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boardflip2016-06-03 09:27 am
boardmaster) wrote in boardflip2016-06-03 09:27 am
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LOCATION ♜ LASKER
In the heart of a ringing, swinging heavy bell, we take shelter.
Feel free to use this post for plotting. You may also direct questions related to this location at the thread below!
| LOCATION ♟ Lasker | ||
 A city that has existed since Noir’s reign. The buildings here conform to the basic Noir style, but its inhabitants have been busily developing and changing the skyline to fit with the new Blanc clockwork aesthetic: one such innovation is the efficient network of rail tracks stretching across the city and beyond it. The city is most famous for its obsession with Double Duo, and seaside attractions such as the local theme park, Dunyaland. The steps by the sea have holes built into them, and whistle notes when the wind and waves pass through. A line of cafes face the sea, welcoming people to relax and take a breather from the salty coastal air. As there is significant representation of cultures from all over the world here, the people here are more liberal and open-minded. There is a sizeable refugee community of Noirs, L’Adderans and people from Gris near the border of the city, living in temporary housing while they wait to be relocated. Thanks to their diverse community, the inhabitants of Lasker worship Chrysanth above all other deities. When children come of age, they don traveling cloaks woven from unusual Gris fibers and sing or play a song to Chrysanth at the sea steps. Legend has it that the better the duet you make with the sea, the better you will do in life. It is also during this month that many of Lasker’s inhabitants travel to the shrine some ways outside of the city, where whole communities have been known to weave giant chrysanthemum wreaths together as offerings. |
Rrisunok ♖
Lasker is not bright nor warm, but a monochromatic world. The houses in the suburban district of Rrisunok are painted an alternating black and white, creating a bird’s eye view reminiscent of the city’s patchwork culture. The black buildings favor Noir influence, a mere remnant of the past: tall windows, arching doorways, high ceilings and small towers with murals depicting scenes of historic importance.
In contrast, the newer white buildings feature Blanc’s famous clockworks and mechanical gimmicks. These houses are irregularly stacked buildings with rotating floors that move depending on the hour.
Here you will find Maksim’s, Lasker’s favorite restaurant. Its grand, Noir-style doorway has lured many customers, but the pungently perfumed smoked fish keeps them there. Another restaurant, Mustafa’s, has a variety of Blanc-Mahbusan fusion dishes, with L’Adderan spices and items having also found their way onto the menu. Despite this, Lasker’s pirozhki (small pies) and medovik (honey cakes) are still in high demand.
There are many churches dedicated to Chrysanth, god of friendship and hope, all over the city. Citizens also have small shrines for him in their homes. The largest church, and Lasker’s tallest and oldest building, is St. Alisa’s Cathedral. Every morning at 8, the large bell in the tallest tower rings out in Chrysanth’s honor, to instill hope in everyone, rich and poor, young and old. Or at least, that’s what they would have you believe. In reality, both upper and lower Rrisunok are much more likely to snub you for not being one of their own, and then turn on each other.
Sokrovich ♖
If Rrisunok district is the heart of Lasker, then the Sokrovich district is the face, drawing you to the city’s melting pot of cultures. It’s diversity is reflected in the hotels, which come in all shapes and sizes, each with its own exotic charm. From Noir domed ceilings to intricate Mahbusan murals, each establishment is vying to recreate the most unusual and far-flung corners of Enprise.
Much like any other city, Lasker also has its secrets beneath the fancy facades. See darker alleyways of Sokrovich, with hidden entrances leading to establishments that allow their guests to book a room for only a few hours at a time. The smoky lobbies illuminated in warm, dim lights make it impossible to see the receptionist as she slides keys towards customers with her long, red nails. The facilities can range from the barebones to the heavily steampunk to the downright magical: nobody’s asking, and nobody’s telling.
Now head to the oceanside and you’ll see cobblestone streets lined with food vendors that cater to every taste. If you would rather sit down and eat, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in this multicultural food strip. Lasker might be checkered black and white, but on this side of town, dishes of eccentric food paint it with color. But not all of it tastes as good as it sounds. Some of it might not even be what it’s advertised to be: they say the so-called Mahbusan lamb wraps may not be meat at all...
Before you leave, you can stop by Lasker’s popular boutique and gift shop Laced & Loaded, which carries unique gothic lolita and aristocrat fashion that complements the city’s Noir architecture. You’ll find accessories and apparel with no shortage of frills, lace, buckles and bows. Although most popular among girls, in Lasker, the otherwise niche style is loved by all.
Vospomina ♖
Forget all your troubles at Lasker’s entertainment district! It houses the world-famous Double Duo Arena, one of the few large-scale establishments dedicated to the popular card game, Double Duo. Marked by a huge glowing sign featuring two crossed cards, the neon-bedecked building is impossible to miss. You can learn to play the game, purchase cards, watch Double Duo tournaments and battle against other players. The small, weekly tournaments hand out prizes large enough to pay for a month’s worth of rent at The Shield! Things can get pretty competitive, and duelists are always trying to find new challengers to increase their skill!
Within the arena, you can find Heroes the Gathering, a popular hobby shop. There isn’t any other shop quite like it: with its vast collection of Hero-related goods on display, from holographic sticker sets to limited edition figurines of your favorite Queen, it could almost rival some of Caissa’s latest shopping haunts for the completeness of its selection. Look at your literal mugshot on a cutely-shaped mug! See one of your latest party members inexplicably wearing a maid costume on that fan! Just don’t let your crush catch you buying their body pillow. From what the staff and regular customers will tell you, it looks like Hero cards will be super rare—with the price range to match.
Want to have a nice, relaxing day off, or a date with someone special? Dunyaland has plenty to offer. The theme park was built by a truly ambitious business mogul who wanted to rival Menchik’s. Everyone receives a pair of matagot ears at the entrance. Show your friends who is the superior driver with Kelpie bumper cars! History and horror work together to recreate the fall of Noir in a scary ride that ends with a boom of thunder, a crack of lightning, and a surprisingly accurate wax rendition of Princess Katya of Noir! Reach new heights with one of Blanc’s most thrilling roller coasters, The Waves of Leviathan!
The main attraction is the old, reliable Lasker Flyer, a giant ferris wheel that spins inwards from the sea. See stunning views and listen to the calming sound of waves. Though, one car is also known to have mechanical issues: it is said to be haunted by a girl’s voice singing in tune to the sound of waves.
Conveniently, Ostrov Station is located near the theme park. Built some 200 years ago, the airport and train station have served as Lasker’s portal to the rest of the world. The plaza in front of the station is always lively with passengers and scores of peddlers selling their wares.
The Shield ♖
What makes The Shield so different from any other place in Lasker? Firstly, its name obviously isn’t Chernovian. Secondly, this section operates under its own internal government separate from the rest of the city. The governing system is inspired by the tenets of the god Chrysanth, and The Shield earns its name from what it represents to its refugee population. Noir’s cruelty is infamous and stretches far and wide—even into the lawless lands of Gris. Those from the north have found their sanctuary in The Shield’s multi-level safehouses for a monthly pittance.
These safehouses aren’t permanent residences. Once their income is stable, refugees are relocated to the city. If they’re not asking you to play card games with them, then they’re probably crying and bidding a fond farewell to their neighbors with all their worldly possessions packed in a suitcase. It may seem like a dramatic farewell to outsiders, but the community is tight-knit, supporting each other through hard times. Residents of The Shield keep their haven safe with their own hands, policing troublemakers and keeping the peace until their newer brothers and sisters can find their feet.
Players of Double Duo are twice as likely to challenge you at the Farmer’s Market. The prices may be cheaper than any of the markets at the heart of Lasker, but they will want to play the card game before selling you anything, and they refuse to take “no” for an answer.
People of The Shield can be found working hard at their odd jobs, but a small portion make their living at a popular tavern at the center of the district: Maladh. The cozy atmosphere draws citizens from all over Lasker, and its friendly staff, customers, and signature fruit brandy made from Mahbusan apples or pears take care of the rest. The tavern interior is just like Lasker: mismatching chairs and couches gathered around an indoor firepit seat people from Noir, L’Adder, Mahbusa and Ma Jiang. The people here are more than willing to tell stories of their hometown and their journeys. You better order your own drink—it could take a while.
QUESTIONS
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if a hero were to join the lasker residents in the shield's tavern, what sorts of general info would the refugees be up to sharing with them? specifically about the climate of their hometown, reasons for leaving, how they traveled and what happened, etc. ideally looking at noir but anything/anyone would be amazing!
thank you in advance, as always!
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The war effort takes up most of Noir's time and resources, so most refugees are here to escape conscription, high taxes and dreadful living conditions. Many will speak of braving Noir's snowy mountains and blizzards on their southward trek, while others will tell you of their tumultous journey across the sea filled with leviathans, pirates and raging storms. Some have stories about their close encounters with Noir authorities and Gris monsters they've never heard of before, and they have scars to prove it.
Refugees from Gris are here to escape its lawlessness and abnormal magical phenomena. Although they're used to the violent culture of the land, things have gotten more chaotic since Narcissa.
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