Difference between revisions of "Ashtan"

|patron=[[Thoth|Thoth, the Endbringer]]

[[:Category:Houses|House]]-wise, Ashtan plays host to a bevy of adventurers, including the [[The Occultists|Occultists]], [[Shadowsnakes]], [[Warlocks]], and [[Ashura]] monks, as well as an array of houseless rogues enticed by Ashtan's promise of freedom. The city-state is actively guarded by the likes of War Witches, golden-armoured Knights of the Illuminati, and Shadow Amazons.

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 accessible 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. 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 [[Dielia]], the cardshark, or [[Croesus]], the roulette attendant. In Dockhand Square at '''[[Fire and Spice]]''', 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 by [[Jael]], purchased from [[Julio]]. 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 [[Shadowsnakes]].

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 '''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 [[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 [[Well of Chaos]] resides in the Central Market. It once summoned the [[Guardian of Chaos]] when filled properly. It now summons the [[Zarathustran Eagle]].

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 Montagenet]] 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 resistance fighter [[Zarathustra]] led the citizens of Ashtan and [[Thera]], around the same time, to revolt against their Shallamese captors. The Parade of Zarathustra is named after him, and a statue in his likeness may be found at the centre of the Pillars of Ashtan.

*King [[Tiryn]], known as the Tree King of Ashtan, brought one of each type of tree from the [[Aureliana Forest]] to brighten the life of his bride. The Aurelian Crescent is named in his honour.