Hive/Greyfalls
Greyfalls
For the basic info, please refer to the Greyfalls section in Scavenger Sons, p. 84
The northern and eastern roads to Greyfalls are asphalted and wide enough to allow two carts to pass each other without too much problems. The edge of the asphalt road is marked by 3 rows of cobble-stone on each side. The southern road (also asphalted) to Greyfalls first passes through the shanty town of Scar (see Manacle and Coin) and then ends at the river bank across from the city, where a municipal ferry service provides a regular connection. While crossing the river with the ferry, visitors have a terrific view of the nearby Grey Falls.
The Realm Garrison
The Dragon-Blooded garrison commander is Ragara Malec: a young man, cute looking and honourable. Fire-aspect. (see CB:Dawn)
Uncata Castle
The Satrap of Greyfalls is Mnemon Uncata. An older dragon-blooded, he cares only for his monthly tax report. Uncata also receives a hefty monthly bribe from the Guild, in return for loose customs inspections from nearby Scar (See Manacle and Coin, p. 58) and trade caravans; and a lack of attention to the filing of taxes on trade.
What originally began as a defensible fortress has turned into an airy city house for the local ruler, who named the place after herself. A fresh spring breeze eternally blows through the halls and corridors of the city, creating a very relaxed atmosphere throughout the place. Even in winter, temperatures are amicable here and fires are only needed in the deepest of night.
The strong front gates and defenses could repel invaders for weeks if need be, were it not for the fact that Uncata spent plenty of tax money on refurbishing the building, opening up walls and adding the whole back section with its sumptious garden, landscaped by the Realms’s finest architects.
Uncata also brought in a geomancer to re-channel the essence’s manse, so the hearthstone would grow in the main audience chamber of the building. The stone usually fits snugly, behind and above Uncata’s audience throne, set within a wall, depicting scenery of the conquests of house Mnenom. On the left and right of this wall are two other lower walls, at about chest height, displaying some of the House’s wealth, for all visitors to see.
Temple of the Immaculate OrderHive/B>
Close to Castle Uncata lies the temple of the Immaculate Order. This square building can be accessed by walking through its carefully pruned and raked garden, up a short flight of stairs, guarded by statues of Celestial Lions. The main hall contains statues of the Five Elemental Dragons and to the sides, little prayer rooms have been set aside for a number of little gods (among them Cascading Torrent, the Spirit of the Grey Falls).
Wide stairs behind the main temple hall lead upstairs to the living quarters of the monks that used to live here. Most of it consists of simple sleeping quarters, a kitchen, library and practise area.
Out in the back of the temple, a small path leads to a hot water bath, that the monks used.
<b>House of Equitable Prosperity
House Cynis has a ‘House of Equitable Prosperity’ in Greyfalls, headed by Cynis Wisel Lina, who runs the local slave trade. She throws a party once a month, at which all invitees can partake of her slaves and drugs. Although the Cynis slaves are more expensive, it would be unpatriotic for any Dragon-Blooded to buy slaves from the Guild instead. As in the Realm, mortals are forbidden from owing slaves, so Cynis rents out slaves to whomever needs them. Fees are annual.
Hippodrome of Paladins
Greyfalls is host to one of the largest arenas in the area (the nearest of similar size is in Great Forks). The arena, called the Hippodrome of Paladins, is managed by Cathak Greycoat, a former Legionnaire and Dragon Commander of the 7th dragon of the 3rd Cathak Legion. Dragon Commander Greycoat retired from active service at the age of 250. Since the empress’ disappearance, he lost faith in the Realm and decided to set up shop in Greyfalls about 3 years ago. He occasionally helps training of his finest champions, as his age does not hamper his warrior skills yet.
The Hippodrome of Paladins is “home” to some 20 gladiators, the most famous of which is a man, simply called ‘Paramount’. He has been fighting and winning battles for the last 9 months, and has faced and defeated multiple opponents and some Wyld creatures. Every fight he is in, assures a full house (seating 10 000 people).
