Alexandria

Alexandria, known as the Lord's City of Alexandria, sits in the midst of a prosperous and hotly contested region. Besieged at times by the great nations around it, Alexandria nonetheless exhibits a strength and willpower far beyond its size.

Possessed of thriving commerce and trade, its surrounded by a number of outlying communities under its governance and protection. A real-world analogy might be Greece or even Venice for its commerce, trade of ideas, political plays, and central location.

Alexandria City sits facing south against a narrow strait known as The Rift Sea which itself leads into a much larger Inland Sea known as The Sea of Fallen Moons. It sits at the heart of the region of Alexandros, surrounded by a number of thriving, local communities. Visitors come to the City by land, sea, and through the famous Alexandrian Skygate.

Because of its value and location, Alexandria's been seen at times as a prize for conquering forces. For fifty years, the Empire of Charn held Alexandria and used it to fuel its war efforts in western lands. For ten years after that, Myrddion maintained soveriegn control after aiding the City in its freedom from Charn. Looking futher into history will show similar occurances, from different nations, forces, and personalities. Throughout it all, Alexandria stands in the center, a jewel of ideas, trade, and commerce.

Alexandria is the city in which much of the gameplay on the Emblem of Ea takes place. More information can be accessed by looking at the entry for Alexandros, which describes the life, culture and geography of the region surrounding the city of Alexandria.

Geography

Alexandria is set primarily on a cliff overlooking Brightwater Bay and is bisected by the Tornmawr River. There are three main gates to the city: one leading along Brightwater Bay to the south and eventually to Veyshan, one leading into the desert areas to the west and eventually toward Myrddion, and one to the north leading into the Eldwyn Forest. To the east, the city abuts the Red Ridge Mountains.

The People of Alexandria

The people of Alexandros tend to be stubborn, independent and proud of their abilities to thrive in challenging environments. One might say that there is a bit of a division between the people who dwell in the bustling centers of civilization such as Alexandria and the people who dwell in the trading outposts, farming communities and frontier towns which are clearly the majority of settlements. The people of the frontier consider those who dwell in the walled communities to be somewhat soft and given over to complacency. During the era of Altima, many of the rebel groups were formed by the people of the frontier and farming settlements while those in the cities were under guard and slaved away to sate the needs of the Witch Queen. Because of this, resentment against Myrddion occupation tends to be much stronger by those who grow up and dwell in the wood and wild then those in the cities themselves. This further presents problems of a political nature when the two meet for trade, in taverns and on the streets of cities or hamlets.

Nevertheless, despite all of this one might say that both city dwellers and folk in the frontiers tend to share the traits of friendliness to strangers. Each traveler, adventurer and merchant is seen as a potential allies and patron, customer and neighbor and even allies in a fight. Even those who enjoy the splendors of a city as well favored as Alexandria are often reminded that nothing is impenetrable and perfect and even though that Orc over there with the arms the size of your head may look frightening, he’s probably a good ally to have.

In general the people of Alexandros (and more specifically, Alexandria) consider themselves the major cosmopolitan power of this part of the world. The people who dwell within it know that Alexandria has become something of a marvel and is so life in it is at least better, if not more bizarre then most places in the world. Although not completely jaded or plagued by the ‘Nothing New Under The Sun’ way of thinking, the color, atmosphere and festive pace of the city causes the local inhabitants to be more tolerant of different beliefs, races and cultures then most areas of the world.

Local Landmarks

Many of our local landmarks may be explored, and seen, ongrid. The +map location of each landmark is given after the description.

Altar of Daeus and Althea: The covered altar is sacred to Daeus and Althea. The bronze plaque explains that this spot was consecrated by an order of Daeus's priests. Indeed, the largest temple in this area is dedicated to the Sun God and Platinum Dragon. While the cathedral pales in comparison to the Tempus Sanctum in Bryn Myridorn, it is impossible to miss. (+map 10, td, sa)

Eldrich Hill: Eldrich Hill is the old location of the Tower of Wizards and College of Magic, destroyed at the hands of Witch Altima. This place has remained as a solemn reminder to the occupation years ago. The air is sometimes thick and heavy with magic; however, the magic is frayed. (+map 01)

Fernwood Pub: The Fernwood Pub was previously known as 'The Dancing Ogre Inn'. Years ago, it was rebuilt and remodeled into a far more elegant establishment. During the Merkabah Siege it was leveled to the ground but the efforts and contributions of adventurers and local citizens to the Fernwood Family rebuilt it, making it greater than it ever was. The multi-paned windows flicker with lights at all hours, day and night, drawing a near constant influx of people due to the marketplace. While it is a high end establishment, all who can pay their way are more than welcome; merchants, smiths, adventurers and aristocracy. (+map 20)

Fountain at Temple Square: The fountain is operated by some sort of mana-powered machinery. It is quiet at night. Seven polished steel reflectors are carefully arranged around the Court, tracking the rays of the sun throughout the day to concentrate its light at the apex of the water. The effect on a clear day is breathtaking. The fountain itself is dedicated to Daeus and Althea, the principle Governors of the World. (+map 10)

The Lux Luminos: Within the Temple of Daeus is Volume I of the Books of Ea, the Holy Scriptures known as the Lux Luminos. It is so named because it is believed to be the actual words of Daeus set down so that mortals may learn. However, in truth, the book contains the words of wisdom from all the Gods of Light. It is truly a great honor for this to be here. Enscribed upon the altar beneath the book in the Celestial Language is a warning against reading or approaching the book while at disfavor with Daeus and doing so without worth. Self-Examination is a must. Those who do peer at its pages do not see words but instead see the bright blue pages almost as windows to heavens with stars, heavenly symbols, glyphs and more in constant motion across a surface that looks almost liquid, composed of pure light. If you stare long enough and are able to...celestial scriptures begin to appear.

The book is a focus for pilgrims from around the world. Further detail may be seen by visiting the sanctuary. (+map 10, td, sa)

Memorial Gardens: Memorial Park is dedicated to the lives of soldiers who died for the city during the Sorceress Wars. Of late, construction has begun to add other figures from more recent events. (+map 11)

The Statue of Lianna Rena Alexandros: A regal figure is set within the center of the garden; the statue is composed of purest white marble, the stone's finish polished till it has that oddly life-like smoothness that mimics life. The figure is a woman of regal bearing and attractive features, long hair flowing flower-strewn down her back; the larger-than-life figure is garbed in voluminous and elaborately-decorated robes that cover her form closely without overly accentuating her figure. Her face is turned upwards to the skies, arms extended with a flourish upwards as though releasing an eagle to flight - an eagle, also of marble, whose spread wings just-touch her outstretched fingers as it soars eternally towards free skies, the raptor's smooth marble enameled with green highlights in a clear reference to the city's emblem. The statue is set upon a circular pedestal, upon which the following words can be read scribed upon a plaque of steel: "Lianna Rena Alexandros - Her Dream Lives On" (+map 11)

Local Laws

The nation of Alexandros is, at present, a confederacy consisting of the major political communities within the region of Alexandros centered around the Lord's City of Alexandria and its governmental bodies. In the past this was a confederate monarchy but the invasion of Charn shattered the old government and the interim leadership of Myrddion effectively scattered what was left of the noble houses at that time. Today, the leaders of the human nation of Alexandria is itself a regency with a council composed of the remaining noble houses of the old Alexandros Kingdom and an appointed regent in absence of an established royal household. The regent is Lady Rawyn Telenil, who also goes by the title of the Highlady. Well respected, loved and an active part of the community, Rawyn is rumored to be a powerful sorceress and a veteran of the old wars where she and her allies were an instrumental part in the disposing of Altima, the Witch Queen.

City government wise, Alexandria City itself is governed by a City Council made up of key guild leaders, merchants and city officials who represent the major interests of the city and are aided by district representatives who each are elected from the major districts of the city. Alongside the council is the Lord Mayor and his officials. The current Lord Mayor is one human by name of Dathan Marinas.

Laws and Enforcement

Alexandria is a large bustling frontier city and a border nation. Adventurers make up a larger percentage of the population here then they do in other lands and though they are more common they are still very unpredictable. This and the fact that Alexandria is a sea port, a center for several prominent industries and geopolitically central between the two major super-powers on the Great Continent, means that innumerable things occur and a thousand plus intrigues go on every day.

During the Myrrish Occupation Era, Alexandria adhered to the same code of justice Myrddion used in its western lands. Now that this era has passed, Alexandria's previous system of laws have come into play but they are very similar to the Code of Justice with some modifications such as the Edict which allows the construction of shrines to the dark gods provided the clergies are not promoting the breaking of the law or adversely influencing the well being of the citizens.

Four major peacekeeping forces operate in the city dealing with crime on various levels from petty crime to investigating major happenings, sometimes with the aid of the adventuring populace. The Honorable Alexandrian Order of Watch-Constables are the primary law enforcers within the city and are the common 'guards'. We do not permit PCs to play the role of city guards. This is a staff role as guards have the ability to pursue and arrest people as they see fit.

Though not truly a corrupt city, Alexandria does have problems with issues of bribery, corruption and manipulation where the city guard is concerned. They respect the wealthy and the powerful and they accept bribes. They tend to turn a blind eye to happenings that involve enemies of the city and troublemakers and they have no problem labeling adventurers troublemakers just by virtue of the field they work in.

Getting Around

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University and Learning

• 03 - City Library
• 03 - Millgate University
• 37 - The Enclave of Engineers

Entertainment

• 03 - Martel Theater Complex
• 03 - Performer's Guild
• 35 - The Jailhouse Gambling Hall

Guilds and Organizations

• 03 - Performer's Guild
• 21 - Guild of the Skies
• 12 - Alexandrian Tribune
• 13 - The Academy of Sages
• 13 - Mercantile Association
• 37 - The Enclave of Engineers
• 08 - Guild of Explorers
• 08 - Armsmasters Arena and Guild
• 16 - Teamsters Guild

Religious

• 02 - Averium's Battlehall
• 02 - Shrine of Illotha
• 10 - Temple of Althea
• 10 - Temple of Kor
• 10 - Temple of Eluna
• 10 - Temple of Reos
• 10 - Temple of Daeus
• 27 - Shrine of Vardama

Goods and Services

• 20 - Alchemist Shop
• 20 - Blacksmith
• 12 - Musician's Shop
• 12 - Herbalist
• 36 - Bank of Alexandria
• 08 - Spriggan's Smithy
• 07 - Magic Bookstore
• 16 - Bakery
• 25 - Addelberg and Zelenoch Investigations
• 34 - Junkshop

Note: See also "+help vendors" ingame

Pubs, Taverns, Gathering Places

• 20 - Fernwood Pub
• 12 - Meeting Hall
• 11 - Memorial Gardens
• 42 - Ox-Strength Ale Tavern
• 08 - Dragons Den Tavern
• 35 - The Jailhouse Gambling Hall

Transportation

• 21 - Airstation Alexandria

Nobility and Political

• 23 - Castellum Alexandrae
• 32 - Myrrish Embassy
• 32 - Courthouse
• 04 - Lady Sandiel's Manor

Memorials and Cemeteries

• 11 - Monument of Heroes
• 27 - Cemetery

Lakes and Waterways

• 29 - Nar i-Nenesse Dam
• 26 - Artemllys Lake
• 19 - Banks of the Tornmawr River

Housing

• 25 - Orphanage Asylum

Note: See also "Guilds and Organizations"

Plot Information

Editor's Note: We're still working on fleshing out these sections as we go. PI sections will contain stock descriptions, and suggestions for encounters, as well as other items that may be helpful. In the meantime, please bear with us. There's alot of ground to cover!

City Description (from an airship): For there it is! Alexandria City, the Lord's City Alexandros and one of the magitech industrial centers of the western world. Nestled against the southern slopes the mountains that bisect the heartland regions and facing south towards the rolling sea, the city seems to both gleam with festivity and energy as much as it smolders and toils with industry and commerce in a sort of strange duality that colors its entire atmosphere.

From above it has the look of a multi tiered wedding cake with its varying districts built along the descending slopes of the mountain sides. A vast outer war encircles the city proper, separating it from the varying outlying miniature towns that have sprung up outside of its walls. Closer to the mountains a second wall towers up encircling the towering structures of the government buildings and the castle district and it is this wall, with it's immense circular airship gate gleaming of wood, gold and mithril, and emblazoned with the soaring eagle of House Alexandros, that the airship races towards.

The skyline is dotted with ships. Some massive military vessels, others two man gnomish junkships that look ready to go down any---WHOOPS-there goes one now. A pair of gnomish merchants go careening into the river with their wares scattering about everywhere in the process. Your airship sails on by, uncaring.