Calesis (kah-LEE-sis)

Calesis is a city on the banks of the Mephit River about 10 miles east of Lantern Lake. It's considered a significant trade hub between Stanae and Psicus, connecting the smaller settlements between the two to their larger markets. Nearly every trade ship and passenger ferry traveling the Mephit will stop in Calesis to rest, resupply, and trade with the locals and other passersby.  

Nobility

House Andino

The ruling house of Calesis, led by Archon Alexandros and his wife, Kurie Rhea. Alexandros was installed as the archon 6 years ago by the hierarch of Psicus. This meant the demotion and displacement of House Phidis. He can't prove it, but Alexandros believes that a number of suspicious thefts, disappearances, and mishaps were the covert work of the disgruntled House Phidis.
Other Members of Note

• Celia
• Sir Kameirus

 

House Phidis

Previous ruling house of Calesis, led by Kurios Hestios and his wife, Kurie Helena. When Hestios's father died, about 6 years ago, the hierarch of Psicus stepped in to transfer rulership to House Andino. In the hierarch's eyes, House Phidis had failed in a number of ways. In Hestios's eyes, Alexandros must have struck a bargain to steal the position that was rightfully his. Though House Phidis remains prominent in Calesis, the sudden loss of rulership and the land that came with it has put the family in a precarious position.
Other Members of Note

• Neoklys, Acolyte of Mithrais, serves in the Mithraian temple in Calesis

House Kronia

Led by Giapneumos Lukas & Kurie Sylvia. Sylvia is the only noble in Calesis who isn't a full-blooded tiefling, as she is half tiefling and half elf. House Kronia owns a good amount of land surrounding Calesis and they use it to grow food that is sold in Stanae and Psicus, as well as a handful of smaller ports. The only local noble house that owns more land is house Andino.

House Lukaios

A smaller house led by Eugenis Patros & Kurie Adranna. Their property, about 35 acres large and located about two miles northwest of Calesis, is used as a tree farm with a mill on site. Their manor house is also located there, and they have a second home within Calesis.
Other Members of Note

• Hairei, Priestess of Mithrais and head of the Mithraian temple in Calesis

House Baros

Another small house, led by Eugenis Phestor & Kurie Mellia. Phestor & Mellia are new to the area, taking over the estate and business after the murder of Phestor's uncle and aunt. The murder, perpetrated by the Mad Dwarf, Obsidian, took place about two years ago and is still talked about in Calesis. House Baros primarily deals in transport of goods, owning a small fleet of ferries and a third of the warehouses in Calesis, as well as warehouses in other ports from Stanae to Psicus. They also have a vineyard on their estate, which is 10 acres large and about 3 miles northeast of Calesis. Since the murders, Phestor & Mellia are the only members of the family in Calesis Province. The rest of their family are eugenis in Sunorogi.

To read more about ranks of nobility, check out the "Society" section in Rodos.

Other Notable NPCs

Argus. (Centaur male) Owner-operator of the Hoofbeat Tavern & Inn. Argus emigrated from Bruim almost 20 years ago as the leadership in his tribe was taking a turn for the worse. While centaurs typically favor their own kind, Argus is intrigued by the unique features of every species and individual who sits at his bar.
  Aethre. (Human female) Local fletcher. Aethre runs a small shop selling bows and crossbows and ammunition for both. Lyra has a deal with her to supply ammunition for the tower's scorpions as well.
  Borus. (Human male) Elderly book merchent and bookbinder. He's the only one in Calesis, but his philosophy of universal access to information keeps him prices relatively low. He's beginning to worry that his shop will shut down when he dies, or fall into the hands of some greedy scoundrel. He's actively looking for an apprentice and successor.
  Gerasimos. (Human male) Owner-operator of the Tipping Point Tavern & Inn, along with his wife and kids, and a handful of hired staff. Gerasimos hopes to keep growing his business until he, or at least his children, can buy their way into nobility.
  Ilus. (Satyr male) One of the local blacksmiths. He makes all the usual tools and supplies for construction, but his specialty is weapons.  

Notable Locations

The Agora. Like most towns and cities in Rodos, Calesis has an agora in the center of town. It's an open area the side of two football fields side-by-side, with a large fountain in the middle with a statue of Mithrais rising from the water. The fountain serves as a well for nearby residents, and the open space is often used for an open air market. Festivals and other large events take place in the agora.   Hoofbeat Tavern & Inn. A small but lively establishment near the eastern gate of Calesis. Owned and ran exclusively by Argus, a centaur migrant from Bruim. The Hoofbeat caters to travelers and outsiders, giving it a dodgy reputation with locals. But, it's a favorite of mercenaries, soldiers that frequently pass through, traders, etc.   Tipping Point Tavern & Inn. Much larger and more tame than the Hoofbeat, the Tipping Point is operated with the locals in mind. Visiting families and lesser nobles usually stay here, and it's a good haunt for someone who wants to build rapport with the locals.   Temple of Mithrais. The largest building in Calesis. The temple stands at the north edge of agora. The foyer is wide and lined with shrines to other elder and mortal gods. In addition to the foyer and chapel, it has a library, private chambers and a kitchen for the clergy, a crematory and columbarium, and a workshop for repairing fixtures and making incense.   Calesis Manor. Home of the archon and his immediate family, and the governmental center of both Calesis and the province.  

Organizations in Calesis

Birdnappers - thieves' guild, has operations in most major Rodosian towns and cities Cryptbed - (Secret) Fenian's zombie brothel Bodysnatchers - (Secret) Group of thugs and an assassin ostensibly led by the ghoul Morbos. Operate kidnap-and-ransom schemes, assassinations, and some piracy from a hidden harbor outside of town. Their victims keep the Cryptbed stocked, though only Morbos knows that part. The Guard - Offical guards of the city, also investigate murders and vandalism/destruction of noble property. Led by appointed captain. Alexandros usually judges personally but deputizes the priestess of Mithrais when necessary. Chrusou Scales (aka the scales, the Chrusoi) - Sanctioned police force made up of freefolk, operates throughout the Calesis Province, has its own judges. Equalists - Peasant organization that enacts vigilante justice. Peasant criminals are punished far more lightly than they would be if brought to trial, while anyone with noble relations is usually executed for any crime under the assumption that they're also guilty of far more crimes that simply haven't been reported. Freefolk are judged based on whether they seem more supportive of the peasantry or the nobility. The equalists are officially condemned, and being a suspected member is cause for execution. The Equalists have circles in every major city and town, and have sway in many rural regions. Note that because the Equalists have counter-cultural goals, they are also considered antagonistic to the gods, though they don't consider themselves as such.