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''This article is about the metropolis in Amusa, for the domain where the city is located, see [[Galik (Domain)]]''<blockquote>"Welcome to Galik, the jewel city of Quelmar, also known as "The Entertainer's Paradise". An urban monument, Galik is so massive it could take you a week to walk from one end to the other. It is the epicenter of strange activity and the headquarters of more than a thousand guilds. Galik is indeed the city that never sleeps. As we approach, you'll see up ahead the brilliant lights of the many magical, scholarly, and defensive towers that dot the metropolis, like stars in the night." - Typical monologue given to approaching tourists in carts.</blockquote>{{Infobox location|title = Galik|image = Galikcity.jpg|imagecaption = Monolithic structures tower over fields of houses and shops.|type = Massive City|Government = Council|location = [[Amusa]]|inhabiting Race = All}}'''Galik''', also known as '''Entertainer's Paradise''', is the largest city in [[Amusa]], and home to a massively assorted set of citizens. The city also gives name to the domain it is located in, also called [[Galik (Domain)|Galik]] | |||
Galik was founded some time before 364 [[BR]]. | Galik was founded some time before 364 [[BR]]. | ||
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Galik was home to its own form of cant, known as [[Galik Street Slang]]. | Galik was home to its own form of cant, known as [[Galik Street Slang]]. | ||
Thanks to the great city watch of Galik, people who cause havoc or chaos can be easily influenced to get out of the city as places close their doors or raise their prices or stop providing services (free or otherwise). They become nobodies and the city passes them by, making them effectively become as notable or useful as the beggars. It is a stigma nobody risks, | Thanks to the great city watch of Galik, people who cause havoc or chaos can be easily influenced to get out of the city as places close their doors or raise their prices or stop providing services (free or otherwise). They become nobodies and the city passes them by, making them effectively become as notable or useful as the beggars. It is a stigma nobody risks, as as such, Galik is safe place to be during the day. | ||
However, at night, when faces can be hidden or concealed in the shadows, the good humor of the city paves way for danger and subterfuge. | However, at night, when faces can be hidden or concealed in the shadows, the good humor of the city paves way for danger and subterfuge. | ||
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[[File:Galikcolormap.png|thumb|A Rough Map of Galik's districts, indicated by color]] | [[File:Galikcolormap.png|thumb|A Rough Map of Galik's districts, indicated by color]] | ||
== Government == | == City Information == | ||
Galik is run by an Oligarchy of Leaders, called the '''Galik Council of Burghers''' led by a High Burgher or Burghess | |||
=== Government === | |||
Galik is run by an Oligarchy of Leaders, called the '''Galik Council of Burghers''' led by a High Burgher or Burghess. The Council contains the following members: | |||
* The High Burgher | * The High Burgher | ||
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* The High Sheriff | * The High Sheriff | ||
The 13th High Burgher of Galik was [[James Tyler|James Tyler.]] | The 13th High Burgher of Galik was [[James Tyler|James Tyler.]] | ||
=== Notable Laws === | === Notable Laws === | ||
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* Outdoor spell casting is outlawed without a permit, spellcasting is allowed inside at the owner's discretion. | * Outdoor spell casting is outlawed without a permit, spellcasting is allowed inside at the owner's discretion. | ||
* Merchants always use "detect magic" potions when negotiating prices, to eliminate magical thievery or manipulation. | * Merchants always use "detect magic" potions when negotiating prices, to eliminate magical thievery or manipulation. | ||
[[File:Northwardmap.png|thumb|A close up map of the North Ward, taken around the time of a city-wide blackout in 465 [[PR]]]] | [[File:Northwardmap.png|thumb|A close up map of the North Ward, taken around the time of a city-wide blackout in 465 [[PR]]]] | ||
=== Guilds === | === Guilds === | ||
*'''Scribes and Librarians Guild''' | *'''Scribes and Librarians Guild''' | ||
** Mostly [[Illumian (Player Race)|Illumian]], these libraries run [[the ArchCrystal Tower]]. The guild was founded in the 300s [[BR]] making it one of the oldest in the city. Duties include the detection of forgeries and transcription of legal procedures across the city and the realm. There is an oath of secrecy that scribes can never reveal that which is demeed a secret, and this is enforced by a number of geas spells cast by a member of the Wizards Guild. | ** Mostly [[Illumian (Player Race)|Illumian]], these libraries run [[the ArchCrystal Tower]]. The guild was founded in the 300s [[BR]] making it one of the oldest in the city. Duties include the detection of forgeries and transcription of legal procedures across the city and the realm. There is an oath of secrecy that scribes can never reveal that which is demeed a secret, and this is enforced by a number of geas spells cast by a member of the Wizards Guild. | ||
** Also operate teams of seers and soothsayers. | ** Also operate teams of seers and soothsayers. | ||
*'''The Bard's College of Galik''' - founded by '''Maestro Publius Teretinus''', who also had a seat on the Council of Burghers. | |||
** Publius' famous quote: "''I am a human, but in this great city nothing is more alien to me than humans''" | |||
** The college itself is mostly hands off, more of a quality control network of the other various individuals and groups in the city that offer bardic lessons. They certify schools, but don't try to run them. They get the most involved when politics and theatrics intertwine, both for good and bad reasons. | |||
* '''The Beggar's Guild''' | * '''The Beggar's Guild''' | ||
** A mostly secret organization for beggars who use their position to give information and spy for those who can pay. They go on the streets mostly unnoticed but have eyes and ears on lots of things. | ** A mostly secret organization for beggars who use their position to give information and spy for those who can pay. They go on the streets mostly unnoticed but have eyes and ears on lots of things. | ||
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** A number of towers across the city, towers come in three types: apprentice towers, adept towers, and a maximum of 1 mastery tower per district. | ** A number of towers across the city, towers come in three types: apprentice towers, adept towers, and a maximum of 1 mastery tower per district. | ||
** Limited positions, and positions only open up with a member dies or resigns. | ** Limited positions, and positions only open up with a member dies or resigns. | ||
=== Societies === | === Societies === | ||
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** A group that trains itself on the most effective ways to fight dragons in case they ever come back. A lot of conspiracists. | ** A group that trains itself on the most effective ways to fight dragons in case they ever come back. A lot of conspiracists. | ||
=== Secret Societies === | === Secret Societies and Criminal Organizations === | ||
Much like the societies, except these groups don't operate under ANY rules or laws of the city, typically operating illegally in the shadows or out of the oversight of the city's councils...or purposefully outside of city council jurisdiction. | |||
*Cults of [[Vecna]], [[Bane]], [[Tiamat]], [[Orcus]], [[the Raven Queen]], and other evil entities. | *Cults of [[Vecna]], [[Bane]], [[Tiamat]], [[Orcus]], [[the Raven Queen]], and other evil entities. | ||
*'''[[ShadowGuild]]''' - a Thieves' Guild that operates directly under the city in the sewer system. Mostly local scum, participating in smuggling of goods in and out of the city, including human and drug trafficking | *'''[[ShadowGuild]]''' - a Thieves' Guild that operates directly under the city in the sewer system. Mostly local scum, participating in smuggling of goods in and out of the city, including human and drug trafficking. | ||
*[[Red Blades|The Red Blades]] - Assassins Guild | *[[Red Blades|The Red Blades]] - Assassins Guild | ||
*'''Slavers' Guild''' | *'''Slavers' Guild''' | ||
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* '''[[The Galik Gazette]]''' was a publication run by ''Squagly the Story Squire'', a kobold with numerous city connections. The Gazette was a bit of a tabloid, running with rumors and stories that other publications would not run without proper investigation. The Gazette was not widely read, but the small base of readers it did have devoured each and every weekly issue ravenously. | * '''[[The Galik Gazette]]''' was a publication run by ''Squagly the Story Squire'', a kobold with numerous city connections. The Gazette was a bit of a tabloid, running with rumors and stories that other publications would not run without proper investigation. The Gazette was not widely read, but the small base of readers it did have devoured each and every weekly issue ravenously. | ||
=== Performance Venues === | === Performance Venues === | ||
* | * The House of Balthazar Impresario, the first Opera House in the realm | ||
=== Religion === | === Religion === | ||
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*''"House of the Ever Vigilant Guard"'' lead by Elissa Perinor, worships [[Helm]] the god of guards. | *''"House of the Ever Vigilant Guard"'' lead by Elissa Perinor, worships [[Helm]] the god of guards. | ||
*''"The High Sanctum of the Scroll"'', a church originally built for Vecna worship but over time followed [[Ioun]], [[Ye'Cind]], and [[Hat]]. | *''"The High Sanctum of the Scroll"'', a church originally built for Vecna worship but over time followed [[Ioun]], [[Ye'Cind]], and [[Hat]]. | ||
*''" | *''"The Exhalted Temple of [[Pelor]]"'', lead by Bofred the Just | ||
*''"The Shrine of the Uplifted Sword"'', lead by Barahil the Faitful and worshiping of the dragon god [[Bahamut]]. | *''"The Shrine of the Uplifted Sword"'', lead by Barahil the Faitful and worshiping of the dragon god [[Bahamut]]. | ||
* Followers of the old god [[Bane]] were known to have frequented Galik in secret, especially around the era of his son [[Iyachtu]] in the late 400s [[PR]]. | * Followers of the old god [[Bane]] were known to have frequented Galik in secret, especially around the era of his son [[Iyachtu]] in the late 400s [[PR]]. | ||
* Notable absent are places of worship to [[Mielikki]] or [[Obad-Hai]], Quelmar's largest nature deities. Though separated by many dogmas, worshipers of both religious believe thoroughly the heart of the realm's largest city in no place for nature's praise. | * Notable absent are places of worship to [[Mielikki]] or [[Obad-Hai]], Quelmar's largest nature deities. Though separated by many dogmas, worshipers of both religious believe thoroughly the heart of the realm's largest city in no place for nature's praise.[[File:Golik.jpg|thumb|463x463px|left]] | ||
=== Inns, Quarters, Pubs, Bars, Taverns === | === Inns, Quarters, Pubs, Bars, Taverns === | ||
If you're looking for information on Galik Taverns, it's first important to know the ''staple'' Galik drinks. These [[List of Alcoholic Beverages|drinks]] are served nearly anywhere (that can afford to serve them), more info on them can be found on the drinks page: '''Lute Stout, High Note Red Ale, Tenker's Tap, Hospitaler's Mead, Lusty Mermaid Ale, Sell Sword Pale Ale,''' and '''Utter Moron.''' | If you're looking for information on Galik Taverns, it's first important to know the ''staple'' Galik drinks. These [[List of Alcoholic Beverages|drinks]] are served nearly anywhere (that can afford to serve them), more info on them can be found on the drinks page: '''Lute Stout, High Note Red Ale, Tenker's Tap, Hospitaler's Mead, Lusty Mermaid Ale, Sell Sword Pale Ale,''' and '''Utter Moron.''' | ||
* | * The Felled Ogre, run by Durst Hammerhand | ||
* | * The Bloody Board | ||
* | * The Aleman's Guild (it's not a guild at all) | ||
* | * The Hidden Lady (also an underground brothel rink) | ||
* | * The Inn of the Twelve Candles, an inn for rich merchants and pampered adventurers | ||
* | * The Wizard's Familiar, specializes in serving wizards and mages | ||
* | * The Black Viper, known for its discretion and private booths. | ||
* [[The Cloak and Stagger | * [[The Cloak and Stagger]], appropriately shady. | ||
* | * The Pillar and Post, known for being a "child-friendly" bar. | ||
* | *The Edesian, a second location opened modeled after the first Edesian in [[Nestle]]. | ||
=== Other Notable Locations === | === Other Notable Locations === | ||
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*'''The Office of Commerce and Trade''' provides licenses. | *'''The Office of Commerce and Trade''' provides licenses. | ||
*The City's Mint is called''' The Keep''' and is by far the most secured building in the city. | *The City's Mint is called''' The Keep''' and is by far the most secured building in the city. | ||
*Galik Polytechnical Institute - A center of for non-Arcane study made from the merger of four previous smaller Institutes | *Galik Polytechnical Institute - A center of for non-Arcane study made from the merger of four previous smaller Institutes | ||
**The Center for the Study of Amuran Culture | **The Center for the Study of Amuran Culture | ||
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**Pregosian School of Military and Civil Engineering | **Pregosian School of Military and Civil Engineering | ||
== | == Military and Protections == | ||
[[ | '''Sheriff Centers''' dotted in each district contain a handful of brig cells for temporary housing and interrogation. Watchtowers are found all along the city's walls, and are managed and maintained by a group known as '''Bymeran's Walls''', a large contracted group who also hires out wall watchers and towerguards to patrol the city borders. | ||
=== Crisis Imperatives === | |||
When major events in the city or realm impact the day-to-day life of Galik, the Lyreguard (see below) enact an imperative, which changes the laws of the city. | |||
==== '''''Galik Minor Crisis Imperative''''' ==== | |||
''In the event of a minor crisis in this district, the following actions have been taken by the LyreGuard, in cooperation with local forces and volunteer Defenders. Your participation in the following laws, employed during high-risk situations, is appreciated.'' | |||
''1. Light armor may be worn publicly, but no heavier protections may be employed lest you be assessed a risk against the city.'' | |||
''2. Similarly, weapons should be wrapped, and stowed with the exception of (1) sheathed primary item.'' | |||
''3. Spellcasting, as well as use of magical items, is forbidden outside or in public-use spaces, including taverns, brothels, shops, and forums.'' | |||
''Citizens found breaking Minor Crisis restrictions may be held by force until the crisis is resolved.'' | |||
===[[Lyreguard]]=== | |||
The Lyreguard are the elite leaders of the Galik Military | |||
===[[Free Defenders (Galik)|The ''Free Defenders'']]=== | |||
The Free Defenders are made up of volunteers, and typically had a membership of over 4000 defenders at any given time. They are less trained but far more numerous, as the number of benefits that comes with enrolling (including able to carry more weapons and heavier armor) makes them an enticing side-hustle. Many wanna-be adventurers and young adrenaline junkies join the ranks to get their foot in the door of adventure. The Free Defenders all report to a Lord Commander. | |||
There are 300 free defenders at any given time at the city's citadel, and another 400 defenders at the city keep. The rest of the defenders are on patrol around the city, typically going about their own lives, only going into "Defender" mode if they witness a crime. | |||
Free Defenders are also given free housing at barracks located over the cities, and meals in the mornings and evenings at communal meal bunkers. | |||
=== River Watch === | |||
There are 600+ members of the Galik River Watch (GRW) who sail 40+ ships in and around the Galik harbor and naval yard. They keep all eyes out on the water to see any incoming fleets, and to ensure passage of trading and passenger vessels. They all report to the High Admiral. | |||
=== Sheriffs === | |||
Sheriffs are a very specific type of soldier in Galik who has been trained in the city's extensive laws and can formally arrest and charge criminals. Often times a Free Defender will do a "Citzen's Arrest" by keeping a criminal in place until a Sheriff can arrive to evaluate the damages and formally arrest the criminal. Sheriffs have spent years of their lives in courts and law schools, and live in Sheriff Centers found in every district. A number of sheriffs can also be found at important buildings such as the city citadel. Sheriffs have silver badges in the shape of Harps, and ultimately all follow the lead of the High Sheriff (and the UnderSheriff). | |||
Sheriffs also work as Investigators, and sometimes go by the title Investigator or Detective when working ongoing cases in the streets. | |||
=== Constables === | |||
Sometimes called '''Port Authorities,''' Constables in Galik work under the Chief of Constables (who in turn reports to the High Sheriff) and deal mostly with licenses, warrants, and other small time crimes. They tend to be quick to escalate things to Sheriffs. | |||
== Shops and Economy == | |||
Galik has its own local type of currency where Gold Pieces were '''Harps''', Silver was '''Bards''', and Copper was '''Horns'''. While the prices of things in the city were largely consistent, the actual price compared to the global economy was reflected in the exchange rate of GP->Harps. | Galik has its own local type of currency where Gold Pieces were '''Harps''', Silver was '''Bards''', and Copper was '''Horns'''. While the prices of things in the city were largely consistent, the actual price compared to the global economy was reflected in the exchange rate of GP->Harps. | ||
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== Persons of Interest == | == Persons of Interest == | ||
=== '''Artists''' === | === '''Artists''' === | ||
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====[[Core]]==== | ====[[Core]]==== | ||
The Core (pronounced "Core-Ay") family was a famous bloodline of musicians and performers that landed in Galik early in the [[PR]] era. | The Core (pronounced "Core-Ay") family was a famous bloodline of musicians and performers that landed in Galik early in the [[PR]] era | ||
== City Underbelly == | |||
Besides being dense with trade and commerce, Galik is equally populated by illicit operations on all levels of treachery. Underground socities and guilds lurk in every district, and black markets in shadowy corners can ensure that ''ANYTHING'' is available in Galik if you know where to look. | |||
* [[ShadowGuild]] was one of Galik's largest and notorious criminal organizations.<br /> | |||
== History == | == History == | ||
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On the third night, the city guard had pieced together their intel, putting up Wanted" posters for an old looking Dwarf named '''Thriskarn'''. Thriskarn would go on to [[The Empyrosis of the Aegerian Temple|blow up the temples of Istishia and Aegir in the city]], and ultimately set off [[Ancients Alive|a chain of events]] that led to the whole realm freezing over for several months in the Arctic Autumn. | On the third night, the city guard had pieced together their intel, putting up Wanted" posters for an old looking Dwarf named '''Thriskarn'''. Thriskarn would go on to [[The Empyrosis of the Aegerian Temple|blow up the temples of Istishia and Aegir in the city]], and ultimately set off [[Ancients Alive|a chain of events]] that led to the whole realm freezing over for several months in the Arctic Autumn. | ||
=== | === Wicked Wilds Setting === | ||
In 827PR Tolmè Pendergras introduced Isonhound and eventually the greater world of Quelmar to the amazing technology of air ships. | |||
The development of this technology, driven by the need to support the war effort against Tiamat, quickly spread to the other continents at his behest. Cities and organizations undertook the arduous tasks of establishing their own airship construction. Resources, knowledge and manpower were all focused on supply and transport to the war front on Kiston. | |||
The construction processes were streamlined, designs and safety were improved as many more craftsmen rose to the challenge. Eventually as time went on, the need for the war effort was satisfied and maintained. Cities and companies, seeing great opportunity, began to turn their attention to the use of these ships for civilian use. | |||
In Galik in particular, the largest city on the continent of Amusa and all of Quelmar, being able to traverse the city’s length by air was adopted very quickly by the Lyreguard as a compliment to their Griffon riders. Air Skiffs (smaller airships) could carry a full complement of troops as well as prisoners and resources. They would also offer respite for an injured Griffon in an emergency. | |||
Soon after government officials and private ferrying companies formed and adopted air skiffs for moving people and resources quickly around the city. | |||
As the technology and innovation improved, older models were discarded and often sold off. A used ship business developed that made airship ownership available to those that were not very wealthy or government subsidized. | |||
Today, 15 years after their introduction for public use, in 892 PR, airships are a common presence in the skies over Galik. Large freighters come and go between ports all over Quelmar. Air docks were constructed over the water docks and a brisk import/export business on both air and water flows through the city. | |||
Smaller skiffs bearing cargo, people or a combination of both, zip over the rooftops of the city with the Lyreguard patrolling their flight lanes and keeping traffic orderly. The pattern of travel mirrors the roads below. Landing ports throughout the city on both street level and rooftops allow for embarking. | Smaller skiffs bearing cargo, people or a combination of both, zip over the rooftops of the city with the Lyreguard patrolling their flight lanes and keeping traffic orderly. The pattern of travel mirrors the roads below. Landing ports throughout the city on both street level and rooftops allow for embarking. | ||
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Larger ships, with a few notable exceptions, are restricted from travel over the city and are diverted around the perimeter. This rule gave rise to air ship ports being constructed encircling the city at various locations. | Larger ships, with a few notable exceptions, are restricted from travel over the city and are diverted around the perimeter. This rule gave rise to air ship ports being constructed encircling the city at various locations. | ||
The Tempest Brothers Expeditionary Company resides in one of the smaller private shipyards. Two aged ships sit on moorings, older propeller engines off. A worn and rusty but serviceable two story hangar building, that can just fit either of the two ships in its single bay, stands on the street side of the yard. The freshly painted maroon and gold sign bearing the name of the company hanging over the front doorway. | |||
=== [[New Galik]] === | === [[New Galik]] === | ||
Shortly after the [[Cyber Renaissance]], the rebuilding of Galik was underway. This highly modern, reconstructed version of Galik would be deemed ''New Galik'' and build on the remains of what was left of the city. For more information on the city's history after this point, see [[New Galik]]. | Shortly after the [[Cyber Renaissance]], the rebuilding of Galik was underway. This highly modern, reconstructed version of Galik would be deemed ''New Galik'' and build on the remains of what was left of the city. For more information on the city's history after this point, see [[New Galik]]. | ||
== Behind the Screen == | == Behind the Screen == |