In the months and years following Sanyumato, Rhydin’s layout significantly changed. The current city layout breaks down as follows:
The North
Seaside: Overrun with water and submerged the night of Sanyumato, Seaside never recovered. No statues or markers pay homage to its former existence. While not strictly quarantined, the deep waters that still encompass the former district are believed cursed and avoided by most everyone. Few dare to swim or take their vessels anywhere near the old district boundaries for fear of invoking the wrath of the dead who many believe are seeking to either escape their watery tomb or add to its populace.
As a district, Seaside no longer exists.
Battlefield Park: Some of the water that cascaded upon Battlefield Park drained into Seaside, helping to doom the coastal district. On the first anniversary of the storm, Battlefield Park was officially designated a graveyard. Guard patrols are light as there are few, if any, valuables or trinkets to reclaim from the dead. Though hardly any of Sanyumato's victims were ever buried and most were burned, especially when disease struck in the ensuing days and weeks, survivors found some solace in having a place to symbolize the lives of friends and loved ones. Countless markers, some elaborate, some crude, fill the Park. Construction of a large-scale Sanyumato Memorial began two years ago but remains unfinished and rudimentary, much like the city itself.
As a district, Battlefield Park no longer exists.
New Haven: Once home to some of Rhydin's most affluent citizens, New Haven came through Sanyumato mostly intact. It did not, however, survive the ensuing days and weeks as it was ransacked, looted and burned by people desperate to find something to barter for food and shelter, by people enraged that the suffering of the "haves" did not mirror that of the rest of the city and by people who needed a distraction from their own suffering, even if that meant inflicting suffering upon others. New Haven's post-storm murder rates were the highest of the entire city.
During Rhydin's rebuild, the New Haven district was absorbed into the The Hub.
Old Market: The Old Market district, now known by little other than "The Hub", has become the literal city-center. Rhydin's elite in wealth, power and status live in The Hub, which is now Rhydin's most guarded and heavily patrolled district. Only those with special identification markers are allowed to remain past Curfew and those who do so remain at their own risk as the Flesh-Finders roam freely after moonup.
Similar to how the entire district grew by adding the area formerly known as New Haven along with a large portion of the former Dragons Gate district, the Marketplace itself was rebuilt and expanded; the Marketplace now covers nearly half of the space allocated to the pre-Sanyumato Old Market district. Vendors and consumers crowd the Marketplace from sunrise to dusk, then quickly scatter like rats before moonup & Curfew. As recently as three years ago, nearly half of the Marketplace was designated for the slave trade and its dozens of slave corrals; since then, the slave trade has significantly fallen off. Currently, slave traders and their corrals occupy less than a quarter of the Marketplace.
Dragons Gate: In order to absorb New Haven, The Hub also annexed a significant portion of the Dragon’s Gate district. Dragon’s Gate is now less than half of its former size; the Red Dragon Inn rests on the western border separating Dragon’s Gate from The Hub and technically lies within Dragon’s Gate. The bridge leading to the southern half of the city, linking Dragon’s Gate to the Old Temple district, is lightly guarded and rarely traveled. Most everyone avoids the beach on the district’s southern border entirely.
City Layout & Points of Interest
Moderators: Goldglo, Koyliak, Candy Hart
City Layout & Points of Interest
Last edited by Goldglo on Mon Oct 08, 2012 2:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"If you are thinking a year from now, sow seed. If you are thinking ten years from now, plant a tree. If you are thinking one-hundred years from now, educate the people."
--Kuan Tzu, 5'th century Chinese poet
--Kuan Tzu, 5'th century Chinese poet
The South
Dockside: Often touted as Rhydin’s most troubled district before Sanyumato struck, Dockside became a staging point for an unsuccessful takeover of Rhydin by outside forces eager to exploit tragedy in their own favor. Perhaps surprised by the ferocity with which citizens protected their ruined city, the Outsiders were forced to retreat but could not be pushed from Dockside, where they remain to this day.
A precarious and uneasy truce exists between the two sides. With the invading force firmly entrenched in Dockside, they are easily able to control the waterways; no vessel reaches the city without their oversight and permission. However, since acquisition of goods and trade are solely controlled by The Hub, the occupational force in Dockside would be unable to obtain food and other necessities without The Hub’s acquiescence.
In the past several years, Dockside has played host to many duelers seeking to train and learn away from the ever-present watchful eyes of The Hub; these fighters, most of whom come from the ranks of the Outsiders, learn tactics and techniques that should allow them to dominate within Sanctioned duels. The Outsiders have attempted to churn out fighter after fighter in an attempt to control the Arena and subsequently secure prominence and influence, a potential inroad toward undermining The Hub itself. Frustratingly, despite their rigorous training and often treacherous and underhanded dueling tactics, the Outsiders and those training with them have been unable to successfully adapt their skills to the Arena and Sanctioned matches. Wards or no wards, the prevailing belief among the Outsiders is that their duelers should be dominating the Arena. They are determined to uncover the reasons why they continually fail in this regard.
Old Temple: Where the Rhydin Museum once stood, and indeed occupying nearly the entirety of its former grounds in circumference, rests a bountiful tree. No-one can say with certainty when or how the tree appeared and nobody dares investigate.
While the Outsiders could probably take over Old Temple with relative ease, they no longer dare to cross the eastern border separating that district from Dockside. Too, rarely does anyone from the northern portion of Rhydin dare venture into Old Temple.
Before the first anniversary of Sanyumato came to pass, Old Temple was associated with rumors of a new religion. While most initially dismissed the group as a fervent cult seeking some sort of escape and relief from the effects of Sanyumato, its power and influence became too great to ignore, as did the strange sightings many claimed to have seen. Led by a High Priestess, the group is rumored to have played a key role in preventing the Outsiders from usurping the whole city, though nobody has been able to substantiate that claim. Tales of dark rites and strange occurrences are rampant though uncorroborated and few Outsiders or Rhydinians who cross into its borders ever reemerge.
Overlord Isle: The foundations of Overlord Isle collapsed during Sanyumato and the small island sank beneath the waters.
Dockside: Often touted as Rhydin’s most troubled district before Sanyumato struck, Dockside became a staging point for an unsuccessful takeover of Rhydin by outside forces eager to exploit tragedy in their own favor. Perhaps surprised by the ferocity with which citizens protected their ruined city, the Outsiders were forced to retreat but could not be pushed from Dockside, where they remain to this day.
A precarious and uneasy truce exists between the two sides. With the invading force firmly entrenched in Dockside, they are easily able to control the waterways; no vessel reaches the city without their oversight and permission. However, since acquisition of goods and trade are solely controlled by The Hub, the occupational force in Dockside would be unable to obtain food and other necessities without The Hub’s acquiescence.
In the past several years, Dockside has played host to many duelers seeking to train and learn away from the ever-present watchful eyes of The Hub; these fighters, most of whom come from the ranks of the Outsiders, learn tactics and techniques that should allow them to dominate within Sanctioned duels. The Outsiders have attempted to churn out fighter after fighter in an attempt to control the Arena and subsequently secure prominence and influence, a potential inroad toward undermining The Hub itself. Frustratingly, despite their rigorous training and often treacherous and underhanded dueling tactics, the Outsiders and those training with them have been unable to successfully adapt their skills to the Arena and Sanctioned matches. Wards or no wards, the prevailing belief among the Outsiders is that their duelers should be dominating the Arena. They are determined to uncover the reasons why they continually fail in this regard.
Old Temple: Where the Rhydin Museum once stood, and indeed occupying nearly the entirety of its former grounds in circumference, rests a bountiful tree. No-one can say with certainty when or how the tree appeared and nobody dares investigate.
While the Outsiders could probably take over Old Temple with relative ease, they no longer dare to cross the eastern border separating that district from Dockside. Too, rarely does anyone from the northern portion of Rhydin dare venture into Old Temple.
Before the first anniversary of Sanyumato came to pass, Old Temple was associated with rumors of a new religion. While most initially dismissed the group as a fervent cult seeking some sort of escape and relief from the effects of Sanyumato, its power and influence became too great to ignore, as did the strange sightings many claimed to have seen. Led by a High Priestess, the group is rumored to have played a key role in preventing the Outsiders from usurping the whole city, though nobody has been able to substantiate that claim. Tales of dark rites and strange occurrences are rampant though uncorroborated and few Outsiders or Rhydinians who cross into its borders ever reemerge.
Overlord Isle: The foundations of Overlord Isle collapsed during Sanyumato and the small island sank beneath the waters.
"If you are thinking a year from now, sow seed. If you are thinking ten years from now, plant a tree. If you are thinking one-hundred years from now, educate the people."
--Kuan Tzu, 5'th century Chinese poet
--Kuan Tzu, 5'th century Chinese poet
Other Locations
Twilight Isle: Just as the link between Rhydin and The Nexus was shattered, so too was the portal between Rhydin and Twilight Island. No method of reaching the Isle has been identified in the sixteen years since Sanyumato. While several people are presumed trapped on the Isle, having been there when Sanyumato struck, all attempts to reach or communicate with them have failed.
The Red Dragon Inn: The Red Dragon Inn survived the storm, albeit with extensive damage. The Inn was annexed by The Hub despite its presence in the Dragon’s Gate district though nobody is certain who exactly owns or runs the establishment since that annexation took place. It's also uncertain just how much influence or control The Hub wields over the Inn on a day to day basis.
Generally, it's believed that the Red Dragon Inn is typically left to its own devices both before and after Curfew though patrons and their belongings have been known to disappear from their rooms, presumably the victims of Flesh Finders.
The Outback: Destroyed and not rebuilt. The building’s husk remains next to the Red Dragon Inn.
The Arena/The Annex: The Annex was dismantled during the rebuild of the Red Dragon Inn and the underground Arena was expanded. The Arena now houses all Sanctioned dueling sports and has enough rings and space to accommodate several simultaneous armed, unarmed and arcane duels. One wall of the Arena serves as home to the Killboard.
Twilight Isle: Just as the link between Rhydin and The Nexus was shattered, so too was the portal between Rhydin and Twilight Island. No method of reaching the Isle has been identified in the sixteen years since Sanyumato. While several people are presumed trapped on the Isle, having been there when Sanyumato struck, all attempts to reach or communicate with them have failed.
The Red Dragon Inn: The Red Dragon Inn survived the storm, albeit with extensive damage. The Inn was annexed by The Hub despite its presence in the Dragon’s Gate district though nobody is certain who exactly owns or runs the establishment since that annexation took place. It's also uncertain just how much influence or control The Hub wields over the Inn on a day to day basis.
Generally, it's believed that the Red Dragon Inn is typically left to its own devices both before and after Curfew though patrons and their belongings have been known to disappear from their rooms, presumably the victims of Flesh Finders.
The Outback: Destroyed and not rebuilt. The building’s husk remains next to the Red Dragon Inn.
The Arena/The Annex: The Annex was dismantled during the rebuild of the Red Dragon Inn and the underground Arena was expanded. The Arena now houses all Sanctioned dueling sports and has enough rings and space to accommodate several simultaneous armed, unarmed and arcane duels. One wall of the Arena serves as home to the Killboard.
"If you are thinking a year from now, sow seed. If you are thinking ten years from now, plant a tree. If you are thinking one-hundred years from now, educate the people."
--Kuan Tzu, 5'th century Chinese poet
--Kuan Tzu, 5'th century Chinese poet
Notable Locales & Items
Killboard: A listing of duelers who tempted fate, fought and died after the Wards were proven ineffective. When Elements Askew begins, there are 129 names are on the list.
The Ward: The Ward still functions, but only intermittently. Standard practice now is to try and slaughter an animal, or sometimes a slave, in the rings before a night opens for dueling. If the sacrificial creature lives, Sanctioned dueling is permitted. If the animal or slave dies, dueling is generally cancelled although some do elect to fight regardless. If a dueler is killed after the survival of an animal/slave due to Ward failure, next of kin retain rights to their estate and The Hub does not become involved.
Sanctioned Duels: Sanctioned duels are permitted and take place only within The Arena, during authorized timeframes by The Hub. Any matches that do not meet these criteria are considered Unsanctioned and are thereby not recognized by The Hub or in the dueling records.
Duelers who fight and survive a Sanctioned duel after knowingly entering a match without Ward protection are rewarded by The Hub; prizes and accolades increase with each subsequent Ward-Free victory. Should a dueler die under these circumstances, their entire estate (regardless of next of kin) is usurped by the The Hub and their name is placed upon the Killboard. Next of kin may petition The Hub for part or all of the fallen dueler's estate at their own peril.
The Opals:
FireStar = Held by Candy Hart
IceDancer = Held by Matthew Algiers Simon
ShadoWeaver = Lost during Sanyumato; it has never been recovered
MoonBeryl = Recovered after Sanyumato, it's no longer the yellow gem it once was; MoonBeryl has not manifested any powers since Sanyumato. The gem is dark grey now (some suggest its powers were sapped during the storm) and nothing more than a representative relic of pre-Sanyumato Rhydin.
PathFinder = Held by Liam Hardy, a veteran dueler of several years and survivor of two Ward-free battles.
Barons: The Hub put an end to Baronies once the Arena rebuild was complete and Sanctioned duels began. The dueling rank and any associated station, political or otherwise, no longer exists.
Sweepers: The Hub's enforcers, Sweepers are a less forviging version of the old City Watch/City Guard. They ensure citizens' adherence to The Hub's laws, policies and whims.
Graxton's Tongue: The most common term for locale where The Hub's system of "justice," known as Inquests, is practiced. The Conclave meets within Graxton's Tongue.
Conclave: Responsible for overseeing Inquests, the Conclave is the body of individuals designated to oversee Inquests and decide the fate of The Hub's prisoners.
((Please note: This thread maybe updated with definitions/explanations/places/things, etc. as the need arises but most of the details and other information will come within the story itself. Last update: 6/14/13.))
Killboard: A listing of duelers who tempted fate, fought and died after the Wards were proven ineffective. When Elements Askew begins, there are 129 names are on the list.
The Ward: The Ward still functions, but only intermittently. Standard practice now is to try and slaughter an animal, or sometimes a slave, in the rings before a night opens for dueling. If the sacrificial creature lives, Sanctioned dueling is permitted. If the animal or slave dies, dueling is generally cancelled although some do elect to fight regardless. If a dueler is killed after the survival of an animal/slave due to Ward failure, next of kin retain rights to their estate and The Hub does not become involved.
Sanctioned Duels: Sanctioned duels are permitted and take place only within The Arena, during authorized timeframes by The Hub. Any matches that do not meet these criteria are considered Unsanctioned and are thereby not recognized by The Hub or in the dueling records.
Duelers who fight and survive a Sanctioned duel after knowingly entering a match without Ward protection are rewarded by The Hub; prizes and accolades increase with each subsequent Ward-Free victory. Should a dueler die under these circumstances, their entire estate (regardless of next of kin) is usurped by the The Hub and their name is placed upon the Killboard. Next of kin may petition The Hub for part or all of the fallen dueler's estate at their own peril.
The Opals:
FireStar = Held by Candy Hart
IceDancer = Held by Matthew Algiers Simon
ShadoWeaver = Lost during Sanyumato; it has never been recovered
MoonBeryl = Recovered after Sanyumato, it's no longer the yellow gem it once was; MoonBeryl has not manifested any powers since Sanyumato. The gem is dark grey now (some suggest its powers were sapped during the storm) and nothing more than a representative relic of pre-Sanyumato Rhydin.
PathFinder = Held by Liam Hardy, a veteran dueler of several years and survivor of two Ward-free battles.
Barons: The Hub put an end to Baronies once the Arena rebuild was complete and Sanctioned duels began. The dueling rank and any associated station, political or otherwise, no longer exists.
Sweepers: The Hub's enforcers, Sweepers are a less forviging version of the old City Watch/City Guard. They ensure citizens' adherence to The Hub's laws, policies and whims.
Graxton's Tongue: The most common term for locale where The Hub's system of "justice," known as Inquests, is practiced. The Conclave meets within Graxton's Tongue.
Conclave: Responsible for overseeing Inquests, the Conclave is the body of individuals designated to oversee Inquests and decide the fate of The Hub's prisoners.
((Please note: This thread maybe updated with definitions/explanations/places/things, etc. as the need arises but most of the details and other information will come within the story itself. Last update: 6/14/13.))
Last edited by Goldglo on Fri Jun 14, 2013 5:43 pm, edited 3 times in total.
"If you are thinking a year from now, sow seed. If you are thinking ten years from now, plant a tree. If you are thinking one-hundred years from now, educate the people."
--Kuan Tzu, 5'th century Chinese poet
--Kuan Tzu, 5'th century Chinese poet
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