Nevarra (Ner-var-ra)
Nevarra is a necropolis with much older foundations than any other settlement on Perentha. Some scholars believe that its origins date back even before The Shatter. The city-state is built at the base of the Dead Peaks, and its reverence for the dead is almost ostentatious to the point of being overbearing. The current war between the capital Ventus and the southern regions has led Nevvarra to be a place of refuge for many fleeing the fighting. However, the city's citizens are becoming increasingly hostile to visitors, with the lower slums on the exterior of the city becoming increasingly crowded, leading to rumours of blood magic and crime.
These teachings are passed down through every household in Nevarra and schools, as education is encouraged and provided for all, making Nevarra one of the few places where primary education is available to everyone who pays taxes in the city.
Government
The Three Cardinals of Nevarra, each entrusted with a specific facet of ruling the city and interpreting the sacred teachings of the dead, bring a harmonious yet distinct approach to their roles.
Cardinal Elysia Corvus oversees Preparation and maintains a steadfast focus on ensuring that every citizen is spiritually and physically prepared for the inevitable embrace of death. Their paramount duty involves supervising the meticulous process of funeral rites, which encompasses the delicate care of the body and the soul. In addition, they work tirelessly to provide all citizens with access to spiritual guidance and unwavering support during their final days. In the cardinal's eyes, a well-prepared passage into the afterlife is not merely a custom; it's a sacred duty.
Cardinal Lucius Thane, responsible for Preservation, takes on the solemn responsibility of safeguarding the memory and legacy of the deceased. They emphasise nurturing a culture that encourages every citizen to cherish and pay homage to the deeds of those who have crossed the threshold of life. They are ardent advocates for the preservation and upkeep of the final resting places of Nevarra's dearly departed. In their view, honouring the left is not an option but an unyielding commitment that reflects the city's core values.
Cardinal Seraphina Vale is devoted to Protection and is an unwavering guardian of the city, charged with ensuring the safety of its people and places. Their duties extend to supervising and enhancing security measures for crucial sites and historical landmarks, as well as working tirelessly to preserve the safety and well-being of Nevarra's citizens. They view the protection of the living as an extension of the city's sacred duty to revere the dead, for it is through the safeguarding of the residence that the memory of the departed continues to thrive.
Though each cardinal brings a unique perspective to their role, guided by their interpretation of the teachings of the dead, they share a common bond and commitment to the values and well-being of Nevarra. It is this unity within diversity that allows the city to flourish in its unique reverence for the departed and the care of the living.
Infrastructure
Carved from the black stone upon which Nevarra sits, most of the city has gothic architecture, with oil lanterns lining the streets and bone iconography prominent throughout the city; Nevarra itself is built in rings that rise in tiers and descend into the ground. The higher levels are for trade, while the outer rings are residential, with the lower outer rings comprising the slums. The inner rings are primarily off-limits due to being covered in an ethereal mist that remains throughout the year. Rumours of giant undead and dangerous curses wandering the streets ward off most people.
The Great Bridge of Jorik connects Nevarra to the rest of the continent; as the main entranceway, only those who pass the frontier checkpoint at the main gate are permitted to enter the city.
Points of interest
The Bone Cathedral:
The cathedral in Nevarra is an extraordinary architectural masterpiece, with towering spires reaching towards the sky and pure white colour. The facade is adorned with intricate carvings of bone iconography depicting scenes of life, death, and the afterlife. The cathedral serves as the primary place of worship for the people of Nevarra, with regular ceremonies led by priests and priestesses to honour the departed and seek their guidance in the living world. The walls of the cathedral house ancient texts and manuscripts that provide valuable insights into the history of the city's unique death-centric culture and the spiritual beliefs of its inhabitants. Visitors are welcome to explore the library, often accompanied by knowledgeable scholars.The Silent Tomb:
The underground complex is vast and creates a solemn atmosphere that visitors can feel as soon as they descend into it. The silence is profound, and the dim lighting, along with softly glowing orbs, adds to the otherworldly ambience. The complex is a maze of chambers, each with its unique character and features. Some chambers display large statues, while others showcase intricate mosaics that depict the stories and histories of the deceased. Visitors can follow the winding paths to pay their respects. Some chambers offer visitors the chance to participate in rituals of remembrance, such as lighting candles or leaving handwritten notes. The air is still, except for the echoes of whispers, prayers, and mournful songs. This creates a truly immersive experience.The Hall of Eternal Flame:
In this magnificent space, a magical flame fueled by ancient enchantments burns endlessly, emitting a soft and warm glow. This eternal light represents the undying love of the living and the everlasting memory of the departed. Visitors are invited to participate in a candle-lighting ritual where they can select a candle, light it from the eternal flame and place it in a dedicated alcove. Here, they can leave a handwritten note or take a moment to remember their loved ones who have passed away. The hall's walls are adorned with thousands of letters, messages, and artwork left by visitors. These heartfelt expressions are a powerful testimony to the enduring connections between the living and the dead, allowing everyone to express their love, loss, and remembrance.The Sorrowful Gardens:
The gardens are beautifully designed, with meandering walkways, peaceful ponds, and comfortable benches. The lush vegetation includes weeping willow trees and fragrant flowers, creating a melancholic yet calming atmosphere. Striking monuments and memorials dedicated to specific individuals or families adorn the gardens. These memorials feature lifelike statues and intricate plaques and often include detailed inscriptions that recount the stories of those they honour. The parks provide an ideal location for quiet contemplation and meditation. Visitors often come here seeking solace, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of nature and the poignant stories of those who are remembered.The Bonecrafters' Guild:
The Bone Guild is a bustling workshop where skilled artisans create intricate bone sculptures, carvings, and iconography. They craft everything from tiny bone charms to larger-than-life installations with meticulous attention to detail. Visitors can observe the craftsmen and craftswomen at work, and guided tours are available for those who wish to learn more about their techniques and passion for their craft. The tour offers a chance to witness the entire process, from bone selection to the final product. In the guild shop, you can find a variety of unique souvenirs, including delicate bone jewellery and ornate bone-carved picture frames. These one-of-a-kind pieces are popular keepsakes for visitors and are considered symbols of the city's distinctive culture and artistry.Culture & Legends
The Guardian Statues:
Nevarra is a city renowned for its guardian statues placed at the entrances. According to legends, these statues contain the souls of legendary warriors who sacrificed their lives to protect the city from a malevolent force several centuries ago. It is believed that these stone guardians come to life during times of great danger, defending the city with immense strength and unwavering determination. The statues symbolise the city's rich history and the bravery of those who fought to keep it safe.The Veiled Sorceress:
Legend has it that there was once a mysterious figure in Nevarra's history known as the Veiled Sorceress. It is believed that she was a powerful mage who could control both life and death, which made the people of Nevarra fearful of her abilities. As a result, they banished her from the land. However, before leaving, she concealed a library filled with forbidden knowledge. It is said that whoever discovers this lost sanctum can obtain command over life and death. But beware, this power comes at a high price, sometimes even at the cost of one's life force.The Guardian of the Blood Crystal:
Beneath the city lie ancient crypts that house a rare and precious Blood Crystal, which is believed to have the power to communicate with departed souls. According to an old legend, a guardian spirit has been tasked with protecting this precious gem. To gain access to it and share it with lost loved ones, one must first seek the approval of the powerful spirit.The Undying Lovers:
Legend tells of two lovers from rival noble houses who were so deeply in love that even death could not separate them. It is said that they discovered a way to bind their souls together, and now they wander together as spirits throughout Nevarra. Their ghostly figures are said to appear at twilight in the most romantic areas of the city, and those who are fortunate enough to witness this apparition are believed to receive a blessing in matters of love.The Tomb Guard
Nevarra is policed by the Tomb Guard, an elite group trained in melee and magical defence. Even in combat, they respect the dead, and after dispatching a threat, they take incredible care of the deceased. They perform rituals and prepare the bodies for the next life. This has left some battlefields where they have fought an odd spectacle, with no mass graves or fires. The dead are positioned carefully with all their belongings, and a simple ward is placed around them to deter spirits from claiming the bodies. The Tomb Guard are adorned in black stone armour sourced from the city's centre. Their helmets are abstract deities that hold some importance to each echelon they serve. Despite their fearsome appearance, they are considered one of the continent's most reasonable and well-mannered forces.
Tomb Guard
