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Originally conceived by: James
Virtue | Inspiration (Creativity) | The people of San Lucien are artistic, creative, and expert at overcoming obstacles. They maneuver around their oppressors in whatever ways they can. |
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Fault | The King, Reversed (Tyranny) | The Duke and the Bishop tighten their control more and more, seeking to control every aspect of life in San Lucien and stifle all opposition. |
Fate | The Cockatrice (Corruption vs Recovery) | Change is coming, but will it be a cleansing or a turn for the worse? |
Usurper | Carnival | Fantastically garbed revelers dance through a fog-shrouded street beneath gas lamps. Shadowy figures look down at them from darkened windows. |
Imports |
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Exports |
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San Lucien is a large semitropical island far from the mainland. Numerous small villages and many large plantations can be found on the half of the island that isn't covered by jungle and mangrove swamp. Days tend to be balmy and clear throughout most of the year, with a seasonal monsoon period that sweeps the island with rainstorms and the occasional hurricane. At night thick mists rise from the swamp to slowly spread over the entirety of the island.
The port of San Lucien is the capital of the island of San Lucien, and the only city on the island. It is a sprawling fog-shrouded city of low wooden and stone buildings. Very few reach more than two stories high; the Ducal Palace and the Cathedral are the largest and most imposing structures.
The city is graced by cobblestone walks lined with delicate flowers, moss-covered willows rising from the three rivers and many streams that crisscross the city, and elegantly carved covered bridges that give shelter to lovers in the warm nights.
The murmurs of the lovers are drowned out, however, by the deep roars of the bull alligators of the swamps outside the city, the drums of the secret vuduun rituals of the slaves, and the murmurs of the uneasy crowd, gathering to discuss the latest outrages of the tyrannical Duke and the repressive Bishop. The Duke responds with ever more Draconian laws, declarations of new festivals to distract the people, and elaborate fireworks displays to light the night and drown out the sounds of unease and threats of rebellion.
The Bishop's red-cloaked Inquisitors walk the street, alert for signs of heresy and illicit magic and battling for control of the streets with the soldiers of the Duke.
In small clubs and bistros the sounds of blues and calypso fill the air, songs of love, loss, and political insurrection.
Dearest Father,
I have arrived at San Lucien, and Uncle has taken me under his wing, as he said in his letter to you that he would. He assures me that a young man with ambition can go far here, even if he is but a third son. Tomorrow we shall go inland to his sugar plantation, and I will begin acting as his aide. I most thankfully acknowledge my debt to him, to you, and to the grace of Heaven.
From the sea this island presents a pleasing aspect, bright green upon the blue sea. The northern parts of the island are covered in jungle, which changes to a dark swamp as one nears the city. The sounds of wild beasts can be heard in this primeval darkness, although Uncle assures me that creatures seldom venture forth to cause havoc, and when they do it is usually only to carry off an unwary slave. A gentleman, who is allowed by law to carry arms outside the border of the city, needs fear nothing, nor do men who travel in bands.
The city itself is lovely, and the people happy and content. Even the slaves go about their work with smiles and song, and as there are many slaves this makes the city a joyful and musical place indeed. One need not fear for any violence, as many soldiers of the Duke and armed Inquisitors of his Excellency the Bishop roam the streets, keeping order and enforcing the edicts of Church and State.
The climate is balmy, not nearly so hot as I had feared. As I look out of the inn's window now I see the famed fog of San Lucien beginning to fill the street most romantically. Perhaps I shall wander the streets later, like the hero of one of their romantic songs. Shall I meet a beautiful maiden to lure me into temptation? If so, Father, I assure you I shall remember my family name and honor, and call upon Heaven to give me strength to turn away from her.
I jest with you, as befits the love we have for one another. In truth, I shall not wander the streets at night. While I am not superstitious, still the reputation of this place as a haven for magic and dark spirits is sufficient to induce caution in any sane man. I shall read from scripture, and perhaps later descend to the common room to share a glass of the famed San Lucien rum with my good Uncle and listen to the quaint songs of the locals.
My love and devotion to Mothers, and my continued obedience and honor to you.
Sleep on, sleep on, sleep on
My lover, sleep on, just sleep on
Sleep on, sleep on
My darling man, just sleep on, sleep on
Well I know you're dead and resting, darling, but one day
I know the graveyard's gonna open up
And you'll come home
Our girl was rocking by the window
Crying my daddy is dead, yes he's dead
The soldiers done and cut him down
For standing up and speaking out
Sleep on, sleep on, sleep on
Don't you know your daddy is coming back?
The graveyard ain't too strong
It can't hold a strong man down.
Sleep on, sleep on
My darling man, just sleep on, sleep on
I wouldn't mind dying
I'd love to lay down and rest beside you
Wouldn't mind dying, but we've got things to do
So you've got to get up and come home, darling
Got to help us, help us all you can
You told our daughter, "don't worry if I die, darling
I'll come back and protect you from harm
Don't worry if your daddy lays down and dies
'Cause I'm gonna come back and protect you"
So I know you're dead and resting, darling, but one day
Darling man, I know you are coming home.
Come home, come home, come home
My lover, come home, come on home
Come home, come home
My darling man, come on home, come home
Be it hereby known, by order of His Grace the Duke, that due to continued crime and unlawful assemblage, the laws regarding weapons within the borders of San Lucien are hereby altered as follows: Upon the Island of San Lucien no slave may carry a weapon of any kind, for any purpose. Slaves found so doing are subject to immediate death. Free citizens may not bear swords, which are a nobleman's weapon. Within the borders of the city of San Lucien no weapon of any kind may be carried by any free citizen or foreigner. Working knives of under six inches in length are exempted for those whose occupation requires them. Those of gentle birth may bear a sword and dagger, but no other weapon with the borders of the city. Officials and soldiers of His Grace the Duke are exempted from these regulations, no other exceptions are made for any person or group, as the soldiers of His Grace are the only recognized authority within the borders of San Lucien.
Duke's men here, Church men there,
Soldiers looking everywhere,
Want that witch with the long black hair
Witch done vanished in the airHere the people moan and cry
Want their freedom by and by
Won't wait for glory in the sky
Won't listen to the same old lieWhy you want to cause that strife
Pick up sword and pick up knife
Lose your home and child and wife
Ask for justice, lose your lifeRich folks fill their heads with learning
Poor folks fill their heads with yearning
Bishop building stakes for burning
World just keep on turning, turning
Be it hereby known, by order of His Grace the Bishop of San Lucien, Supreme Spiritual Authority and Representative of Holy Church upon San Lucien, that as secular authority has proven unable or unwilling to put an end to heretical actions, such actions being open practice of witchcraft, congress with spirits, sale and purchase of talismans, potions, fortune telling, and open defiance of Holy Church, such action must be taken by the instrumentality of Holy Church, being our Inquisitors and their agents, who shall seek out such signs of heresy as they may find, and are hereby authorized by Holy Church to take such action as they may find warranted in the execution of their duties. Any opposing them, whether private citizens or agents of secular authority, do so under penalty of severest displeasure of Holy Church.