Memnos

Memnos is an island of two halves—the warm, bright greens of Arctosia and the grey cold of Mesembra. The city of Arctosia is a sight to behold: huge towers gleam with golden light, and in some cases actual gold. The palatial estates of Arctosia contain rows upon rows of grapes, humble fruits that will be transformed into fine wine. The Steps of Heliod, a tower that seems to reach the clouds themselves, is the crown jewel of Arctosia. At the top sits a mighty statue of Heliod, and pilgrims who make it up the rough-hewn steps carved into the tower’s side and reach the top in a single day are said to be able to commune directly with Heliod, himself. Those who go deeper into the city find that the beauty of Arctosia is merely skin deep. The rich districts encircle the unsightly parts of their city, hiding them from view. The Ratway, as it is called, is home to those the city wants to forget. Worshippers of gods other than Heliod live in the squalor of the Ratway. Buildings there are crammed so closely that sometimes there is no door between two homes, merely a curtain separating two large families. Away from the city, in the countryside, life seems more free. Small plantations and estates dot the landscape. Most of these are vineyards, but a few grow other fruits and vegetables. Near the border of Mesembra, there is a slight chill in the air, and the vineyards and farms give way to small hunting lodges and inns. Once you cross over into Mesembra, there is no mistaking it. No matter what time it was before you entered, no matter how high the sun was in the sky, daylight all but vanishes behind the thick wall of fog and mist that swirls around travelers as they journey into Mesembra. Here, the thriving flora and fauna of Arctosia give way to the grey of death. The only things that grow here are fungi, a few hardy vegetables, and strange herbs that thrive in the greyness of the mist. The city of Mesembra is the antithesis of Arctosia in every way. Instead of building up, the people of Mesembra built out and down. High walls encircle a large sprawl of buildings made of wood and held together with mud and leather straps. At the center of the city lies the Crypt, an underground complex that serves as both a Temple to Erebos and as the final resting place of the dead. Built deep into the earth, the Crypt is accessed by an enormous spiral staircase dug into the earth. Hallways leading off the stairs allow families to access the tombs of their loved ones where they can mourn or celebrate their lives. Behind the Crypt lies the Skull Fortress. The Fortress was once Mesembra’s seat of power as well as an arena for Mogis worshippers to watch executions and large scale battles between slaves. Fifty years ago, a slave uprising overthrew the rule of the Mogis worshippers. Now the banners that fly from the Skull Fortress show Erebos's whip, to let all know that death will find them, no matter how far they run.

Type

Island