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Trade City of Calestra
Calestra, City of Commerce, the crossroads of trade in Antaron,
former capital city of Coria. It is commonly known that one can
find literally anything for sale in Calestra - provided that one
knows where to look.
- 1. Quin'Aire (The Alabaster Castle), seat
of the Corian governmental presence in Calestra, and former
capital of the nation itself. The castle, a relic from the
Sylvari who once called this region their home, is constructed
of beautiful seamless white stone. A pair of great parade
grounds lie to the east, serving as large gathering places
in times of celebration and strife. Duke Caerl Prineveer,
one of the most powerful - and ambitious - nobles of the realm
rules both the castle and the city.
- 4. Originally known as the Gray Fort, Dey'parnar Keep
was the original military outpost at what would eventually
become Calestra. The keep was built to take advantage of the
hill on which the Quin'Aire also sits, since the humans of
that time believed the deserted Sylvari fortification to be
cursed. Renamed in 34 b.E.R. as a symbol of Corian independence.
- 5. Constructed in 225 b.E.R. to house the royal guard, Alairies
Keep now functions as an additional military complex.
First known as Gratili Keep, it too was given its present
moniker in 34 b.E.R.
- 6. The Mirror Towers, constructed of the same seamless
white stone, and by the same inhuman hands as the castle itself,
stand guard here over the main entrance into the castle's
walled courtyard. As their name implies, they are exact mirror
images of one another, down to the tiniest of details.
- 112. Lord
Tanarick Amikhel is the ranking soldier of the Officer's
Guild, and the commander of all of northern Coria's military.
Nephew of the late King Rethine Alaris, Lord Tanarick has
nevertheless earned his position through extraordinary single-mindedness
and hard work. Those who serve both for and against him consider
him to be a superb officer and tactician.
- 113. The Corian
military here in the city call the Citadel their home.
The garrison is strong and well-trained, and has access to
some of the finest facilities and resources in all of Coria.
- 9. The Captain's Gate opens to the east, and to Sylvaria.
- 27. The Gate of Marches, and the traditional path
south into the heart of Coria.
- 63. The Far Gate, and the western trade road with
Coria's strongest ally, the nation of Ertain.
- 94. The Wintergate, leading north into the wild,
unsettled lands above Coria.
- 7. The Market, focal point of the city's open-air
trade. Eager merchants have been known to spill blood for
the opportunity to set their stands in choice locations here.
- 18. The Black Tower of Calestra sits abandoned near
the southeast wall of the city, its name coming from the black
lichen that has come to cover the alabaster walls. Fallen
into ruin through neglect, the tower is one of the most forbidden
places in Calestra. While no one can enter this cursed construction,
many still stop and stare in wonder.
- 24. In a thriving trade city of this size, not all transactions
deal in material goods. Castle Graymonte, home of the
Silver Wyvern mercenary company, commanded by Lord
Captain Aliex Unthar, is one of the focal points of the
Calestran mercenary trade. Due to the Silver Wyverns' success,
they tend to lack any shortages of potential contracts or
potential new members.
- 30. In the event of an emergency, the signal will be conveyed
throughout Calestra from the House of Bells. This
vast belltower uses a system of distinctive rings to indicate
fire, invading armies, and similar disasters, and the signals
are quickly relayed via smaller towers throughout the city.
The bells are also used to indicate each hour of the day,
as well as the Lighting, Mid Solanis, the Darkening, and the
Reign.
- 33. It is said that if you seek information on anyone of
any importance throughout Antaron, you seek Ceredon Elonistair.
This reclusive Sylvari has been known to frequent the Wailing
Peacock Inn, and will sell reliable intelligence - for
a healthy price.
- 41. Aspiring mercenaries should consider a visit to Sellswords
& Shieldwalls, the local Mercenary Guildhall. Open
guild contracts are posted here, as are notices from hiring
companies. Typical guild services and benefits are also offered
at this location.
- 87. Another major player in the Calestran mercenary trade
is the Redwall Guild, commanded by Aeric Jalstone.
Much like their commander, this company has more of a reckless
reputation than do the Silver Wyverns; opinions are often
divided on whether this is positive or negative.
- 20. The House of Care, temple of Lysora, and home
to Father Randis Pulantar, Communion of Reverent Spirits.
Thin, balding, and middle-aged, Father Randis is well-known
throughout Calestra as an angel of mercy. Those in need of
aid are never turned away from his door.
- 40. The Long Gamble, temple of Shinara. Shinara has
always been a favorite of travelers and adventurers, and her
church is well-represented in Calestra. The charismatic Priestess
Aelina Tredan tends the flock here, and is rather popular
among the common people.
- 45. Standing on the top of a small hill is one of the most
beautiful structures in Calestra - the House of the Rising
Sun, the local temple to Solanis. Lectern Mordecai
Palas, still spry despite his advancing years, dispenses
blessings and goodwill here.
- 65. Even though Coria styles itself as a peaceful land,
the House of War - temple of Therassor - still enjoys
a strong following. Brother Cairl Evram, Warder of
the Gate, a man well-respected as both a warrior and spiritual
advisor, is head of the temple.
- 71. The House of Dreams is a small temple to Valdorn,
located near the city's western wall. Tiam Planess
tends the basic needs of the church.
- 79. Located on the main artery leading in from the Far Gate
is Calestra's temple to Oriana, and the home of High
Priestess Lyndia Tennet.
- 83. The House of Hope, operated by the church of
Falloes, functions mainly as a mission for the homeless and
hungry of Calestra. Father Laire Beekham works tirelessly
here to bring hope and comfort to those without any.
- 85. Prelate
Ainjella Omisra, Order of the Faithkeepers, is a powerful
political presence in Calestra. This iron-willed priestess
keeps vigilant watch in the Halls of Duty, the city's
spartan temple to Merca.
- 88. The temple of Alvareon, known as the Foretelling
House, is sought by many travelers who seek an audience
with Seeress Calinda Istildan. Though she is often
reluctant to deal with those outside of her fate (and frequently
refuses outright to do readings), Calinda is known to have
a spotless reputation as a soothsayer, which cements her popularity.
- 97. The Museum of Telamor serves the seemingly odd
dual purposes of house of worship and art gallery for all
who seek to create for the sheer joy of creating. Kileen
Centras functions as both museum curator and priestess.
- 106. One of the ways that the city manages to keep crime
and corruption to acceptable levels is through an alliance
with the House of Scales. This imposing temple to Rydor
plays a more secular role than is usually the case, due in
large part to the influence of High Justicar Brione Datenda.
This feared warrior-priest metes out justice with true fervor
while carrying the support of the city's government. While
the shady elements of society can never be removed from a
settlement of this size, they can be and are kept in check.
Thanks to Bromern Sal for this contribution!
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