Nexus

From Seattle Nwod

Revision as of 23:19, 12 January 2008

Legend
1 - Entrance (From Pike Place Market)
2 - Armory
3 - Trinkets and Tokens
4 - Produce
5 - Mystic's Alley
6 - Auctions
7 - Exits (Each have three trods branching off in different directions)
a - Gatherer's Garden
b - Indoor Orchard
c - Aurora's Tent
d - Teahouse
e - The Forge Brothers
f - Auction Blocks

The Center of the World

There is a place in the Hedge where all trods eventually lead. This Hollow, known in the 'local' tongue as Nexus, is one of the largest Goblin Markets known to faerie-kind, and both brave Changelings and the Gentry frequent it. It is filled to the brim with items from all over Arcadia, the Hedge, and even beyond; if you look hard enough and in the right places, you can find just about anything.

Although most of the stalls and stores are run by hobgoblins, a number are run by Changelings who have sworn themselves to a being known only as the Emissary. It stands at a bit over six feet, wearing pure white robes that shine like the sun. Its face is covered by an ornately decorated silver mask, with blue-within-blue eyes staring through to the people around it. Although it has existed for centuries, none truly know what the Emissary is. Some think it to be a member of the Gentry, while others think it may be something else entirely. In either case, Nexus is its domain, and it allows none to disrupt the trade of goods.

The Emissary's Edicts

The first thing that visitors to Nexus see are the grand archways that lead into the Hollow. There are four in total, one at each cardinal direction, carved out of something that looks like marble. Engraved into it are a set of three phrases, written in just about any language one could think of; English rests next to Chinese above cuneiform and Linear B. Before crossing the threshold, any voices from inside sound pure gibberish; once passed, though, the oath sworn grants the visitor the knowledge of the 'native' language of Nexus, known as Riverspeak.

The phrases of the archways are as follows: None shall obstruct trade, None shall bring an army into this place, No-one shall commit wanton violence. By passing through these archways, visitors swear to follow these edicts, risking much if they break them.

• Tasks: Forbiddance (-2)
• Boons: Adriotness (Persuasion) (+1), Blessing (Language – Riverspeak) (+1)
• Sanctions: Curse (Lesser; 10's do not reroll) (-1), Poisoning of Boon (Language - Speak nothing BUT Riverspeak for the duration of the sanction (-1)
• Duration: Moon (+2)

The Markets of Nexus

As seen in the map above, Nexus is separated into five different sections, each catering to a certain type of goods. The four outer areas have store fronts and stalls selling their wares, some hob-run and some run by the Changelings who serve under the Emissary. The center section, however, is watched over by the Emissary itself.

A group of draconic creatures known as the Spartes act as the guard force for Nexus, making sure that things don't get out of hand. They stand as men do, wearing bronze armor in the Greek style, a spear in their taloned hand and a sword at their side.

The Armory

Here is where Nexus sells its weapons of war. Although skewed more towards archaic weaponry, it is possible to find some firearms in Nexus; however, they are usually quite rare and equally expensive. Also found here is armor of all sorts, from plate to chain to some more modern armors such as Kevlar. This market also serves as the place to find numerous ores dug from the lands of Arcadia (often by Changeling hands).

Notable Locations

• The Forge Brothers
  • Two large forges can be seen in the Armory, dwarfing the other blacksmiths in the area. At one works a muscular man made from mythril, and at the other is a man of somewhat slimmer build made of fire. These two are known in Nexus as the Forge Brothers; it is unknown if they are actually related, but the two do have similar features. The Metalskin goes by the name of Aulendil, and he focuses on the creation of martial goods; weapons, armor, what have you. The Fireheart, named Annator, prefers to make art and jewelry with his ores; he is quite well-known for his stunning rings.

Mystics' Alley

In this market lie the tools of the magician, the text of the scholar and the insight of the psychic. The merchants here sell everything from alchemical components to magical (and sometimes Supernal) texts.

Notable Locations

• Aurora's Tent
  • Aurora is one of the few Lost who are not sworn to the Emissary. She is a Fairest Bright One of impressive power, gifted with an insight into the minds of others rarely seen outside of the Awakened. Those who venture into her tent often find exactly what they were looking for, and sometimes things that don't truly make sense until after the event in question occurs.
• The Teahouse
  • Here, in an oriental-style teahouse done up in various woods found in Arcadia and the Hedge, is where both patrons and merchants in Nexus come to relax. Teas of both mundane and exotic sorts are available to any who have the proper coin, as well as some types of Hedgeborn foods.