Chanson Isole'e

Revision as of 18:26, 29 June 2017 by TheSkald (talk | contribs) (Places of Note)
From skaldsong companion

A cloistered hamlet designed with real-world French influences, and seasonal access.

Description

Along one of the coasts lays a collection of islands, most of which are too small to live on but contain shrines to various Virtuoso that have crossed in and out of favor with the people who praise them. Before you can reach them, however, is Chanson Isole'e, a curious island that cannot seem to decide if it wants to be part of the mainland or not. It consists of a walled community, small but hardy to last the periods of rain that flood the waters and cut it off completely every fall and winter.

The locals here are mostly studious, taking to debating and philosophizing during their months of isolation and as such they are a great resource about the shrines on the isles behind it. This isolation also gives them plenty of time to produce copies of scrolls and books to distribute to the rest of the world. They are not the only source, but they do a good percentage of the stock. They are also steady fishermen, taking advantage of their position as salt-water fish get caught up in the inflow, allowing them to not have to go far to snag them at all.

In the dry season the road to Chanson Isole'e is lush and green and very busy as merchants try to maximize their routes between it and other places.

While they do not deal with animals the way other locations do (farming sheep, cows, etc) the locals of Chanson Isole'e are quite fond of smaller pets like poet rats, rabbits, and small birds.


History

Chanson Isole'e history is a short one, founded by a studious hermit shortly after the rise (and subsequent fall) of Virtuoso, or the corrupted Maestros. A fortress that uses the seasonal flood-tide to protect and isolate it for months, the people used to be dedicated to preserving the shrines built on the rocky isles behind it. After the fall of the pious the spire that houses the leading guild was used as a finishing school for the aristocracy until about two decades ago when they were all moved and locked away in the Manor in Inizio D'Oro. The reason was never explained, but life goes on!

Economy

Exports

  • Various Brews

Places of Note

Chateau Vocal

The former finishing school for the aristocracy, now a towering building offering practice rooms for singing to the public. In the upper levels the seated guild makes their quarters.

The Flute and Flagon

A two story, compact building featuring trinkets from all over The Tapestry with no rhyme or reason to placement. The tables are arranged closely and can seat two to six people. The bar counter is located along the right wall from the entrance and features several large kegs and taps from which the house brew is poured on demand into stoneware mugs. On the far wall across from the entrance is a raised platform that serves as a stage for performances-- usually a local musician needing practice in front of a localized crowd, or the bar's own workers.

Upstairs is the living quarters for the few workers and gives place for side-business to happen, it is not an inn.

Menu includes simple things regularly, such as a porridge or stew, that can be made in large batches and kept over several days. If ingredients are available, they can make something off-menu. This is highly unlikely during the fall and winter months when everything becomes scarce and strained. During that time fish or shellfish is more readily on the menu. A seedy dark bread is readily available with a special dipping-glaze made by boiling the house brew with honey.

The side-work:
All workers of the bar have the permission, to operate as courtesans as well.

  • They set their own prices and preferences, with the bar taking a 5% cut.
  • They must have all appointments at the Flute and Flagon, for the worker's security.
  • They can only take appointments on days they are not working another part of the bar.

Catacombs

Further beneath the city, accessible only when the water recedes, is the door to the catacombs. Revered heroes and royalty alike are buried there in organized tunnels spanning the whole of the hamlet, but not all are asleep in eternal rest.