Vertis

Vertis

Where the depths meet the shore, mysteries and treasures await

Overview

Vertis stands as the third-largest city on Lake Rorest, positioned at its northeastern edge where a moderate-sized river meets the lake. With approximately 15,000 residents, it forms a strategic triangle with Claypost to the northeast and Chegeg to the north. The city owes its prosperity to an unusual underwater formation - a broad shelf extending nearly half a mile into the lake at a depth of only 8-12 feet before suddenly plunging into some of the deepest waters of Lake Rorest.

Geography & Layout

The city is arranged in several distinct districts:
Shoreside - The main residential and commercial area along the lake edge. Unlike other Rorestvian cities, the wealthiest citizens live closest to the water, with prestigious homes featuring private docks.
River Quarter - Stretching along both riverbanks, this district houses the city's alchemical operations, with distinctive laboratory structures featuring tall ventilation chimneys that release colorful smoke throughout the day.
The Great Pier - Vertis's most iconic feature, this massive wooden structure extends a quarter mile into the lake above the shallow shelf. Several circular platforms punctuate its length, culminating in "Drop's Edge" platform situated directly above the underwater cliff.
Merchant's Fold - A crescent-shaped district wrapping around the inland side of the city, housing trading companies, warehouses, and caravan facilities.

Economy

Specialized Fishing

Vertis has developed distinct fishing methods for different waters:
Shelf Fishing - Utilizing smaller vessels and specialized nets to harvest abundant but smaller species from the shallow shelf waters.
Deep Fishing - Employing specialized vessels with winches and weighted nets to reach depths of 60+ feet beyond the underwater cliff, targeting rare, larger species that command premium prices.
Night Fishing - A unique Vertis tradition using specially designed lanterns to attract certain species that rise from the depths after sunset.

Alchemical Practices:

Built upon the bounty of both lake and river, Vertis has developed distinctive alchemical traditions:
Lumen Compounds - The city's most famous innovations, primarily Lumina (bioluminescent lighting) and Preservus (food preservation), developed by Clan Lumen. These compounds have transformed daily life in Rorestvia and become valuable export commodities. Preservation Compounds - Beyond the famous Preservus, a range of specialized formulations maintains the quality of fish for extended periods, enabling long-distance trade Medicinal Preparations - Remedies derived from specific lake plants, fish oils, and river herbs
Enhancement Elixirs - Concoctions that temporarily boost perception, endurance, or focus, popular among deep-water fishers facing dangerous conditions
Elemental Extracts - Materials processed from deep-water minerals and plants that have applications in magical devices and rituals

Culture & Society

Vertis has a predominantly Human population (65%), with significant elven minority (15%), orcish population (10%), and other races (10%). The city's social structure is uniquely oriented horizontally rather than vertically, with status determined by proximity to water.
The city is governed by a council with representatives from three major guilds - the Fishers' Collective, the Alchemists' Circle, and the Merchants' Consortium - alongside clan representatives.

Cultural Elements

• The Edge Ceremony - Annual ritual where boats gather at the drop-off point, releasing floating lanterns to honor those lost to the deep waters
• Taste Festival - Biannual celebration showcasing both culinary and alchemical innovations
• Blue Lamps - Distinctive glass lanterns containing a mild alchemical luminescence, marking the homes of respected master fishers or alchemists

Key Locations

Temple of the Veiled One The most enigmatic structure in Vertis, positioned at the very end of the Great Pier where the shallow shelf drops into the depths of Lake Rorest.
Drop's Edge - The circular platform at the Great Pier's end where daily fish auctions occur
Alchemists' Row - A stretch of riverbank lined with laboratories and workshops
Harbormaster's Spire - Tall wooden observation tower where weather is monitored and fishing operations coordinated
The Confluence - Central marketplace where the river meets the lakeshore

Political Stance

Vertis maintains a carefully balanced position in Rorestvian politics, officially acknowledging Prince Gerrin's authority while preserving traditional autonomy. The city values clan traditions but embraces innovations that serve its specialized economy. Its position between Claypost and Chegeg, alongside its unique resources, provides leverage to maintain independence during times of political tension.

Type

City

Location under

Lake Rorest