Thayan
2005-07-01, 11:47 PM
This City is best used in the Forgotten realms setting, However with a few minor changes to the religion section the city can be used in any settig.
Xoralin
Introduction: As the ship swings around the final bit of mountanous coastline, the monolithic visage of a warrior can be seen in the distance. Its eyes shine brightly as dusk settles over the deep water. As the ship moves further inland towards an inlet one can tell this giant stone visage appears elven in nature and carved into the very cliff wall itself. The eyes burn with a bright light that in the dark illuminates the dangerous passge through the opening of the cove which lies beyond. You have reached the City of Xoralin. The city known as Eilistraee's shining hope. .
Stats: Large City Population 18,000 ( Human 40%, Drow 25%, Hafling 15%, Orc 9% Dwarf 5% Gnome5% Elf 1%) 40,000 gp limit
Climate: Tropical
Background Information: Xoralin was founded by X'nd'r (pronounced Zander) Xoralin, a drow wizard. He was a follower in the teachings of Eilistraee and decided that he was going o found a city in her name. This he acomplished in the form of the Port/Cliff city of Xoralin. Built on the beaches of an Inlet on the Coast and into the CLiffs which rise above.
The experiment started on a slow note. Once founded the city grew slowly as word spread and work began on the lower city for races who prefered the life their and the Uper city for those wh prefered life in the Artificial caves dug out by sweat and magic.
Soon the village sarted to grow as more people moved to the peaceful cty. Orcs, Drow, Human Dwarves lived in peace for a time.
During its early times the city was rocked by the sudden death of several prominent Drow. Among them was one of X'nd'rs personal friends Mazzorn. It had appeared an assassin was sent by Lloth to stop this city from becoming a reality, however the ploy failed and X'nd'r was able to continue the dream of peaceful living on the surface. It was decided that in Mazzron's honor the likeness would be carved on the cliff facing out. A warrior standing vigil over the city as a symbol that they would not be daunted and so construction began. Using magic the Relief statue was finished. Carved into the very rock that housed the City itself the monument also acts as a lighthouse guiding those safely into the harbor.
Physical Description: The city of Xoralin is comprised of three parts. The first is the largest visible part. That is the lower city. This part is not a description of class but location. This city is built on the rocky beaches of the deep habor. Much of the beaches were extended by the rock that was dug out of the cliff that comprises the upper city which is built into the cliff itself. The city stretches form the harbor to the rocky wall. Though it isnt more then 500 yards from waters edge to the rock wall, the city stretches for more then a mile along the beach.
With a coastline that long much travel is done by water with a sorta taxi service being developed to travel from area to area. The first part upon entering the cove is the Harbor which is built out onto the water for aways to allow for larger chips to port. This grows into the city itself. Because of room restrictions many of the houses are built up covering 2 or even 3 floors per house. The house are built mostly of stone as the material is readily available.
The second city or inner city as it has been labled is made up of houses and tunnles built into the mountainous wall. Many is not all the drow and dwarves live here. A few humans also live within this part of the city. While one may expect dark cavernous buildings, that is not the case. Many of the homes allow for light and the sky to show through. WIth either large windows or open areas.
The caves were dug deep and very intricate passageways are present. This is done to allow for large numbers of people to gather as the caverns also were designed to hold the city incase they were attacked and placed under siege.. There are only 2 ways to get from the upper city to the lower city. One is a single road that winds itself up to the main entrance, and the other is Magic.
The caverns were built so that every citizen has a place within the upper city. This was done on X'nd'r so to keep the division of upper to lower become a stigma more then a physical division of space.
The third part of the city is above the city on the plataeu above. This area holds the temple of Elistraee which was founded by X'nd'r himself. Many people visit the temple who do not worship Elistraee as part of the Temple is a garden of lush beauty, which allows for visitors to spend time in reflection and spend time with family.
Arts and Culture: To Come
Economics: To Come
Religion: There are no restritcions on religion within Xoralin. However two major religions have prominence among the people. First is Eilistraee, which is the only accepted Drow religion within the city. The second is Mystra. As the wizardry college has grown so has the belief and following of Mystra.. There is also a large following of Helm within the human population.
Government: The city is governed by a council,which is elected by all people. The city is divided into six areas which then elect an individual to represent them. X'nd'r holds the tie breaking vote currently as he has wanted ot be fair to all. So far he has done a fair job as he always votes on what is best for the City.
There is also a sub-council elected by the Council which are the Offices of Wizard Counselor, Chancilor of Defence, and Constible. These positions are appointed by X'nd'r and then voted on by the Council. the current positions are filled and they can be found below under the Prominant People heading.
Crime: To Come
The Monument: There are actually two monuments in this city
Mazzorn's Watchful Presence as it is called, is the name of the monolithic relief statue which is carved into the cliff face overlooking the entrence to the harbor of the city of Xoralin. Standing in at around 200 ft tall this statue is a symbol to the people of the city of Xoralin of the sacrifice it takes to live in peace.
The statue has several more mundane purposes. The first and most important is that of lighthouse. The entrance is a dangerous passage as their is a shoal which extends through the opening to the inlet. The eyes of the statue shine brightly at night. Through the use of miror, the light from the eyes sweep across the water to provde ships with light and guidence into the safe harbor.
Secondly the statue itself has actually been carved out on the inside, and that area of the cliff is home to X'nd'r personl wizard college, Magthere d' faer, which he has built to pass his knowledge of Arcane arts to those who would use them in defence of both the city and the peacful co-existance of races.
Eilistraee's Example This is the largest "Temple" in the city. Actually it is built above the city on the cliff top overlooking the city. It consists of several small buildings encircling a fairly large glade. Within the glade is the actual monument, a statue made of pure silver of the goddess herself Eilistraee. The stuate is built in the pose of a dancing drow maiden which stands only 5'4" but is intricately carved to every small detail. As one looks at it in the moonlight it almost appears to be dancing.
Power Struggles: Currently there is a hidden faction within the Drow who secretly followVahraun. Since his teachings also call for Drow to live on the surface several of his followers have infiltrated the city and are looking for ways to undermine the peace that has been set, albeit a precarious peace.
This Dark Brotherhood, as they call themselves, has been charged and has take responsibility to several acts of terrorisim to try and drive a wedge between Drow and non-Drow.
The Unseen Hand is a criminal orginization that works with in the lower city. Acting as the thieves guild this group is very strict with its members about what can and cannot be done. This groups largest operation is the smuggling in and out of goods.
Smuggling is the largest operation of crime in the city as the Intrepid Trading Company has a monopoly on the settlement. Though the trading company has fair prices, some feel that the export and inoport should be done another way.
Prominent People
places of Interest
Magthere d' faer X'nd'rs school of magic
: ??Resort & Casino Still deciding on a founder
Adventure Hooks These are what I have so far. I may add or delete as I feel until the deadline
1. A prominent wizard is slain within the Wizards tower a few slues are left and as it stands Divination has turned up nothing, but the Dark Brotherhood is suspected. The PCs are hired to help in the investigation:
2. A shipment of the Intrepid Trading company is stolen just after leaving the harbor. The PCs are hired to look into the Matter.
3. This works if the PCs make this city their base. A PC is elected to the city's council and must now enter the political intrigue that is Xoralin.
4. A band of pirates has blockaded the entrance to the Cove and is demanding payment/ So far all spells by the Wizard school has been ineffective. The pirates are threatening too attack the city unless the city pays.
5. The PCs are hired by the Unseen hand to move some items of interest outside the city.
Xoralin
Introduction: As the ship swings around the final bit of mountanous coastline, the monolithic visage of a warrior can be seen in the distance. Its eyes shine brightly as dusk settles over the deep water. As the ship moves further inland towards an inlet one can tell this giant stone visage appears elven in nature and carved into the very cliff wall itself. The eyes burn with a bright light that in the dark illuminates the dangerous passge through the opening of the cove which lies beyond. You have reached the City of Xoralin. The city known as Eilistraee's shining hope. .
Stats: Large City Population 18,000 ( Human 40%, Drow 25%, Hafling 15%, Orc 9% Dwarf 5% Gnome5% Elf 1%) 40,000 gp limit
Climate: Tropical
Background Information: Xoralin was founded by X'nd'r (pronounced Zander) Xoralin, a drow wizard. He was a follower in the teachings of Eilistraee and decided that he was going o found a city in her name. This he acomplished in the form of the Port/Cliff city of Xoralin. Built on the beaches of an Inlet on the Coast and into the CLiffs which rise above.
The experiment started on a slow note. Once founded the city grew slowly as word spread and work began on the lower city for races who prefered the life their and the Uper city for those wh prefered life in the Artificial caves dug out by sweat and magic.
Soon the village sarted to grow as more people moved to the peaceful cty. Orcs, Drow, Human Dwarves lived in peace for a time.
During its early times the city was rocked by the sudden death of several prominent Drow. Among them was one of X'nd'rs personal friends Mazzorn. It had appeared an assassin was sent by Lloth to stop this city from becoming a reality, however the ploy failed and X'nd'r was able to continue the dream of peaceful living on the surface. It was decided that in Mazzron's honor the likeness would be carved on the cliff facing out. A warrior standing vigil over the city as a symbol that they would not be daunted and so construction began. Using magic the Relief statue was finished. Carved into the very rock that housed the City itself the monument also acts as a lighthouse guiding those safely into the harbor.
Physical Description: The city of Xoralin is comprised of three parts. The first is the largest visible part. That is the lower city. This part is not a description of class but location. This city is built on the rocky beaches of the deep habor. Much of the beaches were extended by the rock that was dug out of the cliff that comprises the upper city which is built into the cliff itself. The city stretches form the harbor to the rocky wall. Though it isnt more then 500 yards from waters edge to the rock wall, the city stretches for more then a mile along the beach.
With a coastline that long much travel is done by water with a sorta taxi service being developed to travel from area to area. The first part upon entering the cove is the Harbor which is built out onto the water for aways to allow for larger chips to port. This grows into the city itself. Because of room restrictions many of the houses are built up covering 2 or even 3 floors per house. The house are built mostly of stone as the material is readily available.
The second city or inner city as it has been labled is made up of houses and tunnles built into the mountainous wall. Many is not all the drow and dwarves live here. A few humans also live within this part of the city. While one may expect dark cavernous buildings, that is not the case. Many of the homes allow for light and the sky to show through. WIth either large windows or open areas.
The caves were dug deep and very intricate passageways are present. This is done to allow for large numbers of people to gather as the caverns also were designed to hold the city incase they were attacked and placed under siege.. There are only 2 ways to get from the upper city to the lower city. One is a single road that winds itself up to the main entrance, and the other is Magic.
The caverns were built so that every citizen has a place within the upper city. This was done on X'nd'r so to keep the division of upper to lower become a stigma more then a physical division of space.
The third part of the city is above the city on the plataeu above. This area holds the temple of Elistraee which was founded by X'nd'r himself. Many people visit the temple who do not worship Elistraee as part of the Temple is a garden of lush beauty, which allows for visitors to spend time in reflection and spend time with family.
Arts and Culture: To Come
Economics: To Come
Religion: There are no restritcions on religion within Xoralin. However two major religions have prominence among the people. First is Eilistraee, which is the only accepted Drow religion within the city. The second is Mystra. As the wizardry college has grown so has the belief and following of Mystra.. There is also a large following of Helm within the human population.
Government: The city is governed by a council,which is elected by all people. The city is divided into six areas which then elect an individual to represent them. X'nd'r holds the tie breaking vote currently as he has wanted ot be fair to all. So far he has done a fair job as he always votes on what is best for the City.
There is also a sub-council elected by the Council which are the Offices of Wizard Counselor, Chancilor of Defence, and Constible. These positions are appointed by X'nd'r and then voted on by the Council. the current positions are filled and they can be found below under the Prominant People heading.
Crime: To Come
The Monument: There are actually two monuments in this city
Mazzorn's Watchful Presence as it is called, is the name of the monolithic relief statue which is carved into the cliff face overlooking the entrence to the harbor of the city of Xoralin. Standing in at around 200 ft tall this statue is a symbol to the people of the city of Xoralin of the sacrifice it takes to live in peace.
The statue has several more mundane purposes. The first and most important is that of lighthouse. The entrance is a dangerous passage as their is a shoal which extends through the opening to the inlet. The eyes of the statue shine brightly at night. Through the use of miror, the light from the eyes sweep across the water to provde ships with light and guidence into the safe harbor.
Secondly the statue itself has actually been carved out on the inside, and that area of the cliff is home to X'nd'r personl wizard college, Magthere d' faer, which he has built to pass his knowledge of Arcane arts to those who would use them in defence of both the city and the peacful co-existance of races.
Eilistraee's Example This is the largest "Temple" in the city. Actually it is built above the city on the cliff top overlooking the city. It consists of several small buildings encircling a fairly large glade. Within the glade is the actual monument, a statue made of pure silver of the goddess herself Eilistraee. The stuate is built in the pose of a dancing drow maiden which stands only 5'4" but is intricately carved to every small detail. As one looks at it in the moonlight it almost appears to be dancing.
Power Struggles: Currently there is a hidden faction within the Drow who secretly followVahraun. Since his teachings also call for Drow to live on the surface several of his followers have infiltrated the city and are looking for ways to undermine the peace that has been set, albeit a precarious peace.
This Dark Brotherhood, as they call themselves, has been charged and has take responsibility to several acts of terrorisim to try and drive a wedge between Drow and non-Drow.
The Unseen Hand is a criminal orginization that works with in the lower city. Acting as the thieves guild this group is very strict with its members about what can and cannot be done. This groups largest operation is the smuggling in and out of goods.
Smuggling is the largest operation of crime in the city as the Intrepid Trading Company has a monopoly on the settlement. Though the trading company has fair prices, some feel that the export and inoport should be done another way.
Prominent People
places of Interest
Magthere d' faer X'nd'rs school of magic
: ??Resort & Casino Still deciding on a founder
Adventure Hooks These are what I have so far. I may add or delete as I feel until the deadline
1. A prominent wizard is slain within the Wizards tower a few slues are left and as it stands Divination has turned up nothing, but the Dark Brotherhood is suspected. The PCs are hired to help in the investigation:
2. A shipment of the Intrepid Trading company is stolen just after leaving the harbor. The PCs are hired to look into the Matter.
3. This works if the PCs make this city their base. A PC is elected to the city's council and must now enter the political intrigue that is Xoralin.
4. A band of pirates has blockaded the entrance to the Cove and is demanding payment/ So far all spells by the Wizard school has been ineffective. The pirates are threatening too attack the city unless the city pays.
5. The PCs are hired by the Unseen hand to move some items of interest outside the city.