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Former Staff
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Mystique
Posts: 309
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Mystique City Profile and Link Map
MYSTIQUE CITY PROFILE
City Name: Mystique
Population Demographics: 275,000 Total (40% Human, 30% Elf, 20% Fae, 5% Dorin, 5% Other)
Political Affiliation: Tension between Mystique and Frigid River/High Peak runs extremely high. Zinn'Sunn and Mystique are very close allies.
Exports: Lumber, Finished Wood Products, Crystalium
Imports: Tea, Salt, Textiles, Jade, Glass
Publications: Mystique's Rumor Vines
Abstract: Capital city immersed in towers, lush parks and scenic frescoes.
Geography
Mystique is like a vision of perfection to many of its citizens. Luscious green woods that hold many types of wildlife ranging from birds to deer surround it, many druids go into the Forest of Light to practice their chosen crafts and to better merge with nature. Other than the forests Mystique is home to soothing low hills that dip in a wonderful pattern for as long as the eye can see, more often than not dotted with sheep. Valleys also accompany the low riding hills, adding it's own feel to the landscape. The valleys are round on the bottom while the higher you go the steeper things get, this allows for perfect spots to relax and watch the clouds pass your vision.
Other than those valleys and hills are grasslands to the southeast, which are home to the majority of Mystiques agricultural output. The loess soil provides both excellent grazing and farmland. The ranches on the grasslands typically cultivate small herds of cows, pigs, flocks of chickens, and families of horses. The farms grow and harvest crops which consist largely of sugar beet, beetroot, corn for both bread and as a supply of straw for thatch, and of course barley for brewing local ales and spirits. Currants, apples, pears and plums can be found in the small orchards typically tended to by the Druids. One can generally see a few chickens venture out from their secure farmhouses and rest inside the orchards.
The cool River Lylles flows just to the south of Mystique, providing a small amount of freshwater fish, an expensive commodity within the city due to its rarity.
Background and History
Mystique was constructed over the unknown runes of a great city built by a people so ancient that they outdate the founding of the Kemish Zinn’Sunn Empire, so ancient they outdate even the Archaexetan’s earliest beginnings when they were not but a fledgling kingdom. The now buried city was built entirely of Crystalium otherwise known as Bluestone, a translucent blue stone full of bound arcane energy. Upon the arrival of the Kemites in Lauryl the ancient race fled and buried their great city, leaving its secrets hidden from all of Telath.
Eventually the majestic capital municipality of Mystique was unwittingly built over top of the ancient city in the Forest of Light. Since time immemorial it was a city of Arcane, often said to flow with the forces of arcane, forces channeled by the Crystalium. It had long been a peaceful and accepting city governed by a mageocracy. It was a shinning light of Lauryl, a diamond jewel in the Aelyrian Empire and the center of the de Lylles dynasty, full of blue crystalline buildings glittering in the sunlight. Not a single weapons or armour forge existed in the city until the fateful arrival of the pro-Julos Phaelon.
The Phaelon came and invaded two eras before the Aetherfracture. As soon as the Phaelon took over, Mystique fell to shambles. The Phaelon were very powerful arcanic beings of Entropy, which met harsh resistance from Mystiques magical guard but were victorious due to numbers and the sheer arcanic power. The rules of Mystique changed, many buildings were destroyed, and the people were tortured. The Phaelon declared that no one could practice magic other than their faction. It was a horrible time for Mystique, it seemed all was lost for the wonderful city made of gleaming crystal.
Before the Phaelon there were two castles occupied in Mystique, one which is now known as the Bosque of Druids. This fortress served as a crystal clear governmental building, before Mystique's fall. As the Phaelon began controlling the city, their destruction took them to the second stronghold: Franks Castle.
Franks Castle was so enchanted and bewitched that even the Phaelon could not decipher its secrets. Frank, the owner of the castle, hid from the Phaelon inside. For twelve eras it stood against the Phaelon. Still, this bewitched castle stands as an odd protection for the city. It is not manned, and has only ever had one known resident, but nevertheless, after the Phaelon, the people of Mystique began to appreciate the old enchanted fortress. Frank is now understood to be dead; no new word stands as to his whereabouts. Many say he surrendered to the Phaelon within cycles of the city being restored. Speculation is, however, cheap and Franks whereabouts are not known.
The years of the Phaelon were horrible, many died in their chaotic rein. Most magi whom had owned great estates were put to death or even worse sometimes stripped of their magical ability. However, a day came when the saviors of Mystique arrived to liberate the subjugated city. There were many involved, including a Giant, several Fae, Elves, and Humans. The leader of the Shades of Revelation, an evil archmagi by the name of Omarus, battled the Giant leader of the revolt, whom had also served in the initial battle against the Phaelon's invasion, Nashkel An'gor. Through the great self-sacrifice of a human named Z'Kron, who tempted arcanic fate to stun the Archmage long enough for the giant to finish him with blade and spear, the archmage Omarus was killed, and the rest fled.
Thus the Governor was restored and offered the entire city up in a feast of rejoicing. As most of the old magic of the city was dead, a new group of Druids came in. They asked and were given permission from the Governor to refresh the area, which had been so decimated by the chaotic reign of the Phaelon. The Mysticists and Sorcerers that had once ruled the city were free to practice once again but now the balance was more toward Druidism. Still free practice of magic and now a use of weapons govern the city. Since the Phaelon was defeated the city has undergone a great rejuvenation and things seem to be almost totally restored, though the city still feels the many scars of its past: physical and mental.
Architecture
Mystiques streets are paved with cobblestone like many cities of the Empire. Dotted throughout the city slightly Zinn'Sunnian styled buildings can be found, all of them from the recent period of reconstruction. All of the commercial and the vast majority of the residential buildings are constructed from the wood procured from the surrounding Forest of Light. Only the wealthiest of households incorporate the rare and valuable Crystalium substance.
Some of the government and religious structures within the city are constructed entirely of Crystalium, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight for all those whos eyes are graced by their beauty.
History of the Bosquet
A spoken tale by the bard, Clespin Herne -
Legend has it that Carmelya herself bestowed Lauryl with the gift of nature. It is one reason that the Druids of the province consider themselves of so high esteem. They say that no place on Telath is as diverse as the gracelands of Lauryl. They personally believe that they are referred to as the "gracelands" for this very reason, they were granted by the grace of Carmelya. And so, it is fitting that in such a legendary kingdom exsists one of the oldest druidic groves in the Empire, the Bosquet de Druides, or Grove of Druids.
The Bosquet de Druides is as linked to nature and the gods as it is to the ancient Archmagi that protect and serve its function. It is rumored that the same family of Druids have lived in this grove since its creation. They go by many names, but all share a common bloodline rumored to have been ordained by Carmelya herself. The Master of the Grove, or Maître de Bosquet, lives his or her entire life to care for the grove and stand as a silent overseer of everything that goes on there. His/her link to the grove is both spiritual, celestial, and physical. The Maître de Bosquet is capable of growing, protecting, or even moving the grove.
It was in the Summer of Era X, In the Age of the Darkening, and only seasons after the Phalon left Mystique's walls that the grove fell to dark times. The world itself had indeed fell to such horrid reality of an egomanical Emporer and a lack of enlightened judgement and a thirst for learning. It was in these times that the Maître de Bosquet chose to do what was best for both the Bosquet de Druides and the capitol city, and move the grove inside its tall walls.
And so it exsists inside the great walls of Mystique, in the now vacant compound that once burderned the city as the headquarters of the Phalon. It is true, Mystique had suffered its own local breed of egomanical dictators, but brighter times seemed ahead. The grove now covered the compound like a blanket of life, growing itself around ever wall and staircase once walked by others. In fact, the grove had done much more than grow, it had weaved itself through the city here and there, vines along walls and what not. In the compound, it had created what seemed like its own little place, like a tiny city in a city. At its opening sat a gate, once guarded by Phalon, and now accompanied by Druids. The old compouned had been given life once more, and with it, order. Only those with an interest in nature and learning could enter. The grove is a sacred place, and so only official business was allowed inside its stone and vine walls.
The elders of the grove saw it always fitting to invite students to learn at the grove, but in rough times they had also agreed with the younger journeymen that these students must be special. "They must have the upmost love of nature and the brightest spark for learning," they were known to say. It was this elitest, but practical attitude that led the Journeymen in charge of grove operations to envoke a new rule for prospective students. Only those already of the initiate rank may study at the Academie de Druides. It was also about this time that other opportunities uncovered themselves in the selective mage community of Mystique. With the rule of the Phalon, all private mages had left the city except for the Druids of the Academie and a handful of others. Of this handful were a trio of Mystics, all of which had a profound interest in the results that would come of combining the essences of Mysticism and Druidism, nature and mind. In recent months however, it has been rumoured that a Sorceress has taken up lodgings within the city though whether this is merely rumour or in actuality truth remains yet to be seen.
This interest was shared by the Druids as well and after discussion with the Maître de Bosquet, the Mystics were invited to live amoungst their mage brethern in the grove and study with them. In order to keep this keen partnership of nature and mind together, the Mystics decided to take on students as well, under the same conditions, with hopes of raising them with similar interests. And now, in dark times, a light of hope has been lit inside the walls of Mystique. The grove that once lived outside of the city has uprooted and grown inside its proud walls. Hope lives in the Age of Darkness. It lives in Mystique.
Society and Culture
Mystique is a city influenced by several different things, the most prominent of late being the Druids that seem to swarm through most of the city. On any given day you'll be guaranteed to see a man or woman clad in green robes practicing one of their spells on the surrounding nature. Carmelyan is probably the most widely worshiped God in Mystique, due largely to the influence of the Druids. Due to the rejuvenation efforts of this religious sect lush parks have sprung up across the city. Druids are highly respected within the city.
Arcana is ingrained in the populace, the very ground they walk on flows with it. Regardless of the scars left by the Phaelon life in Mystique still operates around the arcane. Though the Phaelon killed many mages there were also a large number among their students who never truly believed in the Phaelons mission. Those students of the arcane largely chose to stay in the city and have been reestablishing their presence within Mystique. Mages are considered upper class citizens.
The non-arcanic portions of the population consist mainly of laborers and merchants, although a new class of citizens is arising within the city, that of warriors. In Mystique of the past warriors were largely looked down upon but following the liberation they are shown quite a bit of respect and rival mages in terms of power and influence within the city.
Holidays and Celebrations
Crystaltide- Welcoming of Winter- 27th Brightening of Kalendryas
Crystaltide is held in Mystique's open fields by the citizens of Mystique and is overlooked by the resident Druids. It is a day when all of Mystique comes together and rejoices with open arms, welcoming winters snow and cold embrace. The people play winter games and contests, like ice sculptures and snowball fights. When the festivities are over everyone comes together to eat a huge dinner and hand out gifts to those they love.
(Idea conceived and written by Nightmare)
Major Landmarks
Franks Castle: One of two major castles in Mystique, it has stood for eras. Some even say the castle itself has a rich history predating perhaps even the city of Mystique itself. The castle is a full stone castle, including a moat. However, nothing about the castle is normal. Doors are known to mysteriously close, and traps are common, yet ever changing in this enchanted castle. Even the powerful Phaelon could not fully comprehend nor dispell the castle's enchantments.
For years the castle was called 'Franks' Castle. It was believed that he died, although none had confirmed this death. However, the city sold the castle to Nashkel An'gor, whom died shortly after acquiring it. The castle was left in Nashkel's will to a guild of Giants whom have yet to claim the castle.
The word on the street is that the castle itself has a mind of its own, and chooses to either coexist, or put up with its owners and inhabitance. Many in the city fear and yet are proud of its power. Some say the castle will always be a strong hold for Mystique, after its refusal to fall to the Phaelon. Others have no opinion, as it doesn't affect the daily lives of many in the city.
Gelfins General Store: The oldest store in the city, Gelfin's has always been a place where Mystique bought their groceries and the other many necessities of life. It is located in the center of the Mercantile district.
Military
For the majority of Mystiques history its only 'military' force was its mages but after the Phaelon subjugation and the subsequent liberation of the city it was deemed necessary to be able to field a properly armed and organized militia. There was relative enthusiasm and support from the populace regarding this decision. Due to the pending war against Frigid River many thousands of citizens have signed up for service in the militia.
Militia make-up
Total of 15 000 armed troops.
5 000 trained career soldiers, skill with gladius & shield and shortbow, armoured with chainmail.
10 000 non-career militiamen, largely untrained and armed with shaudy weaponry and armour.
Mage Corps consisting of 500 mages ranging from Apprentice to Master level training.
In the event of the army being fielded there are three full Battalions worth of support troops (cooks, smiths, horse masters, siege engineers, etc.).
Economy
Mystiques strongest trade ties are easily with Zinn'Sunn, Ethgan'tor, Arakmat, and Nadir. Unfortunately Mystique is out of the way of any of the major trade routes and the River Lylles does not provide any type of economic benefit either. As far as feeding the populace the city is completely independent.
The vast majority of the cities mercantile income stems from their lumber, finished wood products, and the incredibly valuable and extremely rare Crystalium which is only sold to Zinn'Sunn.
Benefits and Dangers
Benefits: Military officer ranks to be filled, training to be found, battle experience to be gained. Arcanically ripe city. A couple of interesting adventures/quests to be pursued.
Dangers: Impending war with Frigid River. On the Xetan border. Arcanically ripe city.
Credit to Rectify and all others participating in City Profile Discussion.
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Slow posting for the next couple weeks due to exams and moving. Sorry!
Last edited by Aviator; May 28, 2008 at 08:52 PM.
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