Marinovica

Marinovica is the largest port town under House Petrov and host the largest amount of sea trade in the region. While it is not as large as Duchnov is, it hosts a vibrant population of trade and industry (particularly around beast of burden and seafood). People of all kinds walk the streets of Marinovica and it has garnered a reputation of being fairly tolerant under Petrov standards. Though notably, human wizards of the magisterium rely on the vast library that city has cultivated over the last century. Many use it as a starting point for deep sea excursions and a repository of unique items found by the local Nauts (of which there are many in the city).

Demographics

As with much of House Petrov, humans and dwarves make up the primary races in the city. Notably however, there is also a large population of orcs and half-orcs. Other races are not unheard of here, but few of the "beast-folk" (as the locals call them) are seen walking the city streets.

Government

The legitimate government of Marinovica is the Magisterium of Wizards. Duke Zlatomir Valchev of the Major House Valchev rules as House Petrov's appointed representative. The Senate of Marinovica (locally known as the Council of the Tide) is governed by Senior Enchanter Lady Radmila Zlatarov of the lesser house Zlatarov. Still there is rumors that the council is powerless to the The Congregation of Merchants and The Nauts as much of the Senate's reforms have favour the two faction's trade empire.

Defences

The soldiers of House Petrov, directly made up of it's vassal house of House Valchev, number six thousand strong within the city.  The garrison here is then again by 1000 of the city watch and supplemented by the Naut's sea power. There again are a few mercenary groups hired by the local Nobility and the Congregation.

The main castle of House Vlachev is well defended on the cliffs above the beach and multiple reinforced walls.  Few attacking forces could overwhelm them by sea or land.  Fewer still could match the Duke who guards the city.

Industry & Trade

Nearly any item can be found within the markets of Marinovica given the nature of it's dedication to sea trade.  Despite being on the coast, beast of burden (namely ox) are widely bred here and shipped out to other lands.  Otherwise food livestock such as rabbits and fish are highly populous and are a staple of Marinovician diet and trade.

Infrastructure

While Marinovica is not as large as Duchnov, it is still a bustling city that rivals it in innovation.  Sea trade is paramount within the city, and the large natural landscape favours the many docks and inlets for ships.  Where as the Duchnov is the home of House Petrov's premiere academy, Marinovica is the foundation of House Blackharbour's greatest library: The Prismarium.  Still, because of the focus on sea trade, many factions call Marinovica home and move various products in and out.

Guilds and Factions

In Duchnov, the nobles and the senate have managed to carve out the more important powers from the various factions, but for the most part the same cannot be said for Marinovica. Here, there are six major factions that vie for control of the city.

First and foremost, is The Duke of Marinovica and the reigning Noble Family of House Valchev.

Second, is the Council of Tides comprised of five members from nine noble families: House Valchev; house Pristanov; house Maglovich; house Koralov; house Bregov; house Drevolov; house Zlatarov; house Medrinov; and house Tvaran.

Third, is the The Church of the Seven led by the Bishop, Gavril Stoyanov under which are the Knight-Commander of the Templars, Radan Kirov and Inquisitor Vanya Petrovna.

Fourth are the Nauts, the city's seafaring organization that help facilitate travel and trade.  They are governed by Commodore Vuk Stojanovic (Captain of the Sea Sovereign - a Galleon) and his council of seven Captains: 1) Boris Dragic (Captain of Wave Ruler - a Galleon), 2) Danilo Pavlovic (Captain of Tide's Fury - a Galleon 3) Jovan Markovic (Captain of Wind's Arrow - a sailing ship 4) Zoran Nikolic (Captain of Gale Runner - a sailing ship 5) Milan Vukovic (Captain of Ocean's Whisper - a sailing ship 6) Rade Jankovic (Captain of Current Chaser - a sailing ship and 7) Nikola Gravilovic (Captain of Harbor's Light - a sailing ship).

Fifth faction: the Congregation of Merchants.

The last faction within the city, the The Night Guild is deeply mistrusted and officially labled as a criminal organization.

History

Nestled on the jagged coastline of the Azure Expanse, the city of Marinovica is a beacon of culture, commerce, and mystery. Its history is as rich and tumultuous as the crashing waves that have shaped its shores for millennia.

Ancient Beginnings: The Era of the Tidecallers

Marinovica's earliest settlers were the Tidecallers, a seafaring people who revered the ocean as both a provider and a deity. Their legends speak of Neryssa: a daughter of the Sea God, Aquillia'Dante. Legends tell that she granted them her blessings in exchange for reverence and offerings. The Tidecallers constructed vast, coral-encrusted temples along the cliffs, the ruins of which still dot the city’s outskirts. Ancient inscriptions suggest they wielded magic drawn from the sea, allowing them to predict storms and calm tempests.

The Age of Exploration

Centuries later, Marinovica became a hub for explorers and traders. Its natural harbor, protected by towering sea stacks, proved irresistible to adventurers seeking safe passage and respite. This era saw an influx of cultures and ideas, transforming Marinovica into a melting pot of traditions. Stone docks, vibrant marketplaces, and sprawling neighborhoods rose from the cliffs, each infused with the distinct styles of visiting city-states.

The Golden Age of Commerce

As maritime technology advanced, Marinovica flourished as a center of trade. Ships laden with exotic goods—silks, spices, and gemstones—filled its bustling harbors. Merchant guilds vied for power, funding opulent estates and commissioning grand statues of sailors and sea creatures. During this time, the city’s iconic Lighthouse of Aelindria was constructed, its brilliant crystal beacon powered by an enigmatic, glowing stone said to have been dredged from the ocean’s depths.

The Shadow of the Leviathan

However, prosperity came at a cost. Legends of a great sea monster, the Leviathan, grew from whispered warnings to terrifying reality. According to lore, the creature was awoken by the city’s greed, angry at the plundering of the ocean’s treasures. Ships vanished, entire fleets were lost, and the city entered a period of fear and superstition. To this day, festivals and rituals are held annually to appease the Leviathan and Neryssa, ensuring safe seas for the city's sailors.

Modern Marinovica

Today, Marinovica thrives as a city of contrasts. Its ancient stone streets wind through districts both grand and humble, from the gilded mansions of the Opal Quarter to the ramshackle boathouses of the Tidebreak Slums. Scholars and mages study the mysterious energies of the ocean in the Acdemia Thalassica, while fishermen and traders continue the city’s age-old reliance on the sea.

The city’s skyline is dominated by the Lighthouse of Aelindria, which continues to guide ships to safety. Beneath the waves, rumors persist of hidden treasures and strange sea creatures, drawing adventurers and treasure hunters to its shores. Marinovica’s people remain deeply connected to the ocean, their lives entwined with the tides, storms, and mysteries of the Inner Sea.

Points of interest

The following features are key Landmarks:

The Coral Ruins: The remnants of the Tidecallers’ ancient temples, said to contain powerful artifacts and dangerous secrets.

The Azure Market: A sprawling bazaar filled with goods from distant lands and the freshest catches from the sea.

The Leviathan’s Maw: A natural sea cave shaped like the jaws of a massive beast, rumored to lead to an underwater labyrinth.

The Lighthouse of Aelindria: Marinovica’s most iconic structure, its crystal beacon a marvel of magic and engineering.

The Academia Thalassica: Marinovica's premier wizard academy for those gifted enough to pass the entrance exams.

The Beaconhold Keep: Home to the Duke and Duchess of Marinovica within the heart of the city.

The Prismarium: House Petrov's premier crystalline library containing Conjuration spells, artifacts, and tomes of oceanic lore.

The Eternal Cascade: A colossal waterfall running through the city, its water perpetually flowing upward through ancient enchantments.

Tourism

Marinovica is a thriving hub for adventurers, merchants, scholars, and travelers drawn to its rich history, vibrant culture, and magical allure.  Tourism plays a significant role in the city’s economy, with attractions catering to diverse interests.  Among these are the following: 

• Arcane Scholars: Drawn to the Council of the Tide and the city’s archives, scholars seek rare knowledge of sea magic, weather manipulation, and Leviathan lore.
• Adventure Seekers: Marinovica serves as a launch point for expeditions into the surrounding seas, including quests to locate pirate treasure, forgotten ruins, or underwater mysteries.
• Seaside Leisure: Wealthy nobles and merchants visit Marinovica’s upper districts for luxurious accommodations, spa treatments, and unparalleled views of the bay.

Architecture

Marinovica’s architecture is a unique blend of maritime practicality, magical embellishments, and noble grandeur. Over centuries, its design has evolved to withstand the coastal climate, reflect the city’s mystical heritage, and accommodate its diverse populace. The city’s buildings are a testament to its history, with layers of styles and materials woven into a cohesive aesthetic.
Among its Key Architectural Features are: 

1. Coastal Durability Stone quarried from the nearby cliffs forms the foundation of most buildings, while timber treated with weather-resistant enchantments is used for upper levels and details.
2. Design Elements: Sloped roofs with wide eaves channel rainwater, and reinforced stone walls protect against sea storms. Homes and businesses near the water often feature retractable shutters or magical wards to guard against flooding.
3. Nautical and Magical Themes: nautical symbols like waves, seashells, tridents, and Leviathan imagery adorn doorways, windows, and public squares. Magical runes and glowing glyphs are incorporated into the facades, providing both decoration and function.
4. Colours: The city is awash in a palette of blues, whites, and sandy beiges dominates, with splashes of vivid hues on shutters and tiles reflecting the vibrant trade culture.

Each District holds a Specific Styles indicative of it's residents.  For example: the Harbor District contain buildings that are practical and tightly packed, with narrow streets winding between warehouses, taverns, and the Seafarer’s Guildhall.  Rope lines and pulley systems crisscross the docks, while rooftops are often flat to store goods or serve as lookout points.

The Merchant District is a bustling hub of two to three-story shops and inns with colorful awnings, hanging signs, and cobblestone streets. Market squares are surrounded by arcaded walkways with arched windows displaying goods.

The Noble district showcase ornate manors and villas in the upper district feature sprawling gardens, fountains, and intricate stonework. These buildings often have tall towers or balconies offering views of the sea and city.
Most Public Spaces contain canals and raised bridges/walkways overtop of them. These stone bridges are carved with railings that cross Marinovica’s many thoroughfares, with many illuminated by enchanted lanterns at night.  the canals and the sewers are filled with floating crystals that purify the waters, making them basically safe enough to drink from.

All throughout the city are fountains and statues in the many public squares.  They all are adorned with images of historical figures, sea creatures, or arcane symbols. The Fountain of the First Voyage in the central square is particularly famous for its depiction of Valcho the Steadfast, the ancestor of Count Zlatomir Valchev.
Each of the surrounding walls carry magical enhancements, and while not as powerful as those employed by House Aetius, they have defended the city for centuries.  Many buildings feature protection wards against fire, flooding, or intrusion, often inscribed subtly into their stonework.  Enchanted lanterns, powered by spells of continual flame, light the streets and buildings, casting a warm, ethereal glow across the city at night.

Geography

Marinovica is a combination of a mountain, valley, and ocean city.  It is built on a bluff over looking the inner sea of Halruaal. The city itself starts at the highest peak descending downward to the docks below almost as if it is stacked on each other one layer at a time. with the ocean to the south, and the Keilden Forest to the North.

Climate

Marinovica enjoys a temperate maritime climate, influenced by its coastal location and the surrounding currents.

Natural Resources

Fish from the sea serves as the most readily available commodity for the Marinovicans. But with the city carved into the bluff and a forest to the north, stone and wood are easily harvestable to make materials.

Founding Date

1520

Alternative Name(s)

The City of Enchanted Tides

Type

Large city

Population

70k

Inhabitant Demonym

Marinovicans

Location under

The Northeast Region

Owner/Ruler

Zlatomir Valchev

Ruling/Owning Rank

Duke or Duchess

Owning Organization

House Petrov

Characters in Location

• Gavril Stoyanov
• Zlatomir Valchev