 Books etc.: A little something for you all. |
Hrafnkel
Viscount
Registration Date: 2006.08.01
Posts: 506
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| Books etc.: A little something for you all. |
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Cousin,
As you know, I've been in the Bretonic province for quite a while now.
I must say, for all the talk of Wayrest as bearing the most Dunmeri
influence of the Illiac kingdoms, it is certainly an unfamiliar place
to a resident of Morrowind even after months spent here investigating
the aftereffects of what the Septims called the "Miracle of Peace." I
still know little of the province as a whole, and less still of the
circumstances that led up to the cataclysm, but I can at least relay my
findings from my travels in Wayrest's domain.
When I arrived, I quickly took my leave of the Super-city that has
arisen on the Bjoulsae in the decades since the event, wanting to view
its expansive dominion beforehand. It was certainly a great conquest
that took place, as the evidence of the old Breton saying; "Find a
hill, become a king" still litters the landscape in the form of myriad
ruined fortresses, villages and keeps. There are, of course, some towns
intact that are under the banner of Elysana, but most seem diminished
as going by the number of abandoned houses and shops to be found, save
in those few settlements in strategic locations.
Reachport is one such city, at the far western end of the Kingdom. It
serves as somewhat of a crossroads between three of High Rock's
greatest powers, Wayrest, Orsinium and Evermore. It is a testament,
naturally, to Wayrest's own influence that it would control such an
important hub, particularly that they've not lost it to the much more
violent and aggressive kingdoms to the west.
Any notion one might gain while traversing the greater area of the
kingdom that Wayrest is faltering or slipping into ruin would
immediately be smashed upon witnessing the city itself. Even in my
travels, I've seen few cities so grand as this, and would even go so
far as to compare it to the likes of Almalexia, Cloudrest, or even the
Imperial City. Mind you, cousin, I am aware how mad that must sound,
but this is truly a city to be seen, to be felt, to be breathed, to be
heard; though it would probably be hated by any of our people outside
our own House Hlaalu. The streets swarm with people, bretons,
redguards, even some orcish thugs and nordic mercenaries. Altmer
merchants in fantastic vessels frequent the docks; worth noting that
there is an entirely separate pair of docks along the city's coast,
separating the illustrious and glorious trading vessels from the less
desirable boats coming in from Skyrim or the smaller towns along the
Illiac.
The gates to the city itself are grand enough to awe all who enter
them, even those who've passed a dozen times. The stark, dull grey
marble of the Imperial City cannot compare to the massive, bannered,
and painted fortifications ringing Elysana's grand city. All along its
walls, towers jut upwards reminding the entire countryside for miles
around of the might this city wields, each manned by a small contingent
of the Knights of the Rose. Save for the slums on the outer edges of
the city, there's scarcely an unpaved road to be found in the entire
district, many plazas bricked in elaborate, colorful patterns that seem
to never fade despite the countless feet that tread upon them. Most of
the houses of the upper and middle classes are more spacious than those
found in other cities, with columned porches and awnings, many having
balconies overlooking the bustling streets. Virtually every building in
the city bears the flag of Wayrest; the patriotism of the citizens is
bordering on fanatical, obviously increased exponentially by their
rivalry with Daggerfall.
The grandest of all is the palacial keep, the residence of Queen
Elysana herself. Elaborately uniformed Knights of the Rose stand at
each gate leading to the courtyard, which splays out over a vast area.
Turrets rise up along the perimeter wall threateningly, the actual
residence itself a curious mix of Hammerfellian palacial architecture
and the more traditional castlesque builds of other Bretonic kingdoms.
The Courtyard itself is breathtaking, with numerous sculptures lining
the pathway to the main entry of the Palace, and plants from all over
Tamriel forming Elysana's gardens. The main plaza at the front of the
residence is laid with the smallest of bricks, depicting the Queen
herself holding the banner of her city as a light shone down from the
Divines upon her. I am told, curiously enough, that she did not request
this self-deifying piece of art, but that it was designed and insisted
upon by many artisans within the city.
Curiously enough, despite Elysana's doubtlessly numerous enemies, the
palace grounds are remarkably open. Granted, the Queen does have an
entourage of guards as one would expect of any ruler, but one is free
to have an audience with her at nearly any moment of the day, simply by
speaking with her steward. It is not uncommon for her to invite her
people, even those not in the most aristocratic families, into the
palace to dine with her. I've not been past the main hall and throne
room of the Palace itself, so I cannot speak on the structure as a
whole, but I can say that what I've seen of it interior is as
impossibly grand as the rest of the city.
You really must come here, Cousin. I will write you again when I am
able, but I am to meet with the Queen today to speak of the Warp. Send
response, when you receive this; and if you can afford the journey, I
urge you to respond by meeting me here with your brother, I am sure you
would both find this to be a marvelous place.
Truly,
Listril Sendevin
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Do note this was hastily assembled in about ten minutes, but I felt
like describing Wayrest's grandeur and setting very high standards for
you all. 
Gyssar and Braggi probably remember how that city was my little child.
On an even more pressing note, we absolutely MUST make use of this!
http://www.bethsoft.com/bgsforums/index....opic=610840&hl=
__________________
Your monkeys dance on the Tower and the stars change and you do not remember.
This post has been edited 1 time(s), it was last edited by Hrafnkel: 2008.10.21 16:44.
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2008.10.21 16:00 |
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Hrafnkel
Viscount
Registration Date: 2006.08.01
Posts: 506
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You misunderstand, the Knights only act as guards to the palace grounds
themselves. There could even be a bit of resentment towards them from
the city guards, on the matter; resentment over the notion that the
guards aren't good enough.
It would only be the 'noobs' of the Order dedicated to such menial
tasks, of course. The higher Knights would be off doing more important
things. Kind of like an issue with the High Ordinators being general
city guards (and temple guards but bear with me >>) in Mournhold,
while Helseth had his own entourage of royal guards.
__________________
Your monkeys dance on the Tower and the stars change and you do not remember.
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2008.10.21 23:05 |
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The Old Ye Bard
Princess
Registration Date: 2006.05.25
Posts: 3,663
Location: Post-Feminism
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| quote: |
Originally posted by Hrafnkel
You misunderstand, the Knights only act as guards to the palace grounds
themselves. There could even be a bit of resentment towards them from
the city guards, on the matter; resentment over the notion that the
guards aren't good enough.
It would only be the 'noobs' of the Order dedicated to such menial
tasks, of course. The higher Knights would be off doing more important
things. Kind of like an issue with the High Ordinators being general
city guards (and temple guards but bear with me >>) in Mournhold,
while Helseth had his own entourage of royal guards. |
| quote: |
| All
along its walls, towers jut upwards reminding the entire countryside
for miles around of the might this city wields, each manned by a small
contingent of the Knights of the Rose. |
That would be a job for the City Guard, the Knights would have their
own Guildhouse within the City, and another outside it's walls
elsewhere in the the Kingdom -also another thing to keep in mind that
from Daggerfall Lore, the Wayrest Palace was infact guarded by City
Guard, not Knights of the Rose -there's plenty of screenshots backing
this up.
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2008.10.21 23:56 |
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Hrafnkel
Viscount
Registration Date: 2006.08.01
Posts: 506
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Oy, duh. That's what I get for writing at 5am!
__________________
Your monkeys dance on the Tower and the stars change and you do not remember.
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2008.10.22 00:01 |
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