Wilder
"I have seen many ruins throughout Vault, but never a ruin so well maintained and cared for. Some may say it's not a ruin at all, but what else can you call a place abandoned to time, even by those who still walk its halls." - from the memoirs of Lewin Von Treet, Vault: the Land of Stuff and Things
City Description
Population: ~800
Founded: 900 (1,490 years ago)
Built into the strong limbs of the largest tree in the Kindred Isle, Wasacha, the vertical city of Wilder has been the stronghold of the Kindred rulers for as long as the isle has been their home. Built upon the taming of Rotwood, back when the Kindred were first forced to make the island their home, Wilder has stood as a testament to the Kindred's ingenuity, determination, and craftsmanship. They created a royal stronghold to match the many wonder of the world, and they did it without destroying the land around them. Indeed, Wilder's creation marked the beginning of the land's healing.
While many attribute the recession of the rot that plagued the Kindred Isle to ancient magics, the denizens of the isle knew Wilder was the conduit through which those magics were wielded. The city stood as a symbol, not just against the rot, but to the strength of the Kindred's perseverance.
It is said the elves of Lyr'Lowain have visited Wilder in the hopes of learning more of its building, desiring to delve the secrets of the Kindred's ability to work alongside their natural surroundings instead of against them. However, the Kindred remain a distrustful and territorial people, slow to forget the pains of the past, and eager to ensure their future. Any visitors to Wilder are treated with reproach. And those who overstay their welcome are usually met with hardship.
The city itself expands vertically rather than out into the forest that surrounds it. One can still find many Kindred living simply and quietly in the surrounding area, called the Sachak Woods, but Wilder proper boasts an extravagance and opulence that once provided endless comfort to the Kindred living within its halls. Abundance was a defining quality of Wilder, Wasacha providing water, food, and shelter without ceasing. However, the massive tree's health, and thus the health of the city, is tied to the royal line of kings and queens the Kindred have followed since before their history's recording. And without them, abundance has given way to scarcity.
Current State - [This section reflects a temporary state that will change based on in-game decisions]
With the disappearance of King Doxx the Dire, Wasacha, and with it the city of Wilder, began to succumb to the rot that once again began to spread across the isle. This lead to a mass exodus of the once thriving populated city, with many Kindred choosing to instead chance finding their fortunes out in the world that once belonged to their ancestors. There are some who remained, however, and they seek to replant the seed of royalty through elevating one of the faithful -- but they cannot decide on who that person should be.
Since Doxx's disappearance, Wilder has been a place of politics and social warfare, and there have been plenty of situation where such intrigue has spilled into actual physical violence as well. With no clear path toward the throne, several Kindred now vie for its power, none of them certain their appointment would even heal the rot. Indeed, some Kindred believe placing the wrong person on the throne could even hasten the isle's destruction.
The once populated halls of Wilder are now all but vacant, with sycophants and the faithful still roaming the city, but they mingle in groups of dozens instead of thousands. Among these stalwart, there are those whose fame has elevated them to the conversation of royalty.
Traxxus, Bear Kindred - the brother to the late Doxx, Traxxus has arguably the best claim to the throne but shares much of his brother's idealogy that many believe resulted in his disappearance in the first place. Those who believe Doxx's vanishing was fate fear the same result for Traxxus, leaving the Kindred Isle even worse off. That ideology, that the Kindred should reunite, assemble, and take back the land that once was theirs, is abhorred by most, but its supporters are loud, vocal, and unafraid of pushing their ideas on others. Those who know him best say Traxxus is even more bloodthirsty than his late brother. And there are still many in Wilder who see that as a promising quality.
Famina, Fox Kindred - most Kindred will argue Famina is the most qualified to become the next queen of Wilder due to her extensive work as an emissary to lands throughout Vault. There is no governing body she has been spoken to, no leader with whom she has not treated. She has a history of bringing myriad resources to the island, and was considered Doxx's right-hand during his rule. Those who dislike her argue she is far too ambitious, and while Doxx meant to expand the Kindred reach through violence, Famina wishes to reach just as far, but through more subtle arts.
Quillium, Rabbit Kindred (Harengon) - this relatively unknown Kindred started his life as far from royalty as one could get. A farmer near the Moon Lands, Quillium decided to throw his hat into the conversation when he observed the same old mentalities being covered by the same old royal yes-people. He moved to the Wilder recently and is slowly gaining a following, with the people from outside of Wilder who've stuck around making a case for one of their own in a position of leadership. He admonishes the notion of leaving the island, and instead encourages the Kindred to accept that they've created a paradise for themselves. Supporters of expansion see this mentality as weakness.
Shaka, Wolf Kindred - this once bard has used their popularity to catapult themselves into the conversation for leadership despite a complete lack of leadership experience. Despite this, Shaka's ideas seem radical and promosing to the Kindred who want something different than what has always been. Shaka's sacrifice of their promising Vault-wide career as a traveling musical act has instilled confidence in the Kindred that Shaka is serious about their vision: the discovery of new lands to the west, through and past the unknown realm of Ziggurat. Places where the Kindred magic can thrive once more, and where the Newcomers' gods have no influence.
Havyn, Elephant Kindred (Loxodon) - boasting age, experience, and power, Havyn has a strong claim as the "Essencer" of Doxx's previous royal court. Her role during his reign was to commune with Wasacha and wield the powerful magics of the isle for the benefit of all; a duty she performed without folly for many years. Those years have been hard-won, however, as Havyn is nearing the end of her life. Were she younger, the entire issues of succession may have already been solved. But while she retains her wits and power, her physical ability to even traverse Wilder is limited. This physical frailty is construed as weakness, and even her vast magical abilities are not enough for some. She supports neither expansion nor being isle-bound, but rather encourages seeing the world as one, and the Kindred as no different from the Newcomers.
While many other Kindred believe they are in the conversation to take the throne, these five are the only realities for Wilder. The scales are nearly equally balanced, and have been since Doxx's disappearance. Influence placed in one from outside sources may tip the scales, and dictate the future of the Kindred Isle.
City Landmarks
Lunarium - the moon is incredibly important to the Kindred, who seem to draw power from the moon's various phases. The most impressive feat of craft in Wilder is the Lunarium, which is simultaneously a celebration of the moon and a place to bask in its power with reverence. To be allowed within the Lunarium is a privilege few outside the Kindred are allowed to experience.
Treespeak - there are places throughout Wilder where Wasacha can be heard if one is still. That stillness must be of body, mind, and spirit; a perfect acceptance of what is and what may be. When that is achieved, if one is at a Treespeak location, they can hear the will of the planet.
High Boughs - where the royal courts can be found, the High Boughs are a place of false faces, quick speak, and deal making. The Kindred have always been a political people, with various types of Kindred always seeking the best for their own kind. The idea of a united Kindred people is relatively new, and the old habits of vying for status and power die hard.