Vatalli

Vatalli is one of the largest cities in Durin and the leading city of the Trading Coalition. Situated on several major trade routes, Vatalli has grown wealthy from being a global center of trade and banking.

Demographics

Vatalli is a cosmopolitan metropolis. Most of the residents are human, many of them of Lurian descent. However, the promise of wealth and the open nature of the city have drawn residents of all races, including Dwarves, Moon Elves, Dragonborn, Halflings, and Orcs. Even Kenku, Tieflings, and other uncommon races can be found here. The variety of races are generally welcomed in Vatalli, although Dragonborn and Orcs may be viewed with distrust given the tensions with their peoples.

Government

The government of Vatalli is a merchant republic, ruled by the Colegia di Signore (Council of Lords). Every two years, all nobles in the city gather to vote, where they nominate and elect the 15 members of the Council, as well as additional offices such as the judges of the Altacorte and the Avogadari. The members of the Council of Lords select a Alta Signore (High Lord) to represent the city as their leader. The current Alta Signora is Lucia Platamani, who was served as Alta Signora for nearly a decade.
Nobles each belong to a House. Each noble House typically has a mix of assets and investments. Some specialize in particular industries, while others have a diverse portfolio. Some are rumored to have earned their income from illegitimate sources. As people of wealth and privilege, Houses are expected to be patrons of the arts and culture. Festivals are typically sponsored by particular Houses, and many artists have a particular House as their patron.
Being a noble from a recognized House confers specific privileges. In addition to representation in the city government, nobles have a distinct status under the law ahead of the common people. Crimes against nobles face harsher penalties than crimes against common folk. Nobles and their retinues are also legally permitted to carry large weapons and display coats of arms. Many commoners believe the the constablari and courts are biased in favor of the nobles, even beyond the written legal differences.
A certain amount of wealth is necessary to remain a noble House. Should a family fall far enough in standing, a particularly wealthy commoner may buy their titles from them and have their legal privileges transferred. House Marchesi was recently created in such a way.
Notable families include:

• House Angelo: House Angelo is headed by Silvio Angelo. Members of House Angelo were said to have the blood of angels in their veins. Much of the Angelo family was executed for treason following the Dragon Heists.
• House Casalini: House Casalini is a house with a long history in Vatalli. Carlo Casalini led the revolution against the Atathian Empire which secured the independence of Vatalli. In recent years, the House was headed by Vittoro Casalini and Ammalia Casalini, who returned their House to glory after years of decline. However, in 6512, both Vittoro and Ammalia were slain after treason during the Dragon Heists. The heirs of the House, Elzerina and Terenzio, went missing after the Dragon Heists and their whereabouts are unknown.
• House De Luca: House De Luca is headed by Giacomo De Luca. House De Luca owns much of the city's fishing assets. Corso De Luca, Giacomo's brother, is the Bishop of Vatalli for the Absyunic Church. Adriana De Luca, Giacomo's daughter, recently married Marco Marchesi.
• House Grazzi: House Grazzi is headed by Orlando Grazzi and Viviona Grazzi. House Grazzi maintains a series of diverse investments. Orlando, Viviona, and their children were nearly killed during the events of the Dragon Heists. They were forced to flee the city and only returned recently. The family managed to maintain their status despite their criminal involvement.
• House Marchesi: House Marchesi is headed by Marco Marchesi, a famous former adventurer and now wealthy banker. During the Dragon Heists, Marco Marchesi was killed while fighting a dragon. He was resurrected with holy magic. Following the Dragon Heists, his business competition was executed and he became the richest man in Vatalli (and perhaps one of the richest in the world). He also married Adriana De Luca.
• House Nicomedi: House Nicomedi is headed by Raphael Nicomedi, who pursued a career in politics and law until the exile of his father. His father, Donatello Nicomedi, was the former Alta Signore but was exiled from Vatalli in 6511 on claims of treason. Donatello Nicomedi has since achieved a position of power in Acqua Draconis.
• House Platamani: House Platamani is headed by Lucia Platamani, the current Alta Signora of Vatalli. House Platamani is known for their control of the silver trade. Lucia Platamani previously served as Duca di Magi. The current Duca di Magi, Viola Sacramenti, was her apprentice many years ago.
• House Rinaldi: House Rinaldi is currently headed by Esvelda Rinaldi, a brilliant and bold young woman. House Rinaldi has an ill-reputation due to past involvement in slave trading as well as allegiances with House Casalini during the Dragon Heists. Esvelda's father, Laurencio Rinaldi, and brother, Bruno Rinaldi, were executed for their involvement in the Dragon Heists.
• House Strinati: House Strinati is headed by Gianna Strinati. The heir of House Strinati is Marina Strinati and her wife. House Strinati is known for their patronage of the arts.
• House Tocci: House Tocci was headed by Renato Tocci and owned one of the large banks in Vatalli in 6512. Following the Dragon Heists, Renato and his son Piero were executed for treason. Elissa Tocci, third wife of Renato, inherited the bank and family assets. She has been vain and frivolous with her spending since.
• House Venturi: Headed by Matteo Venturi and his wife Lucia Venturi, House Venturi is an up and coming House with a sudden and rapid rise.

Vatalli has a standard code of law that is enforced through the city. The stated aim of this law is to enable trade and business to flourish. The law is enforced by the constableri, a police force hired through the city government. Constableri wear dark blue uniforms and are typically lightly armed. Constableri can write punishments for minor crimes on the spot. In the case of more significant crimes, the constableri will arrest someone and bring them to the court for a trial. Read more about The Laws of Vatalli.
Bearing arms as a commoner is permitted, but any weapons must be no longer than the person's forearm. This means that daggers and shortswords are permitted on the streets, but longswords and greatswords are not.
Despite the best efforts of the constableri, crime does occur in Vatalli. The Quartiere Marina is perhaps the most dangerous, with ongoing crime. During the Dragon Heists, the Ralakor Guild, one of the main organized crime networks, was entirely dismantled, but new criminal organizations have risen in the vacuum.

Defences

Several orders of mercenaries, the condotierri, have become semi-permanent fixtures in Vatalli and other cities of the Trading Coalition. These condotierri include:

• Steel Griffons. The Steel Griffons are a mercenary condotierri order of primarily humans. They fight in medium armor with a mix of greatswords, pikes, and crossbows.
• The Forgotten Legion. The Forgotten Legion are a mercenary company of former Atathian legionaries, who fight using legion tactics.

In prior years, the The Throat Crushers were also a condotierri unit in the region, but the survivors left the city in 6512 following the Dragon Heist.
In recent decades, a subset of condotierri, the Avventurerios, have become common. The first Avventurerios included Marco Marchesi and Lorenzo "il Ammazzadraghi", who negotiated a contract with the High Lord to slay a dragon. They made the argument that sending a small team of highly skilled warriors was superior to hiring an army which would be an easy target. In return, they negotiated not only a hiring fee but the right to any spoils from the dragon. Marco and Lorenzo succeeded in killing the dragon and became rich. Marco started a bank and Lorenzo opened a tavern. Today, his tavern Lorenzo's is a common meeting place for Avventurerios and Condotierri.
In the early colonial days of Vatalli, the nobles of the city founded a knightly order - the Order of the Pegasi. The Pegasus Knights allowed for the city to contest the air against invading dragons. In the intervening centuries, the city has grown more reliant on condotierri for regular defense needs. Many nobles still belong to the Order, although it now primarily acts as a social club for the elite. Pegasus breeding, training, and riding is considered an appropriate hobby for a noble. In times of crisis, the Order can still be called on by the High Lord.
The Lords of Vatalli created magic defenses for the city long ago, including a spell ward which prevented the entry of any true dragons. These defenses are overseen by The Academy. They take in new recruits and train them for service to the City. In return, the wizards receive official patronage and privileges.
Given the importance of seabound trade, Vatalli maintains a professional naval fleet known as the Armata. These ships primarily fight against pirates, but could also fight a foreign adversary if needed. The Armata is stationed in a heavily fortified portion of the docks.

Industry & Trade

Vatalli lies on a island at the mouth of the mighty Rio Auro, making the city a natural trade destination. The river allows for the transport of goods from inland, including land-based trade with the Xin through the Merchant's Pass. Oceanic trade from across the seas is lucrative - goods going from one end of the world to the other typically stop in Vatalli.
Vatalli makes most of its revenue through trade. Recently, banking and finance have become significant portions of the economy. In the years leading to the Dragon Heists of 6512, three banks were dominant: the Banco Casalini, Banco Marchesi, and Banco Tocci. Following the events of 6512, with the Casalini and Tocci families found guilty of treason, many of their assets were seized, including their respective banks. This has left the Banco Marchesi as the sole leading financial institution in the City, elevating the wealth of Marco Marchesi to unprecedented heights.
A number of artisan guilds are active in the city. Businesses and craftspeople in a trade are highly encouraged to join their respective guild. While there is no legal requirement to do so, failure to join the guild and abide by guild rules can have an isolating effect that hurts business. The full list of the Guilds in Vatalli can be found here.

Districts

Vatalli is separated into multiple quartieri, or quarters.
Quartiere Marina: The Docks Quarter. This is where trade flows in and out of the city. It is home to warehouses, bars, and tenements for the poor. The district has a rough character due to poverty. Notable locations include the Armata Shipyard, the Customs House, Lorenzo's, the Great Fish Market, and the Healing Garden of Kotala.
Quartiere Auro: The Gold Quarter is home to the vast, beautiful estates of the merchant noble families. The district is primarily made up of residences, although parks, temples, and entertainment venues are common. Notable locations include Dante's College of Revelations, Giovanni's College of Inspiration, Teatro Bella Arte, and the Monastery of the Order of the Twilight Moon.
Quartiere Central: The Central Quarter is home to the government buildings, guild offices, banks, and courts. This is the seat of power for the City and for any organization operating in the city. Notable locations include the Academy, the Colegio di Signori, the Banco Marchesi, the Altacorte, and the Grand Temple of Absyun.
Quartiere Commercio: The Commercial Quarter is home to many industries, businesses, and shops. Anything that can be sold is sold here. Notable locations include Trollskull Alley, the Fairkettle Inn, and various Guild offices and merchants.
Quartiere Cimitero: Off the main island of Vatalli is a smaller island which is dominated by a single graveyard and mausoleum complex. A cathedral sits at one end of the island. A holy order of Absyun keeps watch over the island to slay any necromancers or undead creatures.
In addition, sewers runs beneath the quartiere, connecting them with the sea. Beneath the sewers and catacombs are the ruins of the old draconic city that came before Vatalli.

History

Colonial Era:
Vatalli was settled by Lurian settlers in the early Heroic Era in 5248. When the settlers arrived, they found the ruins of a much older, draconic city, partially sunk into the river delta. The modern city was built over the ruins. The colony quickly boomed through the revenues of trade.
The location of the city provided strategic strengths and challenges. As it was an island, the city was never directly threatened by the centaurs from The Northern Steppes, as many of its rival cities were. A large navy prevented a direct assault on the city. Instead, the city was most vulnerable to attack by air. Dragons, in particular, were attracted to the city, both for its wealth and for the fact it stood on a draconic ruin. Throughout the colonial period and into modern times, the city was threatened by rogue dragons from the East. The city became reliant on mercenaries and magical defenses to defend against these attacks. A knightly order, the Order of the Pegasi, was created to fight the dragons in the air.
The War of the Eagles was fought from 5924 to 5942, leading to the dissolution of the Lurian Empire. Vatalli rebelled against their Lurian overlords, with the newly commissioned Armata winning a decisive naval victory against the mighty Lurian fleet. At last, the city was independent.
To this day, the Victory Celebration commemorates the day of the naval victory and the winning of independence. The Celebration is nearly two weeks long and features plays, chariot races, and parties throughout the night.
First Independence:
As an independent city, Vatalli continued to grow, with profits high and untaxed by foreign overlords. The city was a rival to the other merchant cities which now make up the Trading Coalition: Tezzano, Citta, and Destina. Acqua Draconis to the south, was the chief rival of the Vatallian people.
Atathian Protectorate:
With the rise of the Atathian Empire, the independence of Vatalli and the other cities of the Trading Coalition was once again threatened. A true war never broke out, but Vatalli and other cities in the region became protectorates of the Empire, forced to pay a tax and levy to the Emperor. This occupation was much hated as it recalled the days before independence.
After the Demonic Invasion, the Atathian Empire tried to once again increase taxes on the people of Vatalli. The people rose up in 6301, led by Signore Carlo Casalini. They stormed the Atathian Governor's Palazzo and demanded the immediate withdrawal of Atathian forces in the region. Vatalli and the other cities regained their independence.
Second Independence:
To ward off foreign occupation once again, Vatalli and her former rivals formed the Trading Coalition in 6346. The Trading Coalition includes the five great cities as members, as well as smaller towns in the region.
In 6511, Alta Signore Donatello Nicomedi was exiled for corruption and theft of public funds, after he was found to have embezzled massive sums of wealth from the government. Nicomedi found refuge in Acqua Draconis, where he gained leadership of the city.
Dragon Heists of 6512:
Vatalli was rocked by a series of gang wars, massacres, and thefts in the spring of 6512 that became popularly known as the Dragon Heists. During the Heists, multiple competing criminal groups sought the treasure of the exiled former Alta Signore Donatello Nicomedi. A number of major events occurred through the season: Ralakor was slain and the Ralakor Guild dismantled, the Pirate Sultan Malik Osman was killed, and the corruption and treason of the Casalini family and their allies was exposed. The three surviving heroes of the Heists, Dolbek, Thorida, and Mario, became wealthy and powerful. Broxley Fairkettle, guildmaster, became one of the most influential men in the city.
The aftermath of the Dragon Heists and the resulting shifts in power changed the city. Many prominent nobles from Houses Angelo, Casalini, Rinaldi, and Tocci were executed, and their assets seized by the Republic. This elimination of political rivals secured the rule of Alta Signora Lucia Platamani and centralized power in her hands and the hands of her allies. Among these allies is Marco Marchesi, whose wealth reached even new heights with the seizure of Banco Casalini and Banco Tocci, leaving him the sole owner of the largest bank in the Coalition. In the winter of 6512, new members of the Colegio di Signori were elected, nearly all close allies of Platamani, including the election of Dolbek, one of the surviving heroes of the Heists.
In the years following the Heists, Alta Signora Platamani used her newfound power to pass a series of reforms aimed at eliminating corruption and strengthening the government, including the creation of a dedicated espionage agency, nicknamed the "Sea Wolves". The Academy is said to be working on secret projects involving recovered Marru artifacts, with the support of the Alta Signora. Critics call her a tyrant as many of the reforms strengthen her rule and weaken what is left of the opposition.
Without the leadership of the Pirate Sultan, Al-Badir's pirates quickly fell to in-fighting. The Trading Coalition launched a successful invasion of Al-Badir and incorporated it as a colony of Vatalli. This has effectively eliminated piracy along many key sea routes, allowing for greater maritime safety and profits. The new colony does increase competition between the Atathian and Vatalli in the region.

Points of interest

In Vatalli, there are many celebrations held throughout the year. Some of these include:

• The Green Festival, held 1st of Greencall
• Victory Celebration, held 26th to 35th of Greencall
• Holy Week, held 1st to 7th of Blossom
• Harvest Celebration, held on 35th of Harvest.
• The Election, held on 1st of Snowfall.

Geography

Vatalli lies on an island in the mouth of the Rio Auro. The island is built up from the river delta and the ruins of the draconic city below it.
In addition to the city itself, many of the towns on the continent proper are subjects of the Republic of Vatalli, including Pellagia and Audaciana.

Maps

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  Vatalli

  Vatalli is one of the largest cities in Durin and the de facto capital of the Trading Coalition. Situated on several major trade routes, Vatalli has grown wealthy from being the center of oceanic trade and banking.

Founding Date

5248

Alternative Name(s)

The City of Silver and Gold

Type

Metropolis

Population

250,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Vatallian

Included Locations

• Lorenzo's
• The Academy

Owning Organization

Trading Coalition

Characters in Location

• Viola Sacramenti