City of Stagliano

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City of Stagliano

Stagliano: Capital of the Magna Contea

History of the City

Stagliano is the heart of the Magna Contea, its capital, and one of the oldest cities in the Dark Sea region. Its foundation is intertwined with the mysterious ruins of a lost civilization, of which little more is known. These ruins, better preserved than those of other nearby cities, formed the basis for the settlement of the first inhabitants, who adapted the pre-existing structures to build their homes and the first public buildings. As a result, Stagliano has a unique architecture: angular, austere and, in many cases, disturbingly similar to the forms of the ancient buildings on which it rests.
The city owes its current importance to a pivotal event some four centuries ago, when General Alberto Prisco, a Tamarite of the Empire, was given the title of Bayan (a vassal lord) over a vast territory that included the lands now known as Magna Contea, Barbaria and the Marca del Fuoco. During his rule, Stagliano became the administrative and political center of the region.
With the Almighty Empire, due to the failure of the Great Crusade, the imperial territories fragmented, and Magna Contea declared its independence. The Prisco family assumed the title of Viscount, consolidating their power despite the loss of the lands of Barbaria and the Marca del Fuoco. However, the family's initial territorial expansion and prestige were overshadowed by internal conflicts, culminating two generations later in the dynastic feud between Viscount Gennaro Prisco and his son Dario the Inept, whom the father killed to replace him with his trusted captain of the guard. This event marked the beginning of a long decline for the Prisco family, whose political power has slowly eroded.
Today, the city reflects the decline of the ruling family. Enea Prisco, the current Viscount, has almost completely abandoned the management of the territory and lives isolated in the gloomy Castello dei Prisco, leaving the population to suffer in a condition of increasing poverty and abandonment.

Current Situation

Stagliano is a city of contrasts: its ancient foundations and its glorious history clash with a reality of degradation, inequality and desperation. The inhabitants live crushed between the indifference of the local government and the rampant corruption that infects every level of society.

• Economy: The economy of Stagliano is based on agriculture and craftsmanship that suffer from the lack of investment and the oppressive taxation imposed by the Viscount. The Craftsmen's Guild, led by the charismatic Arturo Ricoli, represents one of the few stable and reliable institutions. Poverty forces many citizens to work as laborers on the surrounding farms, or to join illegal guilds or organized crime.
• Corruption and crime: The city is suffocated by the control of the underworld, especially in the Pearl Quarter, dominated by the infamous Calogero Spezzadita. Here the black market thrives, fueled by contraband and the trade of a new drug called Felicium, produced locally in the basements. The drug has begun to spread even in the poorest neighborhoods, further aggravating the poverty and desperation of the population.
• Religion and charity: The only concrete help to the population comes from religious institutions. Mother Theodora, head of the temple of Danu, works tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of the poor, but the resources at her disposal are limited. The Iron Tree Monastery takes in and educates orphans up to the age of 12, trying to offer them a chance at redemption. However, many young people end up falling into crime or leaving the city in search of a better life.
• Activities of the Monks of Arva: A group of monks of the Shining Fists, followers of the sun goddess Arva, are particularly active in fighting the spread of Felicium. These monks patrol the poorest neighborhoods of the city, trying to recover drug victims and offer them treatment. They have set up small shelters for drug addicts and organize public sermons to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs. Although they have limited resources, their efforts are a beacon of hope for many.

Important Characters

• Enea Prisco: Viscount of Stagliano, Enea is a cold and distant man, obsessed with the security of his power. He rarely leaves his castle, preferring to ignore the problems of the city. His paranoia has made him an isolated leader, unable to face the challenges that plague the territory.
• Madre Theodora: Priestess of the Temple of Danu, a compassionate and determined woman, Theodora is the main force of hope for the city's poor. Despite the hardships, she works tirelessly to distribute food and provide shelter to those most in need.
• Arturo Ricoli: Head of the Artisans' Guild and known as the best pastry chef in the city, Arturo is also a generous and pragmatic man. His influence in the Guild is one of the few forces that counter corruption and the underworld.
• Calogero "Spezzadita": The underworld boss, a ruthless and ambitious man, Calogero dominates the Pearl District and controls the black market. His dealings, including the production of Felicium, have allowed him to amass enormous wealth and power.

Locations and Resources

• The Prisco Castle
A gray and imposing fortress that dominates the city from atop a hill. Although decaying, it is still the symbol of the Prisco family's power.

• The Pearl Quarter
A maze of narrow and dark alleys, known for its illegal markets. Here are also the Felicium smokehouses, frequented by the city's desperate.

• The Lower Quarter
Located near the Pearl Quarter, the Lower Quarter is known for its brothels and entertainment venues. Many of these establishments are Felicium smokehouses, where desperation and poverty drive citizens to take refuge in drugs. Prostitution is widespread, and the living conditions of the girls employed in these places are miserable.

• The Secret Tunnels
An intricate system of underground passages and tunnels that crisscross the entire city. Originally used as storage and shelter by the lost civilization upon which Stagliano was built, they are now the hub of illicit trafficking in the Pearl Quarter. Drugs such as Felicium are produced here, and contraband is hidden.

• The Wailing Tower
The city prison, a place feared by all. Its dank, overcrowded cells house criminals, political dissidents, and anyone who opposes the Viscount.

• The Iron Tree Monastery
An austere structure that houses orphans and offers them a basic education. The monastery is also a center of spirituality and charity for the city's poor.

• The Stagliano Racecourse
Many famous Drill Races are held here, weekly events attract gamblers from all over the Magna Contea. The races are sometimes known for their brutality and the rigged results.

Folklore and Details

The Drill Races: The people of Stagliano eagerly await the weekly races. The most prestigious event is the Visconte's Prize, an annual competition that draws participants from across the continent.

The Crocicchi:

The Mother Nature's Crocicchio is a time of rejoicing for the city: huge carts decorated with papier-mâché figures parade in a procession that culminates with the naming of the Daughter of the Year, a girl chosen for her beauty and grace. The funniest carts receives a symbolic prize, celebrating the creativity of the community.
The Crocicchio del Drill Vincitore, celebrated after the Premio del Visconte, sees the Drill and the triumphant jockey at the center of a lively and colorful procession. The population follows the procession with songs and dances, transforming the neighborhood into a continuous party.

Underground Drill races: In the undergrowth of the city, brutal and clandestine competitions of a sport called Torello are held, in which two teams of riders challenge each other by carrying an animal carcass across a demarcation line. The rules are non-existent, and any means are allowed to win. These matches, in addition to being bloody, attract clandestine bets and spectators looking for strong emotions.

Maps

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  City of Stagliano

Type

City

Location under

The Dark Sea

Owning Organization

La Magna Contea

Characters in Location

• Madre Theodora
• Visconte Enea Prisco