The Statue of Orren Myll - The Father of the Mana-Field

Overview

Towering over the centre of Vale Square, the Statue of Orren Myll stands as one of Leolin Bay’s most recognisable landmarks. Orren Myll — the artificer credited with discovering and first codifying the Mana-Field — is immortalised here in bronze, surrounded by a shallow, glowing fountain. For countless travellers, “Old Myll” is their first introduction to the city’s proud tradition of innovation.

The statue serves as a meeting point, a navigational anchor, a cultural symbol, and a quiet space of reflection amid the Gate Ward’s constant bustle.

Appearance & Artistic Design

The statue is crafted in expertly cast bronze, slightly larger than life, and set atop a circular stone plinth encircled by a fountain basin.

Design Features

• Pose: Orren Myll stands mid-revelation, leaning forward, one arm raised to hold an early prototype Aether-Scope aloft as though capturing the moment of insight itself.
• Expression: Thoughtful intensity, eyes cast upward toward an imagined horizon of discovery.
• Attire: A long artificer’s coat sculpted with precision — lenses, tools, and notched belts rendered in exacting detail.
• Aether-Scope: Fine runic etchings arc along its length, catching ambient light.
• Relief Panels: Four bronze reliefs around the plinth depict:
• Myll conducting early experimental measurements
• The “Break of Insight” — the discovery moment
• The first alignment of an early Aether-Matrix
• Myll presenting his findings before the Crown of Cezorus

Lighting

Soft mana-lamps embedded beneath the fountain’s rim illuminate the statue at night, giving the impression that Orren Myll is faintly haloed with radiant understanding.

Cultural Role & Traditions

The statue is a beloved civic icon, associated with good beginnings, safe travels, and intellectual aspiration.

1. Coin of Guidance

Travellers toss coins into the fountain for luck and clarity.
Peacekeepers call this practice “Myll’s levy” with affectionate humour.

2. The Moment of Stillness

Students of Patterning sometimes gather at dawn for silent contemplation, honouring Myll’s “Break of Insight.”

3. Meeting Point of the Gate Ward

Locals use the statue for orientation:

• “Meet me by Myll.”
• “Turn left at the inventor.”
• “If you reach the fountain, you’ve gone past it.”

4. Artistic Performances

Illusionists, musicians, storytellers, and licensed performers often set up near the plinth, using the statue as a dramatic backdrop.

Surrounding Activity & Daily Life

Throughout the day, the space around the statue sees constant motion:

• travellers resting by the fountain’s edge
• guides gathering their groups
• children playing chase while trying (and failing) to climb the plinth
• Pavilion greeters giving directions
• Peacekeepers overseeing the ebb and flow from Post 4-B
• street performers entertaining crowds
• merchants setting up small tables near the shade

The statue is one of the loudest and liveliest points in the entire Gate Ward.

Notable Interactions

Travellers

Pause to rest, admire the bronze craftsmanship, toss a coin for luck, and orient themselves using the statue as a landmark.

Performers

Use the plinth as a storytelling backdrop, sometimes weaving Orren Myll’s tale into their acts.

Peacekeepers

Frequently station themselves on the steps to monitor crowds.
Post 4-B is permanently assigned to the statue zone.

Scholars

Debate (often loudly) whether the sculptor got the focusing ring of the Aether-Scope wrong.

Rumours & Curiosities

• Some claim the statue’s arm angle changes slightly after major mana disturbances.
• A Peacekeeper once insisted the statue blinked—then immediately retracted their statement.
• The fountain water occasionally forms perfect geometric ripples for no apparent reason.
• One relief panel seems to contain symbols that do not match known Myllian diagrams.
• A local legend claims Myll hid a message in the statue, waiting to be discovered by a true innovator.

Plot Hooks

• Strange magical readings begin emanating from the plinth.
• An object appears in the basin overnight, its origin unknown.
• A performer claims the statue whispered to them and wants help deciphering its meaning.
• Someone attempts to vandalise the statue, vanishing before completing the act.
• Researchers request assistance examining a crack in one of the reliefs that wasn’t there yesterday.
• Rumours spread that Orren Myll’s Aether-Scope has rotated — scholars panic, tourists cheer.