Lhavit

From Mizahar Lore

Revision as of 06:03, 16 August 2011

Lhavit

Region	Kalea
Notability	Home of Zintila, crystalline city in the mountains.
Leader	Zintila, Anchorite Hayani
Population	9,000
Races	Human 96.5% Other 3% Ethaefal .5%
Languages	Common
Currency	Kina
Imports	Many goods
Exports	Crystals, Jewelry, Books, Tourism, Maps

Lhavit, sometimes referred to as "The Star of Kalea", is Mizahar’s one true cultural mecca. Lhavit is a hub of knowledge-seekers all collected together in order to share the worlds wealth of knowledge. Lhavitians not only seek new knowledge, but they rediscover lost knowledge, and are constantly striving to further expand on things the world already knows. People of all sorts are drawn to Lhavit because of its purpose, and as such the population is a variable melting pot of all races. Noted for its heavy population of mixed blood and non-cultured humans, Lhavits citizens idealize the Sun (Syna), the Moon (Leth), and the Stars (Zintila who makes her home in Lhavit). This incredibly beautiful city is located on the west coast of the Western Sea. Lhavit has earned its name because the city is entirely built of a unique incredibly strong translucent stone. This material, known as skyglass, gives the city a crystalline appearance and causes it to gleam like no other in Mizahar. Throughout the entire city glittering structures - temples, businesses, homes - stand as a testament to it’s almost unearthly beauty as it rests atop five enormous peaks all linked by crystalline skyglass bridges. At night, the city glows under the influence of Zintila’s stars and Leth's moonlight. During the day it shines under Syna's warmth. Lhavit is so lovely that it is considered a marvel that many denizens of Mizahar long to view at least once in their lifetime.

Lhavit has something of a dual nature. Visitors and residents alike will attest to the fact that the city of Lhavit during the day is indeed not the city of Lhavit during the night. It is as if among the Misty Peaks, two distinct cities dwell touching the stars. This unique facet of Lhavit tends to reflect the Ethaefel founders Vespera and Aysel, as well as Syna and Leth’s influence on the city. While animals are not as acutely affected, plants within Lhavit have decidedly taken on unique properties had have developed dual natures that almost reflect the shifting aspects of the sun, moon and stars themselves. While religious scholars tend to attribute this aspect to the faith of the people within Lhavit influencing the natural world, scholars have determined that the atmosphere and environment on the Misty Peaks, most notably a photo reactive mineral called Calias, gets taken up by the vegetation (which in turn is eaten by the animals) and in doing so, this gives the flora and fauna of Lhavit a particular bioluminescence in the refracted light of Skyglass at night. Thus, the plant and animal life throughout Lhavit glows gently under the stars in the presence of Skyglass. This adds to the celestial mythos that surrounds Lhavitians and their natural world. It also gives Lhavit a somewhat breathtaking appearance during the day because of the incredible views of Kalea. Visitors and residents out and about at night see something completely and utterly astonishing - the glow of all life in Lhavit - that gives Lhavit its reputation for breathtaking beauty.

History

Lhavit had not always been the graceful -skyglass- city of held aloft in the stars. In the times preceding the Valterrian, the people who eventually founded Lhavit were a mixed tribal folk who lived their lives in worship of Syna, Leth and Zintila. They were a shamanistic mixture of spiritual people, settling themselves beside the shore in the far reaches of the West, when the present day rugged mountains did not exist but were instead small, less formidable rolling hills in the lands of Suvan. When war struck, and destruction reigned down on Kalea, the people’s quiet coastal homes were destroyed, their hope dwindling as the mountains grew all around them, cutting them off from the sea. They turned to the gods for guidance through the violent upheaval. Syna and Leth, hearing the pleas of their denizens, sent one each of their children, The Ethaefal, to act as advisers and to guide the peaceful coastal dwellers to safety. These leaders lead the tribesman slightly inland and upwards, promising them shelter. There, high in the peaks, the remains of the coastal tribal folks built something of a shelter for themselves under the guidance of the pair of sunlight and moonlight Ethaefal.

Their shelter proved fortuitous and not only provided a collection of humans safety, but once the body of the fallen Goddess, Zintila, was discovered by the celestrial pair, she too benefited from Leth and Syna's aide and recovered in the budding new city. Had the Lhavitians not discovered Zintila after her fall from Goddesshood saving her mother Semele during the Valterrian, speculation said she would have died, passing from Mizahar forever and causing the stars to go out. In gratitude, Zintila bestowed upon the most devoted of her priests and priestesses who came from that time of recovery the ability to create structures from the components of stars and meteors, and instructed them to build their budding new city strong and beautiful. And so in those early times after the Valterrian, once Zintila recovered, skyglass structures rose and Lhavit became the shining star it is today in modern times.

Caiyha, in an effort to help Zintila (and her favored people) who was perhaps the most devastated during the Valterrian (falling from Goddesshood to Alvina) gifted the people of the stars with the Okomo. These lovely mountain goat-like creatures acted as mounts for the coastal peoples and carried them upwards and downwards; safely navigating the mountainous peaks the Lhavitians call the city of Lhavit.

Once the priests of Zintila, knew the secret of Skyglass, began to build a new city. These priests and priestesses utilized a singular peak, but when the city began to grow and subsequently thrive, they expanded outward first to a second peak and finally covering the top of all five peaks of the mountains the city of Lhavit was built upon. They became the people of the stars, the moon, and the sun. Lhavitians built their homes to reflect such. They retained some aspects of their mixed ancestral, tribal ways, but honored their Lady Zintila (and Syna and Leth) by studying dutifully the ways of stars, coordinates and constellations. And above all they reserve a special place in their culture for Ethaefal and their wisdom, for saving them and leading them upwards to their new home.

In 402 A.V., the first outsiders arrived on the central platform of Lhavit; the Eagle Riders of Wind Reach had discovered the dual city perhaps by chance, but once word of the city exploded amongst travelers, it was not long before there was a steady trickle of curious and brave individuals. Inns were built for the weary, and doors were open to all. Trade became something Lhavit was fond of, for many of its denizens have yet to step foot outside the sanctity of the grand haven generation after generation. Knowledge was bartered and traded, and tourism of the entire skyglass city became a major source of income. Once word of Lhavit’s discovery spread, even more visitors came to see the city and more importantly stayed.

In 500 A.V., the dual founders of Lhavit wandered from the city on appointed tasks from both Leth and Syna. When they returned in the Summer of 511 A.V. they found a city divided by rigid classes and filled with class divide. The leadership the found in place in their stead, the Anchorite Hayani, the Voice of the Stars, seemed to have let this happen all on her own. They quietly stepped back in place, dissolved the powers of the towers which has significantly risen during the eleven years they were gone, and ousted many key figures in the city that seemed to be causing the class divides. The Shinya were also reworked, some dismissed, others advanced and broken into two factions, one for day and one for night - like they'd originally been designed. With the checks and balance system restored in Lhavit, things began to run a great deal smoother. The lower class workers disolved into one singular citizen class, and Lhavit got back on track for what it had been designed.

Today, Lhavit still has a far higher immigration rate than emigration rate. Its population grows yearly, though not everyone is granted residency since space is limited. Scholars, knowledge-seekers and young people are given preference as are sages and teachers as well as scientists and healers. As a result, Lhavit has a diverse population with no set ‘race’ per say.

Infrastructure

Courtyards such as these are common throughout Lhavit.

Lhavit is a city built on expansive mountain peaks, so it is safe to assume that because of a lack of width, the denizens build up, creating tiers on each peak traversable by well carved stairs. Upon entering the city, one could notice there are many many towers riddling the surrounding vicinity, but these are not ordinary towers. They glow with their own light, shift in hues and melt with the colors of sky during peak hours of a day, dawn, dusk, twilight and eventually night. The city itself is divided into five peaks, with a myriad of smaller ones used as a pit stop for bridges to connect to each respective larger peak. They are named as follows:

A. The Zintia is the center peak that resembles more of a bluff than a peak. It is the widest, and houses the Surya Plaza as well as Zintila's abode. This is the center meeting area for most citizens and visitors, as it is spacious and accommodates to all with their shops and inns. Upon entering Lhavit via the winding path, this is where a visitor ends up first.

B. The Shinyama is the peak directly to the west of the Zintia. It houses the Shinyama Pavillion, home and training center of the Shinya. This peak is also home to the Temple of the Moon and the Dusk Tower. The people here wear any shade of blue, purple or black to reflect the moon and the sky.

C. The Sartu is the northern most peak and the tallest of the five. It is home to Iraltu's Observatory and the Twilight Tower. The Temple of Time is also located here, nestled on the second tier of the peak. A mixture of both yellows orange and shades of blue are common for the people living here. They get the best of both worlds.

D. The Tenten is the eastern most peak and home of the Temple of the Sun, the Dawn Tower and the Bharani Library. This peak's residents usually wear vibrant colors of orange, yellow and white to reflect the coming of first lights on their estates.

E. The Sharai is the southern most peak and home of the Twuele, the neverending tower. This area is also the most encased in greenery, and where most of the Okomos are kept. There is a spacious pasture man-made for these animals as well as for livestock, and a large garden both above and below to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Architecture

Most buildings in the city are topped with glass or skyglass domes, others with curved rooftops made of hardened cypress-bark. Floors are made of planks and accentuated with reed mats and many of the interior architecture of homes and structures are comprised of wood. No building is the same. There are always carved designs on the surfaces that depict animals or prominent people, or fluid artwork that coincides with the concept of the stars.

Many wooden or stone sculptures of various animals that thrive in Kalea are scattered throughout the layout. Smaller ones near doorways, while larger ones guard the entrances to more important abodes. Most of these animals may be mountain lions, okomos or eagles. Any and all have established some meaning to the people of Lhavit, and therefore are used according to what they stand for.

Climate and Geography

The Misty Peaks.

Being settled on high peaks, Lhavit is susceptible to bouts of moderately short, hot summers, and supposedly cold winters. However, due to the influence of the Goddess because her skyglass stays naturally warm and warms the air around where the substance is found, their winters are mild, with blankets of white snow that settle over the streets and melt at the beginning of spring. This seems to affect the plant life thriving on the peaks and in the cities very little, for there is an abundance of greenery on them due to special care. The sturdy nature of their unique buildings makes the worry of storms nearly nullified.

Around the city are many many more peaks, some used as watch points and others a shield against the occasionally harsh winds from the sea that lay not far off. A river crosses at the foot of the center peak of Lhavit, fed from a waterfall straight to the west. Mist is abundant here, giving the illusion that the city sits on a cloud.

Culture and People

Lhavit’s denizens total 9,000 in all (not including foreigners), composed of artists, scholars, wizards, and general knowledge seekers. They do not fear the unknown here, for they are exposed to it on a daily basis, the magnificent transcendence of the skies reflects in the buildings they have created. They are a generous people, willing to part with their information in exchange for other, interesting things from across the world. They are polite and respectable, but also enjoy having their times of fun as much as the next. To foreigners, they are hospitable, even amidst the harsh peaks of their environment, but they are not without dealing judgment upon those who threaten the sanctity of their city.

Ranking

• Star Lady - The most powerful figure in Lhavit is the Alvina, Zintila. She is deemed the Star Lady, and holds greater power here than any individual. Zintila is not a ruler however. She is more of a famous resident that often gets involved when the city needs help.

• The Sun Lady - Ruler of Lhavit during the day, Talora was one of the original two Ethaefal founders who lead the peoples upwards during and after the Valterrian to the safety of Lhavit and then in turn helped found the city. She rules when Syna shines in the sky.

• The Moon Lord - Ruler of Lhavit during the night, Aysel was one of the original two Ethaefal founders who lead the peoples upwards during and after the Valterrian to the safety of Lhavit and then in turn helped found the city. He rules when Leth shines in the sky.

• Anchorite - The Anchorite Hayani, the Voice of the Stars. In charge of the Seiza, she has no more power than that due to an abuse of it in the absence of the Sun and Moon.

• Seiza - The Seiza Priesthood is led by the Anchorite, and are known by Lhavitians to be the "foundation" and "sustainers" of the city, as such, they are the most notable and prominent members of society.

• Shinsa - Atanu Tankima, leader of the Shinya, is the next highest authority in Lhavit.

• Shinya - Where the Seiza are the "sustainers", the Shinya are the "defenders"; exceptional projectionists and martial artists, they are respected and honored for their sacrifice and incredible determination to provide protection against those who would hurt them.

• Autava - These are the people of Lhavit - scholars, wizards, artisans, citizens, and workers alike. They all hold equal status.

Social Structure

Gardens and greenery are abundant throughout the tiers.

Lhavit’s social structure is based on a persons profession and skill. Those that rule Lhavit or in turn lead its priests and protectors enjoy a higher rank than the majority of the citizens. However, once someone is in an Autava class, everyone is treated equally - with respect and kindness. Anything else is not tolerated in Lhavit. The Shinya enforce this strictly and trouble makers are issued uninvites from the city and escorted out the gates - which in certain situations can spell death. Lhavitians are driven by a sense of honor they must uphold among their friends and their family. Failure to achieve something in life is looked down upon by a society as a whole. A child who struggles in their studies will be given a sword or a few lessons on magic. If they don't thrive they will be given a turn at taking care of the gardens or Okomo, moved around vigorously until they stumble (by design or accident) on something that suits them for a career.

However, more often than not, if a child’s parents were chefs then they, too, become chefs. Taking over a family business is looked upon with approval, but any individual Lhavitian has an opportunity to seek out teachers in other specialties to change their path in life. Knowledge seeking is encouraged and so too is studying. Regardless of profession, everyone in Lhavit works. There are no social services and charity networks. If folks want a place to live and food, they need to contribute to society in a manner to provide those things.

As a side note, bowing is a sign of respect and a usual way of greeting someone else. The deeper the bow, the more respect is given to an individual.

Psychology

Lhavitians cater to a more disciplined approach to life. They tend to pursue perfection, male or female, in whatever craft they have decided to excel in. They are not all a boisterous people, instead, they are soft-spoken and incredibly polite to strangers and foreigners. Most consider honor to be a vital part of their existence, and having one’s reputation soiled can leave devastating effects on the individual. The literacy rate is also high, due to the society’s emphasis on learning and seeking the unknown.

Biologically, a Lhavitian functions better at night. They are, for the most part, nocturnal people, who are most active when most of the rest of the world is asleep. Their bedtime is most Mizaharian's early rising. As a result, Lhavit's peak hours usually begin at dusk, as the city tinges with bustle and life.

There is a deep sense of loyalty and inherit love for the Alvina who has come to be their matriarch. Even Lhavitians born outside of Lhavit have been known to feel this pull toward the Goddess in some form or another. In the end, most Lhavitians rarely leave Lhavit for long, they always return, for good or bad.

Government & Circle of Towers

Lhavit is a fairly democratic city in terms of governing. First and foremost, Zintila is considered the highest authority, though she does not rule Lhavit nor consider herself a queen like Morwen does in Avanthal. Aysel, a male Ethaefal of Leth, rules Lhavit by night while Talora, a female Ethaefal of Syna rules during the day. They rule only when in their Ethaefal forms are present and are the original founding advisors of Lhavit. When they are in their original forms, the two leaders are considered citizens like the rest of the city.

Along with the Ethaefal's that rule the city, Lhavit has the Circle of Towers. This Circle of Towers is comprised of a representative of the Dawn House, the Dusk House and the Twilight House, as well as the Shinsa and Shinya. They oversee the various topics of the city, and usually come to a decision based on a vote, with majority ruling. This rule then advises the Pole Stars on what the city needs and overseas the day to day workings of the city and its justice system.

Religion

Lhavitians, as should be apparent, worship and respect Zintila, their patron deity and sacred Lady. However, many choose to worship other gods in conjunction to the Star Lady, and build small shrines in their homes for these respective deities. Many of them include, Syna, Leth, Semele, Eyris, Tanroa and even Akajia. Worship of shadier gods is not unheard of. Faith is studied openly and the Gods are welcome fodder for any and all conversations.

Cuisine

The Yatani is harvested and sold throughout the region.

Lhavitians eat light quantities of meat, fruit and vegetables. They grow their foods primarily in the Turov Gardens, east of the Okomo Villa and north of the man-made pasture for the livestock they breed and domesticate for the sole purpose of food. In the northeast and northwest points of the Zintia peak are two large pulleys used to haul up meat and rice hunters and farmers bring home from a day in the wilds with the help of their Okomo mounts. This is not to be mistaken for the entrance to the city, for the only entrance is the Amaranthine Gate, and these "elevators" are manned by a team of men only during certain hours of the day.

Types of meat Lhavitians breed include but are not limited to, sheep, smaller goats and slow lumbering beasts found in the wilds. Vegetables and fruits include a wide variety, with the most famous being the Yatani, or the Star Fruit, found only around the city of Lhavit. Rice is a staple food here and is grown on the ground level of the Misty Peaks, where agriculture has allowed the people to create an ample water source from the Amaranthine River to supply the rice fields with water.

Lhavitians typically have two main meals a day, with a light snack in between each meal sometimes referred to as "brunch". Most of their food tends to be spicy, as they greatly enjoy the flavor, much to the annoyance of some foreigners.

Art and Industry

Lhavit is indeed a society of many arts. A society which prides itself on the appeal of tourism, it also exports many objects to the wider world. There is a great deal of painting and calligraphy that occurs in Lhavit, and the most masterful of this art is heavily prized throughout the wealthier homes of Lhavit. Beautiful silks are also made in Lhavit, reflecting the blues, yellows, oranges and whites that characterize the peaks of Lhavit. Again these are very highly prized. The books that come from Lhavit are famed, the Bharani Library holding one of the most complete collections on Mizahar. Lhavit is a knowledgeable, and beautiful, society.

Of course, with Zintila being their patron goddess, her gnosis is a primary area of art and industry. It allows the manipulation of a certain type of crystal, called "skyglass" which is indeed the foundation of the city itself. The majorities of buildings are made from this material, and are built up daily by Zintila's priesthood, the Seiza. The Seiza also use their gnosis to create unique armor and weaponry, which is envied by many establishments outside of the safe Star City.

Everyday Life

Two priests paying homage to Zintila.

Life in Lhavit is calm and peaceful. There is no harrying need to survive, no necessity to gather food endlessly, no driving need to protect themselves from predators. The primary threat to Lhavitian society, however, is the proximity of Kalinor and the Harvest that the Symenestra carry out. Potential surrogates are often captured from Lhavit. Despite this, Lhavit is a very established and sophisticated society so very little grunt work is performed here. Food is provided easily from the Tenten Peak, where the gardens, crops and Okomos live, and the Shinya who patrol the Misty Peaks defend the Lhavitians from any dangers they might experience.

The priests and priestesses of the city have a job that very much is the focus of their life, for example the Taian and their sustenance of the sacred fire. The Shinya also have a life in which their work monopolizes their being. However, the rest of Lhavit has a fairly laid back existence. Their work starts mid morning and continues on until early evening, depending on the work. The workers of the Okomo fields tend to stay with their flock at all times, out of sheer love for the animal. Once returning home, the family will eat a simple dinner together, where the entire family comes together. Most nights, the family will go out into the Surya Plaza where they will enjoy the bustling night life of Lhavit, socializing and wandering amongst the stars.

Family Life

Lhavitian life has an emphasis on a solid, respectable family, though the innermost workings of a family is not a priority nor do they follow any Lhavitian standards. If a family works best in one way, then that is good for them. Aspects of almost all world cultures can be found in Lhavit. There are no rigid structures and norms for family organization in Lhavit. Sometimes males head the household, othertimes females do so. These household heads are considered Matriarchs or Patriarchs and tend to decide for the whole of the family even though there is no standard way of doing things.

Marriage is a somewhat lax business in Lhavitian society due to the nature of their need to achieve a goal before settling down. There is no societal pressure amongst families for a girl to get married at any age, nor is there pressure for a husband to marry for connections. Love is certainly a motivating factor for marriage, and much can be achieved in a life time without being married - female or male. The female may be pressured into a domestic role, though often females mother and study in conjunction with their life goals. Men and women both share in the role of raising raising and educating children.

Language

The Lhavitians speak common, though a multitude of languages can be heard in and around Lhavit.

Names

Lhavitian names are usually rather short, syllable-wise. Most female names end in “I” or “A”, where male names end in “O”, “E” or “U”. Favored letters incorporated into names tend to be, “Ch”, “V”, “Z”, “Y”, “Sh”, “R” and “Tsu“.

Lhavitians who are only acquaintances tend to call each other by surnames only, whereas close friends are allowed to use the Lhavitian’s given name.

Holidays

Lhavitians are religious in body and mind but in their hearts they enjoy festivities as much as any Mizaharian. Because of their famed, enormous calendar, it is no mystery that they would celebrate the coming of the Winter and Summer Solstices. They know when eclipses arrive, and celebrate the time when Leth and Syna unite, as well as when an ancient comet crosses the skies overhead. Celebrations for them entail wearing elaborate masks that reflect a part of the starry sky overhead and flowing white dresses. Artificial light, such as fires are rarely, if ever used during festivities, for Lhavitians enjoy mimicking the sea of stars during such special events with their white or bright yellow garbs amidst an inky black backdrop.

Summer

Lhavit in the summer.

Midsummer Festival - Known to the Lhavitians as the hottest day of the year, the people honor the generosity of the Sun Goddess with a magnificent display of fires and fire play in the ever suitable Surya Plaza. The Taiyang, keepers of the sacred fire, relieve themselves of their duty for one day to put on a magnificent dance and acrobatics for the people, honoring Syna and Zintila with rhythm and movement. Women create pendants and necklaces made of herbs and painted rocks for their children to ward away evil spirits, and at the same time, men and women alike who have no one to call their own trade slips of red paper to discuss the prompt that lays on the back with another.

Okomo Day - Okomo day was established to honor the magnificent mounts and companions of the Lhavitians. Citizens from all over the city bring offerings of food to the animals; both who live up on the city, and those who live in the wilds. Lhavitian Okomos often also have their crystal horns painted on this day by volunteers, in patterns and symbols that symbolize strength, compassion and trust. This day is also generally devoted to the making of gilded saddles for the animals, and armor to protect them whilst in the wilds with their riders.

Fall

Lhavit in the fall.

The Moon Festival - Often associated with the rising of the harvest moon, the Moon Festival is celebrated under the guidance of Leth with families and friends enjoying cakes and sweets under the transient light of the moon god. Most Lhavitians will also often light lanterns along the city and plant small peony bushes in their garden to signify the coming harvest of crops. Sweet smelling candles are also lit in honor of various gods.

Winter

Lhavit in the winter.

Midwinter Festival - The Midwinter Festival of Lhavit is an important one in the city, as the people symbolize it as a balance and union in the cosmos. It’s specifically held on the day with the longest night, and is celebrated as the beginning of the positive, energized days to come. Most if not all families unite on this festival and prepare large tables laden with delicious meals all around Zintia Peak, including special dishes that symbolize renewal.

Spring

Lhavit in the spring.

The Star Festival - Known as the day the Star Lady bestowed upon the Lhavitians the power to create their magnificent city, the Star Festival is by far the most prominent festival in the city. There is no work this day for any of the denizens, and families and friends gather alike in the Surya plaza during the night, where Zintila, as she always does during festivities, emerges and graces the people with her radiance. Everyone dresses in shades of white, with magnificent crystal masks that reflect the ambience of the stars, which, on this night, shine the brightest of any other. Lhavitians make wishes on slips of paper and tie them to small lanterns powered by flames, and release them into the air. The spectacle, to foreigners, is absolutely incredible.

Factions

The Shinya

The Shinya are the protectors and guardians of Lhavit. They are master projectionists, and utilize their martial arts to aid their projection in creative ways. They are devoted to the safety of Zintila, Lhavit and her citizens and are known to be quite brutal when they are provoked. They patrol the city, or they're stationed at towers or balconies to overlook the five peaks. The Shinya are respected and chosen for their devotion to Zintila, the Anchorite and their people, and many if not all of them are kind to strangers, but always guarded. The Shinyama Pavilion is where they train and accept those willing to serve Lhavit in the name of Zintila.

The Taian

The Taian are the caretakers of Syna's Temple. They are chosen at young ages to serve the temple and the sacred fire that burns there day and night, and have devoted their entire lives to the sustenance of the flames. They respect Syna and Leth together, and follow Zintila dutifully as any Lhavitian, however, they are considered ladies of the sacred burden, for if the fire should die out, dire consequences would befall the priestesses who allowed it to be so.

The Chandra

The Chandra are priestesses of Leth's Temple, sisters of the Taian who oversee the lunar pool that resides there. They too devote themselves to lives of prayer to their respective deities, Zintila, Leth, and Syna, and often, along with their sister priestesses put on spectacular acrobatic performances during celebrations.

Locations of Interest

Koten Temple

Shinyama Pavilion

Okomo Villa