Machera

Landscape

Machera is a city located at the southernmost spur of land, south of Cydonya and across the Bay of Mists from the destroyed city of Rune.

Machera is completely dominated by its docks, harbors and canals. It was built on the River Grie and is in fact, a small collection of islands joined by bridges.

Because Machera is ideally situated at the mouth of a river, as well as with perfect access to the Sea of Swords they prosper on shipping and trade, and receive many oddities and luxuries from other cities. Although, ships have been disappearing near the Bay of Mists...

History

It is said the Humans who settled in Machera would have quickly been driven out of the city by the Pookah who called the area their home, if not for their sense of humor. The Pookah enjoyed the newcomers' flair so much, that the two races together embarked to build a community there. Over time, more and more Humans settled in the area, and the place grew to be a great city.

Macheran culure is a colorful one. Because of the typical Pookan trend to shapeshift and change one's identity on the spot, the other Macherans took to wearing masks to protect their identity. After all, a Pookah cannot imitate what it cannot see! This also helps to preserve a sense of anonymity when going about one's affairs. The masks became a mainstay of everyday life and professional mask-makers are well-paid. The masks can be anything from an obscuring sheath of veils to the more commonly found carnival-style masks, made from porcelain or leather, to even some made from steel or wood. Macherans wear these masks everywhere they go, and only take them off when in the comfort of their own home or loved ones. The Pookah certainly don't begrudge them their comfort in this, and generally applaud them for their cleverness.

Macheran clothes are colorful. Because of the lack of facial expression and personal attraction between potential lovers, Macherans do their best to attract others based on fashion, color, their elaborate masks, and body-language. There are few more expressive or well-spoken cultures in Gaeis.

Landmarks

• Shoppe du Masque, a shop
• The Pearl Manor, the seat of the Lady of the Waters
• The High Dive, a tavern
• The Island, an inn
• Duchard Manor

Notable Persons

• Lady of Waters, Aude Attanye
• Lord of Waters, Roland Attanye
• Madame Grie, a Pookah
• Laure Estrope, a hunted man
• Maritte Duchard, a noblewoman
• Lord Duchard, a noble
• The Lady in Tears, an underworld power
• Firre DeSoir, an outlaw