Difference between revisions of "Ashtan"

: ''Main Article: [[Pillars of Ashtan]]

: ''Main Article: [[Pillars of Ashtan]]

Ashtan's laws are known as the Pillars of Ashtan, so named due to the fact that they may be read upon seven pillars on the Parade of Zarathustra within the city. While freedom is valued above all, a basic, though minimal system of laws is required, if only to protect the well-being of the citizens.

Ashtan's laws are known as the Pillars of Ashtan, so named due to the fact that they may be read upon seven pillars on the Parade of Zarathustra within the city. While freedom is valued above all, a basic, though minimal system of laws is required, if only to protect the well-being of the citizens.

Most popular and readily accessable among tourists and citizens alike is '''Central Market''' and the surrounding shops, just a stride away from the city gates. One of Rurin's many outlets, it offers a wide array of utilities that would appeal to every adventurer, from inks to commodities to basic food and clothing. Further north, in the northwestern corner of town may be found '''Dockhand Square''', a popular crossroads of sorts. Aside from being the most frequent haunt of the [[Ratman]], the seaside district is dotted with many odd adventurer-owned shops, catering to all manner of tastes. Venturing east and south, one might find a cluster of adventurer-owned shops along a particular curve of '''Croce Lane''', as well as the smithy of Listar, the Royal Blacksmith. On the far east side of the city, steeped in the upper-class elegance that is the Accron Overlook, is '''Amadia's Jewellery Shoppe of Ashtan'''.

Most popular and readily accessable among tourists and citizens alike is '''Central Market''' and the surrounding shops, just a stride away from the city gates. One of Rurin's many outlets, it offers a wide array of utilities that would appeal to every adventurer, from inks to commodities to basic food and clothing. Further north, in the northwestern corner of town may be found '''Dockhand Square''', a popular crossroads of sorts. Aside from being the most frequent haunt of the [[Ratman]], the seaside district is dotted with many odd adventurer-owned shops, catering to all manner of tastes. Venturing east and south, one might find a cluster of adventurer-owned shops along a particular curve of '''Croce Lane''', as well as the smithy of Listar, the Royal Blacksmith. On the far east side of the city, steeped in the upper-class elegance that is the Accron Overlook, is '''Amadia's Jewellery Shoppe of Ashtan'''.

If one finds his palate a bit dry, he might stop by the nearby '''Seadog Tavern''' on the northwest corner of Dockhand Square, where a good flagon of mead is always on tap. Or, if in the mood for a more unique taste, '''Fire and Spice''', located just one west of the tavern, might be to your liking. It is here that Dagon, the barkeep mixes all manner of drinks unique to the city, from Golden Apples to Electric Demiurges and beyond. Warm meals are also available at the Fire and Spice, prepared by local culinary master Chef Cornelios. Across Anza Street from the Loving Hearts Orphanage is '''Cinnabeth's Creperie''', where one may partake of crepes, tarts, and pastries of all varieties. In the northeast of the city, steeped in the shadowy Descent, is the '''Ugly Humgii Bar and Grill''', where the more laid-back eater can settle down and buy some burgers, ribs, and other such grillside staples, and may even partake of the relatively unique chance to create a custom burger with toppings of his or her choosing.

If one finds his palate a bit dry, he might stop by the nearby '''Seadog Tavern''' on the northwest corner of Dockhand Square, where a good flagon of mead is always on tap. Or, if in the mood for a more unique taste, '''Fire and Spice''', located just one west of the tavern, might be to your liking. It is here that Dagon, the barkeep mixes all manner of drinks unique to the city, from Golden Apples to Electric Demiurges and beyond. Warm meals are also available at the Fire and Spice, prepared by local culinary master Chef Cornelios. Across Anza Street from the Loving Hearts Orphanage is '''Cinnabeth's Creperie''', where one may partake of crepes, tarts, and pastries of all varieties. In the northeast of the city, steeped in the shadowy Descent, is the '''Ugly Humgii Bar and Grill''', where the more laid-back eater can settle down and buy some burgers, ribs, and other such grillside staples, and may even partake of the relatively unique chance to create a custom burger with toppings of his or her choosing.

In the northeasterly section of the city, just off of Deer Grove Road lies the '''Pheidas Gambling Parlour''', where one might tempt fate with Diella, the cardshark, or Croesus, the roulette attendant. In Dockhand Square, at '''Fire and Space''', one might find the exotic firedancer Naodia. Or, if books are more your style, the '''Great Library of Nicator''' might be for you. Just off of Lycaeneum Avenue lies a '''solarium''' where acupuncture may be purchased from Aiden and massages from Jael. If the outdoors strike your fancy, perhaps a bit of fishing in the '''Accra River''' is in order, or possibly a swim in '''Lake Balaton,''' beneath which the submerged ship of Sinope houses the hall of the [[Help:Shadowsnakes|Shadowsnakes]].

In the northeasterly section of the city, just off of Deer Grove Road lies the '''Pheidas Gambling Parlour''', where one might tempt fate with Diella, the cardshark, or Croesus, the roulette attendant. In Dockhand Square, at '''Fire and Space''', one might find the exotic firedancer Naodia. Or, if books are more your style, the '''Great Library of Nicator''' might be for you. Just off of Lycaeneum Avenue lies a '''solarium''' where acupuncture may be purchased from Aiden and massages from Jael. If the outdoors strike your fancy, perhaps a bit of fishing in the '''Accra River''' is in order, or possibly a swim in '''Lake Balaton,''' beneath which the submerged ship of Sinope houses the hall of the [[Help:Shadowsnakes|Shadowsnakes]].

The '''Nicator Archives''', Ashtan's news archives, may be found in the Great Library of Nicator. Just off of the northern Parade of Zarathustra, which juts through the vertical centre of the city, are the '''Postal Office of Ashtan''' and the '''Royal Bank of Ashtan.''' Off of Market Street is the cluttered workship of '''Schliemann the Unlocker''', Ashtan's resident locksmith. The '''slaughterhouse''' of Ashtan may be located just north of the Descent. Orphans may be enrolled at the controversial [[Loving Hearts Orphanage]], located southwest of '''Dockhand Square'''.  All of these facilities are available to citizens and visitors alike.

The '''Nicator Archives''', Ashtan's news archives, may be found in the Great Library of Nicator. Just off of the northern Parade of Zarathustra, which juts through the vertical centre of the city, are the '''Postal Office of Ashtan''' and the '''Royal Bank of Ashtan.''' Off of Market Street is the cluttered workship of '''Schliemann the Unlocker''', Ashtan's resident locksmith. The '''slaughterhouse''' of Ashtan may be located just north of the Descent. Orphans may be enrolled at the controversial [[Loving Hearts Orphanage]], located southwest of '''Dockhand Square'''.  All of these facilities are available to citizens and visitors alike.

On the eastern side of the city, across the Accra River lies the historic  the historic '''Cyclade,''' the hill upon which the monastery of the Ashuran monks is seated. The hill originally held the "Minorus Basilica," built by the Church during Shallam's occupation of Ashtan. Easy access to this Basilica was what the Church had in mind when they built the '''Sanctuary Bridge''' across the river. In 172 AF, the Kharon monks took the fortress as their own, and when they moved to Hashan, they took the fortress with them. The Ashuran Monastery took its place.

On the eastern side of the city, across the Accra River lies the historic  the historic '''Cyclade,''' the hill upon which the monastery of the Ashuran monks is seated. The hill originally held the "Minorus Basilica," built by the Church during Shallam's occupation of Ashtan. Easy access to this Basilica was what the Church had in mind when they built the '''Sanctuary Bridge''' across the river. In 172 AF, the Kharon monks took the fortress as their own, and when they moved to Hashan, they took the fortress with them. The Ashuran Monastery took its place.

The '''Arboretum of Enlightenment''', '''de Vermiis Art Gallery''', and [[Loving Hearts Orphanage]] were all built by the legendary [[Help:Occultists|Occultist]] [[Servelan de Vermiis]]. The Arboretum contains many strange and exotic plant species. The de Vermiis Art Gallery, while receiving critical praise, has been said by some to depict the Church in an unfair light. The Loving Hearts Orphanage is where children are led to be slaughtered so that their pineal glands might be harvested.

The '''Arboretum of Enlightenment''', '''de Vermiis Art Gallery''', and [[Loving Hearts Orphanage]] were all built by the legendary [[Help:Occultists|Occultist]] [[Servelan de Vermiis]]. The Arboretum contains many strange and exotic plant species. The de Vermiis Art Gallery, while receiving critical praise, has been said by some to depict the Church in an unfair light. The Loving Hearts Orphanage is where children are led to be slaughtered so that their pineal glands might be harvested.

The '''Iron Citadel''' is the former fortress and guildhall of the now-defunct Infernals guild. It was burned down by the angry citizens of Ashtan after the guild rebelled against the city. The guild tutor's magically-preserved head may still be seen piked before its ruins, a testament to potential turncoats.

The '''Iron Citadel''' is the former fortress and guildhall of the now-defunct Infernals guild. It was burned down by the angry citizens of Ashtan after the guild rebelled against the city. The guild tutor's magically-preserved head may still be seen piked before its ruins, a testament to potential turncoats.

The '''Accron Overlook''', through which the Accra River flows, is the upper-class residential district. It is here that the houses of the merchant princes reside, as well as wealthy adventurers in nearby '''Golden Apple Estates.''' The Dowager Montaganet lives here in her classy but simple Dorian-style mansion. Lady Korkill resides here, resting on the laurels of her father's coal-mining company's meteoric rise from the ashes. Also of note is the estate of John Bailin, who made a fortune selling inks and dyes across the land. '''Polygnotus Way''' is the middle-class residential sector. '''The Descent''' begins the lower-class section of the city, starting off with decaying old mansions and melding into cramped but tidy dwellings. '''Martin's Sorrow''', with its disease-ridden streets and dilapidated buildings, caps it off at the dead bottom rung of the social ladder. The sculptor Cornelius Von Storung once lived here. He is better known as the Unknown Artist, and now resides in the upper level of the de Vermiis Art Gallery.

The '''Accron Overlook''', through which the Accra River flows, is the upper-class residential district. It is here that the houses of the merchant princes reside, as well as wealthy adventurers in nearby '''Golden Apple Estates.''' The Dowager Montaganet lives here in her classy but simple Dorian-style mansion. Lady Korkill resides here, resting on the laurels of her father's coal-mining company's meteoric rise from the ashes. Also of note is the estate of John Bailin, who made a fortune selling inks and dyes across the land. '''Polygnotus Way''' is the middle-class residential sector. '''The Descent''' begins the lower-class section of the city, starting off with decaying old mansions and melding into cramped but tidy dwellings. '''Martin's Sorrow''', with its disease-ridden streets and dilapidated buildings, caps it off at the dead bottom rung of the social ladder. The sculptor Cornelius Von Storung once lived here. He is better known as the Unknown Artist, and now resides in the upper level of the de Vermiis Art Gallery.

More than a few famous faces have hailed from Ashtan:  

More than a few famous faces have hailed from Ashtan:  

*The wise King Martin ruled circa 200 years before the rise of [[Seleucar]]. The district known as Martin's Sorrow was named after him, since according to local tales, when he looked over it, he wept at the suffering he saw before him.

*The wise King Martin ruled circa 200 years before the rise of [[Seleucar]]. The district known as Martin's Sorrow was named after him, since according to local tales, when he looked over it, he wept at the suffering he saw before him.