The Lore of Ergus
Sarova
Welcome to Sarova, a city unlike any other in the realm of Ergus. Nestled along the picturesque banks of Acrye Lake, Sarova rises with its striking blend of modernity and tradition. The cityscape is adorned with towering structures crafted from metals and stone, each one a testament to Sarova’s youthful exuberance. Wander through tented marketplaces that add an enchanting touch to the bustling streets, where vibrant commerce thrives. Sprawling docks reflect the city’s pivotal role as a trading hub, where stories and goods intermingle in a symphony of exchange. Above all, it’s the people of Sarova who make it truly exceptional. Their industrious nature and warm hospitality extend a heartfelt invitation to all who step foot within the city’s bounds. As you embark on your journey through Sarova’s wonders, be prepared to be captivated by a tapestry woven from diversity, innovation, and a touch of magic.
Cities and Landmarks
Maritime Conveyance Center: Situated on the eastern shore of Acrye Lake, this extensive complex of docks and ship-related facilities accommodates all lake vessels. Dock workers and shipwrights ensure smooth operations and secure exchanges. Adjacent warehouses offer secure storage for valuable goods in transit.
Importium Marketplace: A sprawling shopping bazaar at the city center, featuring diverse stalls, shops, and vendors from across the continent. Open from dawn to sunset daily, it’s a bustling hub for trade and exchange, sometimes easy to get lost in.
Sarovan Industrial Enterprises: Located in the south, characterized by large structures, smoke, and activity, this area is the heart of goods production in Sarova.
Sarovan Governing Authority: Situated in the north, houses courthouses, the council house, and administrative buildings. It stands out with its spacious roads and relative ease of navigation compared to the rest of Sarova.
Sarovan Residential Quarter: Found in the west, this area houses most of the city’s residents in large tenements connected by elevated pathways. While not as loud as other parts, it’s far from peaceful, with constant echoes and community gathering spaces.
Earthen Station: Near the southern outskirts, this gray slate fortress is accessed via a well-maintained road connected to Sarova. Traders arrive through a cave entrance, and although the path is defended a few hours in, it’s a remote location. Hound Industries seems involved. It’s mainly used for trading refined metals and hewn stones. Few visit unless necessary, often using horse-drawn carts with special metallic wheels for transport.
Natural Resources and Professions
Due to its limited land area, Sarova lacks natural resources and agricultural activity. Instead, it relies on imports, trade, and taxes for sustenance and economic growth. Skilled craftsmen, particularly metalworkers, produce highly valued finished goods such as fine jewelry, quality tools, construction materials, architectural designs, and specialized weaponry. These exports, including unique inventions, have propelled the city’s prosperity. Sarova’s metalworkers also create impressive structures considered artistic achievements. Many residents pursue professions in finished goods production or corporate leadership, while legal and public works careers hold prestige. It’s worth noting that Sarova isn’t a major ore or crystal refiner.
People and Lifestyle
Life in Sarova is characterized by constant chaos. The city’s compact layout features narrow corridors, tall buildings, and winding streets, making navigation a challenge. The city’s inhabitants, much like the broader culture of Ergus, adopt a “work hard, play hard” approach to life. A significant portion of their time is dedicated to their respective trades, which range from craftsmanship and artistry to dockyard work, merchandising, and urban development. Many Sarovans are employed by corporations that not only offer jobs but also provide housing and other essentials, simplifying life for the individual. While working for a corporation isn’t obligatory, it significantly enhances one’s experience in Sarova.
Despite the bustling work life, leisure hours are reserved for indulging in the city’s vibrant nightlife. This includes dining out, enjoying evenings at saloons or casinos, and attending various music venues scattered throughout the city.
The residents of Sarova are well-acquainted with interactions with people from different nations, particularly in professional contexts, and display a welcoming attitude toward newcomers. While the primary culture remains that of the settled population, Sarova’s prominence as a trading hub in Ergus leads to the regular arrival of individuals from other nations, whether for skill acquisition or permanent settlement. However, those intending to stay for more than a season without a work visa from their employer face substantial fines.
Appearance and Fashion
The people of Sarova value dressing stylishly and put effort into crafting their wardrobes to convey specific traits. Clothing serves both functional and self-expression purposes, reflecting the person’s identity. There’s a blend of diverse cultural influences in Sarovan fashion, with individuals selecting inspiring designs from various sources. Visitors planning to stay in Sarova are advised to dress impressively.
Due to the sunny climate, many Sarovans wear hats adorned with decorative items. Jewelry, usually made from different metals, is worn subtly. The presence of a well-crafted bracelet peeking from under a coat sleeve makes a strong statement. Sarovan attire commonly includes metal jewelry, trinkets, and accessories in tones like copper, bronze, pale rose-gold, and distressed platinum & silver. These accessories often incorporate the wearer’s profession, such as goggles, aprons, and protective gear. Both light and dark colored fabrics, finished leathers (unfinished ones are avoided), and profession-related items are integral parts of the wardrobe.
Essential clothing pieces for Sarovans include corsets, waistcoats, vests, long jackets, tailcoats, dresses, and hoop skirts. Sarovians frequently enhance their outfits with accessories such as suspenders, pocket watches, handkerchiefs, ornate belt buckles, as well as a variety of neckwear options like silk scarves, traditional ties, stylish bowties, and distinctive bolo ties.
Architecture and Art
Sarova presents a captivating spectacle. Its buildings stand tall, characterized by sharp angles and constructed mainly from metal or brick materials. The majority of the city’s inhabitants reside in spacious tenement structures. The people of Sarova have cultivated a captivating form of art, drawing inspiration from various sources across the region of Ergus. Artists take pride in crafting statues that appear to move, paintings that possess remarkable depth, and jewelers who fashion tools and accessories that serve as both functional items and fashionable adornments.
Over the past decade, the prevailing color scheme has featured red and warm hues, accentuated with copper, bronze, and rose-gold accents. However, shades of purple and green are gaining popularity. Particularly in the residential quarter, it’s common to observe metal ladders and platforms extending outward from larger windows of buildings, creating connections between different levels and structures.
Government
Sarova operates as a plutocracy, governed by the city’s wealthiest individuals. While officially led by a council chosen through popular vote, this system is effectively undermined by votes that are purchased, either through direct payments or tied to housing and employment terms. Elections follow a first-past-the-post format, with the five highest vote recipients forming the council. Ostensibly representing districts, the council is in reality dominated by representatives from major corporations that exert control over Sarova.
These corporations, although focused on specific functions, wield influence across various aspects of Sarovan society. Their collective wealth and agreements tend to stifle the growth of smaller competitors, either through acquisitions or the imposition of restrictive laws.
However, this government structure isn’t entirely detrimental to the populace. Sarova’s primary objective is to be the wealthiest city in Ergus, a goal dependent on the productivity of its craftsmen, tradespeople, and other residents. The corporations often provide for the well-being of their employees, contributing to a society that is inspired and productive.
Laws
Sarova’s security largely relies on the Sarova Civil Enforcers (S.C.E.), sizable constructs made from metal and stone. These constructs patrol the city streets, preventing and responding to crimes. Thievery is severely penalized, with consequences ranging from imprisonment to banishment.
In addition to conventional laws addressing crimes like murder and theft, Sarova’s legal framework places significant emphasis on fair trade and contracts. The Sarovan Magisterial Court handles civil matters between corporations and individuals, albeit with a complex system. Solicitors offer affordable services, especially for contract-related issues. Losing a trial, particularly for breached contracts, results in social ostracization or trade exclusion. The robust court system extends its protection to international trade agreements and exchanges conducted within Sarova. Remarkably, the court system remains independent from corporate influence, standing as the sole institution unaffected by corporate control in Sarova.
Organizations and Orders
Low Tide Co. – This corporation specializes in facilitating trade across the nations of Ergus. It offers secure warehouses and trade insurance, ensuring successful transactions and quality goods. In return, it takes a small portion of the traded goods.
IronStone – Known for its cutthroat business tactics, IronStone is a major player in city construction. It constructed most of Sarova’s buildings and leases these structures to other corporations.
Hound Industries (Players may not initially begin as part of Hound Industries) – A highly secretive corporation responsible for creating and maintaining the Sarova Civil Enforcers (S.C.E.s) and the unique city-defending cannons. The inner workings of this corporation are heavily guarded, and even employee records are kept confidential. Hound Industries boasts top-notch security forces.
Sarovan University System – The city houses two prestigious universities:
- Inova University – Focuses on engineering and alchemical sciences, contributing key recent advancements in these fields.
- Integra University – Specializes in people management, logistics, and policy work. It trains future solicitors and council members. While some graduates work for corporations in administrative or executive roles, the university maintains a strict policy of neutrality in corporate matters.
Major Families and People
Sebastian Lupton V – While most wouldn’t recognize his face many recognize the name of the Chief Executive to The Gold Walk Corporation. Despite his corporation being the smallest on the Sarovan Council, Sebastian is the most vocal when it comes to the direction of the city and improving the lives of the residents of Sarova.
Isabella Decker – Often seen within the Maritime Conveyance Center is one of the most notorious criminals in Sarova. She is allegedly responsible for several major cases of corporate espionage and the destruction of a S.C.E.
Kenneth Lyndon – Well known for a successful civil case brought against IronStone on behalf of the people of Sarova, Solicitor Lyndon has founded several free universities. His primary goal is to allow the residents of Sarova to negotiate employment contracts from a basis of education.
Professor Porter – Renowned as the tenured head of ecological studies at Inova University, Professor Porter has caused a stir by unveiling their latest research findings. Alongside their scientific revelations, a notable change in demeanor has further fueled intrigue and debate within academic circles.
Relations with Other Nations
Lodour: Despite their pompous and flamboyant appearance, the people of Lodour are enjoyable to be around. Even those at the fringes of their society tend to thrive among Sarovans.
Merkadia: In contrast, the practical and industrious Merkadians excel in routine tasks due to their strong work ethic. However, their lack of creativity limits their potential to innovate.
Red Crags: As essential trade partners to the west, the Red Crags play a crucial role in feeding Sarova. Their structured life and resourcefulness make them valuable neighbors.
Onyx Isles: The people of the Onyx Isles are challenging to interact with, possibly due to their harsh maritime lifestyle or their imposing government.
Ice Crystal Plains: While interactions with the Ice Crystal Plains are infrequent, their joyous partying combined with their knack for crafting remarkable creations from meager resources endears them to others.
Painted Sands: With a fascination for colors, the people of the Painted Sands are intriguing. Their relatively new governance system raises questions about their trustworthiness.