6. The City-State: Citizenship or Joining a City

On arrival in Avalon, you will be born into one of the four major cities on the continent; Mercinae, Silverfalls, Parrius or Thakria. Each city is situated on the coast of the main continent and are major sources of commerce, power and power. Whilst some choose to stay loyal to the city of their birth, many chose to move to the city that best reflects their ideals and ambitions. For eons, war has been ranging between the cities and whilst you may feel loyal to the city of your birth, you may also decide that there is another city that better reflects your own aims and ambitions. Therefore ensure that you speak with your fellow citizens, as well as those from other cities, so as to align yourself with the city that is right for you.

You can gain a list of cities in Avalon by typing HELP CITIES, HELP TOWNS, or HELP VILLAGES; then HELP followed by a city name to discover its current state-of-affairs. This will also provide you with a list of those within the government of each city and therefore those who are in the best decision to discuss with you whether that city is right for you. Of course your choice of Guild may well play an important part in the decision making process, for many Guilds are aligned with a particular city. You can also DREAM followed by the city name to gain a depth of understanding as to its origins and history. Belonging to a city not only gives you access to the everyday commodities you need to survive, but it will allow you to evolve friends and ideals to strive for, work for and, if you wish, to fight for.

Each city subscribes to a definitive set of ideals and values, which are briefly laid out below, although speaking with members of each city is advised, as it is only in this way that you will gain a more complete understanding of a city's individual stance.

Mercinae, City of Creation

Mercinae is the first and most ancient of all Avalonian cities, still subscribing to the traditions hidden deep within the depths of its city walls. However, tradition does not stand in the way of progress, for this is a city where all skills are nurtured and valued, where self-expression is encouraged, from the intricate mind of a scholar, the delicate craft of the Artisan, or to the hard-won grace of the fighters' art. Mercinae celebrates the success of each individual, but ultimately coming together to ensure the glory and power of this great and powerful city. Mercinean citizens are loyal to a fault, deeply devoted to the defence of their homeland, the success of the city's commerce and constantly seeking to uphold the values of honour and valour throughout the land.

Silverfalls, City of the Rampant Lion

Members of Silverfalls strive for fighting excellence above all else. Rather than creating a distinction between good and evil, Silverfallians fight for their own causes of perceived corruption with all the characteristics of the Lion: Intimidation, Strength, Courage, Fearlessness and unbendable Loyalty to their Pride. This is a city founded on the concept of combat. The importance of combat is instilled into all young citizens from an early age; learning to fight with strength and determination, with the nature of the oppositon being academic and the fight itself and the outcome being the all-consuming focus.

Parrius, Jewel of the East, City of Pirates

Pirate blood runs deep in the veins of all Parrians, who are well known for their roguish and stalwart ways. Excellence is the motivating factor of all Parrians, for they shun laziness and cowardice in all forms. Mediocrity and incompetence is not tolerated, whilst focus and drive is celebrated and rewarded in all of its citizens. Parrius is a city in which the individual thrives, each following their own path and fighting for what they believe to be right and all those who threaten those beliefs. However, the city is strongest when these individuals come together, each bringing their own individual talents in support of their city. Although Parrius consistently strives for valour and honour, it is worth remembering that at times pirate blood can burn hot and predictability is certainly not a trait one should ever attribute to a citizen of Parrius,

Thakria, City of Miracles

A lust for blood and at battle is at the root of what drives all citizens of Thakra. Sweeping through Avalon, destroying all those that stand in their path and spurning the weak, the fighters of Thakria strive to emerge ever victorious, ever successful. Thakrians allow nothing and nobody to stand in the way of their journey on the path to eternal glory. This is a city for only the most heroic of heart and the bravest, most determined of warriors. Their successes came from the power and solidarity that binds society together deep behind the obsidian walls of their city.

Return to the index or carry on to examine PAGE SEVEN of the Avalon Intro Guide.