Rydoon

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Rydoon is the capital city of the Hollow Concord, located in northwestern Ahlus.

## Government

Inspired by the Riverkings of Kingbourne before them, the Hollow Concord was created in the likeness of the Council of Westdell. Made up predominantly of elected nobles chosen from the notable families of each of the isles of the city to take the title of Archon, this conclave of members is bolstered in numbers by the inclusion of the Stregarch, the general of the Rydooni army, the Navarch, the admiral of the Rydooni fleet, the Midarch, the leader of the city watch and the Heirarch of Golgyra, the high priest of the eponymous isle.

This plutocratic council is formerly led by the Archonos, which is traditionally granted unto the Archon of the isle of Cyrillai, the largest of the islands, covering twice as much land mass as all the other combined. Under emergency powers enacted after the Attack on the Isle of Midalios, the Archonos Aratus qu Regas claimed a temporary state of leadership, owing to the demise of his peers.

Rydoon maintains a sizeable army and navy composed of both formally trained and conscripted individuals, as well as a city watch known as the Evzos and a specialised faction of combatants called the Aoratosi, that focus on matters of espionage and reconnoitre.

#### Laws of the Hollow Concord

Private cases pertaining to matters involving the affairs of individuals are often dictated by the victim's own judgement of personal value, whereas public cases affecting the wider populace can be brought about by any member, and are presided over by a jury chosen at random by a device called a kleroterion.

**Theft.** Up to 30 days imprisonment and/or a fine twice the value of the stolen items.

**Trespassing.** Up to 10 days imprisonment and/or a fine of 100gp.

**Kidnapping.** Up to 90 days imprisonment or exile.

**Assault, with intent to harm.** Up to 60 days imprisonment and/or a fine of 200gp.

**Assault, with the intent to kill.** Up to 400 days imprisonment or exile for up to 10 years.

**Murder.** Up to 20 years imprisonment or execution.

**Treason.** Up to 10 years imprisonment or execution.

### Social Hierarchy

In addition to the titles such as Lord, Duke, Sir, etc used elsewhere in the continent, in the settlements of the Hollow Concord, an individual's given name itself declares their standing in life, using a series of Nobiliary particle placed before the surname. While these may hold little significance outside of the lands of the Hollow Concord, most individuals - particularly those of higher standing - utilise them nonetheless, considering them one of their epithets or titles.

With the exception of the Blessed Caste, an individual marrying into a family of a higher caste may assume the title of that caste, although the higher ranking family may legally decide to withhold this status on either a short-term or long-term basis, pending the fulfilment of various requirements. In cases where the use of the higher caste is permitted, it is expected that the individual takes the surname of the family into which they have married, regardless of gender.

* Blessed - High Nobility (Aristocratic) - Qu
* Virtued - Low Nobility/Upper Class (Wealthy) - Paa
* Honoured - Middle Class (Comfortable) - Ohd
* Praised - Lower Class (Modest) - Bir
* Forgotten - Poor & Squalid - No name given
* Treasured - Foreigners - Tlo

## Crime

A major settlement with strong links to the surrounding continent by means of land and sea, bolstered further by the additional of Galerider Rail connections to the ward of Drakestower and the construction of an Aerodrome in the Radiant Heart, Rydoon is home to a series of criminal networks and organisations that reach far beyond the city's boundaries. Small independent groups blend seamlessly into the bustling streets, although most hold allegiance to one of the two major criminal factions in Rydoon, the Lightfingers and the Other Hand. While operating primarily in an official capacity, the Arken Den has continued to expand its grasp within the city too, finding continued conflict over territories and competing operations with the local talent.

Despite the significant numbers of Evzos stationed throughout the city, the geographic layout and overall scale of the settlement prevents their presence being felt at each street corner at any given time. Despite this, many of the more popular squares and markets enjoy the attention of several patrols of guards during the daily peaks of commerce from mid morning to late afternoon, acting to dissuade all but the boldest and most skilful cutpurses and pickpockets.

## Geography

Rydoon is a city sprawling across six major islands and numerous smaller ones scattered throughout the southern aspect of Lake Endeen. The largest of these isles, Cyrillai is twice as large as all the others put together. The foremost hub for trade on the continent, a title it is at threat of losing to Whittengrove in the Lotus Basin, vast quantities of trade flow in and out of the settlement. As such, near any provisions, goods or services can be located somewhere within the city of Rydoon.

### **Cyrillai**

Cyrillai, the largest of the isles is made up of six wards of unequal size. All must pass through at least the Garters to enter the city if they do so via land.

#### The Garters

Serving as the entryway into the city, the bridge that leads into the Garters is sealed behind the Bastilla, a four-tiered set of walls and towers that winds back and forth up the cliff-face to the Wayfinder's Crossing. It serves as the seat of Stregarch of the Rydooni Army, Alkestis. Between the defenses are barracks, training yards, bath-houses and forges dedicated to the drills and respite of the warriors of Rydoon alike. The Garters themselves are a place that few truly linger, instead travelling northwest along Skipbeggar Way towards Clayrose Ward to Drakestower and beyond or north via Patron Path to reach either areas of residence or the Acropolis of Radiant Heart itself.

Notable Locations:

* Bastilla - the gateway into Rydoon and the military citadel of the Rydooni Army. One must pass through six separate gates to reach the city proper.
* Stables - for weary travellers and martial purposes alike, the stables are operated by the human Sebastos. Along with horses, he has a small stock of more curious beasts that are usually reserved for military contacts. The stables is located next to the Cityrunners, a caravan and carriage service that can be hired to transport up to four peoples with luggage through the city.
* The Enduring - a messenger guild specialising in the use of runners, riders, anvilwrought raptors and mages to facilitate the quick and accurate transfer of information.

#### Estaemarl

Estaemarl is a ward heavily influenced by its surroundings. Those few travellers that do not stray from the Silt Road will see an area of bountiful business and prosperity, roadsides decorated with colourful banners and fanciful artwork painted across the pale walls. When venturing further in however, Estaemarl is a sprawl of impoverished neighbourhoods filled with traders and merchants that are struggling to compete in a city of fierce rivalry and contest. Due to the lack of high-profile businesses and markets in the area it is amongst the least frequented by the Evzos, beyond those parts of the region that are proximal to the borders of the Radiant Heart Ward. The wall that encircles the Radiant Heart Ward is notably thicker and taller along these borders, for Estaemarl serves as a site for all manner of opportunists that exploit the lack of military presence to carve out their own desires. When the city was previously occupied, Estaemarl was just as prosperous as the other regions on the isle, and so the shells of wealthy manors are aplenty, now full of squatters.

Notable Locations:

* Gloom Circle
* The Epitome
* Gardens of Kalloni
* Librimus Tower
* Matron House - Operated by Lady Ilana, any and all can come to the Matron House to receive care and healing - no questions asked. In return all is expected is an offering to Aita, who watches over the site in statue form.
* The Gift of Life
* The Undercity

#### Radiant Heart - The Acropolis

The smallest district, situated in the northwestern aspect of the eastern horn of the island. It is a place of particular wealth, with many nobles and aristocrats making their homes in the district for sake of proximity to the Renewal Hall. Views from the towers known as the Saltstacks and other structures of the acropolis look out over Lake Endeen, and are home to the old blood families of the city, including those of the Galanis, Mavros, Myron and Toles families. Shops and taverns intended for the higher classes are aplenty, although it is said that for true luxury, one must charter a private ferry to the island of Peroda. There is a small port maintained at the base of the cliff-face upon which the Renewal Hall rests, but it is private and off-limits for all except those acting directly alongside or on the authority of the members of the Conclave itself. The entrances to the region are marked with tiles enchanted to serve as Cleansing Stones, and all are expected to use them before entering.

Notable Locations:

* Augustine Abode
* Velvet Kiss - high end tailor and textiles shop that specialises in the use of glamerweave.
* Onyx and Ivory - a jewellers and games' store
* The Altar - most prestigious and expensive tavern and inn in Cyrillai
* The Saltstacks
* The Skyward Sentry
* Hall of the Virtuous

#### Clayrose

One of the larger residential areas of Cyrillai and by definition Rydoon in its entirety, Clayrose features the residencies of all aspects of the Rydooni heirarchy. Those of high status without nobility (e.g. wealthy merchants, diplomats) make their home along the northeastern edge of the ward, close to the base of the Acropolis, whilst those of the middle classes sprawl throughout the isle. Those of lower standing find accomodation in the streets closest to the Garters, while others still reside in hovels and caves that litter the south and eastern coast of the isle, subsisting off fish and crab caught in the shallows.

Notable Locations:

* The Hunter and the Spear
* The Oasis

#### Drakestower

Drakestower is the central hub of Cyrillai, housing both the working class folk of the city and serving as the site for most of the general commerce in the settlement. There are two main plazas in Drakestower that act almost as the beating hearts of the ward, hubs of shops, inns and other businesses and places of entertainment. Both are located along Skipbeggar Way, Peacock Square along the southeastern stretch and Grapevine Parvis further to the northwest. Between the two sprawls a great market where all manner of items can be acquired - all works of metal, fabric and wood, of beasts living and deceased, of poisons and weapons, of ships, soldiers and islands, as well as innumerable other objects and properties.

Notable Locations:

* The Acolyte
* The Candied Laugh
* Divinus' Compendium
* The Goldhand's Market - the hub of commerce in Rydoon, the Goldhand's Market is frequented by those of all walks of life - admittedly some vicariously through use of servants and pages. The presence of the Evzos can be felt throughout the region, although those merchants offering more unscrupulous items know how to place coin in the right hand to give themselves enough respite to facilitate the sorts of business they seek.
* The Guildmaster Maker
* Lakeshore Embrace
* Lady of the Lamp
* The New Branch
* Runes and Rods
* The Silver Pearl
* Steady Step
* Summit Trust - proudly displaying their symbol of a sun-crested mountain, the Summit Trust is a prestigious bank that serves the citizens of Rydoon and the Hollow Concord as a whole.
* Third Hand Treasures

#### Jubilare

Julilare is a medley of all that surrounds it. Fisherfolk make their homes along the shores, travelling into Drakestower to sell their fresh catch. Priests collect in shrines and hovels, close to their places of work and worship alike on the island of Golgyra. Scholars share accomodation in eyeshot of the Academy of Rydoon. The island reaches a peak, culminating in the spectacle known as Jubilation Bridge, a vast spanning construct that stradles the expanse of water beneath it to connect Cyrillai with Tike. Jubilare got its name from the bridge, instead of visa versa.

Notable Locations:

* Jubilation Bridge
* Rockpool Docks
* The Academy of Rydoon

### **Golgyra**

Connected to Jubilare via the Zeal Soul Crossing, Golgyra is a fortified citadel on a small outcrop of an isle to the north of Cyrillai. Here the High Sancarium, a vast temple dedicated to the gods of Ahlus is located, split in four in accordance with the official Reformationist beliefs of the city. At the Adytum of the Gale, the Fane of the Lithic, the Chantry of the Fervorous, the Piscina of the Pelagic shrines to deities lesser and greater alike are open for offerings.

Notable Locations:

* The Adytum of the Gale - Shaped from marble and limestone, the Adytum is thrice domed, each glass ceiling melding into the last to create a cloud-like roof.
* The Fane of the Lithic - A brown-grey monolith crowned in stained glass windows shaped like fanciful gemstones, the Fane descends down into the island beneath and features a great number of shrines.
* The Chantry of the Fervorous is a series of close-nit towers bound together with winding walkways of sandstone and brass. Each serves as a lighthouse of sorts, giving the appearance of a band of half a dozen candles perched on the hillside.
* The Piscina of the Pelagic is a partially submerged temple repeatedly bisected by a series of artificial waterfalls.

### **Tike**

#### Limebridge

Limebridge is a residential district characterised by narrow winding streets laden thick with drying nets and sails hanging from painted balconies. Well-worn cobbles are littered with discarded shells from the fishmarkets of Docktome Downs, and while cramped and choatic, the atmosphere is more open and less frantic than the cacophany of Drakestower and Clayrose or the squalor of Estaemarl. The Citywatch of Rydoon, the Evzos hold their public headquarters in Limebridge, maintaining a small private port to allow passage to Larta - an isle dedicated to their training.

Notable Locations:

* Stalwart Sound
* Guild of the Guerdon - Proudly flying a banner of a key and lock shaped like a coinpurse, the Guild of Guerdon specialises in the placement, tracking and capture of individuals upon which a bounty is placed.

#### Docktome Downs

    Docktome Downs is the primary port of Rydoon, serving all manner of merchant, fisher and transport vessels. For those seeking the freshest river and seafood, the fishmarkets of Docktome Downs are unparalleled. For those seeking passage across Lake Endeen and down the Hallus to Saltwharf in the north, the range of captains offering their services is without equal. Clay is rich in the banks and beds of Lake Endeen and so crafters perfecting and selling their craft is a common site along the quaysides, using natural dyes to depict fanciful stories of valour, delectation and tragedy upon their creations. Taverns, gamehalls and general stores aplenty dot the portside.

Notable Locations:

* The Stowaway
* Four Sails
* The Potter's Hands
* The Seasalt Market
* The Downs

### **Midalios**

Midalios was not nearly as bustling as Cyrillai, but was prosperous nonetheless. Much of its function was built around the Hippodros, a vast stadium built to house all manners of entertainment - horse, chariot and foot races, mock battles, tests of mettle and strength, as well as every year hosting the Kroan Games - the ultimate chance for an individual to prove their personal power, skill or talent in front of a crowd of thousands. The infrastructure of Midalios reflected this focus, all roads radiated out from the Hippodros, nearly every coastal edge was dedicated to ports and jetties and businesses work to sell food and drink for spectators while smiths, stables and tailors peddled their wares to athletes.

Much of the isle of Midalios was destroyed during the Attack on the Isle of Midalios in 134WD, Carrast-Highreign when a ball of destructive force detonated at the Hippodros shortly before the opening ceremony of the 257th Kroan Games.

Notable Locations:

* Hippodros of Midalios (destroyed 134WD)
* The Library of the Poet
* Titan of the Battlemistress (destroyed 134WD)

### **Pylodes**

Home of the Rydooni Navy, Pylodes is an island augmented in size by the vast number of docks, jetties, artificial and floating quaysides and other moorings that surround its shores. The best carpenters have their workshops on the isle, but are in constant demand for the ongoing repairs and maintenance to the naval force commanded by Navarch Mistral paa Callis. Naval vessels fly a flag of quartered maroon and blue, while mercenary guilds display all manner of banners - bunches of grapes, bloodstained copper bowls, clay coins, gilded helmets and winged greatswords among those more commonly spied.

Notable Locations:

* Samsos' Sanctuary
* Oyster Docks
* Carrack's Landing

### **Peroda**

Flanked by the naval guard-isles of Kyroe and Inylsos, Peroda is one huge garden that exudes a heady fey presence. It is a place of revelry and joy, delectation and gratification.

Peroda is maintained by an organisation called the Labile Thicket, primarily Satyrs and Eladrins that revere the sanctity of the isle, but find great delight in the company of visitors. A small selection of nobles have been granted leave to construct homes and manses on the south and western aspects of the isle, but most of the island is occupied with thick forests, groves filled with ancient ruins and banquets in clearings through which pixies and faires dance and flutter. Caryatids carved into the bark of monstrous trees are dotted across the isle and supposedly come alive and animate in times of turmoil and threat to the lands they watch over.

The Labile Thicket also assists in the training of all manner of creatures on the isle of Peroda, ranging from horses and falcons to more unusual beasts such as wolves, lions and even the famed pegasi sometimes used by captains of the Evzos. The leader of the Labile Thicket is an aged satyr called Java. According to her tales, the more she drinks, the further she can peer into the upcoming fates of her companions - although accuracy is only assured if the drink offered is of fine quality.

At least one passageway to the Feywild exists on the isle of Peroda, a basin of shallow water that appears almost to push an individual through the veil of the reflection seen into a grove of monstrous redwood trees.