vielle

lycoris romanova Her lips are tingling, even hours after their assault on the guard in exchange for information. It is a fact her Mother has catalogued well despite her initial concerns over Lycoris’ wellbeing: Lycoris prefers to inflict violence directly rather than through the poison in her veins. She very rarely uses her toxin for anything save the direst of situations, and even then with no small measure of disgust. The aversion to touch has long been ingrained, fully settled in her bones even before she had become a Poison Princess. It would bring some amount of satisfaction in her Mother, she decides, to know that the torture, the brutal training, the burning of blood’s bane—they are not the cause for whatever is wrong with her. However: needs must when the devil drives, and the mission is the first and foremost priority beyond personal wishes. It is all she can do to ignore the incessant buzz in her mouth as the group begins to exact their plan of action on the police headquarters. Lycoris is the first one through the hole Xavier had punched through the wall, eyes blinking away the dust and flecks of plaster hanging in the air as she nimbly vaults into the room. As she waits for her gaze to adjust to the darkness and for Eldwine to make his way inside, she pulls out the antidote for blood’s bane, amber liquid swirling around the syringe: a most precious commodity, if only for the fact that there can only be so many existing at a given time. She sticks the needle through the orc’s skin with one hand, readies her throwing knives with the other; should the intruder try to attack them once they’ve come through the door, Lycoris will be ready to strike.

Celestine will take out her tiger's-eye lens and record the proceedings; other than that, she'll also be watching with gauntlets at the ready 👌

Beach by Piotr Krezelewski Vanora Quests Author’s Note: I wanted to try out a system where quests listed here would change every month as the city changes through IC events. This way, future quests can build on the events of previous quests or even opportunities borne from IC threads. Let's see how an ever-updating list would work out! Please read the Veluriyam Canonization Guidelines before taking up quests! IMPORTANT: If taking on a quest or creating one to be listed below, please send a PM to both me @vielle and @Csl together to let us know and to discuss what the quests entail in detail ❤️ ► A World Below — A collapse in the streets of Vanora reveal a hidden underwater grotto with an extensive cave network. City officials are willing to pay for the exploration of the caves after an initial search of the shallow areas has recovered some long lost treasure from the era of the Queendom. Difficulty: Class B Reward: Canon items and/or treasures (ex. bejeweled statuettes of ancient gods, pearl ornaments, swords made from leviathan bones) Status: Unclaimed ► Beyond Safe Shores — A strange new ship has anchored within sight of Candleport and all seems normal with the vessel during the day. However, in the moonlight, part of the ship appears decrepit in certain angles and the flag it flies changes from that of Ursa Madeum to a tattered flag of a long lost kingdom. Difficulty: Class A Reward: ??? Status: Unclaimed

Symbiotic Fantasy City by Christian Dimitrov The City of Vanora on silver waves; Vanora had once been a humble fishing village built on the ruins of an ancient city that had thrived on the shores of Thraece since before the Queendom came into being. With the growing demand for expansion in the aquaculture industry, House Hildebrand has seen fit to aid the village to build its way up into a thriving hub for commerce and enterprise. Vanora has a population of roughly 40,000 which continues to grow as the city gains more citizens from Corinth: artisans attracted by the potential this coastal paradise offers not only in the economic sphere but in agricultural, adventuring, and scholarly pursuits as well. Geography Topography Vanora is situated along the eastern coast of the island of Thraece, at the tip of a small cape locals call the Ivory Heights. Flanked by towering rock formations and weathered stone cliffs, the city’s natural defenses make it a safe haven in the midst of pirate threats. Various roads connect Vanora to its neighboring coastal villages, with busy highways leading further north to Port Thea and Ylia City. If one were to explore the wildlands surrounding Vanora, one would find places ripe for further exploration, which may be of great interest to adventurers and treasure hunters looking for new exotic locales to conquer. As the city is built on the remains of a long-gone society, one need not look any further than the soaring towers of Cimmerian Keep high above Vanora’s cityscape as it casts tall shadows upon the land whenever the sun passes behind the crest. Safe Haven by Andreas Rocha Cityscape Vanora is a city built over three periods: before the rise of the Queendom, the aftermath of the Tyrant King’s death, and the arrival of House Hildebrand. Therefore, its current urban landscape is composed of mismatched structures and crumbling pieces of architecture built one on top of the other, such as a ruined bridge now used as the structure for an open-air marketplace, or ancient stone pillars and foundations being used to construct an entirely new establishment. The old and the new mesh together in a symphony of sights that would normally appear discordant, but are ultimately harmonious thanks to the efforts of House Hildebrand and a leading team of urban planners. Scenery ► Ports — Sailors and dockers hustling about and singing raunchy sea shanties. Workmen preparing ships to sail out into open waters or to unload them of their cargo. Carts rolling over wooden platforms to reach the fish hawkers intending to buy stocks and sell them to stall owners in the marketplace. Dock bells ringing and answered by horns from the boats dotting the seas further out. ► City Proper — Orchid knights and city guards patrolling the streets in groups of three, gleaming lances held high. Horse-drawn coaches rumbling over stone brick streets. Children playing Fisherman's Luck and Liar's Dice in narrow alleyways. Groups of people cooking and eating together over communal cooking pits. ► Outskirts — Travelers entering and leaving the city like a flowing river that never ceases. Farmlands stretching out across the plains in fields of wheat, corn, tomatoes. Seemingly endless woods with ancient ruins and moss-covered statues off the beaten path. Climate Due to its coastal location, Vanora enjoys a more equable climate with moderate temperatures all year round. This allows the city to boast a serene atmosphere for any travellers looking for holiday destinations. The spring brings with it a heavy amount of rain; nonetheless, children tie colorful banners along the streets to bring splashes of color to an otherwise somber landscape. Summer is hot and humid, causing locals to seek out the cool waters of the ocean in large droves. Flora and Fauna The city enjoys a most varied array of aquatic flora and fauna for both consumption and admiration. Aside from the plentiful marine life one would normally find in the oceans of Ursa Madeum, the waters near Vanora boast the following extraordinary creatures: Ocean Creatures- coral reef, open ocean, deep sea by Seb Avila 1 ► Teal Shelled Chelonian — Popularly known as Tealshells, these large legless turtles swim off the coast of Thraece in small groups of five or six. They are peaceful grazers of seaweed along the ocean floor. Due to their vast numbers, the people of Vanora hunt them for their meat: a primary ingredient found in local delicacies such as spiced rainbow stew and artichoke dipping sauces. 2 ► Giant Sea Gourd — These creatures appear to be a strange mix of flora and fauna in one entity, causing frustrated debates amongst marine researchers. The coral reefs are the Giant Sea Gourd’s natural habitat. The tubes sticking out of its carapace periodically spew out spores that enhance plant growth; fishermen collect these spores to make cheap fertilizer for use on land flora. 3 ► Angler Shrimp — Found in colder and deeper waters, the massive Angler Shrimp is known to be carnivorous, using its luminous esca to lure in schools of fish into its gaping maw hidden behind its whiskers (antennae). Only the most daring of fishermen would attempt to hunt down these creatures, as they've been known to pull nets and anchor lines down into the depths, consequently drowning smaller vessels and damaging large ships. However, with great risk comes great reward: angler shrimp meat is a rare commodity the wealthy would pay a great number of shillings for, and the creature's esca can be used to form unique light fixtures that come to life all on their own when it gets dark. Culture With House Hildebrand ushering in its branch houses as well as many of its vassals to Vanora's shores, the city has ultimately become a melting pot of races, cultures, and religions. Humans mix with the smaller racial subgroups of elves, harefolk, sheepfolk, gnomes, and firbolgs. Ul'dah Citizens Art - Final Fantasy XIV Vanora has grown from sleepy fishing village to bustling city with unprecedented speed. Despite their rising numbers and wealth, the people of Vanora continue to uphold the values of a tight-knit society, working together to boost each other up to greater heights. An entrepreneurial mindset is common amongst locals, which ultimately leads to innovation and creativity in the economic and cultural spheres. The City of Silver Waves can also be called the City of Possibilities—provided one knows where to position himself in a quick-growing community of idealists. Economy Aquaculture remains as the primary source of economic growth and exports for Vanora, with agronomy and textile production tying for second. With the excess of raw food materials in the city, many budding entrepreneurs have taken it upon themselves to create innovative products and services, such as making the logistics of food deliveries more efficient or constructing aquariums for the wealthy. As these businesses flourish, so does the city itself; the cycle of growth continues on, boosting overall wealth and therefore the standards of living within Vanora. Education The Candlesea Academy has been recently established as an esteemed institution for academia in the city, with specialized courses for those seeking to study aquaculture, cartography, coastal engineering, naval architecture, and sail training. Government The city is under the governance of House Hildebrand, with a trusted council of five elders (see below: the Vanorian Council) installed by the noble house to help directly oversee local matters and provide justice in court if necessary. Military 2,000 knights of the Order of the Orchid — headed by Ser Eliott Belanger 500 wardens from House Kinclaith — composed of members from the sheepfolk, harefolk, firbolg, and gnome clans 100 warriors from the Taira Clan 500 local militia 15 caravels with fully functioning crew 5 galleys with fully functioning crew 50 Eagleships — Through an agreement with Ylia City and House Mythal, Vanora is protected with a sizable fleet of Eagleships patrolling its waters night and day. Notable Residents ► Vanorian Council — Composed of five trusted elders, the Vanorian Council are considered as the city regents; however, they ultimately bow to the will of House Hildebrand as the higher authority when it comes to authoritative decision making. They draft and approve legislation, ordinances, and public works for the betterment of the community. The distribution of the city treasury and taxation orders are also handled by the council with oversight from Lord Jasper Hildebrand. Baroness Lorraine Maignes (aristocratic landowner) Shak’al Wehu (tribal chieftain) Dr. Ebeneezer Alichade (head of marine research) Captain Deimos Darringer (esteemed sailor) Lady Esmeralda Gloryday (House Kinclaith representative) ► Branon “Skinner” Montalart — Acting Harbormaster of Candleport. He once lost an arm to a leviathan attack a few years past; with his remaining arm, however, he wields a blade like no other. He is fond of visiting organized fighting pits near the docks and dueling hapless challengers looking to win a bet, often mocking his foes for their inability to defeat a cripple whenever he wins. ► One-Eyed Tris — An infamous former pirate now turned tattoo artist who only inks those that have looked upon the great leviathans of Ursa Madeum's waters and lived to tell the tale. A tattoo from Tris not only serves as a mark of competency and prominence, but can be imbued with luck charms and other magicks that would aid sailors, should one be persuaded to pay her the extra shilling. ► Émile Dyker — A frivolous purveyor of personal luxuries such as soaps, hair oils, perfume, and fine silks who also dabbles in a little fortune telling. Some say that his drowned lover Mauricius is now a ghost that whispers secrets in his ear. Notable Locations Within Vanora ► Isidore Park — Once a crumbling castle from the days of the Tyrant King, House Hildebrand has since repurposed the structure into an expansive estate reminiscent of Acadia's style of architecture. Aside from its recreational gardens that are open for public use, Isidore Park also serves as Vanora's seat of power, where the Vanorian Council come together to discuss local matters. Jasper Hildebrand had given the estate its moniker in honor of his wife Kalika's maiden name. ► Candleport — Vanora’s harbor usually appears to almost glow in the sunlight due to the pale limestone and whitewood used in its construction. With enough space to accommodate ships of all sizes, it also has a bell tower that doubles as a lighthouse, warehouses for shipped goods in and out of the harbor, and a dry dock for ship repairs. Candleport is named as such due to the local tradition of families setting up candles by the shores to guide their sailing loved ones home to land. ► The Hungry Cod — A newly established tavern commissioned by House Kinclaith, the Hungry Cod offers one interesting attraction: the whole floor is lowered and covered in a pool of water about a foot deep, with tiny colourful fish swimming around and nibbling the dead skin off your feet. An engraved sign on the door says, "No shoes!" The proprietor—an elderly gnome named Rosie Lorridan—takes great pains to remind newcomers that there's nothing like a free foot massage whilst they enjoy a good drink. ► Temple of Windsong — A monastery built within the ruined remains of a large ship long since grounded near Vanora’s ports. It is guarded by a Thracian tribe that worships the sea and the wind. In order to even step foot inside, one must have at least spent 15 years of their life at sea. A large whalebone altar has been set up in the center of the temple, where the tribe prays to their sea god for good weather and safe sea travel on behalf of the more superstitious of Vanora’s sailors. expedition by Anton Chernoskutov Outside Vanora ► Cimmerian Keep — With its darkened walls and hollow halls, the ruins of this ancient stronghold have yet to be fully mapped. A ragtag group of adventurers calling themselves the Brave Heralds have set up camp by the gates to serve as their base of operations for exploration runs within the keep. They have a propensity for lighting giant bonfires that can be seen from miles away, inadvertently becoming a makeshift lighthouse at night. ► Nereid's Gates (pictured above) — A rock formation that rises to the heavens a few miles north of Vanora, between the city and its distant neighbor Ylia City. Magical occurrences abound within the vicinity of this natural structure; it is said that the sea nymphs have blessed it as their chosen altar, and that whoever makes their way to the top of the sheer rock face would be granted an unspeakable wish. Many seek to determine whether this legend is true or not, undeterred by the location's turbulent waters and sharp sea stacks. Many have tried, and many have lost their lives to the danger that surrounds Nereid's Gates. The few that do manage to make their way up disappear altogether—whereto, exactly, no one knows for sure. ► The Inkwell — Five miles off the southeastern shore of Vanora and amidst what seems like an endless reef of bright coral lies a dark hole in the ocean floor. It measures 500 feet across, is near-perfectly round and lies just 30 feet below the waves. While what investigation into The Inkwell has all but revealed it to be nothing more than an ominous pit, it has done nothing to quell the rumors of it being a hiding place for countless treasures of the pirates of old, or perhaps the lair of an ancient leviathan. ► Niyogyugan — A small atoll inhabited by a village of sentient coconut people called the Niyog. They worship a giant baobab tree growing in the middle of their island’s lagoon that gives life to their people. They have basic tools such as spears and dugout canoes, and would much prefer to be left alone due to prior experience with people hunting them for consumption. Kakamora sketch from Moana (2016) by Josh H. History Canon - -

Hildebrand:

yanaihara kōharu The Hinode no Gakko reminds her of simpler times, of prior ties. The very concept of the institution brings both anticipation and regret to her soul, and she is not quite sure which one would win out by the end of the ceremony. Kōharu sits with measured poise and politician's grace, gazing out over the proceedings with a serene expression on her face. She claps when it is expected, smiles warmly at any who come close to greet her as the Shogun, and tries her best not to out herself as a too-eager disciple of the art of war by keeping herself calm and composed despite the urge to run around the establishment watching the Moons train in starry-eyed wonder and even join them in their practices. Amidst the reverie, she is reminded of her family, with all the mental fanfare and acrobatic maneuvers her heart does when thinking about them. It has been a long time since she has been a student of a dōjō, let alone a student of the Minobi and of the Fudōshin Dōjō, and it shows quite obviously how much she’s missed being under a sensei of any sort. The Yanaihara family had been afforded a most expansive array of martial knowledge at their disposal, and so Kōharu had spent most of her childhood trailing after her brothers as they trained themselves in the ways of tessenjutsu, of kusarigamajutsu, of bōjutsu. Steward Kioshi had long considered her a favorite, and had trained her with the blade as necessary, but Kōharu can admit to an inclination towards the war fan. Perhaps she could even witness one such student amongst the crowd who is adept in handling the tessen; if she were to witness eve one war fan being used in an exhibition today, she would sleep well tonight. Having finally had her fill of the lack of conversation within the upper box where they are seated, Kōharu turns her attention to the Emperor, giving him a brief bow as best she can while sitting down and waiting for his permission to speak before she lets her query take flight. "What do you think of the boy, then, my Lord?" @Twitterpated

ardís valkyrja The gods have mercy, Ardís thinks. "Now what's a charming lady like you doing in a run-down old ship like this? And without any proper company, at that?" This is not the first incident that she’s been approached by such an individual based on what she could assume to be an attractive face, by mortal standards. She just hadn’t thought it would happen here, of all places. The thought that she could bench press the man at any given moment is what gives her comfort in this strange scenario. “I disagree with your statement, sir. I rather think this is a most splendid vessel.” Ardís looks over the man’s countenance: the fine clothes, the simpering smile, the scar running down across his right eye. Who on earth is this Victor Lynd? “And I have not any proper company because I am travelling alone and prefer to be.” Despite his rather forward personality, perhaps this is a chance to delve into a study of the peoples of Valucre, as she would deem it. Whatever the Zemjište Pešaci have taught her pales in comparison to an in-depth experience. She might even gain some new insights into the colorful world of Genesaris. With that in mind, Ardís continues the train of conversation. “And you? What are you doing here and without any proper company, as you say?” @Vetanoob

ascytale Aw, look at that. It works every time. Ascytale allows the simmering burst of triumph to spread unbidden through the cavern of his chest, even as he does not let up the charade of young innocent lamb. Not only do the assassins stay their blades and halt whatever plan they might’ve had to attack them, but Rev even offers to pay for the both of them from her own pockets. All in all, a rather model example of a win-win situation. He is almost disappointed at the lack of violence, however. It is no matter; the hunger for blood can be easily pushed down, like so many times before. He has learned to control it, despite the strenuous, altogether alluring circumstances. I’m rather tempted to accept their offer. And leave the lady behind? How cold of you! He keeps the mask of scared little boy on his face even as they continue onwards through the path to the lifts, the group of assassins growing smaller and smaller until they fade in the distance, and it is only when they reach the lifts that Ascytale drops the act, allows a pleased smirk to curve his mouth. “How much did you give them?”

I too have this question, as Hildebrand already offers their farmers and vassals rights very similar to what Singlance is planning to propose 👀

[6] Dr. Mardayne keeps a steady flow of chatter as they move through the halls of the Laboratory Arcanist, regaling stories of their past experiments and other various mishaps all in the pursuit of knowledge, stories altogether lost to the wind once they reach Andor’s ears. He is here for one purpose and one purpose only; any off-tangent discussion is rendered moot when placed against the importance of what he wishes to seek. The very foundations of the Laboratory Arcanist itself would be torn asunder with the weight of the Stones’ powers, and so it is impertinent that they be kept in the dark of their reality. It is only a matter of finding them before the world knows of them, and thereby pursues them. They pass through heavily-guarded entryways outfitted with increasingly advanced levels of security, the halls filled with waves of white coats and body armor. They go through an elevator down down down to the depths of the institution’s dark heart; Andor is sworn to secrecy regarding the things he has seen on his journey to the lowest level of the facility. And then finally—he is there, the magicker too insane to remember his name, collared and clamped up to his eyeballs in strange manacles.

The hall is too quiet. She had read in a storybook, once—a book her father had once loved and had bequeathed to her (before, before he—before he—) before—that words breed both good and evil, and only silence can create equality between those in the light and the darkness. Therefore: close your lips and listen; it is there that one learns to adapt, to think, to understand what cannot be seen by the many. It is there that she can plan, and dream, and think of a world that would topple before her. “Brother,” the youngest Hildebrand whispers to the man standing beside her in casual repose against the balustrade, “when do you think the others will arrive?” Small talk does not become either of them, but this will have to do. She knows her brother does not wish her here, does not wish her to exist, even. The same follows: Merel does not wish to be within the vicinity of a man she can no longer read, for all that they are siblings. However: social courtesy dictates familial cordiality, and so she will be here to support her sister and her family, no matter the cost. Her father would have wished it. “I do not know,” comes Jasper’s succinct answer; it is all too clear that he intends it to be a parting shot: do not pursue this course any further. She is fine with this, for now. After all, there is not much to talk about, when there is little to be discussed down below.

It appears she and her siblings have arrived too early, when before, they have always been late to the party. Perhaps this is a good omen. The Lady Hildebrand steps up to the stage with measured footfalls, gazing about the opera house with awe and nostalgia in equal measure. She recalls coming here as a child, in the golden years of the Queendom’s full glory. All of that is dust now; there is no room left in her heart for mourning or remorse. It is time to usher in a new age for the islands she calls her home, and Varda will be ready with all the strength she bears, no matter how much her heart aches ragged in the cage of her ribs. Without further ado, the Lady takes her seat, examines the agenda laid out with a considering eye. She takes one look up at the balcony towards her siblings, then to the piano where the Empress is coaxing wondrous music from its keys, then finally to the first noble seated around the table. “Miss Aveline,” she greets the Singlance representative with a warm smile; she remembers the plans they’ve yet to fulfill in the shared future they’ve imagined for Ursa Madeum: plans to modernize agriculture for the betterment not only of their houses but of the common people, and everything else that comes after. “Your brother is not here?” @notmuch_23

After what seems like an eternity in the darkness, the Doctor’s calm voice the only touchstone Varda can use to steady herself and keep the fear at bay, the world grows altogether breezy, which is strange, because how could there be a gust of wind blowing through the tunnel all of a sudden? Silas begins to move faster, evidenced by his speeding footfalls, and it is all Varda can do to catch up, clutching her skirts to keep them from scraping the ground as she passes by. And then— "I must admit... this was not one of the possibilities I had anticipated." Wrenching her gaze away from the greenery, Varda looks to him with teasing incredulity. “I’d be rather concerned with you had you anticipated such a thing as this,” she laughs, gesturing out to the vast landscape around them with a wave of her hand. The humor quickly dies a quick death, replaced with a permeating sense of wonder brimming luminous in her chest. “What—how did this come about?” Even as she asks the question, Varda knows all too well that this is the work of the arcane, a deep magic she has not been able to witness since the days of the Tyrant King’s rule. “What do you think is in here?”

After what had seemed to be a million unsteady steps wandering to and fro the streets of the town, Steffan finally stumbles into Willard’s metal-clad arms like a swooning maiden. At least—he thinks it’s Willard. He’s been mistaken before, and it had led to a rather violent display of passion in the back alleys of the tavern with a most willing red-haired wench, not that anyone needs to know about that. Not at all. “Good day, my friend,” he drawls in the knight’s direction, smirking wide once the sound of the disgusted snort reaches his ears. Now, that is most definitely Lord Caerdonel. All too suddenly, he is shoved away, and the world twirls around him in a hazy spin. He shakes his head, braces himself against the brick wall as Willard begins his tirade on him. “Get off, Steffan. Gods, did you have to drink yourself to oblivion on the one day I needed you sober?” The query brings bubbling laughter spilling out of his lips; it’s funny, what can he say? “I’m not that drunk, old coot. I’m just,” Steffan wiggles his fingers in front of his face, smiles brightly at the sight of them, “acting extra whimsical today, is all.” “Please restrain yourself.” “You’re no fun,” Steffan pouts, crossing his arms over his chest. “Where are our ladies, then? Running late to powder their noses?” “Steffan!”