Legend - "The Blades of the Many"
...And Princess Aken forced her broken body to its feet, leaning on her Heart's Blade for support. The King of Iron scoffed and spat at her. "You are no great hero, just another insect!"
He gestured to the people below the ramparts who had gathered to watch the battle.. All looked on in shocked despair, as it seemed that hope was lost and they would remain under the heel of the God King.
But Aken turned to them, not the despot. "It is true. I am no better than any of you - and I made him bleed!"
With the last of her life, she took her shimmering sword and cast it to the crowd. One blade became many, each shaped by a different wish as it vanished from her heart. Their champion was dead, but she gave them her fangs.
The King of Iron began to shout again, but he was drowned out by the clamor as they rushed forward to claim the swords at their feet. He would kill many before the day had ended, yet he too perished - his divine blood drained by a thousand tiny cuts.
World - "Portia's Scion Fair"
Considered the wealthiest city in all the Twilight Meridian (and likely the entire Outer World) Portia features a surprising amount of children with unspoken heritage. While the cause has not been seriously investigated, these orphans are taken in by the city government and often trained and groomed for positions within Portia's infrastructure once they come of age.
An orphan may list themselves in the "Scion's Fair" anywhere from the age of 12 to 17. Those wishing to enter must complete several tests of athleticism, education and overall health, but otherwise there are no real restrictions. The fair itself is something like a yearly bazaar, where the child will petition for their adoption into one of Portia's prestigious families or organizations. Many of the most successful guild-masters, entrepreneurs, entertainers and mercenary captains were once simple orphans at the Scion Fair, so the practice is taken rather seriously by Portia's elite.
Of course, the hereditary children of such families come to dread each coming fair as another chance that their Matriarch or Patriarch will return with someone that will oust them from their birthright!
Persona - "Merchant & Maker"
Occasionally, at the crossroads (any crossroad will do, truly) you will come across a large black carriage pulled by an arachnid beast of burden and accompanied by disturbingly tall man in sharp dress. His face is smooth and black, like a pebble, though when he speaks it is through two pearly rows of perfect teeth. He is very polite!
His wagon contains an emporium much larger than any wagon should, with rows of things you need and other things you've never seen. His paramour will greet you there, her six arms constantly at work. Her marble like skin is covered in rippling grooves, covered in clothes made of delicate lace. Her voice comes from wherever you aren't looking. She is so very considerate!
Here at the shop of Merchant & Maker, you can purchase
whatever you need at
whatever price you can afford...
