City of Qart

History:

The incredible secretive City of Qart. Often considered a misnomer, as the settlement is hardly big enough to be considered a city, the Changlings will only refer to it as "City of" and never a village. As Changelings have the ability to change their form at will the village is often considered the exact kind of place you would go if you want to be swindled. Whether the stigma is appropriate, it is believed that dealings with the Changelings is the only thing worse than making a deal with the humans.
Though their numbers are believed to be minuscule, no one really knows exactly how many changelings reside in the city, on the island, or are in Espen. With their numbers constantly reported as in flux, and their identities obscured, their "laws" are considered far more retributive and arbitrary when compared to other cultures.
The homeland of the changelings has little in the way of security but it is said they communicate by thieves cant and a native language Qartisian, which mainlanders have trouble understanding.

Culture:

Politics: Due to the common distrust among mainlanders toward Changelings, Changelings have outsourced much of their diplomatic matters and trade deals to the Genasi. This is but them in a precarious position as their fates are inextricably tied to the political fortunes or misfortunes of another race.
Motto: "Everywhere and Nowhere" - The Qartisian leadership chose to embrace their standing as pariahs recently with their change in the Chageling motto. The old motto, *Peace, Passion, Pride* expressed a people obsessed with working their way into mainland culture while still remaining true to who they were. The new motto was seen as a warning by most other races, a testimate to their ability to infuence without attribution.
Religion: As their religion is not tied to any elemental force or old world myths, many religions abound in the Chaneling culture. While all religions are respected, there is a clear deliniation between the individuals' faith and cultural ties, rules and expecttations.

Locations:

Prim Façade owned by the Deciveer Family, the Prim Façade is a favorite of those who need to travel incognito. Started by a member of the rogue state who went legit Mac Deciveer a cunning rogue in his time who mastered the art of disguise and on multiple occasions passed himself off as both an Elvish Elder and Gnomish Council Member
Grim Façade also owned by the Deciveer Family, "the Grim" as it is known is for killers, murderers, and assassins. It specializes in altering weapons specifically to deal poison damage. Alterations to a weapon are permanent.
Pseudolus Tavern & Inn is a favorite of Changlings and the bane of all other travelers as the entire building is littered with pickpockets, scam artists, and hustlers.
The Statue of Pseudolus sits at the center of town and stands as a monument to the founder of this city and their ideals. It is said that the statue points to the mainland where they will one day carve a piece of the mainland for themselves.
The Quartisian is the seat of Changeling power. A largely (and surprisingly) democratic culture the Quartisian keeps everyone honest with a site-wide magic dampening field. The leader of the changelings is the High Chancellor, who serves 5-year terms, and handles contract negotiations for his people.
The Grand Theatre on the Sea is possibly the most well-known theatre in Espen where the best performers have given their most stunning performances. As all the performers are Changelings that have spent a minimum of 5 years as the race of their characters Qart produces some of the best actors the world has seen. Equally as impressive is the venue, a stare literally afloat on the Camarat Sea, built into the seafloor and has stood for over 300 years.
Qartisian College of the Arts is one of the most exclusive arts colleges in Espen (for non-Changelings). They admit only 3 non-Changelings a year, and competition for the prospective spots is fierce. Despite the fact that the QCA focuses on the artistic aspects of things many do not classify as "art" (such as Economics, Emerging Arts, Architecture, and Politics). Their policy, that, 'an individual can be an artist at anything,' it just depends how committed they are to it often proves true in the case of their graduates.
Independent Goon Operations and Retaliation (IGOR) Union Headquarters specalizes in supplying henchmen, brutes, minions, lackeys, acolytes, and of course goons for all your logistical and combat needs (for a price of course). IGOR Unions can be found in most major and minor cities, with some cities having as many as 4 seperate unions.

Type

Village