Messinski

Messinski, the former throne of the ancient dragon Messistaga, has been made a beachead for the Estmari occupation of Vulkasvidde. Having witnessed the overwhelming strength of the Estmari military and the assaults on neighboring kingdoms, Messistaga sought to negotiate a surrender to the Estmari so as to spare his people. In exchange for allowing Messistaga his horde, and free passage for the dragon to escape to parts unknown, Messinski was placed in the hands of the Estmari. Many of those who lived in Messinski before the change in ownership resolved that their loyalty lie with their king rather than their homes and followed after their ruler, never to return. In spite of the potential threat of Messistaga's diaspora, the Estmari viewed this exodus as a blessing: an opportunity to mold a Vulkasi city into an Estmari one. Over the generations the city saw incredible change, as the Estmari moved in where the Vulkasi moved out and the city drastically morphed. Messinski is now an Estmari hub for trade and industry, with humans and dwarves just as common as dragonborn or kobolds. The Estmari view the city as a gift to the Vulkasi, while the Vulkasi look at the cityscape and see a beloved king deposed.

Demographics

Under the rule of Messistaga, his city was composed almost entirely of dragonborn and kobolds. The only other dragon present in his city was his young son, Messisiurata. After the seizure of the city to Estmari invaders, many dragonborn and even more kobolds left to follow after their king. Nowadays, dragonborn only account for about 35% of the population of the city, and kobolds only a measly 15%. The remaining 50% is composed of races common to the Estmari such as humans, dwarves, halflings and even elves. Most Estmari who live here find themselves in a position of relative comfort, even those who toil in the factories. Dragonborn can expect to reach a similar but lesser standard of living with some effort, although as a group they are less wealthy than the Estmari. Kobolds who live here are generally consigned to poorly paid labor, and few find much success in ascending to a higher social status. Uniquely for Vulkasi settlements, many of the Estmari races that live in Messinski are permenant residents, quite a few were even born in Messinski.

Government

The governance of Messinski falls to its mayor and Chosen Council. Both of these positions are elected, but all candidates must be vetted by the Vulkasvidde Appointed Council in Varmeskjerm. Additionally, only those who have been granted the right to vote by imperial authorities are allowed to partake in these elections. In practice, those who favor the Estmari have more control over the government than those who do not. The Estmari assert that the mere ability to vote is an improvement in self-determination than the monarchy that their rule follows, words that ring hollow for many. A small mountain is home to the center of government, formerly the site of Messistaga's palace.

Defences

Tall walls encircle the city's inner border, taller than many buildings within the city itself. From this vantage point, a variety of thaumatechnical turrets and weaponry have been mounted. Inside the city the constabulary patrol regularly and tend to react to crime aggressively. The interior core of the city is protected by smaller walls, careful guards, and thaumatechnical countermeasures against all manners of attack. The same protections are in place at the governmental core. Moving between these locations often requires passing through a checkpoint. The constabulary retains the assistance of a small ERASE (Emergency Response Against State Enemies) Team in the event of abnormally powerful threats. Many small threats outside the expertise of the constabulary are handled by mercenaries employed by the Imperial Advocacy.

Infrastructure

Like many developed Estmari cities, telegraph wires cut through the sky to allow rapid communicationa across the city. A small thaumatrack depot has been built to connect the city with outside resources: the thaumatracks in Messinski are not for personal transport. A large harbor remains mostly unmodified, except to accomodate the larger ships that travel Estmari waters. Limited teleportation infrastructure has been installed within the offices of many government installations: access is otherwise restricted. Many Estmari factories now dot the city, integrated into Vulkasi architecture left abandoned after the surrender. Most remaining infrastructure resembles its form under the previous rulers, although it is often augmented with thaumatechnology.

Assets

Messinski offers a variety of factories and shops, and its role as a trade port means that many rare or valuable items can be found here, if sometimes only for a brief period.

Architecture

Estmari architecture is mixed with Vulkasi architecture to create an eclectic mix. One trait of Vulkasi architecture, brightly painted buildings in a variety of colors, has spread to the standing Estmari architecture as well. It is not uncommon to see an Estmari factory belching out the starry smoke of thaumic waste, while also being painted in a bright shade of blue.

Geography

The Greater Estmari Sea is to the east of Messinski, and it is in this body that the harbor is located. A small mountain near the core of the city is where Messistaga had his palace built, and forms the western edge of the city. Most of the surrounding land is pine forest or farmland, and while Messinski is warmer than most of Vulkasvidde, both are often tormented by powerful snows.

Founding Date

2174 RE

Alternative Name(s)

Koutetti Messinski

Type

Large city

Population

147,000

Owning Organization

Vulkasvidde