Lhavit
From Mizahar Lore
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| Region | Kalea | ||||||
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| Notability | Home of Zintila, crystalline city in the mountains. | ||||||
| Leader | Zintila, Anchorite Hayani | ||||||
| Population | 9,000 | ||||||
| Races |
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| Languages | Lhavitian, Isurian, Nari, Common | ||||||
| Currency | Kina | ||||||
| Imports | Many goods | ||||||
| Exports | Crystals, Jewelry, Books, Tourism, Maps | ||||||
Lhavit is often referred to as “The Floating City of Stars,” and is located on the far Western Hemisphere of Mizahar. It is a city entirely built of a unique material based on the gnosis of their matron Alvina, Zintila. Grand glittering crystal temples and homes stand as a testament to it’s sturdiness atop enormous peaks, totaled five in all, and wide enough to house miniature “tiers” unto themselves. All of these peaks are connected by slender bridges built from the same material as the structures, and many hidden caves riddled throughout the tiers offer suitable places to grow gardens for their own sustenance. At night, the city glows under the influence of Zintila’s stars, a spectacle to behold, and a marvel that every denizen of Mizahar must view at least once in their lifetime.
Contents |
History
Lhavit had not always been the graceful “floating” city of 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 people, settling themselves beside the shore in the far reaches of the West, when the mountains were not mountains but small, less formidable structures in the lands of Suvan. They did not take to their cousins, the Vantha, for they preferred the guidance of the stars and the universe about them than the chilling atmosphere of Morwen’s lair. When war struck, and destruction reigned down on Kalea, the tribal people’s homes were destroyed, their hope dwindling when mountains grew all around them, cutting them off from the sea. They turned to Zintila for guidance through the winding structures, and the demigoddess, seeing her followers suffering, answered their pleas. She bestowed upon the most devoted the ability to create structures from the components of stars and meteors, and instructed them to build a civilization high above the ground where they could blur the line between the universe and themselves.
These people did just so, using their ancient companions the Okomo's to guide them where they could not originally tread and the city of Lhavit came to be. Born from high peaks connected by winding, slender bridges and mists surrounding their mountaintops gave the illusion of a “floating” haven. They became the people of the stars, and built their homes to reflect such. They retained some aspects of their mixed ancestral, tribal ways, but honored their Lady by studying dutifully the ways of stars, coordinates and constellations.
In 402 A.V., the first outsiders arrived on the central platform of Lhavit; the Eagle Riders of Wind Reach had discovered the floating 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. Knowledge was bartered and traded, and tourism of the entire crystalline city became a major source of income.
Infrastructure
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
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, 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 and magicians. 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 head of Lhavit is the Alvina, Zintila. She is deemed the Star Lady, and holds greater power here than any individual. Her word is law, and it is to be followed without question, or risk reprimand.
- Anchorite - Below the Star Lady is the Anchorite Hayani, the Voice of the Stars. When Zintila is absent, she is left to care for her city, and does so with great devotion and care.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sesul - Priests and scholars and magicians are respected nearly as much as the Shinya, for they are the seekers of knowledge long since lost to them, and provide information to the people. They primarily answer to Anchorite Hayani and Zintila.
- Aisha - Merchants, artists and caretakers are a vital part of Lhavit, but do not require as much attention or honor as a Sesul or a Shinya. There are benefits to being them, but the benefits do not outweigh those above them.
- Shimobe - The "undesirables" of Lhavit are the lowest in rank, often servants of wealthier folk and workers of the "unclean" jobs, they are always treated poorly.
Social Structure
Lhavit’s social structure is based on a rigid hierarchy. The ranking’s are clear cut and determines an individual’s worth in the society. Because of this, 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, and said person will almost always be disowned from the family and tossed into the Shimobe class.
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 improve their standings. One’s ranking may be elevated in the case of being married to one of a higher status (although this is greatly frowned upon by those in said higher status), being discovered by someone of higher rank, or being inducted into the Shinya.
Those of Shimobe class, however, have no chance of elevating in rank. They are the “undesirables”, those that have failed their family and their society in some form or another, and have taken the jobs that are considered “unclean”, such as undertakers, or butchers. They also make up the servant class of the city, and are always treated poorly.
Ocassionally, magic is encouraged among those that have the capacity to learn it. Magic is the gift of the unknown. Lhavitians do not fear it, nor those that use it, because they are governed by it and are protected by it their entire lives. There are some forms of magic, however, that are strictly forbidden. Voiding and Leeching are not allowed in the city, and for good reason. The punishment for dabbling in these three types is almost always, death.
As such, all magicians of the city are registered in the Koten Temple, in case the wizard suffers from overgiving or sweet whispers, and any signs of such symptoms incite the action of the Shinya, who quickly detain them.
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 leader or, for lack of a better term, the queen. Her word is and always will be the law. But when she might be absent, or when her duties take her elsewhere, there has been, using the ancient ways of the Kao'tani tribe before the construction of Lhavit, an establishment of a Circle of Towers. This Circle of Towers is comprised of two representatives of the Dawn House, the Dusk House and the Twilight House, as well as the Shinsa and the Anchorite Hayani herself. They oversee the various topics of the city, and usually come to a decision based on a vote, with majority ruling and the Anchorite's vote being the most important compared to the rest. They have governance over trivial matters or important matters such as the decision to dispose of potential enemies and criminals.
On occasion, depending on the severity of a crime or the issue, the Circle of Towers will call the majority of the Sesul class to come for an Assembly of Towers. Where those being judged stand before the prominent members of Lhavitian society.
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, however most Lhavitians do not condone such practices and anyone caught worshiping said deities in public will warrant swift action from the Shinya.
Cuisine
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 characterise 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 "sky-glass" 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 armour and weaponry, which is envied by many establishments outside of the safe Star City.
Everyday Life
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 Taiyang and their sustenance of the sacred fire. The Shinya also have a life in which their work monopolises their being. However, the rest of Lhavit has a fairly laid back existance. 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, socialising and wandering amongst the stars.
Family Life
Lhavitian life has an emphasis on a good, respectable family, though the innermost workings of a family is not a priority. If a family works best in one way, then that is good for them. Lhavitian society is based on cohesive yet rigid structures, and so naturally, it is essential for the family units of Lhavit to run smoothly. More importantly, the oldest male is the head of the household and governs the rest of the family, followed by the oldest female, then the second oldest male, etc, etc.
In conjunction to the strict nature of the plebeian household, there is a more formal structure in the three Houses of Lhavit. Forming something close to nobility, extended family live together in the Dawn House, Dusk House and Twilight House. The patriarch or matriarch (if there are no living males old enough to take position) are the head of that "household", large though it is, and govern it how a mayor would govern their city - ever responding to the Anchorite Hayani and Zintila. Individual, immediate family politics operate here, however there is a clear hierarchy leading up to the head of the household.
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 and expected to heed the words of the oldest male in the household, but upon a pair having children, the role of raising them is most often shared.
Language
The Lhavitian language has changed little throughout history and the passing of the Valterrian. It’s an agglutinative and mora-timed language with a fluidity that often seems far more formal in speech than in, say, speaking in Common. Written Lhavitian is composed of gentle strokes and oval circles, sometimes incorporating symbols as well.
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
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
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
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
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 Taiyang
The Taiyang 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 Taiyang 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.