A Chronicle of My Visit unto Port Elysium
Whilst I sought to place a notice concerning the forthcoming opening of the Gazette of Arche Terre within Mur County Center, I happened upon two worthy citizens: Magister Alejandro Ravenne and Mistress Throkka Fynn. They graciously offered to guide me through the city of Port Elysium.
Yet, when I humbly requested leave to record the tour for the benefit of our readers, such permission was courteously denied. From the very moment one passeth beyond the city walls, the whole of Port Elysium is held as a restricted military domain. The reason given was plain enough: the city serveth equally as a place of commerce and as a fortress of war.
After travelling but a short distance along an earthen road, we came upon a grey thatched building—a tavern wherein travellers may find not only food and drink, but also a soothing hot spring and a house of massage overseen by one Miss Silverleif.
Thereafter I was granted entry to a watchtower and its receiving office. I confess I was struck by the curious lack of seating, save for the chair belonging to the keeper of the office himself. A most uncommon arrangement. The Magister also showed me the nearby holding cells, remarking that they see but little use, for « most folk, » as he claimed, are law-abiding. Such words invite reflection when one considers that the city’s gates remain shut against all who are not citizens.
Along our path we encountered Admiral, a most handsome hound, ere we reached the stables. There the Magister hailed the stablemaster, Benedict, to enquire after an order of horseshoes intended for the cavalry. Their discourse soon turned also to the repair of a goodwoman’s roof. The Magister further drew my attention to the generous stores of hay kept for the horses and livestock before leading me onward to behold a splendid windmill, standing proudly over the fields.
Passing beyond the mill, we arrived at a broad market square, the only place within the city laid in fine stone. Vast enough to gather hundreds of souls, it bustled with merchants selling foodstuffs, cloth, and the many necessities of daily life. At its heart stood a fair fountain. Not far beyond, an airship lay moored, unloading cargoes whose nature remained unknown to your humble correspondent.
After yet more walking along the same grassy lanes, the Magister, with no little pride, presented unto me the manor that houseth the Courtyard of the Mage Academy. Mistress Throkka Fynn explained that the Magister himself oft guideth the apprentices, being a master of his own arcane arts. No exact tally of students was given, their number being described only as « ever changing. » Yet one pupil, a kitsune by the name of Klanita, was spoken of as the Academy’s finest scholar.
At length we came unto the Strip Mall, wherein stand the Credit Union, the Trade Center, the Realtor’s Office, and, beside it, a locksmith’s shop. It seemed curious indeed that such centres of trade and civic life should lie so deep within the city, far removed from the outer gates. Here also dwelleth Goldie, a golden dragon who serveth as banker. This quarter differed greatly from the rest of Port Elysium, for its streets were paved with finer stone and adorned with richer ornament, bearing far less of the rustic simplicity found elsewhere. I was further told that the castle of Lady Erina the Protector standeth not far away, though whether through circumstance or by design, I was afforded neither the opportunity nor, perhaps, the privilege of beholding it.
Upon our return we passed a modest harbour where several sailing vessels lay at anchor, employed, as I was told, chiefly for the carriage of goods. Concerning this matter, the Magister declared: « Efficiency is not always about the latest, greatest and newest after all. »
At last we reached the tavern known as The Siren’s Call, the one establishment open to all who arrive from beyond the city walls.
Before commencing my interview, I took the opportunity to announce the opening of a new office for the Gazette of Arche Terre upon the neutral grounds of Mur County Center. To this the Magister replied with evident curiosity: « Well, usually it is—except when it is over-run by ancients or other powers that used to hold control there. »
I must confess that this remark left me somewhat perplexed, for I know of no Ancient nor any other power presently claiming dominion over that settlement.
Eleawen Galathiel: « My first question is about you. In few sentences. Who are you and what is your role in the city of Port Elysium. »
Alejandro Ravenne: « I am Alejandro Ravenne – Magester of the Academy of War Mages. My task is to aid mages into being ready for well.. war, but I am also still in the field so I am also amongst the ranks of the Keryth Fearn or in common the ranks of the War Mages. »
Eleawen Galathiel: « Magister Ravene, Elysium is renowned as a military stronghold. What principles have shaped the city’s strength and discipline? »
Alejandro Ravenne: « I think it would be the principles of duty and honor – including keeping to our word. What would you say Throkka? »
Throkka Fynn: « Well i agree with what you have mentioned magistrate. Loyalty and is also very important »
Eleawen Galathiel: « How do you balance maintaining a powerful military while ensuring the prosperity and well-being of your citizens? »
Alejandro Ravenne: « Naturally our citizens are not required to be in the military directly – though we do also host a considerable militia contingent. Commerce is after all our priority. The Military has it’s strength in that it must protect our Commerce. »
Eleawen Galathiel: « What do you consider the greatest threat facing Elysium today, and how is your city preparing to meet it? Maybe the hive? »
Alejandro Ravenne: « Ah now you are touching into territory I would believe is classified miss Galathiel – perhaps this would be a question better suited for the Lady Protector. As for the Hive – it is certainly a threat – one I presume is known and wide spread threat to all of the lands. »
Eleawen Galathiel: « If you could send one message to the people of Arche Terre, what you want them to know about Elysium beyond its reputation as a military city? »
Alejandro Ravenne: « That we are worth getting to know as individuals – maybe come along a mission as a mercenary or maybe invite one you find cute out to a dinner, but each individual is what adds up to make the whole. »
Eleawen Galathiel: Thanks you for your time magistere Ravenne!
Thus came my visit unto Port Elysium to its end.
Of all that I beheld, my greatest astonishment sprang from the sheer breadth of the city. From without its walls, nothing would lead a traveller to suspect the vast expanse concealed within: broad lands devoted not only to the growing of provisions, but likewise to the keeping and maintenance of a formidable cavalry.
Those who received me throughout my journey conducted themselves with courtesy and, indeed, with genuine kindness. Yet I cannot wholly set aside the impression that Port Elysium remaineth a city most guarded against the world beyond its gates. One might even judge it more withdrawn still than Che Oloth, the realm of the dark elves, whose people are long renowned for a vigilance bordering upon paranoia.