Triskellian

Situated on the east bank estuary of the Granvert River, the city of Triskellian stands watch over the Bay of Auvrich and is the gateway to the interior of Calabria. The city is old, yet it is built upon the ruins of an even older city. Rumors claim that some of the oldest buildings date from a time for any modern historian would dare postulate.

Don Jon Rinaldi founded the city where the Granvert River met the Bay of Auvrich both for its strategic importance in for the political significance of having his capital be the cultural successor of the ancient city that stood previously were Triskellian now does. The Rinaldi established themselves in Triskellian and its environs, and Don Jon's realm prospered. As the population expanded, new buildings were built outside the original city wall, eventually a new wall was built surrounding the entire town. The area within the old wall is commonly referred to as Old Town, and the remainder called New Town.

Transport of goods overland was dangerous and expensive. Since the Rinaldi controlled the mouth of the Granvert River and the Bay of Auvrich, they were able to monopolize trade occurred by the river and by sea. In time, Triskellian grew to become the most important city in Calabria. The population grew, and merchants and their products poured into the city, lured by its wealth. Gradually, the drawing power of Triskellian's market even drew overland trade, and individuals and goods funneled into Triskellian along the carefully maintained Rinaldi Road and its subsidiary routes.

Despite the splendor of Triskellian, the Rinaldi are not without their troubles. The leporid nobility have spent too much time resting on their laurels and coasting on their city's success. The Rinaldi have been lax in their civic duties and have been increasingly consumed with infighting, which is allowed the Guild Council to take control over much of the city's administration and economy. Because of this, the bulk of the city's affairs take place in the new districts, near the dockyards, the powerbase of the Guilds.

Some claim that the Rinaldi's loss of control of their own city is due to their recent conversion to S'allumer. They cite the disappearance of one of the duchesses because of her refusal to come into the Light as evidence. Others whisper that the Rinaldi have made secret deals with dark forces which it brought success to Triskellian, but at a horrible price to the Rinaldi family.

Regardless, the cunning Rinaldi still rule with an iron fist and keep a steady eye on their markets. They are far from powerless; in the event the troubles arise, the Rinaldi are well defended by more than military might. Their strength lies primarily in the market and the Church. Moreover, there city is home to many of the houses highest nobles, whose fortunes will not be easily taken. Additionally, the powerful Guild Council controls the city's Constabulary, neither of which would welcome an invading force. Therefore, Triskellian's mightiest asset, its prosperity, is also its mighty shield. In addition to controlling the Constabulary, the Guild Council also controls the dockyards, the gates, the libraries… Everything was in the city is under its thumb save the deed to Triskellian itself.

The waters surrounding Triskellian remain navigable during even the harshest winter due to it being Calabria's southernmost port. Hills and farmland lay to the city's north and east. With water on two sides, Triskellian is in an easily defended position. No single Noble house has the resources to both siege and blockade the city, so should one Army decide to lay siege, the city's allies can resupply it by land or water.

## Climate

Being the southernmost city of Calabria, Triskellian is blessed with the climate more temperate than its northern counterparts. Precipitation falls moderately and evenly throughout the year, and strong thunderstorms are not unknown during spring and summer.

## Flora and Fauna

Countless inhabitants of toiled over hundreds of years to make Triskellian the city of brick, stone, wood, and metal it is today. Most dwellings are built of stone, streets and squares paved with cobbles. Barring the occasional weed, the only vegetation is found within the private, walled gardens of the rich Guild Masters, Merchant Captains, and Nobles and the only fauna to be seen are the domestic livestock at the market and the sundry beast of burden or amounts, unless you include the vermin commonly seen in sewers in dark corners.

## Administration

### The Guilds of Triskellian

Triskellian is unique on Calabria in that the guilds are independent of the noble houses. In other lands, guilds are under the control of the nobility, which use them for their own profit and advancement. The guilds and Triskellian can thank the Rinaldi for their freedom.

Weary of governing and keeping up with politics and court intrigue, Don Auvrich Rinaldi II appointed counsel to run the city, nearly 50 years ago. This Council was comprised of the then-largest guilds and Triskellian: the Merchants, Blacksmiths, Navigators, Shipwrights, Millers, and Weavers.

Most tradesmen learn the craft by apprenticing themselves to a Master craftsman at a young age. Trades usually stay within a family and are passed down from parent offspring, though there are exceptions. New apprentices can often expect to do the menial tasks in their Master's shop. For example, a new cobbler's apprentice can be expected to clean up, care for the tools, and run errands. Initially, they will only learn the rudiments of shoe craftsmanship; only later, when the Master is satisfied that they are ready, will the true secret of the craft to be passed along. The Master is bound by the Orders of the Guild to teach their craft in full into their utmost ability.

An apprenticeship typically lasts from 5 to 8 years, depending on the trade. Once an apprentice has successfully completed their trials, they are inducted into the Guild as a Journeyman. A Journeyman can either leave the service of their Master and set up their own shop (usually in another city), or they can stay on at their masters as a senior craftsman. If they leave, they can take apprentices and become a master themself. Not all with the title 'Master' are equal. Those two products are of the highest standard will be of great renown and will have their choice of customers and apprentices.

## Economy

Economic transactions and Triskellian are connected in Denarii the currency of the Rinaldi. The dinar is a silver coin and the typical unskilled laborer earns five per day. Those too poor to earn denarii barter for goods, and are usually paid in the same manner. Bartering is not restricted to lower classes; even the wealthy Nobles and Guild Masters barter, but was considerably more expensive items and services. A full third of the trade in Triskellian is conducted in barter.