Old Quarter

The Traldar-Vandar fusion that began in THE 8th century BC led to the emergence of a new people, the Traladarans, by BC 500. In the 1st century AC the original Traldar settlement (on the site of the modern Church District) expanded as Marilenev’s population grew and the town became a major trade centre.

As the centuries passed, the separate walled areas of the Free City and the area south of the Merchant District became a microcosm of Traladaran heritage and culture, home to both legal and illegal activities as well as being the town’s spiritual centre. By the time the occupying Thyatian forces arrived in AC 900, the area was Marilenev’s “Old Quarter”.

In the wake of the Thyatians’ takeover of Marilenev, the colonising administration initiated the rebuilding of the Church District which resulted in an influx of impoverished Traladarans from that neighbourhood and other areas into the Old Quarter. This led to the degradation of the east side of the district into crime and slums – “a nest of thieves and undesirables” as described by a city official during this time. Its status was reinforced after the arrival of Stefan Karameikos as Traladaran rebels secreted themselves in “The Nest” and distinct boundaries developed between it and its neighbouring western blocks.

In present day Specularum, the Old Quarter is a varied district of mostly Traladaran population, featuring both relatively well to do areas (near Bricktop and the Great Church of Traladara) and more lower class parts (near the Street of Dreams and the Nest). Architecturally the district shares its look with The Nest – it has the same narrow streets and same tight-packed humanity, but crime, while frequent, is not quite as prevalent as in the Nest.

In the Old Quarter adventurers will find the greatest source of magic-related businesses, especially along the Street of Dreams that bisects the district. There are, of course, plenty of other businesses run by proud Traladaran shopkeepers and craftsmen. Grocers and leathersellers, two of the older trade guilds are well represented by long-established Traladaran family concerns. Food, drink and accommodation can be found at the many and varied inns, taverns and boarding houses. Things may be a bit more cramped than other parts of the city, but “you pays your money, you takes your choice” and if you’re lucky what’s left will still be in your keeping when you wake up.

The area has several locations that speak of its heritage, notably the Great Church of Traladara and the Statue of Ben Bogdan Ivanovich, both focal points for gatherings. There are plenty of people willing to tell stories of the “old days” (i.e. before the Thyatians arrived) and of possible treasures secreted away to prevent them falling into the hands of the occupying forces. Some objects may be hidden in the city, others may have been taken further afield. Plenty of choice for the budding adventurer – they can start their own quest, or perhaps join someone else’s. They’ll find an ample supply of willing hirelings to assist them. They might even find themselves engaged in a more political endeavour that seeks to resurrect Traladaran native power rather than remain under the rule of a foreigner.