Vahloria
From FiranMUX
Contents |
Overview
The Ticanee City of Vahloria was founded in 25 A.U. by Clan Leader Taria Oshta, her husband Lord Taleo Teranzik, and a number of Ticanee pioneers who were later awarded medals of honor for their bravery and participation. The city was named for Taria's brother, Prince Vahlon Elianik, who died at the hands of the Shamibelians.
At first, the city was little more than a series of mud huts, but slowly over the years, it has developed into a small city-esque place--though certainly one completely foreign to Firans. For example, Vahloria's buildings are still made mostly of wood and mud and it has few Inns. Instead, they have communal longhouses in which guests may rent a bed for a night.
Also, Firan visitors insist that the whole city smells like rotten eggs or Dirty Ticanee, take your pick.
Geography
Vahloria is nestled beyond the mountains, in the valley below the Caldera City. As such, it's a frequent tourist stop on the way between the Caldera City and the rest of the Firan Realms. It is built on the marshy mudbanks of a river fed by mountain snows.
Special Features
Hot Springs
Though it is said that ill-smelling vapors rise from the ground, the residents of Vahloria are more than willing to put up with that in exchange for the natural hot springs that dot the landscape. Such springs are said to have natural healing properties, and the aged and infirm often visit when all other hope is lost. Moreover, the springs make for a popular destination for well-to-do nobles who simply want a winter respite from the cold. However, some Ticanee are petitioning to outlaw the use of the springs by outsiders, and resent the "influence" of tourists upon their backwoods hamlet.
Hanging Gardens
At the center of most Firan cities are forums. But when the Ticanee designed their city, the Hanging Gardens took on the paramount importance. This architectural wonder rises to the sky in terraced levels, some serve as beds for vegetable gardens, others are lined with fruit trees, and the top level, still under construction, will have exotic flowers of all kinds.
Native Rituals
For those who think that the Ticanee have lost their culture due to assimilation in the Firan Realms, the city of Vahloria offers a possible contrast. There, the Ticanee way is the dominant paradigm, and those who wish to see native dances performed by the best can find no better place to visit.
Local Cuisine
Vahloria is said to produce some of the best preserved meat jerky in all the Firan Realms.
Vahloria is also renowned for a dish known as "flaming cheese" which should surprise no one, because the Ticanee delight in setting anything on fire if they can get away with it.
Government
The City is ruled by a Mayor of the Oshta's choice, currently Lady Xenobia Dawn.
Prominent Residents
Quonasi
When Taria Oshta decided to exile Quonasi, her one-time right-hand-man, she sent him to Vahloria where he remains under constant guard.
Xenobia
Xenobia Dawn is the mayor of Vahloria, a good friend of the Oshta, a war hero, and a very sensible sort, for a Ticanee.
