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calderamods) wrote2024-03-28 08:54 pm
calderamods) wrote2024-03-28 08:54 pm
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LOCATIONS
LAND LOCATIONS
Grey Ward
Grey Ward, the largest city found on the Land, so named for the rocky area it was both built upon and built from. It's easy to spot the oldest sections of the city by the hewn grey bricks used to construct the buildings. This is the central hub for trade and travel between the factions and the home of most Dryad citizens.
Sundown Docks: So named for their location on the westernmost side of the city, this bustling port is busy day and night with travelers of sky and sea ferrying passengers and transporting goods. Here is where one can find Marker's Imports, a shop one can find interesting objects and trinkets from many strange places, and the Crow's Nest, a rowdy tavern with plentiful drinks, bawdy conversation, wild stories, and the occasional barroom brawl.
The Glass Market: Rows and rows of colorful awnings and carts surrounding by buildings with jewel toned stained glass windows. The Glass Market is the place to go for your day to day needs and beyond. Clothing, fresh produce, spices, street food, jewelry, sweets indulgences, all sold by cheerful vendors and watched over by sharp-eyed city guards.
The Soot Spire: The home of inventors, engineers, and the magically inclined, these tall towers were constructed well away from the residential portion of the city, because, alas, you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet (or in this case, survive a few explosions to make ingenuitive progress). If you wish to acquire anything technologically advanced, woven with complex magics, or are a curious and inventive sort yourself, seek out the Soot Spire.
The Hearthstill: The main residential area of the city for those with a comfortable amount of bones to live off of. Two specialty stores can also be found here as well: the Book Binder has a collection of works from all reaches and realms, and the Vintner, who specializes in obtaining and selling spirits both local and those from far and wide.
The Downs: The Downs are a collection of smaller apartments, where most Dryad newcomers will find themselves residing. Though less showy than the Hearthstill, it's a colorful and comfortable place to hang one's hat, and it is where the Songbird's Rest can be found: a large park, that features a stage where nightly plays, live music, poetry readings, and comedic routines are performed.
Sundown Docks: So named for their location on the westernmost side of the city, this bustling port is busy day and night with travelers of sky and sea ferrying passengers and transporting goods. Here is where one can find Marker's Imports, a shop one can find interesting objects and trinkets from many strange places, and the Crow's Nest, a rowdy tavern with plentiful drinks, bawdy conversation, wild stories, and the occasional barroom brawl.
The Glass Market: Rows and rows of colorful awnings and carts surrounding by buildings with jewel toned stained glass windows. The Glass Market is the place to go for your day to day needs and beyond. Clothing, fresh produce, spices, street food, jewelry, sweets indulgences, all sold by cheerful vendors and watched over by sharp-eyed city guards.
The Soot Spire: The home of inventors, engineers, and the magically inclined, these tall towers were constructed well away from the residential portion of the city, because, alas, you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet (or in this case, survive a few explosions to make ingenuitive progress). If you wish to acquire anything technologically advanced, woven with complex magics, or are a curious and inventive sort yourself, seek out the Soot Spire.
The Hearthstill: The main residential area of the city for those with a comfortable amount of bones to live off of. Two specialty stores can also be found here as well: the Book Binder has a collection of works from all reaches and realms, and the Vintner, who specializes in obtaining and selling spirits both local and those from far and wide.
The Downs: The Downs are a collection of smaller apartments, where most Dryad newcomers will find themselves residing. Though less showy than the Hearthstill, it's a colorful and comfortable place to hang one's hat, and it is where the Songbird's Rest can be found: a large park, that features a stage where nightly plays, live music, poetry readings, and comedic routines are performed.
Gourdmill & Berry Burrow
To the east and west of Grey Ward lie two cities, both alike in dignity: Berry Burrow to the west, and Gourdmill to the east. These large townships, known for their farms and nearby mines, have been locked in a bitter rivalry for as long as anyone can remember. And like so many rivalries, no one ones how or why it started. Gourdmill residents are very proud of their primary crops which are, you guessed it, gourds, to the point where every surrounding woodland and natural structure is named for their squashy produce (do yourself a favor and never refer to Giant's Rest by anything but Mount Gourd while in earshot of a Gourdmill citizen). While the denizens of Berry Burrow do grow and harvest several varieties of berries, their chief crop is rice (Berry Burrow just sounded more whimsical than Rice Town).
Maple Crest & Oak Run
Far south of Grey Ward lie the lumber and wheat capitals of Dryad territory, Maple Crest and Oak Run. These out of the way villages have formed a tight knit community within themselves; as they are too far from Grey Ward for the same security and proximity to the city guard enjoyed by the Burrow and Gourdmill, they instead look out for each other. If one prefers the quiet life, then one should consider making their home in one of these villages. Just keep in mind that they are both located very close to the Great Shroud, as many strange creatures come from those woods.
The Mines
Dark and mysterious, the mines are a vital part of Dryad economy and infrastructure. Aside from the more mundane metals and gems, the magic infused crystals are used to power the skyships, and are a key component of many Soot Spire experiments and inventions. Every mine houses several kobold cities that are mostly off limits to outsiders, though there are some carts outside that will sell supplies to intrepid miners.
The Deadlands
A large rain shadow desert that stretches the length of the Skyward Mountain Range, the Deadlands are as dangerous as their name implies, and not just because of the harsh environment. Strange creatures roam the cracked dry landscape, and the bandits that pick off unsuspecting travelers tend to carve out a rough living in the unforgiving climate.
Ignacia's Cradle
In the wake of tragedy, Ignacia’s Cradle was created, home of a young new ruler, new beings, and new commerce. It lives just a short walk from the eastern edge of Grey Ward, the gates of the city guarded by two massive obsidian golems, who offer warnings to non-fire based travellers of the extreme temperatures, and sometimes make jokes about one of them always telling the truth while the other always lies. To help those unused to the extreme temperatures, mine carts are provided as public transport for ease of and expedient travelling about the city.
The Lava Flats: Home to smiths, glassmakers, and jewelers, the Lava Flats are rapidly becoming the go to place for such craftsman to do their best work.
The Ember Market: The main commerce area, where the craftsman of the Lava Flats sell their fine works. Unbreakable weapons, elaborate glasswork, and fine jewelry are currently on offering.
The Ashfall Terrace: Still in its infancy, the Ashfall Terrace hopes to become a thriving farm someday, using the rich volcanic soil and the warm environment to grow hearty produce and exotic flora.
The Besalt Brewery: A small brewery that seeks to use the lava flows to develop new techniques for crafting drinks. As its still in the experimental phase, most drinks are free, the only price being honest and sincere feedback.
The Lava Flats: Home to smiths, glassmakers, and jewelers, the Lava Flats are rapidly becoming the go to place for such craftsman to do their best work.
The Ember Market: The main commerce area, where the craftsman of the Lava Flats sell their fine works. Unbreakable weapons, elaborate glasswork, and fine jewelry are currently on offering.
The Ashfall Terrace: Still in its infancy, the Ashfall Terrace hopes to become a thriving farm someday, using the rich volcanic soil and the warm environment to grow hearty produce and exotic flora.
The Besalt Brewery: A small brewery that seeks to use the lava flows to develop new techniques for crafting drinks. As its still in the experimental phase, most drinks are free, the only price being honest and sincere feedback.
Ember Veil
The hot spring of Ignacia’s Cradle is a breathtaking anomaly located just beyond the Ashfall Terrace, tucked into a secluded crater formed by the celestial impact that gave rise to the city. Here, molten veins from the Lava Flats weave beneath the earth, heating a natural reservoir that bubbled to life amidst the chaos. The spring’s waters shimmer with an ethereal brilliance, hues of deep turquoise blending with molten gold and fiery orange, as though Heaven’s Bow itself left behind a fragment of its essence. Steam rises in curling wisps, carrying the tang of minerals and faint traces of sulfur.
The spring, known to locals as The Ember Veil, is both a sanctuary and a marvel of natural wonder. Its soothing waters are reputed to heal wounds and fortify the spirit, with the temperature kept in perfect balance by an intricate system of naturally formed vents and channels. The edges are lined with intricately carved obsidian benches, where patrons can soak their feet or meditate in the rising steam. Plants resistant to the intense conditions—vivid fire lilies and ash ferns—dot the perimeter, their resilience a symbol of life’s ability to flourish even in the harshest environments.
Sometimes, when two or more individuals share the waters, the spring creates a subtle connection between their minds, allowing memories to surface like ripples on its surface. These shared memories appear as glowing, translucent scenes that hover above the water, visible to all within the spring. Participants can relive moments from their lives, experiencing them through each other’s eyes, fostering profound empathy and understanding.
Another of the spring’s mystical properties occurs when bathers who enter the waters feeling drained, injured, or burdened by grief often find their vitality restored. The waters seem to draw out negative energies and emotions, replacing them with a warm, invigorating sensation that spreads through the body. In rare instances, the spring has been known to accelerate physical healing, mending minor injuries and soothing chronic aches, as though the magic itself is stitching the body back together.
A lesser-known but equally fascinating effect happens on particularly clear nights, when the moonlight reflects on the spring’s surface, some bathers report fleeting glimpses of potential futures. These visions are often cryptic, appearing as brief, dream-like flashes, but they have guided many to life-changing decisions. The alchemists of the Basalt Brewery believe this effect stems from residual cosmic energy, and they have begun experimenting with enhancing it through the addition of rare minerals and lunar elixirs.
The spring, known to locals as The Ember Veil, is both a sanctuary and a marvel of natural wonder. Its soothing waters are reputed to heal wounds and fortify the spirit, with the temperature kept in perfect balance by an intricate system of naturally formed vents and channels. The edges are lined with intricately carved obsidian benches, where patrons can soak their feet or meditate in the rising steam. Plants resistant to the intense conditions—vivid fire lilies and ash ferns—dot the perimeter, their resilience a symbol of life’s ability to flourish even in the harshest environments.
Sometimes, when two or more individuals share the waters, the spring creates a subtle connection between their minds, allowing memories to surface like ripples on its surface. These shared memories appear as glowing, translucent scenes that hover above the water, visible to all within the spring. Participants can relive moments from their lives, experiencing them through each other’s eyes, fostering profound empathy and understanding.
Another of the spring’s mystical properties occurs when bathers who enter the waters feeling drained, injured, or burdened by grief often find their vitality restored. The waters seem to draw out negative energies and emotions, replacing them with a warm, invigorating sensation that spreads through the body. In rare instances, the spring has been known to accelerate physical healing, mending minor injuries and soothing chronic aches, as though the magic itself is stitching the body back together.
A lesser-known but equally fascinating effect happens on particularly clear nights, when the moonlight reflects on the spring’s surface, some bathers report fleeting glimpses of potential futures. These visions are often cryptic, appearing as brief, dream-like flashes, but they have guided many to life-changing decisions. The alchemists of the Basalt Brewery believe this effect stems from residual cosmic energy, and they have begun experimenting with enhancing it through the addition of rare minerals and lunar elixirs.
SEA LOCATIONS
Salt Spire
A bubble covered city beneath the sea, Salt Spire sports tall spiraling buildings made of dark stone and encrusted with coral and seagrass. As the major trade hub of the ocean and where the majority of Undine reside, it has plenty of locations to visit.
Queen's Tower: The tallest building in the Spire and the most difficult to enter. This is where the reclusive Queen Cordelia resides, speaking primarily through her Queens Guard when Undine have questions for her. Rumor has it that one can gain access to her personal library, but doing so is incredibly difficult given how disinclined Cordelia is to speak face to face with people.
Salt Spire Library: The library that is not so difficult to access is the Salt Spire Library. Housing thousands upon thousands of books of all genres. Fiction, non-fiction, romance and mystery and all between. You may even find books from your world and others! Oddly enough though, no Calderan history books are to be found, and if you ask for them, the librarians and locals all choose to ignore your questions.
Bluetide Market: The marketplace is host to every manner of shop one might ever need: artisans of all varieties, the most in fashion undersea clothing shops, food stalls, and all between can be found in Bluetide. The locals are mostly happy to trade with Visitors, but be careful, not everyone has the best intentions and might try to rob you blind with those prices.
Shimmer Quarter: Home to the finest healers in Caldera, the Shimmer Quarter has an array of means to cure oneself if the need arises. Talented Undine healers use their water magic to do everything from healing minor wounds to fixing broken bones in a matter of seconds. If, however, you are not fond of magic, mundane healing is also available, along with potions imported from the surface.
Tideshore and Fogbottom Docks: Located on either end of the city, Tideshore is used as a direct line of trade with the surface using large magical bubbles to transport goods. Fogbottom allows people to venture further into the sea. Those without their underwater abilities are offered rebreathers for travel that last for four hours before needing to be replaced.
Queen's Tower: The tallest building in the Spire and the most difficult to enter. This is where the reclusive Queen Cordelia resides, speaking primarily through her Queens Guard when Undine have questions for her. Rumor has it that one can gain access to her personal library, but doing so is incredibly difficult given how disinclined Cordelia is to speak face to face with people.
Salt Spire Library: The library that is not so difficult to access is the Salt Spire Library. Housing thousands upon thousands of books of all genres. Fiction, non-fiction, romance and mystery and all between. You may even find books from your world and others! Oddly enough though, no Calderan history books are to be found, and if you ask for them, the librarians and locals all choose to ignore your questions.
Bluetide Market: The marketplace is host to every manner of shop one might ever need: artisans of all varieties, the most in fashion undersea clothing shops, food stalls, and all between can be found in Bluetide. The locals are mostly happy to trade with Visitors, but be careful, not everyone has the best intentions and might try to rob you blind with those prices.
Shimmer Quarter: Home to the finest healers in Caldera, the Shimmer Quarter has an array of means to cure oneself if the need arises. Talented Undine healers use their water magic to do everything from healing minor wounds to fixing broken bones in a matter of seconds. If, however, you are not fond of magic, mundane healing is also available, along with potions imported from the surface.
Tideshore and Fogbottom Docks: Located on either end of the city, Tideshore is used as a direct line of trade with the surface using large magical bubbles to transport goods. Fogbottom allows people to venture further into the sea. Those without their underwater abilities are offered rebreathers for travel that last for four hours before needing to be replaced.
Cordelia's Rest
A shrine just outside of Salt Spire dedicated to Queen Cordelia. Undine known as Keepers watch over and care for it, accepting offerings on the Queen's behalf and assuring no harm comes to any within it. Many go to pray at the large statue of Cordelia in the center, hoping she will hear their prayers and accept their variety of offerings. It has also been known as a safe refuge for those lost in the sea, and has an odd light emanating from it like a beacon that the Keepers will insist is Cordelia's blessing.
Anchor Wash
Anchor Wash is where ships go to die. A graveyard of unfortunate seafaring vessels that have suffered storms or the deadly creatures of the sea and did not survive to return home. The currents in this particular area of the sea are strong, and rumor has it that most of the ships were casualties of the Kraken, assuring that all sailors do their best to circumvent the area if possible.
Divers delve into these shipwrecks often, but many of them do not survive the venture either. Is this place cursed? Or is it just coincidence?
Divers delve into these shipwrecks often, but many of them do not survive the venture either. Is this place cursed? Or is it just coincidence?
Violet Drop
Undersea cliffs are terrifying things - a sudden drop into pitch black that can frighten even the bravest of adventurers. The Violet Drop is one such cliff, only it is not pitch blackness that awaits those that dive into the abyss; but a deep purple that suggests the existence of something strange far below.
Those brave enough to venture close will find that at the bottom of that steep drop is a massive field of purple crystals growing from the seafloor. These rare gems sell for a lot of Bones back on the surface, but are notoriously difficult to pry free. Not to mention the Banshee Dolphins that call the drop home aren't particularly kind to intruders that don't know how to soothe them...
Thanks to the actions of the Cult of Triton tossing living sacrifices into the Drop, it has become corrupted by a strange shadowy magic. Crystalline undead roam the waters now, aiming to make Visitors one of them by touching them with the pulsing crystals fused with their bodies. A single touch will see the crystals latched onto the skin, and they only grow and grow more from there until the entire body is consumed.
Those brave enough to venture close will find that at the bottom of that steep drop is a massive field of purple crystals growing from the seafloor. These rare gems sell for a lot of Bones back on the surface, but are notoriously difficult to pry free. Not to mention the Banshee Dolphins that call the drop home aren't particularly kind to intruders that don't know how to soothe them...
Thanks to the actions of the Cult of Triton tossing living sacrifices into the Drop, it has become corrupted by a strange shadowy magic. Crystalline undead roam the waters now, aiming to make Visitors one of them by touching them with the pulsing crystals fused with their bodies. A single touch will see the crystals latched onto the skin, and they only grow and grow more from there until the entire body is consumed.
Blueshore Post
Blueshore Post is a smaller settlement under the sea, only this one does not have a bubble dome around it. Merfolk and other sea dwelling folk live in small homes shaped like jellyfish bulbs and tend to be fairly reclusive. If you are here looking for a market, you're better off going back to Salt Spire, because Blueshore only has the bare necessities for their small community, and the prices are ridiculous given how little they can trade.
They are close to the surface, and will often aid those that might be lost at sea back to the shore. This proximity also makes them easy targets for pirates, since they do not have to dive deep to try and raid them. Luckily, with so little to offer, even pirates don't bother most of the time.
They are close to the surface, and will often aid those that might be lost at sea back to the shore. This proximity also makes them easy targets for pirates, since they do not have to dive deep to try and raid them. Luckily, with so little to offer, even pirates don't bother most of the time.
Infinity Cove
"If your love is true, you will find your way to Infinity Cove."
That's what the locals all say anyway. Legend suggest that the only way to find the beautiful and elusive Infinity Cove is to seek it out with the one you love most. Seemingly endless caverns that look confusingly similar in structure assure many will get lost inside, but those whose love is pure will find the small section where one can pop up for air, the cave illuminated by glowing seaweed and mushrooms providing the perfect atmosphere for a romantic getaway.
If your love is doomed, however, it is said that you will be lost in the caves forever, swimming endlessly and eventually separated from your so-called beloved, doomed to wander alone without them.
(The only real reason people become lost is how similar all the caves look. It's easy to become disoriented and many have perished inside).
That's what the locals all say anyway. Legend suggest that the only way to find the beautiful and elusive Infinity Cove is to seek it out with the one you love most. Seemingly endless caverns that look confusingly similar in structure assure many will get lost inside, but those whose love is pure will find the small section where one can pop up for air, the cave illuminated by glowing seaweed and mushrooms providing the perfect atmosphere for a romantic getaway.
If your love is doomed, however, it is said that you will be lost in the caves forever, swimming endlessly and eventually separated from your so-called beloved, doomed to wander alone without them.
(The only real reason people become lost is how similar all the caves look. It's easy to become disoriented and many have perished inside).
SKY LOCATIONS
Heaven's Bow
A city in the clouds, somehow resting on earth suspended in the sky. Buildings are made of a white limestone but covered in the scars of a city that has been around for quite some time. Many Sylphs call Heaven's Bow their home.
Skyfall Docks: The main draw in the city would be the docks where most ships and shopkeepers are often milling about. This is the place to be for any sort of travel and all sorts of shopping. It's easy to find almost anything you can think of, and even several items you may not have known you needed. The Sylphs found here are generally friendly but brash, excepting the few shopkeepers wit dubious claims of the rarity and effectiveness of some of their wares.
The Warrens: This would be considered the underbelly of Heaven's Bow, if Nymion cared to police the actions of the Sylphs. Gambling parlors and brothels of all kinds are common, and none seem to be ashamed of the lives they choose to live in the Warrens. All sorts of businesses that other places may deem improper are not only allowed, but encouraged.
Skyfall Docks: The main draw in the city would be the docks where most ships and shopkeepers are often milling about. This is the place to be for any sort of travel and all sorts of shopping. It's easy to find almost anything you can think of, and even several items you may not have known you needed. The Sylphs found here are generally friendly but brash, excepting the few shopkeepers wit dubious claims of the rarity and effectiveness of some of their wares.
The Warrens: This would be considered the underbelly of Heaven's Bow, if Nymion cared to police the actions of the Sylphs. Gambling parlors and brothels of all kinds are common, and none seem to be ashamed of the lives they choose to live in the Warrens. All sorts of businesses that other places may deem improper are not only allowed, but encouraged.
Dusklight
A village built into the sides of some of the only mountains found within the sky, Dusklight is known for the time of day always being just after dusk, in the twilight hours. The village rises far above most of the clouds, and stars are visible at all times.
Many that live here do not enjoy the hustle and bustle of Heaven's Bow, and have thus created a smaller, quieter community for themselves. Though they do not have the bustling markets and ports, they do have a loving community willing to help anyone that passes through or wishes to stay a while.
Many that live here do not enjoy the hustle and bustle of Heaven's Bow, and have thus created a smaller, quieter community for themselves. Though they do not have the bustling markets and ports, they do have a loving community willing to help anyone that passes through or wishes to stay a while.
Gold Reach
A place for the elite to sequester themselves where they feel the rough and tumble piracy found elsewhere throughout the sky cannot reach them. Founded upon the clouds where great wyrms roam, the Sylphs that reside here have quite a bit of disposable income and are the main source of the suspiciously delicious sugar found throughout Caldera. If the great wyrms are so violent and difficult to manage, how do these pompous elites gather the sugar, you ask?
Don't ask the Sylphs who were pushed out of the city. They live just outside its walls, waiting and watching for their chance to take Gold Reach back.
Don't ask the Sylphs who were pushed out of the city. They live just outside its walls, waiting and watching for their chance to take Gold Reach back.
Gangcheori's Spine
An obvious skeleton marks the land of Gancheori's Spine. It is a place of ever-springtime. Though the world around them is lush and full of life one might think to find on land, this is a land of fire and brimstone. Gancheori was an immensely powerful dragon that is said to have ruled this land. Upon their death, the citizens built a city within their remains--Gancheori's bones supply the land with an abundance of magic.
It is said that only those who are true of heart may enter Gancheori's Spine without bursting into flame.
It is said that only those who are true of heart may enter Gancheori's Spine without bursting into flame.
The Stormlands
Riddled with storms around the clock, The Stormlands are a dangerous place for anyone to travel. It is difficult to discern what might reside there, as those who have ventured have not always returned. Those that have tend to be silent, or refuse to speak of what was found. Lightning strikes and thunder booms, but none know for whom the bell tolls.
The Demonsea
A vast graveyard of airships and sea-faring ships alike. There also may be some that are unrecognizable to a Calderan. It gives off a haunting and foreboding sense of danger that most find themselves avoiding--even the bravest of dragons have refused to fly anywhere near the Demonsea.
Some of the more superstitious Calderans believe the place has been possessed not by ghosts, but rather a malevolent being whose preferred meal is the souls of lost adventurers.
Some of the more superstitious Calderans believe the place has been possessed not by ghosts, but rather a malevolent being whose preferred meal is the souls of lost adventurers.
MOONSHADE
Business name: Moonshade
Description/Services: Apothecary with both ready-made and made-to-order elixirs, salves, potions, and so-on.
Further details (optional): Full details here.