Mallian
The Temple of Mallia
The Port of Cerin
Sometimes called The City That Tamed the Wilds, Mallian is considered to be one of the few points of civilization in Eastern Arethil.
Though this is obviously a contentious claim, the people of Mallian tend to take it rather seriously. They are proud of their heritage as a colony from the west, and they hold strict ties to larger cities like Vel Anir, Alliria, and even Elbion. The city is considered a central trade and stop over point for those heading to the east.
Many who wish to explore the Ixchel Wilds travel and stay in Mallian for some time, most remaining there for months before eventually setting off. Mercenaries also often make their stay within the city, and thus are an integral part of the economy and culture.
Though the city is not as old as some others, it is grand in it's own way. There is a stringent belief that Mallians hold a certain understanding of the Wilds, and that they are there to maintain a balance between themselves and nature. This has given the city a unique appearance as well as general outlook.
Most everyone who lives within the city worship the deity Mallia, a living representation of the Wilds and all of nature. This worship can be seen in the representation of daily life and worship, often displayed in public.
Mallian may not be the largest city in Arethil, but it is one of constant flux and growth.
Overview
Government
Mallian is technically a Duchy. The city is ruled over by a Duke and Duchess. Both have an equal amount of power, and are almost always a married couple. This is not a requirement, and more than once has not been the case, but the tradition has held strong for several hundred years now.
Though they have equal amounts of power, in the tradition of the city the Duke and Duchess represent two different things. It is said that in matters of Governance the Duke represents the City, it's people, and the growth of industry, the Duchess represents the Wilds and Mallia.
This is done to keep each side in check. The balance of nature and the city a necessity to keep both flourishing. These traditional roles are again not always the case, but more often than not have fallen along those lines.
There is a strong sense of community and togetherness within Mallian. The city, though nominally a duchy, is closer to a Republic. The will of the people matters quite a bit within Mallian, and the mood of the public often affects even the smallest government decisions.
Because of this, Mallian is absolutely filled to the brim with different councils, unions, organizations, and groups.
Nearly every type of worker has a union, nearly every city block has a council, and all of them inevitably get a say within things. Though one would presume this makes government highly inefficient in Mallian, the fact of the matter is it really hasn't. Though it is a single city, Mallian almost functions as a larger 'nation', with each council and Union taking much of everything into their own hands.
This system, though complex, has seen Mallian excel. People are extremely happy, well treated, and respected. It is for this reason that Mallian flourishes in terms of trade. Dozens of ships arrive and move through the ports daily, and the wealth that pours through the city is distributed not just to the richest few, but all.
Though they have equal amounts of power, in the tradition of the city the Duke and Duchess represent two different things. It is said that in matters of Governance the Duke represents the City, it's people, and the growth of industry, the Duchess represents the Wilds and Mallia.
This is done to keep each side in check. The balance of nature and the city a necessity to keep both flourishing. These traditional roles are again not always the case, but more often than not have fallen along those lines.
There is a strong sense of community and togetherness within Mallian. The city, though nominally a duchy, is closer to a Republic. The will of the people matters quite a bit within Mallian, and the mood of the public often affects even the smallest government decisions.
Because of this, Mallian is absolutely filled to the brim with different councils, unions, organizations, and groups.
Nearly every type of worker has a union, nearly every city block has a council, and all of them inevitably get a say within things. Though one would presume this makes government highly inefficient in Mallian, the fact of the matter is it really hasn't. Though it is a single city, Mallian almost functions as a larger 'nation', with each council and Union taking much of everything into their own hands.
This system, though complex, has seen Mallian excel. People are extremely happy, well treated, and respected. It is for this reason that Mallian flourishes in terms of trade. Dozens of ships arrive and move through the ports daily, and the wealth that pours through the city is distributed not just to the richest few, but all.
Demographic
Though a majority of the population of Mallian is Human, the cities unique location and rather transient nature means that there is a constant flow and change of species within the walls.
Unlike in many other places in the world Mallians don't generally hold any xenophobia towards outsiders. It's nature as a trade city and location so far away from other 'civilized' cities means that strangers are more common than not. By and large most Mallians have an incredibly welcoming demeanor.
Strangers and guests are treated as friends and often welcomed into homes. There is a tradition by which a first time visitor never pays for their meal and drink, something that most taverns hold to even now.
Trouble within the Demographics of Mallian come less from species, and more from associations. The various unions, cabals, and groups within the City have over the centuries form alliances, rivalries, and any other form of association one might imagine. It is simple enough for these groups to get into conflict, and newcomers must be weary lest they get themselves embroiled in one of these fights.
Unlike in many other places in the world Mallians don't generally hold any xenophobia towards outsiders. It's nature as a trade city and location so far away from other 'civilized' cities means that strangers are more common than not. By and large most Mallians have an incredibly welcoming demeanor.
Strangers and guests are treated as friends and often welcomed into homes. There is a tradition by which a first time visitor never pays for their meal and drink, something that most taverns hold to even now.
Trouble within the Demographics of Mallian come less from species, and more from associations. The various unions, cabals, and groups within the City have over the centuries form alliances, rivalries, and any other form of association one might imagine. It is simple enough for these groups to get into conflict, and newcomers must be weary lest they get themselves embroiled in one of these fights.
Architecture
Mallian is a city in the jungle, or on the edges of it.
There is a unique sort of blending of nature and progress within the city. Most streets are heightened and lifted above dozens upon dozens of criss-crossing canals. Buildings are set directly on the water, trees and gardens mark nearly every spot where it's convenient.
Even the great palaces of the wealthy are decorated in veins of vines and flowers. There is a distinct blending of nature and construction to everything. Marble and wood seemed to be intermixed perfectly, and great fountains of water filled with fish are common.
This quality grants Mallian an odd sort of beauty.
Everything feels very alive and vibrant, and many visitors from the west have said the city holds an almost Elven quality to it.
The people of Mallian take a great amount of pride within their architecture, and most make a concerted effort to never tarnish the streets. Trash is cleaned up quickly, there is a sewer to take away refuse, and when things are newly built there is always careful planning to go along with it.
There is a unique sort of blending of nature and progress within the city. Most streets are heightened and lifted above dozens upon dozens of criss-crossing canals. Buildings are set directly on the water, trees and gardens mark nearly every spot where it's convenient.
Even the great palaces of the wealthy are decorated in veins of vines and flowers. There is a distinct blending of nature and construction to everything. Marble and wood seemed to be intermixed perfectly, and great fountains of water filled with fish are common.
This quality grants Mallian an odd sort of beauty.
Everything feels very alive and vibrant, and many visitors from the west have said the city holds an almost Elven quality to it.
The people of Mallian take a great amount of pride within their architecture, and most make a concerted effort to never tarnish the streets. Trash is cleaned up quickly, there is a sewer to take away refuse, and when things are newly built there is always careful planning to go along with it.
Mallia
The Goddess Mallia is considered by many to be the physical representation of The Ixchel Wilds.
Most often depicted in art as a green skinned woman of raven hair with yellow eyes, Mallia holds power over wildlife, weather, and many other aspects. She is considered to be extremely important, and many Mallians truly believe that she is is the only reason that the city survives.
The Goddess and her love keep the dangers of the Wilds at bay, allowing the city to not only survive, but also Thrive.
Mallians pray to their goddess on a daily basis, though not in any rigid sort of way.
Dedications to Mallia can be as simple as tending to a single flower and as complex as an hour long prayer. The Goddess demands no single way of worship, save for the fact that the preservation of her realm is somehow upheld. If you build upon a piece of land, Mallia expects you to give back to that land in some way.
Many believe that Mallia takes an active role within the their lives. People believe that she not only has the power, but the inclination to frequently intervene in the lives of those who worship her. Her representatives on the mortal plain are Ravens with green eyes, and it is said their appearance often heralds a boon.
In the old ways it is sometimes said that creatures such as Werewolves, Werebears, and other 'transforming' men are agents of Mallia. Created by her will to act in some way.
The people of Mallian are incredibly careful and devout to their Goddess, and although they do not mind nor abhor other faiths, when within the city it is important to respect Mallia herself.
Most often depicted in art as a green skinned woman of raven hair with yellow eyes, Mallia holds power over wildlife, weather, and many other aspects. She is considered to be extremely important, and many Mallians truly believe that she is is the only reason that the city survives.
The Goddess and her love keep the dangers of the Wilds at bay, allowing the city to not only survive, but also Thrive.
Mallians pray to their goddess on a daily basis, though not in any rigid sort of way.
Dedications to Mallia can be as simple as tending to a single flower and as complex as an hour long prayer. The Goddess demands no single way of worship, save for the fact that the preservation of her realm is somehow upheld. If you build upon a piece of land, Mallia expects you to give back to that land in some way.
Many believe that Mallia takes an active role within the their lives. People believe that she not only has the power, but the inclination to frequently intervene in the lives of those who worship her. Her representatives on the mortal plain are Ravens with green eyes, and it is said their appearance often heralds a boon.
In the old ways it is sometimes said that creatures such as Werewolves, Werebears, and other 'transforming' men are agents of Mallia. Created by her will to act in some way.
The people of Mallian are incredibly careful and devout to their Goddess, and although they do not mind nor abhor other faiths, when within the city it is important to respect Mallia herself.
Points of Interest
The Duke's Palace - Though the name might suggest otherwise, the Duke's Palace is not entirely just for the residence of the royal family. Instead the Palace functions as a government house. This sprawling estate takes up a huge section of the city and is made up of offices, council halls, and a garden with dozens of fountains and walking paths.
Contained within the Palace is the Duke's Apartments, which in it of itself is a beautifully ornate manor surrounded by a small canal. It is here that the Duke, Duchess, and their children actually reside. The Apartments are well guarded, and few ever get to actually visit them.
The Temple of Mallia - One of the most important, and unique buildings in all of Mallian. The Temple dedicated to the Goddess is not build of stone or Marble, but is instead a massive tree that over the years has been shaped and coaxed into growing.
It is thought that the Temple of Mallia was the first 'building' in all of Mallian.
The Tree itself is still alive and well, it's roots reaching far beneath the ground and the 'building' of the Temple actually having been shaped over many centuries by magic and regular gardeners. The Temple is an incredibly sacred place for most people in Mallian, and it is treasured.
The Port of Cerin - Though no one quite remembered the origin of the name, the Port of Cerin is one of the focal points of the city of Mallian.
This is the lifeblood of the city. Everything comes through the port of Cerin. Though there are a few roads that lead down either side of the coast, none are sufficient to use for trade or anything much more than an easy walk. Without the Port Mallian would die.
Because of it's importance the Port is well guarded. Huge walls rise on either side of it's entrance, and two huge sea-chains rest at the bottom of the inlet that allows ships to traverse into the port proper.
Through the Port of Cerin ships enter Mallian, and then with it's extensive canals they are quickly unloaded or loaded with goods before they are sent away once more.
Contained within the Palace is the Duke's Apartments, which in it of itself is a beautifully ornate manor surrounded by a small canal. It is here that the Duke, Duchess, and their children actually reside. The Apartments are well guarded, and few ever get to actually visit them.
The Temple of Mallia - One of the most important, and unique buildings in all of Mallian. The Temple dedicated to the Goddess is not build of stone or Marble, but is instead a massive tree that over the years has been shaped and coaxed into growing.
It is thought that the Temple of Mallia was the first 'building' in all of Mallian.
The Tree itself is still alive and well, it's roots reaching far beneath the ground and the 'building' of the Temple actually having been shaped over many centuries by magic and regular gardeners. The Temple is an incredibly sacred place for most people in Mallian, and it is treasured.
The Port of Cerin - Though no one quite remembered the origin of the name, the Port of Cerin is one of the focal points of the city of Mallian.
This is the lifeblood of the city. Everything comes through the port of Cerin. Though there are a few roads that lead down either side of the coast, none are sufficient to use for trade or anything much more than an easy walk. Without the Port Mallian would die.
Because of it's importance the Port is well guarded. Huge walls rise on either side of it's entrance, and two huge sea-chains rest at the bottom of the inlet that allows ships to traverse into the port proper.
Through the Port of Cerin ships enter Mallian, and then with it's extensive canals they are quickly unloaded or loaded with goods before they are sent away once more.
History
No one is quite sure when or how Mallian was actually founded, or even who founded it.
In the histories it is written that the city was originally created by an Expeditionary Force funded by the Merchant Councilors of Alliria. Supposedly the Council sent a small fleet of ships around the eastern reaches of Arethil, determined to find new lands to conquer and trade with.
Unfortunately the fleet was struck by a massive storm and tidal waves. Dozens of ships were lost, most finding themselves blown far off course and eventually into the rocks of the shores of the Ixchel Wilds.
The survivors, knowing the stories of the Wilds and the danger held within began to band together. They used what scraps of their ships they could, building rudimentary structures and what defensive outposts they could. Before long they founded a small village, and thus began to expand.
As they did, the survivors began to encroach upon the forest.
At first they would be careful, cutting down only a few trees and clearing land for farming to sustain themselves.
It did not take long for the Wilds to fight back. Beasts began to assail the survivors. Great hulking behemoths, strange wolf like men, odd twisted trees. Dozens of died over the course of only a few days, the survivors unable to contend with the backlash of nature itself.
On the third day of the monstrous siege a fog rolled in from the Wilds, and from it stepped a woman of green skin and black robes.
She offered a bargain to the survivors. Pay tribute to her, respect the Wilds, and she would give them her blessing. The villagers, harrowed and half broken, agreed, and thus Mallian was founded.
Over the centuries this story has been told and retold. Spoken of in whispers and considered by many to be truth. Mallian is a beacon of society in a wilderness of death, or at least so it holds itself up.
In the histories it is written that the city was originally created by an Expeditionary Force funded by the Merchant Councilors of Alliria. Supposedly the Council sent a small fleet of ships around the eastern reaches of Arethil, determined to find new lands to conquer and trade with.
Unfortunately the fleet was struck by a massive storm and tidal waves. Dozens of ships were lost, most finding themselves blown far off course and eventually into the rocks of the shores of the Ixchel Wilds.
The survivors, knowing the stories of the Wilds and the danger held within began to band together. They used what scraps of their ships they could, building rudimentary structures and what defensive outposts they could. Before long they founded a small village, and thus began to expand.
As they did, the survivors began to encroach upon the forest.
At first they would be careful, cutting down only a few trees and clearing land for farming to sustain themselves.
It did not take long for the Wilds to fight back. Beasts began to assail the survivors. Great hulking behemoths, strange wolf like men, odd twisted trees. Dozens of died over the course of only a few days, the survivors unable to contend with the backlash of nature itself.
On the third day of the monstrous siege a fog rolled in from the Wilds, and from it stepped a woman of green skin and black robes.
She offered a bargain to the survivors. Pay tribute to her, respect the Wilds, and she would give them her blessing. The villagers, harrowed and half broken, agreed, and thus Mallian was founded.
Over the centuries this story has been told and retold. Spoken of in whispers and considered by many to be truth. Mallian is a beacon of society in a wilderness of death, or at least so it holds itself up.
References
- https://chroniclesrp.net/threads/going-home.3332/
- https://chroniclesrp.net/threads/into-the-wilds.2418/
- https://chroniclesrp.net/threads/read-between-the-lines.2377/
- https://chroniclesrp.net/threads/naked-and-alone-ish.2414/
- https://chroniclesrp.net/threads/after-dark.2593/
- https://chroniclesrp.net/threads/two-taboos.2407/
- https://chroniclesrp.net/threads/wolves-at-the-door.2437/
- https://chroniclesrp.net/threads/faith-illuminated.4425/
- https://chroniclesrp.net/threads/their-eyes-were-watching-god.4169/
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