Haunted Ruins of Guateque

The dancing, the drinking, the eating... it was a bit much looking back on it now. Much better than the ghost town it is now though.

— Valsuky, Fire Dancer

Overview

This city was once the capital of the Principality of Avistar. The city was known for its extravagant festivals. After its fall to the Kingdom of Helia, Guateque has become a haunted ruin. Its only undead inhabitants occupy the Guateque Outpost, or the repurposed castle. The outpost is a Helian staging ground for the collection of resources to be sent back to the Radiant City of Sol, and it acts as a center of Helia's military presence in the former Avistar region.

Haunted Wards

As most of its citizenry has been forcibly relocated to Sol leaving great swaths of the city abandoned. These uninhabited areas are said to have become the home of apparitions and foul creatures. A breeding ground for ghosts and undead. Some say that a griffin has made a home in one of the towers. The Helian Army has made attempts to contain the dangers but no more as the Kingdom focuses on expansion.
The abandoned wards are also no longer have the protection of a Schutz Field, and so have been vulnerable to Magic Fields and Magic Storms. Several structures already lie in ruin, with others showing signs of weathering and becoming overtaken by vegetation. Other buildings have been or are in the process of being looted of materials and treasures.

Avistarian Rangers

Former soldiers, now rangers, are said to frequent the area in an attempt to vanquish the dangers in sojourns they call the "preparations." These preparations are done in the hope that one day Avistar will be restored and Guateque will come to life once more. Helian guards have been trying to apprehend these rangers, or rogue elements, with limited success. There is talk of an increased presence depending on Helia's success on the frontlines.

The Avistarians used any excuse to put on a party. What a lively place it was.

— Ror Rockhammer, Mercenary

Past Attractions

The now haunted wards used to be various places of entertainment and relaxation. The Aubron Theater, a Qiao Bathhouse, Rhix Tavern, and Gaetan Stadium were the hearts of the city (alongside seats of government) that represented Avistar's best architecture as well as having been the city's economic centers. It is said that during the city's prime, these places were hosts to an event every night. These events were held for any number of reasons that include: observing solstices, observing equinoxes, successful trials, coming of age, famous legends, common myths, and historical events. Most of these festivals were recurring events and others were merited by one time circumstances. All had given the town its reputation.

Guateque Outpost

Most of the outpost was established around the city's castle shortly after its conquest. It is surrounded by a stone wall made of rubble from the city, and within which mined ores and harvested food is gathered. This gathered material will then be organized and ready for shipment back to the Kingdom of Helia. The most urgently needed supplies are sent via magical circle back to Sol while larger quantities of preservable materials are sent via convoy. At times, Avistar's rangers will attempt to raid the outpost or its convoys in an attempt to weaken Helia's presence in the region. Some say that some of these raids were meant to recover unique and irreplaceable heirlooms of the former principality.

Alternative Name(s)

Festival City of Guateque

Type

City

Location under

Continental Island of Lluvia

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Ancient Vault

It is said that Guateque Castle was built atop an ancient vault. There has been no evidence of the existence of this vault as Avistar did not appear to benefit from recovered ancient artifacts in the same way the Queendom of Lunaria and Kingdom of Helia have.

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Note(s) from the Archivists:

I had been there once before its fall. It was a colorful place then, and seems so gray now. - Archivist Savitri