The start of their lives

Firenze, it's your city. From the day you were born you have known the sounds, smells and sights of the grandest city outside of Camorr. From the exploration of your parent's villa, the white-washed walls and red terracotta tiles as a child. Moving through the tiny but abundant gardens, enjoying the warmth of the summer sun. As the coolness of autumn and winter embraced the city you moved indoors playing in the many rooms of the house, libraries, kitchens and bedrooms. You anticipated the joy of your first visit to the craft halls and shipyards that have brought so much wealth to Firenze, prosperity to the isle of Nord and power to the Cavalcante family.

The river city, Firenze, made up of the many islands at the mouth of the Scintillante River. Each island contained a collection of red and white buildings. The little islands dominated by the wealthy villas or schools to trade and music. The bigger islands near the bay held warehouses connected to long docks extending out into the bay for the grand ships that travel to and from the city. The largest islands contained the courtyard marketplaces, surrounded by buildings on their shore, these allow the taverns and merchants to open their doors and windows and shout their wares to the market. As you grew up you got to explore more and more, discovering the best bakeries, taverns that hosted the finest bards and performers, and the hectic markets of Loshdain when the Dwarves, Elves and other Varisians visited Firenze to show off their wares. You knew the joy and laughter of running through the open areas and bridges of Firenze wearing your scarf of silvery grey marking you as part of the Nord Tuomi, a proud Varisian. You got to travel between the cities islands resting in the seats of a gondola, the singing of the poler echoing off the manmade valleys of buildings as they communicated with each other.

The welcoming city, Firenze, where everyone can find a place. Eventually you got to travel to the river banks of the Scintillante. You walked through the Dwarven enclave, its short residents encased in their ornate armour, long beards on the men and long braided hair for the woman. They seemed happy to see you yet there was always a tinge of something else, perhaps sadness at meeting one so young and carefree? You discovered that the musical folk weren't talented children but the Stouts, Hairfeet and Tallfellows. Halfling communities always a bustle of noise and music, the people joyous and always talking, hands moving as they spoke. Your parents even let you visit the Ornhini, speaking of the woodland fey or elves and the care the Cavalcante's were showing them. For while these people were beautiful and graceful, many wore the scars of battle, the distant stare of loss and the sorrow of regret. Your trips opened your eyes to the many residents of Nord and the Alphatian archipelago, creating a desire to see more and learn more.
The working city, Firenze, where everyone contributes and earns their place. As you grew your parents plans became apparent, the days of joyous play came to an end as you joined a school and learnt your craft. Your time was filled with books and training, rubbing shoulders with members of the family, but also the Shets'Doma that called Firenze home and were accepted as equals. Children of famous craftsman, the Shets'Doma were a little older and perhaps a little wiser but in time they became compatriots all the same. Your time with childhood friends and family was precious, tired from the week of work you gathered at the barista or tavern to drink and compare stories. You noticed your friends dress begin to change as they wore the marks of the craft and you knew you were becoming adults of Firenze.

Firenze, it's your city. And now the time has come, it's the last chance for drinks. Tomorrow you will graduate as an apprentice. Your friends sit quietly contemplating their drinks as you do. Your time as a child of the community is coming to an end. Will you find a Master to continue your training as you grow your skills and earn your journeyman mark? Will you find your way to the Arta di Eroe perhaps becoming a great hero of the Isle as many have before you? Will you find a berth on one of the many great ships floating in the harbour and leave this city you have known all your life to see the world. The possibilities hang in the air, as the flags of the courtyard hang limp on this warm spring night. You look over at your friends and know they are thinking the same thing…… what is next?

Plot type

Prologue