Welcome to Adventu, your final fantasy rp haven. adventu focuses on both canon and original characters from different worlds and timelines that have all been pulled to the world of zephon: a familiar final fantasy-styled land where all adventurers will fight, explore, and make new personal connections.
at adventu, we believe that colorful story and plots far outweigh the need for a battle system. rp should be about the writing, the fun, and the creativity. you will see that the only system on our site is the encouragement to create amazing adventures with other members. welcome to adventu... how will you arrive?
year 5, quarter 3
Welcome one and all to our beautiful new skin! This marks the visual era of Adventu 4.0, our 4th and by far best design we've had. 3.0 suited our needs for a very long time, but as things are evolving around the site (and all for the better thanks to all of you), it was time for a new, sleek change. The Resource Site celebrity Pharaoh Leep was the amazing mastermind behind this with minor collaborations from your resident moogle. It's one-of-a-kind and suited specifically for Adventu. Click the image for a super easy new skin guide for a visual tour!
Final Fantasy Adventu is a roleplaying forum inspired by the Final Fantasy series. Images on the site are edited by KUPO of FF:A with all source material belonging to their respective artists (i.e. Square Enix, Pixiv Fantasia, etc). The board lyrics are from the Final Fantasy song "Otherworld" composed by Nobuo Uematsu and arranged by The Black Mages II.
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Below you will find the cities of Zephon, each shown on the WORLD MAP. See what regional event is in season by checking our SEASONAL UPDATES. Click HERE to see more in-depth descriptions on the lands beyond the cities.
THE CITY OF TORENSTEN
POPULATION: APPROX. 8,000,000
NATIONAL POPULATION: APPROX. 14,700,000
NATIONAL TITLE: THE DUKEDOM OF TORENSTEN
GOVERNMENT: DUKEDOM
BIOME: TROPICAL
DESCRIPTION:
Zephon’s oldest nation, Torensten was founded in Zephon’s age of legends. Nicknamed “The Adventurer’s Paradise”, Torensten is a massive port-side city divided into three Districts: The Residential District, The Shopping District and the Port District. With its large size and population, adventurers from across Zephon travel here to make their name. As a result, Torensten has become a hotbed for adventurers and mercenaries. While this has drawn attention from great heroes, it has also attracted powerful beings with less savory intentions. These forces often collide, and while the city is often damaged, the people always rebuild even bigger and stronger than before.
POLITICS:
Previously a monarchy, Torensten has evolved into a city that is oligarchic in nature while still paying homage to Torensten’s older political traditions. While the city is governed by a council of 6, they are presided over by a 7th known as the King/Queen of Torensten who keeps the Council in line and serves as Torensten’s figurehead. Family members of the seven are given honorary titles, but hold no decision-making power. The current sitting regent, King Hremit, is a man as comfortable in a battlefield as a throne room. Known as a great hero in his own right, he demands nothing but hospitality for any warriors worth their reputation.
CLIMATE:
Resting on the southern end of Zephon, The City of Torensten is known for its hotter and more humid tropical climate. While not as hot as the Reikin Sands, those used to colder weather may be scorched by the sun’s rays if they aren’t prepared. Torensten’s temperature can range from 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 90°F). Palm trees, as well as tropical fruit and wildlife are a common sight in Torensten’s outskirts.
PRIMARY ECONOMY:
With a place on the coast and airships at their disposal, Torensten’s trading capabilities are second to none. The Dukedom’s abundance of tropical fruits and fish are an important source of income. Magical charms and spell components also commonly come from the mages of Torensten.
TECHNOLOGY:
Torensten’s cities are primarily powered by their coveted magic crystals. These crystals are able to project magical energies to enact various effects, such as powering lights to running the city's vast aqueduct system. These crystals are recharged through a magic user funneling their mana or the magical energies of a magic-bearing item into the crystal to continue to use their magical effects. While a collection of routinely maintenanced crystals in Castle Aryle serve this purpose in the City of Torensten, other cities within the Dukedom send prospective magic users to the University of Magi, returning with the experiences needed to safely power their own crystals. Being surrounded by water, Torensten relies on elaborate plumbing and aqueduct systems for water dispensing and hygienic purposes.
CULTURE:
Torensten’s people are a stubborn lot. No matter how much of Torensten is damaged, the citizens of Torensten will constantly band together to raise it back up better than before. While sociable and friendly, the people of Torensten take great pride in their city and will not take kindly to it being insulted. When trouble comes around, the people of Torensten band together in great numbers, capable of taking on any task and overcoming any challenge with a stubborn will that has kept Torensten strong for as long as it has stood.
TRANSPORTATION:
The City of Torensten’s primary method of transportation is a series of Air Trains under the banner of the “Voyage de Torensten”. In order to make Torensten’s three districts easier to access, these trains have stations scattered throughout Torensten. Voyage de Torensten makes use of different designated routes within Torensten’s airspace, shifting only for obstacles as needed as they make their way through Torensten at intervals. These air trains are complete with viewing windows next to the seats and an observation deck to walk on that lets you peek down at Torensten and the seaside below. The nation also hosts a state of the art aerodrome, and airships commonly make their way between cities and across the Provo border.
TERRITORY:
The Dukedom of Torensten stretches up the far north of the western continent, ending just at the mouth of the Versorger River. Claiming the entire western scope of the coast, Torensten controls all vessels out at sea, or so much as they can keep an eye on. In the south-central of the Dukedom, Torensten opens up into winding, hilly plains with a quaint breeze and lush grasslands. There are a few sparsely wooded areas as one heads further south into Torensten, but they become less and less as one travels towards the tropical climate. The City of Torensten is located in a tropical climate on the edge of the sea. As one travels due south toward the Torres River, trees begin to densely pop up -- a tropical jungle. The jungle travels due south to the next river, and due east toward the simple mountain range, where it ends.
FOREIGN RELATIONS:
The laid-back, spirited people of Torensten have held a longstanding tension with Sonora, their idealogical opposite. The people of both countries hold a mutual disdain for one another, refusing to trade even for their mutual benefit. Torensten instead holds a close trade relationship with Provo which act as a middleman to trade between the two powers. Torensten’s status as the leading force in airship and sea travel allows for easy and effective trade to those with open borders to them.
NOTABLE DEITIES:
Ramuh, Leviathan, Bahamut
PLACES OF NOTE:
Legend Square: The most prominent of legendary warriors are honored with statues throughout Torensten’s center hub area: Legend Square. Festivals and other events are commonly held here. People in need often come to post jobs on the Bulletin Board located here where freelancers and mercenaries alike flock to find work. The first warrior to be enshrined in Legend Square is Lord Hremit, a legendary warrior who became the first King of Torensten. His descendant, named after him, currently sits as Torensten’s figurehead.
Castle Aryle: A castle that houses the Magic Crystals powering the City of Torensten. The Council of Torensten also meets here regularly to discuss ongoing events in the region and make decisions when necessary. This is the current residence of Lord Hremit and his family and the headquarters of Torensten’s military force.
Port District: The center of sea travel for Torensten, the Port District is home to hundreds of docks stretching out towards the great open seas. While some seaside shops have set themselves up here, the most common sights in the Port District are ships of different shapes and sizes. If one is looking for a ship, Torensten’s Port District is the place to be.
University of Magi: With Torensten’s reliance on magic users, educating would-be mages on how to best use their talents is key to Torensten’s continuing prosperity. Magic users are taught how to use their capabilities to the fullest, from practical uses to combat. The University also serves to educate them on the dangers of magic, conditioning the magic users of Torensten to use their gifts wisely and safely.
Grand Hall of Torensten: It is here that Torensten’s cherished history is truly preserved, no matter what may befall it. From exhibits of Torensten’s oldest architecture and monuments to its earliest history, the museum also features a series of smaller replicas of the statues seen in Legend Square with plaques immortalizing their heroic deeds for the world to see.
Plaisir de Magicka: Have you ever wanted to experience the feeling of magic in your hands? This park allows for those who are not magically inclined to work magic firsthand, using magic crystals specially engineered to simulate effects such as summoning lightning or conjuring fire. Those who already have access to magic may even be able to learn a thing or two.
Carpenters Guild: Keeping Torensten well-kept and continuing to progress the evolution of its structures is not an easy task, especially with all the trouble that comes around. The Carpenters Guild holds headquarters in the City of Torensten, and has made it their mission to procure the resources that Torensten needs to build, rebuild and aspire to greater heights than ever before.
Tonberry Colosseum: A colony of Tonberries have constructed a colosseum in the labyrinthine tunnels below the city where they wait, sending out invitations for fighters to battle monsters for their entertainment. These Tonberries, led by the Tonberry King, seem to be oddly friendly to humans, their bloodlust and boredom sated by the battles between man and beast. The Tonberries offer gil and other prizes for those who fight and win -- though they will do nothing to save an unfortunate contestant from a miserable end.
Seasonal events:
Phoenix Week: In honor of the bold reconstructive spirit of his people, King Hremit has announced a new holiday -- a time to lift the spirits of Torensten's people. During Phoenix Week, the council funds its best artists for street displays, calls on exotic merchants for pop-up markets, and encourages local tourist destinations to offer special events. This is will be, they hope, a lasting tradition forged from a newly peaceful nation.
Day of Legend: On the anniversary of the coronation of Torensten's first King Hremit, the city celebrates its history with an elaborate parade. Once the procession clears, the public is invited inside of Castle Argyle for a banquet in honor of its people. The day has recently been turned into a tourist's trap with all kinds of merchandise and being sold throughout the streets for visitors from Provo and Aljana.
Festival of the Hunt: Once a year, warriors across the land come to Torensten to prove their worth through combat. Warriors gather in Legend Square and are split into teams. With a great magical barrier erected around the battlefield, captured beasts are released into Legend Square. The team that scores the most points are awarded prizes and the prestigious title of Champions of the Hunt. The Festival of the Hunt symbolizes the warrior’s desire to become legends in their own right.
Night of the Magi: At the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, the people of Torensten give thanks to the Thunderbringer, Ramuh, for sharing the secrets of magic with humanity and gifting Torensten its power. Effigies of dragons are burned to symbolize Ramuh's eternal enemy, Bahamut, and symbols of the crow, Ramuh's animal, are decorated throughout the streets. The city is alight with magic and crystals fill the air. The scholars at the University of the Magi give demonstrations of their work, and the palace doors are open to those who wish to offer prayers to the crystals or partake in the royal feast.
Sonora is a city of wealth and ruin, of luxury and poverty. For those with the gil, it's a city of endless lights. For those without, it's a metal shantytown of cramped tenements, rusted metal, and the noxious smell of exhaust. While the disadvantaged have no love for their nation, they are kept in line by a strict police state that is as keen on dissent as it is on outsiders. The people of Sonora believe the dimensional travelers to be agents of disorder seeking to assimilate into Zephon's cities in order to overthrow them. Once inside, they can expect nothing but hostility and suspicion.
POLITICS:
Sonora is a democracy or so it will emphatically tell you. In truth, it is a country more beholden to corporate interests than to the will of the people, and it will impose any force to uphold those interests. Rumors abound of voter suppression, intimidation, or even ignoring the ballots altogether. The president is assisted by a legislative council which just so happens to align with the board of companies which most emphatically supported his bid for power. This connection is lost to only President Illode Kyr's most fervent of supporters of which he has many.
CLIMATE:
For the most part, the nation is an uninviting swathe of snow, stone, and tundra. The soil is largely infertile and temperatures regularly reach below freezing during even the warmest months. What the land lacks in life, it more than makes up for in the precious metals, ores, and its most precious resource -- Diamond Dust. Only the coast to the far west is anything but barren. This area is a dense coniferous taiga. The outer territory's small mountain villages will regularly claim their own territorial loyalty and will, on occasion, rebel.
PRIMARY ECONOMY:
Sonora's economy is fueled primarily through the blood of the lower classes as their corporate tax rates are light and easily avoided. As an isolated nation, Sonora uses GP as it currency -- though this can be exchanged at the southern border for a more universal Gil. With that said, nearly anything can be found on Sonora's vast markets. Their more exotic wares are supplied through Provo trade routes. What can't be purchased above the table is readily available on Sonora's expansive black markets. This includes drugs, magical items, and dangerous, military grade weapons.
TECHNOLOGY:
Sonora is the technological marvel of Zephon. What it lacks in magical prowess, it more than makes up for in hover cars, computers, and cell phones. The army is well-supplied with state of the art weaponry deployed with the use of helicopters, sniper scopes, and anti-ballistic mechs. Its only weakness lies in airships which are unwieldy in the region's mountainous terrain and frigid climate. The nation is largely powered by its unique resource, Diamond Dust, which is highly combustible for both electrical power and high grade weaponry. The nation's best scientists and engineers are constantly in pursuit of improved technology that will improve the lives of its citizens -- and more importantly the strength of its military.
CULTURE:
The people of Sonora are highly individualistic and generally unconcerned with the plights of others. In Sonora, competition is a daily component of life, and those at the bottom of the social order are too lazy or soft-hearted to do what it takes to reach the top. As such, the citizens of Sonora have no sympathy for the downtrodden and very few social programs in place to keep them from poverty and exploitation. In Sonora, you mind your own business. Charity never goes rewarded.
TRANSPORTATION:
The city of Sonora is a sprawling metropolis of paved streets, highways, and an underground subway system. Outside of the city, a single paved road will take travelers to and from the one official border crossing between Sonora and Provo. This road is primarily traveled by buses and caravans of semi-trucks ferrying both people and goods between the two cities. Trains connect the city to the rest of the state's vast mountain territory. Chocobo travel is often the only means between the train stations and the rural villages beyond them.
TERRITORY:
Though Sonora controls the most expansive state in Zephon, this land is largely barren making up only 8% of the total population. While there are a few notable towns along the route between Sonora and the official Provo border crossing, the land beyond it is a largely untouched. To the southeast, riverside villages dot the forested water route between the city and the southern lake -- a popular trade route for freighters and pirates. To the west is a mountainous scrubland populated by mining towns. Along the western coast is a forested taiga inhabited by sparse villages so removed from the main city that they might as well belong to a nation of their own. However, as they provide the bulk of Sonoran lumber, the state would never release their iron grip.
FOREIGN RELATIONS:
Sonora has no interest in positive relations with anyone -- foreign or otherwise. It tolerates Provo as a trade necessity. Torensten is seen as a bunch of backwards sorcerers following lost ways in times long past them. Sonora and Torensten have warred for the majority of their recorded history though it has currently reached a rare period of unstable peace. Sonora refuses to recognize any other territory as a respectable world region.
NOTABLE DEITIES:
Shiva
PLACES OF NOTE:
Yanovich Square: Named for the state's founder, Matvey Yanovich, Yanovich Square is the city's governmental hub. In its center is a park displaying busts of all past presidents up to and including Illode Kyr. Along the southern rim is the Yanovich tower -- a massive glass skyscraper housing all governmental officials. Finally, the square is host to museums equipped with a holographic presentation of Sonora's glorious history.
Lucky Sevens: The casino at the heart of Sonora's entertainment district, Lucky Sevens is always alight with thrills and spectacle. The front hall is a gambler's paradise with card tables and slot machines as far as the eye can see. The night hosts live shows of the most popular musicians, performers, and acrobats. This massive complex also houses an elaborate indoor theme park complete with rollercoasters, arcades, and water slides.
Kyr National Hall of the Arts: Funded by President Illode Kyre himself, the Sonoran theater center is a marvel of classical marble architecture and golden reliefs. Kyr Hall is often host to the Sonoran Symphonic Orchestra as well as the Kyr Theatrical Company. The president is not only the hall's primary patron but also a regular visitor. While in use, his private box is one of the most heavily guarded spaces in all of Zephon.
Velvet Street: Outside of Sonora's more affluent sectors, another entertainment district services those of lesser repute. Lining these half-paved streets are jazz bars, burlesque theaters, night clubs, and brothels. It is often said that Velvet Street never sleeps and neither do its clientele. Velvet Street sees a sampling of all walks of life, and if you need someone in the know, there is always someone with loose lips and an ear for gossip.
The Scrapyard: Every city has its underbelly, and this is Sonora's. Nestled among the darkest, most dilapidated tenements of the city lies a bustling economy of smuggled weapons, magical components, and illegal drugs. This black market is supplied by several warring factions of organized crime. No matter the rarity, danger, or moral implication, smugglers will come through for all of your less tasteful needs -- for the right price of course.
Fort Brisbel: The main military base of Sonora, Fort Brisbel is always armed, dangerous, and secure. The pride of the Sonoran military houses not only state of the art helicopters, artillery, and mechs, but also a long range missile canon aimed directly at their southern border. The fort is extremely hostile to outsiders and will shoot any unidentified intruders on site.
The Meltwater Springs: One of the only real attractions outside of the main city, the Meltwater Springs are a series of natural hot springs nestled away in the snowy mountains. Owned by the prominent Ivanov family, the spring has been transformed into a kind of healing resort marketing old spiritual practices and detoxification. In truth, the waters do have a kind of purifying component, healing any number of ailments from Curse and Poison to Zombie and Frog.
Seasonal Events:
Vesna Feyri: Long ago, the Sonoran people dedicated the end of winter to the goddess Sylph, granting her offerings to ensure the coming of spring. Those beliefs are long gone, but their traditions remain. During Vesna Feyri, families will adorn their homes with flowers and indulge in sweets supposedly brought by the fae. The city shops are plagued with woodwind carols this time of year, a tradition loathed by retail workers.
Main Street Electrical Parade: A marvel of fancy and light, this parade brightens the streets during the brutal Sonora winters as a show of whimsy against the long nights. Running from the Lucky Sevens Casino through the entertainment district and into Yanovich Square, the Electrical Parade features acrobats, dancers, elaborate costumes, and holographic images projected into the night.
Sonoran National Celebration: Sixty years ago, the modern state of Sonora was born. As the first president Matyev Yanovich took power and unified the northern territories, the nation found its sense of national pride. This pride is what fuels the Sonoran National Celebration -- a week marked by military marches, tech demonstrations, and the kind of organized performances that go to prove that Sonora is superior to all other nations of Zephon.
The Yanovich Snowflake Festival: During the coldest months of the year, Yanovich Square is transformed into a winter wonderland featuring traditional Sonoran dance, games, foods, and folk crafts. Trees are decorated in shimmering lights and a thriving marketplace sells all manner of gifts and toys. The undisputed highlight of the festival is its central ice skating rink, accented by the many ice sculptures carved by local artisans.
Provo is the city merchants dream of. It is the central hub of commerce, trade, and production for the continent of Serentestra. People travel from all over to buy and sell their wares in Provo, but most of the temporary population tends to hail from Torensten or Sonora. Outside of the city is a vast landscape of farms and ranches.
POLITICS:
Provo is a nation which holds the will of the people in the highest regard. As such, they have regular elections for local and national officials as well as referendums on public matters such as trade regulation. The current president, Aymeric Gavreau, is a strong supporter of merchants and free trade. He will support the nation's economic interests above all else.
CLIMATE:
The Territories of Provo are a vast temperate stretch of plains, woodland, and thick forests. Its mild weather leads to fertile soil and a booming lumber industry. While the territories are generally habitable, the same cannot be said for massive Headstone Forest along its eastern border. This land is a forsaken maze of winding paths and the occasional marshes. Provo largely disavows it.
PRIMARY ECONOMY:
Mixed Economy. The Government plays some role in the free markets, but is more of a guiding hand. It is a mixture of the huge public sector -- the buying and trading of goods, and the private sector -- the development and sale of dominant goods only Provo can produce. Provo prides itself on its economic power.
TECHNOLOGY:
A mixture of basic technology and some imported marvels from Sonora. Permanent residents of Provo tend to live more simply, relying on boats in the canals for travel in the city, and chocobos on the outside. The climate is mild, leading to no real need for incredible heat or cold sources. A mixture of high technology and magic can be found on the streets, thanks to the merchants of Torensten and Sonora.
CULTURE:
The people of Provo built their land on the belief that hard work rules the world. Not only did the people of Provo build up the land around them with agriculture, but they also offered a location that was relatively easy for nearby villages and cities to get to. Because of that, Provo became a central hub for buying, selling, and trade amongst people from all over. The people of Provo are, therefore, a mixture of many different cultures and ideals, but they all center on one thing: hard work. Laziness is not tolerated, and the people of Provo tend not to give a helping hand to others for free. If you want the help of a true Provo-ite, be prepared to offer something in return.
TRANSPORTATION:
Primary transport in Provo is by canal. Transportation in the form of long, man-powered boats and rafts that easily carry people from one sector of the city to the next. Each "section" of the city is surrounded by water on all sides, interconnected by bridges and the canal system. The inner-city is quite easy to get around in, and there is hardly any need for cars, chocobos, or anything besides one's own two feet. The further one moves from the inner city, however, they can find chocobos and older models of vehicles from Sonora out and about. There are refueling stations for cars, as well as docking stations for airships from Torensten. Most of the farmers in the agricultural sector use chocobos and/or horses, to carry their goods with carts.
TERRITORY:
Provo is a city laid out over a vast area of cleared out woodlands. Instead of building up, the city was always built out, taking up a sizable footprint toward the large river of the north, and eastward about halfway to the Headstone Forest -- a region they disavow for its troublesome power. The inner city holds the smaller footprint, but the larger power. The canals of the inner city were built by diverting water from the river into the city itself. All agricultural land is due south, east, and west. For the most part, farm lands are centralized around areas with high irrigation, while the ranch areas tend to make up most of the southern areas where grass for grazing animals grows easily in abundance.
FOREIGN RELATIONS:
Due to Provo's convenient location between Sonora and Torensten, it has managed to gain the favor of both cities. Provo is able to provide Sonora with a wealth of fruits and vegetables that it would, otherwise, not be able to obtain in its tundra territory. In return, Provo occasionally funds the creation of new agricultural machines from Sonora. Torensten lacks the mineral resources that Sonora has, and Provo acts as the middle-salesman between them. While Torensten doesn't need the massive amount of agriculture Provo produces, they are able to sell it to Torensten merchants at a cheaper rate than what is produced further south. Provo occasionally calls on Torensten's military when needing to squash a particular conflict.
NOTABLE DEITIES:
Ramuh
PLACES OF NOTE:
The City Center: What was once the main area of commerce and trade when Provo was first growing, the City Center now contains statues of former Provo leaders and the founding fathers. There are monuments built to commemorate city milestones and a natural history museum to display artifacts and fossils found over the years in the farming soil. The highest building in the city, City Hall, stands proudly in the middle of the City Center. It acts as a workplace for the city leaders as well as a tourist destination for its unique and highly stylized architecture.
Help Wanted Ave: Provo is a hardworking city, and with that comes the constant need for workers in various outlets. What started as one hire-all agency has blossomed into an entire avenue filled with work agencies of all different types. If there is a job to be done, no matter what it is, there's a building for it somewhere on Help Wanted Ave. Farmers, Merchants, Mercenaries, Pest Control, Transport -- if you can imagine it, there's somewhere there hiring for it. At the entrance to Help Wanted Ave is a directory to assist everyone with finding exactly what they're looking for.
The Riverside Oasis: The Northside of Provo borders the Versorger river: a vast river that pulls in from the ocean and separates Provo from the northern continent. Quite cold, the river isn't very good for swimming, but it does still attract people for other water sports activities such as fishing, sailing, kite boarding and more. Along the coast of the river sprung a series of restaurants, breweries and wineries, specializing in local flavors. The waterside was built up to have beautiful walking trails and docks, as well as a few Inns to overlook the river and northern mountain ranges. It provides a sanctuary away from the busy city, and many people come to the area to relax on the weekends.
The Woodland Zoo: As a point of national interest, Provo built their own zoo in order to show off animals of all types in the region. Here, one can find all types of animals and monsters, safely contained for one's entertainment and education. There is also a small aquarium portion to show off the native fish from the river as well as a petting zoo for the kids!
Astrid's Chocobo Farm: Having raised Chocobos for generations, the Schmidt family has committed their lives to one thing: raising chocobos for work and travel. They've managed to grow their operation into a nationwide chain and offer chocobo rides and rentals alongside their average sales. While they don't specialize in the more exotic chocobo breeds, they have hardworking birds and everything you need to get sent on your way in one day. Astrid Schmidt, the current matriarch of the family, tends to have a sharp eye for people's intentions with her birds. She won't hesitate to lend a hand to those with their own aspirations for chocobo breeding.
Chocobo Speedway: The official place to race birds, to place bets on your favorite chocobo, and to become a world famous jockey! Located just outside of the city limits, the Chocobo Speedway provides multiple tracks for different levels of racing, open betting stalls, as well as a wealth of gambling and booze to drink. Chocobo Jockeys live for the thrill on the track, as well as for the attention, fame, and prizes they win. Every Friday, the track opens up for any and all novice riders to come prove their worth. If you can handle the rush, the lights, and the occasional cheating jockey, you could make it big at the speedway.
Seasonal Events:
The Schmidt Family Derby: The most famed chocobo race in all of Zephon, the Schmidt Derby is often sold out months in advance with street hawkers making hundreds of gil on the streets. Racing fans gather drunkenly outside of the Chocobo Speedway, painted the colors of their favored birds. Jockeys from around the world compete for the Golden Cup, and bets made here often mean the difference between wealth and ruin.
The Festival of Light: When Provo is experiencing a boom of activity and life, the city celebrates the Festival of Light in honor of the Warrior of Light that once saved their land. Hundreds of onlookers fill the streets to sample local cuisine, admire sculptures and paintings, and listen to continuous live music. During the day, a collection of judges observe the dance, music, art, and cooking competitions that can be observed by the visitors. At night, the square of Provo is lit in tea lights and the summer air is heavy with sweat and beer. The celebration lasts for three days, the same amount of time it took their Warrior of Light to defeat the darkness that threatened to swallow Provo.
The Harvest Festival: Every year in the late fall, Provo celebrates with the Harvest Festival. This festival honors the farmers and ranchers of the area, the backbone of Provo, and the city is lined with food and drink crafted from the blood, sweat, and tears of their own. The week-long celebrations include different activities and contests focused around agriculture. There are also games and competitions for the children. Despite the differences between the rural and city folk, all people of Provo come together during this time to praise one another and celebrate.
Glacie Noelle: With the harvest season finished, the people of Provo take refuge within their homes for the winter. The night of the winter solstice is believed to be Shiva's day, and the people of Provo celebrate her with feasting, songs, and the exchange of gifts. The city is decorated with lights strung from lamp posts and twinkling across the evergreen trees. The inns are often booked full of travelers, and the innkeepers host their own gift exchanges between them to foster goodwill in all who visit on this most benevolent of nights.
Considered an Ancient Civilization, Aljana has been around longer than most cities in the region. Though most of their history has been lost to the sands, the oral traditions of these people have lived on for generations passing centuries. Situated in an Oasis amongst the sand, Aljana is the only livable part of the region. Along the river the people grow crops and purify the water for drinking. The city is filled with permanent residents as well as those who sell food and drink for weary travelers. Sandstone buildings line the sandy streets, with fresh markets lined along the streets. They enjoy helping people traveling through the region, and are quite proud of their city and traditions.
POLITICS:
The political structure of Aljana has not changed in the centuries of its existence. As such, Aljana is a strict monarchy rules by one sovereign king and his royal advisors. Currently, the royal family consists of King Musaiid el-Rasheed, Queen Haakima, and the teenage Princess Nadheera. The family is generally revered by the people as the chosen of the gods, and while they are remain relatively secluded in their palace walls, they aren't afraid to mingle with their subjects from time to time.
CLIMATE:
Arid and dry, one will still feel the heat sap away at their energy while in Aljana. With the proper fittings, the heat can be held at bay, and there are many places with shade to duck into during the worst heat of the day. The nights are frigid, and the wind whips those most unwise to spend their time outdoors with a bone-chilling breeze. True paradise can be found under the trees along the river, where it stays cooler during those sunny hours.
PRIMARY ECONOMY:
As an isolated city-state, Aljana's economy is largely insular and entirely self-sufficient. Farmers harvest cotton and barley along the river floodplains. Markets are laden with brightly colored linens, golden trinkets, and rare spices. To any western merchants, the markets of Aljana are a kind of paradise in themselves, and those who brave the dangerous roads will be richly rewarded for their exotic haul upon their return.
TECHNOLOGY:
Very basic. Not much technology survives in the harsh desert climate, as it needs constant updating and replacing. Some of the long-time families are capable of magic abilities, but most everything is accomplished with one's own hand.
CULTURE:
The people of Aljana have a deep respect for the desert. In their culture, they believe that Aljana was created by the Gods of the Desert as a gift to mankind. The God’s wished for man to worship them, but mortals couldn’t survive the desert heat. So, using their Holy power, they diverted the river from the mountains, bringing to the valley life. These founders thanked the Gods for their bounty, and gave to them their undying love for paradise. This tale is still told to the present day, and the people living in Aljana give their love and appreciation to the sands. They do not tolerate anyone wishing to bring harm to their livelihood or city, and will chase out those who speak poorly of the desert. They wish to impart their knowledge and wisdom to those who dare to enter the domain of the Gods, and often provide offerings for people to leave on their travels for the Gods to enjoy.
TRANSPORTATION:
The people of Aljana have bred and domesticated Kujata over many, many years, and they are the main transportation for the people there. However, they do also have stalls for desert-bred Chocobos.
TERRITORY:
Aljana is only located along the oasis, since the rest of the surrounding area is uninhabitable. The people will not venture beyond into the desert unless they are providing a paid service to a customer or paying homage to the Gods.
FOREIGN RELATIONS:
While not a nation, Aljana is recognized as a kind of city-state among the Dukedom of Torensten. As such, Aljana is an ally for the magically-inclined people and a kind of safe haven in their quest to secure trade and tame the southern and eastern wilds. While trade with Provo Territories is limited, they too are tireless in funding the security of the dangerous paths and river-routes that would allow them access to Aljana goods. The Democratic State of Sonora refuses to recognize Aljana as a sovereign entity -- instead considering them nothing but a pit stop towards the southern territories.
NOTABLE DEITIES:
Ifrit
PLACES OF NOTE:
Temple of the Gods: For the curious minds, this is the place to learn about the history of Aljana and the surrounding desert. The temple is simple, not near as grand as Metaia's, but contains statues and depictions of the Gods of the Desert. Here one can find elders that pass down the knowledge of the desert through oral traditions. Most of the writing on the walls is in a different language, one developed by the Aljana people, and requires a translator for any outsides seeking the knowledge.
Oasis Spa and Resort: Located along the river, the resort is the perfect place to kick up your feet and relax after surviving a near-death experience in the desert! They offer a wide variety of services, from simple things such as massages and cool-water soaks, to much more involved activities like the use of psychedelics to open up the inner mind. Around the outside of the resort is a couple of little cafes and restaurants, offering local cuisine along the riverfront.
Market Street: To say that it's only one real street would be a lie, as the sprawling markets also take up various alleyways throughout the city. Whatever one may need for day-to-day life or to travel to the great desert can be bought at the various markets in the area. The people are kind, but will always try and bargain for more. Be quick, be witty, and don't you dare try and steal from them.
Desert Adventures Inc.: The official place to hire a guide through the desert. Located in a tall, impressive sandy building, the people who work at DAI are hardy and strong. They know the desert like the back of their hands, but one won't find them to have a hair of arrogance. The Gods of the Desert are to be respected, and if they can smell ill intentions on someone, they'll kick them to the street. DAI also offers all types of jobs for mercenaries as the local monster population seems to be growing an encroaching on the oasis.
Seasonal Events:
Yunazif Sakhr: Long ago, Aljana was granted the crystal of fire from the god Ifrit, and the desert city was born. The locals gather once a year in rituals of purification for their crystal, knowing that its light is as fickle as a candle's wick without the proper care.
Hariq Rami: Just as the crystal must remain purified so too must the minds and bodies of its followers. Hariq Rami involves a week long fast in which all nonessential businesses close. The people of Aljana spend much of their time with family or at the Temple of the Gods.
Night of a Thousand Fists: Just as the followers of Ifrit must strengthen their minds, they must also strengthen their bodies. Every year, the royal family of Aljana hosts a martial arts tournament where participants compete for honor, recognition, and a gil prize. The competition lasts through the night beneath the cool desert moon.
Najm Alhafla: During the winter solstice in Aljana, one can see every twinkling star, every bright and colorful galaxy – all wonders of the great beyond. For thousands of years, the vast expanse of space and stars has been celebrated here. During the day, a festival takes place with merchants lining every street, celebrating not only the beauty of the nighttime sky, but also the people who live beneath it. Much food is made and a feast is had beforehand, and all are welcome to attend the party in the streets. Then, as nighttime falls, all lights in Aljana are extinguished to reveal the beauty of the stars.
