19-02-2013, 02:04 PM
Cody Descalzo, 2017
The plan was to create several provinces to form the city, hence its name. There are three distinct districts of land that hold separate purpose: Raslo District, Harbor District, and Common District. The Raslo District was first to be founded. This district is placed firmly within the center of Provncia and is meant to hold the most important structures of the city. The City Hall, where government of Provencia was to work. The Disciplinary Quarters, where lawbreakers are detained. And the boisterous Raslo Theater, a place built to promote music and the arts for the most talented performers and composers.
Provencia has its own exports as well. Fish and seafood are one of the largest. The sea is incredibly important to the city. The city also has nearby mines for digging resources and precious metals. And finally, Provencia thrives off tourism as many visit to enrich themselves in the culture and arts.
Many Provencians are Mesalian. Thus, the most popular belief system is the Mesalian orthodox religion. The Provencians don’t have any odd or standout beliefs about the religion. Although the most popular gods is Niponautes for her relation to fishers, sailors, creativity, art and music, all of which are values deeply rooted in Provencia. Worshiping the Xitian and Lucin religions is basically unheard of.
Family
In a typical Provencian family, the man is the head of the house. A father is the authority over his wife and children as he is usually the breadwinner and stabilization for a Provencian home. This isn’t to say that women don’t work, no. More so that ruling over a household is typically a man’s job in Provencia. Note, there are some very powerful and famous women in Provencia who inspire independence among women-kind.
Names usually follow a very distinct pattern. Everyone in the household will take the father’s surname. It’s common for boys to receive their father’s full name as well and be a Jr. Many families in lower-class Provencia are mixed ethnicities, while the richer folk are more singular.
Common boy names: Robert, John, William, Ralph, Anthony
Common girl names: Mary, Elizabeth, Alice, Rose, Pauline
Music & Art
The arts are something of great value in Provnecia. One might not make himself wealthy with his art in the city, but he can still be renowned and loved by the local people. Music, art, and theater are all commonplace.
Ralso Theater is the ultimate goal for aspiring artists. The theater is incredibly well known across the Mainland and is a main attraction of the city. Only the most well written plays and operas, inspiring music, and complex paintings are displayed at the Ralso Theater.
Popular Acts: Alanzo Moretti - Viola Player; The Flying Circus - Comedy Play; Lady Irene - Singer;
Music in Provencia is very distinct. Strange brass and woodwind instruments are combined with drums and keys to give a lively and personal sound to the music. Many people in Provnecia learn how to play an instrument just to participate in gatherings. The sound of the music is very personal and depends on the player, as it can be raspy, smooth, edgy, soulful, etc. Music always accompanies song and dance.
Art in Provencia usually takes shape in paintings. The most common are flat paintings that depict life in the city for both rich and poor. Bold shapes and colors cause each image on the canvas to stick out from one another and create prominent silhouettes. Example
Language
Provencians speak common, but most have an accent that derives from their roots. It’s a mixed blend of Chrysaor and modern Provencian voice.
Appearance
Provencians take a wide variety of looks. Going into the city makes it difficult to find two people that look the same. This is the result of the variety of slaves brought in once they found independence. People will have white, dark, and olive skin. Round and wide eyes or narrower. It really just depends on one’s ethnicity and family.
Dress
Provencian Clothing is rather modern for the world of Mesalia. It takes a pseudo 1920's Noire image rather traditional European clothing styles. The modern look of the clothing matches the style and culture of the people. Men wear stylish dark colors such as purple, brown, black, or even deep oranges and reds. All of these colors are traditionally splashed with white undershirts. Men are seen wearing these colors on vests on their shirts with dark trousers and shoes. Coats are typically worn on top of the clothes when outside. The act of wearing ties or neck decor for men came from a development of sailor ascots.
The women of Provencia typically wear brighter colors such as red and blue in stylish, free, and frilly dresses. Women in Provencia often have lavish hair styles and take good care of how they look. Boys will wear a simpler style of men’s clothing, usually sporting newsie caps and dark browns on white. Girls wear more modest and simple clothing and dresses in comparison to the average Provencia woman. All of the clothing was made from adaptations of people looking for change and variation to separate themselves from the rest of the world. The vast number of immigrants who moved into Provencia, along with the style and influence of sailors and the unique culture and music shaped Provencian clothing.
Alberto was mysteriously found dead, and his brother took rein of the operations. Any who spoke ill of these events are criticized or silenced. They began running a mafia to take advantage of hidden opportunities in Provencia. The Martillos are an organized body of criminals with a complex behavioral code. The primary profits the Martillos earn from is the illegal alcohol and tobacco. It creates a rather obvious contradiction when these luxuries are outlawed yet people still smoke and drink in the open. The Martillos earned favor early on, and the government helps them keep a monopoly on these smuggled goods.
The current Godfather of the Martillo family is Keith Lawliet Martillo. Giovanni, his father, has retired from the position due to age.
Well known Martillos:
Giovanni Martillo (Former Don - Retired)
Keith Martillo (Godfather/Don, First born of Giovanni)
Elanor Martillo (Wife of Keith)
Roxanne Martillo (Underboss, Prominent women's rights figure, Second child of Giovanni)
Angel Martillo (Third child of Giovanni, Overseer of Martillo businesses)
Elliot "Ace" Pacella (Consigliere, Assassin) - Note, only higher-end Martillo's know his birth name, most just know Ace
Avery Martillo (First born of Keith, Presumed Dead)
Provencia
History
The long and tired history of Provencia starts with the ambition of two brothers. Andrew and Henry Raslo. The Raslo bothers hailed from the northern city of Chrysaor. They were opportunists and entrepreneurs. The two men made themselves rich and wealthy from early trade and success with business. They wanted more, however. The brothers had a distinct set of ideals. They, by luck, had been given opportunities for success and wealth. Feeling indebted to the world, the Raslo brothers wanted to give others these same opportunities. What if there was a city where the common man could earn the wealth he works for? A simple peasant not bound by lords or kings, but his own labor. With the help of investments, labor, and their own ambition, the Raslo brothers set out south to create Provencia.
The plan was to create several provinces to form the city, hence its name. There are three distinct districts of land that hold separate purpose: Raslo District, Harbor District, and Common District. The Raslo District was first to be founded. This district is placed firmly within the center of Provncia and is meant to hold the most important structures of the city. The City Hall, where government of Provencia was to work. The Disciplinary Quarters, where lawbreakers are detained. And the boisterous Raslo Theater, a place built to promote music and the arts for the most talented performers and composers.
The second is the Harbor District. Here is where the lifeline of Provencia resides. The Harbor District acts as a hub for everything that flows into Provencia. Trade from foreign lands, various merchant houses, sailors, and fishermen, the lot of it. In an alarmingly fast time, the Harbor District expanded and inflated. Every merchant whose worth his salt attempt to trade here as this land became what could be the largest single trading hub in the Mainland. The profound and shocking King’s Blood Trading Company was the base and root for this expansion. “A King’s blood flows golden.” Is a common phrase of the company and those within Provencia. The meaning is simple, where there is wealth, there is opportunity.
Finally, the Common District. It’s not as grand or staged as the former districts mentioned, but the Ralso brothers still saw value in it. This is where most of the citizens live. Any who didn’t have profound wealth could afford to stay here. The placing of the district was deliberately set to envy the Raslo District right next to it. The brothers wanted the common folk to be inspired by the nearby promise of luxurious living. Taverns, inns, bars, smaller theaters and stages, and housing are all to be found here.
The Raslo brothers made their promises to the people of the Mainland. Wealth, prosperity, and a fresh start, all of which were very appealing. With the harbor, sailors and merchants flocked to the city in droves. Businesses were formed, some successful, many failed. New jobs for the common folk and even potential to become a famous artist with the Raslo Theater so close by. Provnecia swiftly grew to be one of the largest cities about.
Xitians invaded Provencia when the Dusk Portal was opened. The city itself wasn’t a top priority, as the Xitians could get little use of the docks and harbor. If anything, taking the city was an attrition move. Much of the wealth and populous would be taken from the Mesalians. And simply denying use of the harbor to their enemies was enough for the Xitians. The still fresh city didn’t stand a chance despite the many who fought and died for their home. The Xitians crushed and enslaved the opposition easily. Many families, including one very important one known as the Martillos, were taken into Xitian rule.
History repeats itself. Provneica was birthed as result of two brothers building something new. And it would see its rebirth from two different brothers. The Provencian people made a large band of slaves. Alberto and Giovanni Martillo found themselves in position to lead the enslaved people. They set a system for the slaves, to protect and care for each other. They held out together for as long as they could. With the arrival of the Lucins, these slaves were freed early in the War of Veld. Rather than sit or wait, Alberto and Giovanni inspired the slave band to revolt against the oppressors. In miraculous efforts, they were able to free and scrounge up many southern slaves and add them into the ranks. Once the numbers were large enough, they fought to retake Provencia.
The people of Provencia rebuilt the city and established new laws. The Martillos set themselves as non-government, prefering to go back to their roots within buisness. The city took many new stances. Alcohol and drugs were outlawed and fear of violence. The Xitians and Lucins were excluded in bouts of racism and paranoia. The current state of the city is what we know of it now. The Martillo influence became rather powerful with their leadership and smugling of the banned goods. Corrupt politicians took reign, using fear appeals to position themselves into power. While powerful business runs within Provnecia as the Raslo brothers wanted, the dream now seems a nightmare for the poor.
Government
Provencia runs off elected representatives. Each of the three districts puts in a vote towards a politician whom they feel represents the city the best. These politicians always have a board of associates pairs with them. So, people more so vote on a whole package rather a single person. The three head representatives are supposed to work together to bring fair laws and protection to the Provencian people. As of now, corruption runs within the political spectrum. If anything, these politicians are working against the people and looking out for themselves and their investors. Provencian follows a free market society, so unrestricted competition by businesses to determine flow and prices.
Economy
Provencia has a strong and bolstering economy. The city even founded its own coin, the Raslo. These coins are a gold quality and show wealth within circuits. The Ralso, despite name significance, is seldom seen by most people. The coin is more so used in large trade deals between Provencia and other wealth parts of the Mainland. Most common folk in Provencia deal in another coin native to the city, the Kinos. This coin is of far less value, taking form in bronze and silver variants. All Provencian coins are of lager value than one might expect thanks to the wealth that runs in the city and a large density of the metals that make the coins. Counterfeiters and schemers have made “Fake” variants of each coin with far less % value of the metals used. Fake Kinos are most often used by the Provencian poor. The sharp eyes of Provencian merchants and business men can easily tell the difference. These fake coins easily swindle tourists, however.
1 Raslo = 40 Silver Kinos = 88 Bronze Kinos > 1 Fake Silver Kinos = 5 Fake Bronze Kinos
1 Silver Kinos = 2 Bronze Kinos + 2 Fake Bronze Kinos
Provencia has its own exports as well. Fish and seafood are one of the largest. The sea is incredibly important to the city. The city also has nearby mines for digging resources and precious metals. And finally, Provencia thrives off tourism as many visit to enrich themselves in the culture and arts.
Culture
ReligionMany Provencians are Mesalian. Thus, the most popular belief system is the Mesalian orthodox religion. The Provencians don’t have any odd or standout beliefs about the religion. Although the most popular gods is Niponautes for her relation to fishers, sailors, creativity, art and music, all of which are values deeply rooted in Provencia. Worshiping the Xitian and Lucin religions is basically unheard of.
Family
In a typical Provencian family, the man is the head of the house. A father is the authority over his wife and children as he is usually the breadwinner and stabilization for a Provencian home. This isn’t to say that women don’t work, no. More so that ruling over a household is typically a man’s job in Provencia. Note, there are some very powerful and famous women in Provencia who inspire independence among women-kind.
Names usually follow a very distinct pattern. Everyone in the household will take the father’s surname. It’s common for boys to receive their father’s full name as well and be a Jr. Many families in lower-class Provencia are mixed ethnicities, while the richer folk are more singular.
Common boy names: Robert, John, William, Ralph, Anthony
Common girl names: Mary, Elizabeth, Alice, Rose, Pauline
Music & Art
The arts are something of great value in Provnecia. One might not make himself wealthy with his art in the city, but he can still be renowned and loved by the local people. Music, art, and theater are all commonplace.
Ralso Theater is the ultimate goal for aspiring artists. The theater is incredibly well known across the Mainland and is a main attraction of the city. Only the most well written plays and operas, inspiring music, and complex paintings are displayed at the Ralso Theater.
Popular Acts: Alanzo Moretti - Viola Player; The Flying Circus - Comedy Play; Lady Irene - Singer;
Music in Provencia is very distinct. Strange brass and woodwind instruments are combined with drums and keys to give a lively and personal sound to the music. Many people in Provnecia learn how to play an instrument just to participate in gatherings. The sound of the music is very personal and depends on the player, as it can be raspy, smooth, edgy, soulful, etc. Music always accompanies song and dance.
Art in Provencia usually takes shape in paintings. The most common are flat paintings that depict life in the city for both rich and poor. Bold shapes and colors cause each image on the canvas to stick out from one another and create prominent silhouettes. Example
Language
Provencians speak common, but most have an accent that derives from their roots. It’s a mixed blend of Chrysaor and modern Provencian voice.
Appearance
Provencians take a wide variety of looks. Going into the city makes it difficult to find two people that look the same. This is the result of the variety of slaves brought in once they found independence. People will have white, dark, and olive skin. Round and wide eyes or narrower. It really just depends on one’s ethnicity and family.
Dress
Provencian Clothing is rather modern for the world of Mesalia. It takes a pseudo 1920's Noire image rather traditional European clothing styles. The modern look of the clothing matches the style and culture of the people. Men wear stylish dark colors such as purple, brown, black, or even deep oranges and reds. All of these colors are traditionally splashed with white undershirts. Men are seen wearing these colors on vests on their shirts with dark trousers and shoes. Coats are typically worn on top of the clothes when outside. The act of wearing ties or neck decor for men came from a development of sailor ascots.
The women of Provencia typically wear brighter colors such as red and blue in stylish, free, and frilly dresses. Women in Provencia often have lavish hair styles and take good care of how they look. Boys will wear a simpler style of men’s clothing, usually sporting newsie caps and dark browns on white. Girls wear more modest and simple clothing and dresses in comparison to the average Provencia woman. All of the clothing was made from adaptations of people looking for change and variation to separate themselves from the rest of the world. The vast number of immigrants who moved into Provencia, along with the style and influence of sailors and the unique culture and music shaped Provencian clothing.
Martillo Family
The Martillo family is infamous across the land. While Alberto and Giovanni were the ones to lead the Mesalian people to victory for Provencia, their motives were not for pure and good will. The two brothers wanted power and leadership more than anything else. After the successful recapture of Provencia, the Martillos set up their own businesses and operations. They did so with a large following of close friends from the slavery. The Martillo family itself is only a small handful of people, but all who work with them are considered part of “The Family.” Alberto was mysteriously found dead, and his brother took rein of the operations. Any who spoke ill of these events are criticized or silenced. They began running a mafia to take advantage of hidden opportunities in Provencia. The Martillos are an organized body of criminals with a complex behavioral code. The primary profits the Martillos earn from is the illegal alcohol and tobacco. It creates a rather obvious contradiction when these luxuries are outlawed yet people still smoke and drink in the open. The Martillos earned favor early on, and the government helps them keep a monopoly on these smuggled goods.
The current Godfather of the Martillo family is Keith Lawliet Martillo. Giovanni, his father, has retired from the position due to age.
Well known Martillos:
Giovanni Martillo (Former Don - Retired)
Keith Martillo (Godfather/Don, First born of Giovanni)
Elanor Martillo (Wife of Keith)
Roxanne Martillo (Underboss, Prominent women's rights figure, Second child of Giovanni)
Angel Martillo (Third child of Giovanni, Overseer of Martillo businesses)
Elliot "Ace" Pacella (Consigliere, Assassin) - Note, only higher-end Martillo's know his birth name, most just know Ace
Avery Martillo (First born of Keith, Presumed Dead)
Rebellion
Thomas Rartho Karalis incited a group known as the Rartho Rebellion some time ago. He currently leads the rebels to overthrow the corrupt politicians and war against the Martillo family. The rebels consist of the poor who feel broken and cheated by the society surrounding them. As of now, the rebellion is getting out of hand and more violent. There are many who wave rebel flags despite not being associated with Thomas. Although initially popular, the violent groups have begun to deter from the original goal Thomas set out.