Black Rock

From Mizahar Lore

Black Rock

Region	Falyndar
Notability	Capital of the Dead
Leader	Dira
Population	????
Races	Ghosts 75% Others 25%
Languages	All
Currency	Ashl
Imports	Some foodstuffs
Exports	Finished goods

Black Rock is the city of Dira, Goddess of Death. A watery city of canals, it is filled with the living and the dead alike. Ghosts and living races live side-by-side in harmony in the City of the Dead Queen.

Contents 1 The City 2 Weather 3 History 4 Politics 5 Economy 5.1 Currency 5.2 Industry 6 Culture 6.1 Architecture 6.2 Cuisine 6.3 Holidays 7 Military 8 Locations of Interest 9 Society 10 People of Black Rock

The City

Some tales say that the island off of the coast of Falyndar is an uninhabited rock, and stories of its inhabitants are simply that - stories. Some say that the island is a mirage brought on by scurvy and time at sea.

Black Rock does exist, and is as mystical, magical, and mysterious as the legends say. Its surfaces are crossed with canals and passages of water. Land is made accessible through bridges and through the Gondoliers. Black Rock is unique in that it is fluid... it is a reminder everything changes. Every hour, these changes begin. They do not take long, but can leave the face of the island completely different. The canal paths shift, thus changing the order of the buildings and bridges, and sending the inhabitants for more secure ground. If one gets trapped, an Omen is alerted, and will usually rescue helpless denizens.

It's not unusual, either, to see ghostly versions of animals roaming on Black Rock, as well as the real thing.

Weather

Black Rock experiences muted variations of weather patterns. Where rain might pound the rest of Falyndar in the summer, Black Rock simply has rain. Where the main region is tropically hot, Black Rock is merely comfortably warm.

History

No one knows when Black Rock was established by Dira. Standing on the borders of Suvan and Alahea, it was the home of a Watchtower and was a relatively small settlement. There was no flora or fauna there. Everything was black or white, from the ground on which the residents walked on to the marble structures that resembled tombs. It was simply there, and had been there for as long as any memory could recall.

The Valterrian divorced the settlement, if one could even call it that, from mainland, turning it into an island. Its reputation grew by whispers from the shadows, calling it a home of ghosts and the living that lived with them. None touched it with thoughts of war. Even the savage Myrians refused to touch it - Dira was one of their major goddesses; therefore it was not theirs for conquest. Those who have gone there and thought of taking advantage of it were never heard of again by the outside world. Some say they still dwell there... as Ashl coins.

Politics

For the most part, Black Rock is a peaceful haven. Dira, and by extension her Omens, make sure it stays that way. It is about balance and movement. The ghosts that reside in Black Rock, for the most part, understand that they are not to harm the living or ruin the peace.

Ultimate power in Black Rock indisputably belongs to Dira.

Economy

Black Rock's economy is mostly self-sustained, although occasionally it does trade with Charodae and Myrian merchants. It should be noted that these trades are not considered vital to the survival of the economy, but are brought in for a bit of variety. It is neither lush nor meager, but stable. Most of Black Rock's living citizens live with at least some level of affluence, and the dead ones... well. That doesn't matter too much, now, does it?

Currency

The currency used on Black Rock, and only on Black Rock, is the Ashl. An Ashl is a black coin made of a strange, smooth material that is always cool to the touch, no matter if it had been sitting by a fire, in the sun, or in a pocket. Ashl are about 1.5" in diameter, and have no markings on them whatever. An Ashl cannot be scratched, or otherwise damaged or broken. For some strange reason, an Ashl cannot be taken off of the island. Those that have tried have found the coins to not be in the pocket they were left in, but upon return, they mysteriously are with their rightful owner again.

No one truly knows exactly what an Ashl is made of, though rumours say that the Ashl coins are actually pieces of troublemakers or the irredeemably malevolent, and that is why the Ashl cannot be broken nor taken off of the island.

Industry

Industry on Black Rock is somewhat limited. There are carpenters, small shipwrights, blacksmiths, and the like, as well as potters and a large number of fishermen. Very little grows on Black Rock, and what does usually goes to sustaining the living citizens. Some artisans do live on Black Rock, and import materials for their work, that is up to the individual.

Culture

Unsurprisingly, most of Black Rock's living inhabitants are Dira's cultists and those who choose to live there. Some stay to study the dead, to interact with them, and they are tolerated - so long as they do not harass the ghostly citizens. The people who live there see Dira as less of a rampant psychopath who rejoices in wanton killing, and more of a balance-keeper. She does not rejoice in the senseless deaths, seeing them instead as a waste of Kihala's efforts.

Regardless, Black Rock is ultimately fixated on death - causes, effects, impacts, philosophy, the afterlife. Suicide, or self-sacrifice, is not unusual on Black Rock. For those off of the island, death is a tragedy. But here, death is something to be celebrated. Death is not the end, but a new experience and adventure. Most, if not all, of the inhabitants have morbid streaks, and are reverent of those that have died.

The living and the dead live side-by-side in Black Rock, sometimes with several generations of ancestors still living together. There are the ghosts that, for whatever reason, do not let go and decide to stick around - perhaps they are scared of letting go, of facing Lhex and the unknowns to come, and choose to stay on Black Rock because of its accepting atmosphere to the dead.

Architecture

Black Rock's architecture is quite simple, involving plenty of black and white. The 'civilized' area of the island, which is approximately three-quarters of the land, is quite stark - the roads and bridges have tiles of black and white, some of which are designed in intricate, confusing patterns around special areas, and others are simply checkered surfaces. The buildings seem to be made of white marble, and resemble tombs and crypts. The only exception are the three towers that rise above the landscape. These towers are the Watchtower, the Lighthouse, and the skyscraper that is called Dira's Spire. It is said that Tanroa also resides in the Spire.

Cuisine

Black Rock's fare is of less-varied supply than one might find otherwise. Fish is quite common, as are the maza flatbreads of the Myrians. Vegetables are grown on land (usually in boxes, quite rarely, as little actually grows in Black Rock), or are purchased from the Charodae or Myrians. Chicken is less common, but it is not a rarity.

Great care is put into presentation and the mixture of tastes. Many chefs believe that the presentation and plating of the food enhances its appeal and therefore the taste of the dish. They also believe that the differing flavours should be in balance and complement each other. This way, the islanders make some interesting and appetizing dishes out of something as simple as fish and vegetables.

Holidays

There are a number of holidays throughout the year to celebrate death and to honor the fortunate dead. "Deathdays" are as celebrated as birthdays in Black Rock.

The Day of the Dead is as seasonal festival that celebrates the dead and dying, as well as welcoming the newly dead to the ranks. It occurs each season, usually in the beginning.

The anniversary of the Valterrian is marked on the last day of winter.

Military

Black Rock has no organized military, nor does it have a need of one. Many of Dira's champions, alive and dead, reside in Black Rock, and should the need arise, would defend the city-island.

Besides... who in their right mind would attack Dira's Citadel?

Nonetheless, there are different units, if you would call them that, that work within the city and could be considered its military.

• The Omens: The Omens are the city guardians of Black Rock. Wearing the masks of jackals, the Omens communicate through gestures only, they make no sound, nor give any impression of whether they are alive or dead, or male or female. After all, death is no respecter of persons - their faces and identities are known to Dira, but to no one else. They carry long staffs, with one end hooked like a shepherd's crook.

• The Gondoliers: The Gondoliers work the many gondolas found in Black Rock, navigating the canals with silent efficiency.

Locations of Interest

• Dira's Spire: Located in the center of Black Rock, this is the tallest tower on the island, and it is where Dira takes up residence. It is made of black and white rock, some smooth, some rough, in a dizzying pattern that makes the tower seem even taller. Near the middle of the monolith is a large clock that signals the time and warns of the canal changes. The face of the clock is visible at all times, from any side of the tower.

• The Watchtower: The second and last functioning Watchtower in Falyndar. It is unchanged since the Valterrian, made of black stones with veins of white throughout. It acts as a lighthouse, a timepiece, and a beacon... to the living and the dead.

Society

The society of Black Rock is one that is extremely comfortable with issues of mortality, death, and the departed. It is somewhat religious, although Dira, Kihala, and Tanroa are sometimes considered above followers. Myri is generally respected as a close ally of Dira.

For the most part, the living citizens are not a bunch of fanatics who hold routine suicide festivals, although there are such people. The dead have their own society, including, interestingly enough, counseling. The dead are gently encouraged to move on, or at least see about completing any unfinished business they may have left behind with their bodies. Both living and the dead interact easily with each other, and great respect is had for those who have passed on.

Almost all races who come in peace are welcome in Black Rock, but one exception are the Nuit. Dira's Harbingers seek to eliminate them from the Citadel, and anyone caught producing more is dealt with under the harshest extent of Dira's punishment... life as an Ashl.

People of Black Rock