Lurie

**Lurie** is a bustling city located on Lurie Island in the Royish Isles, known for its diverse population and its reputation as a gateway for immigrants into Venthalia. With a population exceeding 50,000, Lurie is home to a variety of races, including Dwarves, Elves, Dragonborn, Tieflings, Baagians, Gnomes, Orcs, and others. The city is renowned for producing some of the finest sailors and fishermen in Venthalia, including notable figures such as Cpt Lasko Loggins, Lord Grup McDill, Cpt Valado Reide, and Cpt Sak McDill.

## History

Lurie was established nearly 1,000 years ago as a naval fort for Ventus and his men. The town grew naturally over the centuries, serving as a hub for trade and commerce due to its strategic location in the Royish Isles. Over time, the city has grown and evolved, becoming a melting pot of cultures and races. Lurie has a rich history of producing skilled sailors, many of whom have gone on to achieve fame and recognition across Venthalia. The city is also known for its political intrigue, with the recent impeachment of Mayor Marsha Reide for selling Kingdom secrets to the Tramontano&Kotts Company (T&K Co) causing a stir in the city's political landscape.

## Economy

Lurie's economy is a vibrant mix of maritime activities, trade, and local businesses, reflecting the city's diverse population and its strategic location in the Royish Isles. The city's economic backbone is its maritime industry, with fishing and sailing being the primary sources of income for many residents. Lurie's fishermen are renowned across Venthalia for their skill and the quality of their catch, contributing significantly to the city's prosperity. The city's sailors, many of whom serve in the Althean Royal Navy, the Confederation of Free Sailors, or private maritime companies like the T&K Co, also bring wealth into the city through their ventures.

Trade also plays a crucial role in Lurie's economy. Given its location in the Royish Isles, the city is a natural hub for trade routes across Venthalia. Goods from the mainland, the Free Trade Cities, and even distant lands pass through Lurie, making its markets a bustling center of commerce. The city's traders are known for their shrewd business acumen, often acting as middlemen between producers and consumers and profiting from the city's extensive trade networks. The city's port is always bustling, with ships laden with goods from across Venthalia and beyond docking at its wharves.

Local businesses further contribute to Lurie's economic vibrancy. The city is home to several prominent businesses, including the Wharf, General Store, and Alchemist, all owned by the wealthy Gnomish House McDill. These businesses cater to a wide range of needs, from supplying sailors with essential equipment to providing the city's residents with everyday goods. Another significant contributor to the city's economy is Heimer Industries, a massive workshop and shipwright owned by the prominent Half-Minotaur figure Bruck Heimer. Heimer Industries not only provides employment to many of Lurie's residents but also contributes to the city's maritime industry by building and repairing ships. The competition between Heimer Industries and House McDill's businesses adds a dynamic element to the city's economy, driving innovation and growth.

## Politics

Lurie's political landscape is as diverse and dynamic as its population. The city's governance has traditionally been led by a mayor, a position recently vacated by Marsha Reide following her arrest and impeachment for selling Kingdom secrets to the T&K Co. This scandal shook the city's political foundations, leading to a period of uncertainty and intense political maneuvering. The upcoming mayoral election has become a focal point of the city's political life, with candidates representing various factions and interests within Lurie vying for the influential position. The leading candidates are Brant Seaworthy, a Dragonborn from Fort Aragundi, and Guy Grundauht, a Tiefling from Lurie. Both candidates have strong support bases and differing visions for the city's future, leading to a closely watched and fiercely contested election.

In addition to the mayoral office, Lurie is also home to the influential Gnomish House McDill. Lord Gruhp McDill, the current Lord and Patriarch of the house, is a significant figure in Lurie's politics. His wealth and ownership of key businesses in the city give him considerable influence over its economic and political affairs. However, this influence is not unchallenged. Figures like Bruck Heimer, owner of Heimer Industries, represent significant counterweights in the city's political landscape.

## Notable Figures

Lurie has been the birthplace of many notable figures who have left their mark on Venthalia's history. Among them is Cpt Lasko Loggins, a legendary pirate captain and influential figure within the CFS. Born in Lurie in 1063 AV, Loggins' early exposure to the city's maritime culture and diverse traditions sparked a passion for the sea that would shape his life's path. His unwavering commitment to justice, freedom, and the fight against oppression has made him a respected and admired figure across Venthalia.

Lurie is also the hometown of Professor Tuchigo Beaugard, the head professor of the department of Bard Studies at the Goldsea Institute, and the founder of the school of bardism known as the College of Rock. Prof Beaugard's parents, Peter and Torii Beaugard, founded a guitar and instrument shop known as the "Sixth String", which remains a popular business in Lurie. Today, Prof Beaugard owns the store from afar, while the store itself is run by one of his protegees at the Institute, Cody Okeli.

Another notable figure from Lurie is Lord Grup McDill, a leading fisherman and the progenitor of House McDill. His success in the fishing industry and his subsequent ventures into other businesses have made him the wealthiest individual in the city and a significant player in its economic and political life.

The city is also the birthplace of Lord Darroll Tirone, the progenitor and current Lord of House Tirone, who serves as the Viceroy to Queen Leonora II of the Kingdom of Althea. Born in Lurie to Altxou Elven immigrants from Elmrafel, Tirone's rise to prominence is a testament to the city's reputation as a land of opportunity. His strong coordination and strategic abilities have made him a key figure in the Kingdom of Althea, serving four consecutive monarchs throughout his political career.

Another notable figure is Cpt Sak McDill, the son of Lord McDill and heir to House McDill. Despite his father's wishes, Sak McDill chose to serve on the CFS Captain’s table, demonstrating the spirit of independence and defiance that is characteristic of many Lurie-born individuals. These figures, among others, have contributed to Lurie's reputation as a city that produces individuals of exceptional skill and character.

## The Alltemple

The Alltemple, a grand all-purpose non-denominational place of worship, stands as a testament to the spirit of religious diversity and tolerance in Lurie. Founded in 1109 AV by Jamien Tot, a cleric of Od and a native of Lurie, the Alltemple was conceived as a safe haven for peoples and immigrants of all faiths in a continent where active participation in religion was rapidly declining. The establishment of the Alltemple was made possible through grants from various local and foreign religious institutions, including The Pastoric Church in the Bratoli Isles, The Church of Tiamat in Towdadd-Rho, The Venthalian The Church of Tyr, the Venthalian Church of Abbathor, and the Venthalian Church of Od. These institutions saw the value in creating a space where all could worship freely, without fear of judgment or persecution. The construction of the Alltemple was an ambitious project, reflecting the grand vision of its founder. Tragically, Tot was killed in a construction accident in 1110 AV, just as the project was nearing completion. Despite this setback, the temple was completed by religious immigrants in Lurie, who carried on Tot's vision and ensured that his dream became a reality.

For the first decade of its existence, the Alltemple was a bustling hub of religious activity. It featured stalls and lots where people could create small-scale versions of their places of worship, fostering a sense of community and shared faith among its diverse congregation. However, by the current year of 1127 AV, the Alltemple has seen a decline in attendance, with only a small few hoping for a return to the glory days of a non-judgmental safe space for peoples to practice their beliefs. Despite its current state, the Alltemple remains a significant landmark in Lurie.

The Alltemple's decline can be seen as a reflection of the broader trend of declining religious participation in Venthalia. However, it also stands as a symbol of the potential for religious diversity and tolerance in a world that is increasingly divided. The Alltemple's history is a testament to the power of faith to bring people together, even in the face of adversity and change.