Viletta
A deepwater port at the foot of high cliffs & the
Pyr Range, there are no suitable passes to provide access to
the rest of the Empire, and it is effectively approachable only
from the sea. It is a mining city which serves the “Deadmines”,
the primary producer of Mithril in the ‘civilized’ world, with
diamonds as a byproduct. Viletta’s remoteness made it difficult
for the empire to hold onto after Thessalya & Thippus broke
from the Imperium, and as the wars in the Passes dragged on,
draining resources, Florenta had to let it go. (Also, Viletta
wanted to belong to the Thippus / Thessalya Alliance.)
Control of the Deadmines and the city goes back and forth between
Nessia and the Alliance. Frequent battles have ravaged the small
port, often interrupting mining and bringing the Mithral trade
to a stuttering halt. Even when Nessian occupation forces are
driven out, they leave behind dark and fearsome creatures in
the mines that prey on miners and disrupt operations.
There was a time when Elven trade ships from Llohna were as common
in Viletta’s harbor as seagulls, but now due to the way the port
changes hands, only the occasional elven ship ghosts in and out
of port, no more than 2 or 3 per year.
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Size: |
Medium City/Seaport City State |
| Population: |
20,000 |
| Trade: |
Mithril |
Government
Viletta functions as an equal nation in the Thippus
/ Thessalya alliance, although it remains an independent
City-State. Governing of the city, mines and foreign
affairs is conducted by a seven-member council of nobles,
each voted upon by the other nobles, and each of whom
may serve only five years before stepping down (a process
which leads to a great deal of corruption and political
intrigue.) The council is headed by a ‘High Magister’
(voted in by the council) who serves ten years, theoretically
making him or her immune to political maneuvering…
Military
Although Viletta
has a standing army of around 2,000 infantry, they are
supplemented by a mandatory citizen militia which can
ad up to 6,000 troops. Viletta’s small fleet of warships
is for defense only.
Religion
The people of Viletta
are for the most part followers of the Church of Cuthbert,
and watched over by the “Bishop of Viletta,’ the ranking
Church delegate, who answers to superiors at the Basilica
in Florenta. A small force of paladins and Church troops
protect the Bishop and his cathedral. The Holy Inquisition
is unwelcome in Viletta.
People
of Interest
Shale the Wise: This old, battle-scarred
wizard serves as the chief advisor to the High Magister,
and has done so for nearly 50 years.
In Their Own Words… “Fear not the
Nessians. Their capabilities are known. We should look
to our defense against the white-haired serpent who dwells
far beneath us.”
Sir Geoffrey of Valencia: A paladin
of the Church of Cuthburt, this young knight is charged
with not only the protection of the bishop, but with
the overall defense of Viletta. Although young, he has
seen many battles with the Nessians and is an experienced
warrior.
In Their Own Words… “Only through
the sustaining power of His grace will we achieve victory
over our enemies. And we shall show mercy to our captives,
where they would not.”
Groups
and Guilds
VILETTA MINER’S ASSOCIATION: A union-style
organization of mine workers, who demand – and receive
– a share of the mithril proceeds for their hard and
dangerous work. Without them, all work shuts down.
VILETTA 2nd PIKE: An elite battalion
of experienced soldiers skilled at repelling Nessian
attacks. Considered one of the premier combat units in
the Known World.
Places of Interest
THE DEADMINES: An extensive warren of mines reaching
deep into the Pyr, with as-yet uncharted depths. Rich
with veins of pure mithril, the mines also produce
a small amount of diamonds. It is not unusual for subterranean
creatures to prowl up from the deep to prey upon miners.
ST. STEPHEN’s: This impressive marble
and granite cathedral, home to the Bishop, is consecrated
to the Patron Saint of Masons and Miners.
THE MITHRIL FLAGON: The premier tavern
in Viletta, known for its rich Mountain Stout.
FEATHERBREAST’S: This is an elven operated
mithril-smith / armorer highly skilled at fashioning
any possible armor arrangement out of mithril. The craftsmen
dabble in weaponry as well.
Currency
Coinage from Thippus and Thessalya is common, and has
an equal exchange rate. Coins from the Empire are still
frequently found, but are devalued by 20%. Viletta has
its own coinage, as seen below;
 “Viletta Dorcha”
Value: 250 gp.
An extremely rare mithril coin minted primarily for the
Elves of Llhona at the Deadmines of Viletta. Only the
very wealthy in Viletta possess these, and always in
small numbers.
 “Viletta Krueng”
Value: 1 gp.
Depicting the image of “Corinth,” a hero of ancient Viletta,
this gold coin is common and often worn from use and
shaving.
 “Silver Claudius”
Value: 1/5th gp.
A very common coin, the obverse shows Claudius IV, an
early king of Thippus who was banished from his homeland
to the unknown sea, and made landfall after a great storm,
establishing a city…present day Viletta.
 “Viletta Pence”
Value: 1/20th gp
Also called a “Copper Bull,” this extremely common coin
– in a city based on mithril – is hardly worth picking
up off the ground.
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