Lustrum - Fayhollow

Fayhollow is the mountainous quarter of Lustrum Metropolis, home to the graceful and resourceful Tabaxi, a cat-like humanoid race. Nestled into the towering cliffs of the Obsidian Peaks, the Tabaxi of Fayhollow have carved their homes and paths into the rugged mountain slopes, blending their settlement with the natural landscape. The steep streets twist and wind along the mountainside, with houses and structures that seem to burrow into the rocky surface itself. Known for their dexterity and skill in both art and trade, the Tabaxi community has transformed Fayhollow into a place of intrigue, beauty, and commerce. Originally considered part of the "stray races" after the Pandora War, the Tabaxi, along with other untrusted humanoid races, wandered nomadically for centuries. Eventually, they found a home in Lustrum Township—now the grand Lustrum Metropolis—where they settled in the highest peaks, creating Fayhollow. Today, the Tabaxi are key members of the Lustrum Council, advocating for equality and inclusion among the many diverse races of Astrium.

Demographics

Primary Race: Tabaxi (75%) Minor Races: Genasi, Leonin, Kenku, other stray races (25%)

Government

Fayhollow is governed by a council of Tabaxi elders known as the Climbing Spire Council, who represent the interests of the quarter in the greater Lustrum Council. The Elder Matriarch holds the highest seat of power, guiding the council in matters of law, trade, and diplomacy.

Defences

• Cliffside Defenses: Fayhollow’s location provides natural fortifications, with only a few narrow paths leading into the quarter, which can easily be defended by archers and sentries.
• Skywatchers: A Tabaxi scout guild tasked with patrolling the high peaks and watching for intruders or threats.
• Defensive Talismans: Magic-infused wards placed around critical points of the city offer protection against magical and physical intrusions.

Industry & Trade

• Jewelry and Talisman Crafting: Fayhollow’s main trade involves the creation of powerful talismans, protective amulets, and gemstone jewelry, sought after across Lustrum and beyond.
• Herbal Remedies and Potions: The unique flora of the mountains are harvested for their medicinal and magical properties, forming the backbone of Fayhollow’s apothecary trad

Infrastructure

Fayhollow’s infrastructure is a mix of natural formations and skillful architecture, with the following key features:

• Steep Roads and Cliffside Paths: Navigating the city requires agility, and the Tabaxi have built sturdy stairways, ramps, and rope bridges that allow them to traverse the mountain with ease.
• Mountain-tunneled Homes: The majority of dwellings are carved directly into the mountain, designed to stay warm during the harsh winters and cool during summer.
• Artisan Shops and Markets: Small, open markets and intricate workshops line the sloped streets, selling the Tabaxi's masterwork jewelry, talismans, and artisan goods.

Districts

Fayhollow consists of three main districts:

• Cliffdweller Heights: The uppermost district where the most prestigious Tabaxi families reside. Known for panoramic views of the city below and luxury homes carved deep into the mountains.
• Sanctuary Grounds: A peaceful district housing temples, shrines, and the Sanctuary of Shaded Orchids, a spiritual center where Tabaxi worship and meditate.
• Twilight Market: The central market district, where traders, artisans, and merchants gather to sell goods. It is always bustling with activity, day and night.

Assets

• Jewelry and Talisman Workshops: Known for their enchanting creations, the Tabaxi jewelers create intricate talismans, amulets, and jewelry from the gemstones and minerals found within the mountains.
• Apothecaries: Fayhollow hosts multiple apothecaries that specialize in mountain herbs and enchanted remedies unique to the area.
• General Goods and Tailors: Local shops provide everyday items, clothing, and specialized gear for traversing the mountain terrain.

Guilds and Factions

Climbing Spire Council: The governing body of Fayhollow, responsible for law, diplomacy, and city planning. The Twilight Weavers: An artisans’ guild that trains master jewelers and talisman makers, overseeing much of the trade within the quarter. Skywatchers: A scout and defense guild, responsible for patrolling the mountain and keeping Fayhollow safe. Spiritwalkers: A spiritual faction that oversees the Sanctuary of Shaded Orchids and maintains the religious and cultural traditions of the Tabaxi.

Points of interest

• Sanctuary of Shaded Orchids: A revered temple surrounded by rare orchids, serving as a place of worship and meditation for the Tabaxi.
• Swiftclaw Bridge: A series of rope bridges connecting the uppermost district to the Twilight Market, offering stunning views of the quarter below.
• The Whispering Tunnels: Hidden passageways within the mountains, said to be haunted by the whispers of long-lost Tabaxi travelers.

Tourism

The Sanctuary of Shaded Orchids: A serene temple complex filled with rare and ethereal orchids that bloom in the shade, providing a place of meditation and peace. Twilight Market: A bustling marketplace where tourists can purchase rare talismans, jewelry, and enchanted goods made by skilled Tabaxi artisans.
Celebration Swift Winds - 7th Lumisara
Festival of Swift Winds: Fayhollow’s Annual Holiday The Festival of Swift Winds is an annual celebration in Fayhollow, held to honor the Tabaxi's journey from nomadic wanderers to guardians of the mountains. This vibrant holiday, celebrated on the first full moon of spring, marks the Tabaxi’s arrival and settlement in Fayhollow and celebrates their connection to the mountain winds, agility, and resilience.
Overview The Festival of Swift Winds is a week-long celebration filled with athletic competitions, music, and rituals that pay homage to the Tabaxi's history of survival and their bond with the wind-swept mountains of Fayhollow. The holiday represents the Tabaxi’s freedom as nomadic travelers and the security they have found in their mountainous home. It is a time of remembrance, unity, and thanksgiving, when Tabaxi and other residents of Lustrum Metropolis come together to celebrate their shared values and culture.
Opening Ceremony: The Dance of the Gale The festival begins with the Dance of the Gale, a ceremonial dance performed at the highest peak of Fayhollow on Swiftclaw Bridge. Tabaxi dancers, adorned in flowing, wind-like garments, mimic the movements of the wind as they glide across the narrow bridges that connect the cliffs. As they dance, they release colorful kites and ribbons into the sky, symbolizing the Tabaxi’s past as nomads and their journey to the peaks of Fayhollow.
Key Events:

• The Windrider Race A highlight of the festival, the Windrider Race is a thrilling competition where Tabaxi competitors sprint and climb across the treacherous cliffs and narrow mountain paths of Fayhollow, using only their agility and knowledge of the terrain. The race spans the entire city and tests not only the speed but also the endurance and wit of each participant. The winner is crowned the Windrider Champion and receives a handcrafted talisman said to grant the favor of the winds.

• Sky Lantern Release On the third night of the festival, Fayhollow's cliffs light up with hundreds of glowing lanterns released into the sky, each carrying a prayer or wish written by the Tabaxi and other festival participants. These lanterns, made of translucent crystals, float over the mountains, casting a mystical glow that symbolizes the Tabaxi’s hopes for freedom and prosperity in the year ahead.

• The Whispering Tunnels Journey A more spiritual event, the Whispering Tunnels Journey invites participants to walk through the ancient tunnels carved into the mountain by the Tabaxi ancestors. The sound of the wind echoes within the tunnels, and it is believed that those who listen closely can hear the whispers of their ancestors offering guidance. This journey is often taken by elders and young Tabaxi alike as a rite of passage.

• The Gale Feast A massive banquet is held in the Twilight Market, featuring dishes made from the wild herbs and mountain animals of the Obsidian Peaks. Tabaxi chefs take great pride in preparing foods that reflect their nomadic past and their newfound abundance. Exotic spices, rare mountain mushrooms, and grilled game are central to the feast, and it is a time for storytelling and sharing old tales of adventure.

Closing Ceremony: The Blessing of the Winds The final event of the Festival of Swift Winds is the Blessing of the Winds, where the Elder Matriarch and the Climbing Spire Council gather at the Sanctuary of Shaded Orchids to offer a collective prayer for the protection of Fayhollow. As part of the ceremony, they release enchanted feathers, carried by the wind, that are believed to carry the blessings of the Tabaxi ancestors over the city and beyond. These feathers are said to ensure safe travels for all those who embark on journeys in the year ahead.
Symbolism The wind is central to the Festival of Swift Winds, representing the Tabaxi’s past as wanderers and their agility, freedom, and resilience. It also symbolizes their connection to the mountains of Fayhollow, where the wind whispers of past struggles and future victories. The festival strengthens the bond between the Tabaxi people and the land they now call home, reminding them of their journey from distrust and exile to becoming integral members of the Lustrum Metropolis and the Lustrum Council.
Legacy and Importance The Festival of Swift Winds not only celebrates the Tabaxi’s heritage but also serves as a symbol of their contributions to Astrium and the inclusion of all races. It reminds the residents of Lustrum Metropolis of the importance of unity, freedom, and embracing diversity, as well as the power of the wind to guide them forward, no matter the challenges that lie ahead.

Architecture

Fayhollow's architecture blends natural elements with skilled craftsmanship. Houses and public buildings are seamlessly integrated into the mountainside, with rock-hewn walls, arched doorways, and intricate carvings. The interiors are adorned with tapestries and rugs, reflecting the Tabaxi’s appreciation for beauty and comfort.

Geography

Located within the steep peaks of the peaks in Lustrum, Fayhollow is built into the jagged cliffs and mountainsides of the region. It is one of the highest points in Lustrum Metropolis, giving the Tabaxi a strategic and defensive vantage point.

Climate

The high altitude brings cool, temperate weather with significant snowfall in the winter months. The mountain winds are sharp, but the Tabaxi have adapted to the climate, thriving in this elevated terrain.

Natural Resources

Gemstones and Minerals: The mountains around Fayhollow are rich with precious gems and minerals, which the Tabaxi mine for their jewelry and talismans. Rare Mountain Flora: The unique flowers and herbs of the high peaks are used in apothecaries for medicinal and magical potions.

Founding Date

700

Founders

• Ezka Swiftclaw

Type

District

Population

~12,000

Location under

Lustrum Metropolis

Characters in Location

• Moons Grace - Whispering Mirage