sorbellini Staircase. Over the centuries, Malaspina has become known for its high-quality ceramics, which adorn noble homes and temples throughout Valenor. The city has combined tradition with innovation, maintaining its artistic spirit while embracing new technologies.

#### **Current Situation**

Today, Malaspina is a vibrant hub of creativity and technology. The ceramics produced in the city are among the most sought-after in the entire continent, thanks to their beauty and the craftsmanship with which they are made. The city is also home to several technological marvels, including the Mirror Furnace, a foundry powered by sunlight that can even melt magical materials. This advanced technology attracts artisans and technicians from across the Grand Duchy and beyond, making Malaspina a place of cultural exchange and innovation.

The city's economy is thriving, supported not only by craftsmanship but also by tourism and the trade of luxury goods. Malaspina is known for its annual fairs and the Carriera, a highly prestigious competition that draws spectators from across the Grand Duchy. The Carriera is a deeply felt event for the population, who see it as a celebration of creativity and honorable competition.

#### **Important Characters**

**The Master of Malabolgia**: The creative soul behind the artistic laboratory "La Malabolgia", where highly valuable art objects are produced. The Master is a mysterious artist whose identity is shrouded in mystery, but his works are renowned throughout Valenor.

**The Podestà of Malaspina**: Enrico Bardi, the governor of the city is a central figure in managing the economic and cultural policies, ensuring that the artistic tradition of Malaspina continues to thrive. Son of Francesco, the owner of the largest ceramic factory in the city and a leader of the Grand Duchy. The Bardi family has a feud with the De Cerusici family that has been going on for generations, and it is rumored that the Bardi money is behind the protests and discontent against Grand Duke Lorenzo.

**Nedo Strozzi**: Captain of the People of Malaspina is at the service of Grand Duke Lorenzo, his main task is to keep the Bardi family in check and only then take care of the needs of the territory.

#### **Locations and Resources**

**Mirror Furnace**: One of the technological marvels of Malaspina, this furnace uses the concentrated power of the sun's rays to melt materials, including magical ones. Its construction represented a revolution in metallurgy and the processing of rare materials.

**Sorbellini's Staircase**: This extraordinary well is not only a feat of engineering but also an artistic masterpiece, decorated with bas-reliefs that tell stories of monsters and dangers hidden in the depths of the earth. Its mechanical part is able to bring heavy carts loaded with clay from the mines to the edges of the underground lake to the surface, and its pumps provide clean water to the entire city. It is one of the most visited places in the city.

**The Malabolgia**: This artistic laboratory is famous for producing works of art of extreme refinement and value. The artists who work in the Malabolgia are among the best in Valenor, and their works are sought after by nobles and wealthy merchants.

#### **Folklore and Details**

The culture of Malaspina is steeped in legends and stories that intertwine with its artistic and technological history. Arnaldo Sorbellini is said to have encountered monstrous creatures deep beneath the earth while creating La Scala, and these stories are celebrated each year during the **Festival della Scala**, an event that includes theatrical performances and street performers.

Another important element of local folklore is the myth of the Forno a Specchi, which according to some local stories, is powered not only by sunlight but also by an ancient power hidden deep beneath the earth. This legend has fueled stories of hidden treasures and mysterious artifacts said to have been found in the foundries.

The population of Malaspina celebrates the **Carriera** in the month of Ventara, a Drill race that takes place along the streets of the city in which the neighborhoods of Malaspina participate. The neighborhood that wins the Carriera receives as a prize a banner made by a famous artist (usually from the Malabolgia) and pride for the whole year. During the days of the Carriera, dinners, parties, dances and even brawls between enthusiasts from different neighborhoods take place.

**Arnaldo Sorbellini**: Famous sculptor and architect of the last century, he was an important sculptor and tinkerer, it is said that he faced the monsters portrayed along the Scala in his youth together with a group of adventurers, saving the city from an invasion of creatures from the underground. His work has left an indelible mark on the city and continues to inspire artists and technicians.

Type

Large city

Related Historical Events

• 4 Aridia 1313 NE
  THE FINE CERAMICS OF MALASPINA