The Grand Imperial City of Mifora

The Grand Imperial City of Mifora

Government
Oligarchy
Organizations
Bruised But Not Broken, Sulla Arena, Rhes Haghed, Companions of Elric, Kasarian Embassy, Abjura Dolana, Buel Vitta Society, Resa's Rest
Temples
All gods
Merchant Houses
Abraxis Combine, Bowman-Outersea Cereals & Commodities, House Ditta, Hythe Maritime Services, Thal Lithel, Thal Sivale.

Forever in competition with the metropolis of Midtal, The Grand Imperial City of Mifora claims that if, and that’s a big if, it isn’t the largest city in the world then at least it’s the most cultured and most refined. Ever since the early days it has styled itself the city of refinement and good taste. If it’s not from here then it can’t be much. Recently the inhabitants have been referring to their city as GICOM, it's unclear if it will stick.

It might be the capital of Mifora but it sees itself very much as an independent entity (even if reality would disagree here) and the proud inheritor of the Miforan Empire.

Locations

The city is built on both banks of the Vius river right before it empties into the Sarodin Sea. Nine bridges connect the left and right side of the city which is divided up into fourty four administrative wards.

Ancee Museum

Count Gallisson Ancee was a great lover of art and rumored to be an illegitimate child of the emperor. When the city grew and the wharves were moved, he bought the largest of them and had it converted into a grand museum by no less than three architects; one dwarf, one elf, and one gnome. When he died without heir, his testament declared that his fortune was to be used to keep the museum the foremost center of art in the world and be the meeting hall for the Buel Vitta Society.

Baseborn & Fowlingpiece, Solicitors at Law

Representing the accused and smoothing over life's little wrinkles since 1149. The city's most famous lawyers can be found, not at all accidentally, a block away from Mulsa Palace.

Benthic College

This radical seat of higher learning is one of the city's most advanced universities. They cover many subjects but mostly the experimental. Their building is the sturdiest in the country and explosions and strange magical phenomenon are something the neighbors have gotten used to.

Clouds Bridge

One of the newest marvels in the city, this bridge was recently completed and is already famous worldwide for how its middle part can be lifted up quite high to let any ships pass.

Comedia Mifora

One of the oldest theaters in the world, it claims to have seated every single Miforan Emperor and Empress. Though it started life as a venue for comedies to 'amuse the populace' over time it has staged many different kinds of plays, including some quite anti-establishment ones. These days it is the home of the Upstart Crows, the theater company of famed playwright Ben Stirapple.

Cuto's Cavern

This rather dark tavern across the way from the Comedia Mifora is a favorite hangout of many of the cognoscenti of GICOM. Nowadays droves of people come here just to catch a glimpse of the many artists, bards, writers, and thinkers that frequent the place.

End of Emperors Square

Formerly known as Sevso Square, it used to contain a huge statue of emperor Paneg Sevso on horseback, celebrating his first victories. In Imperial times state holidays and victories were celebrated here with large parades. When the empire fell this is where the revolutionaries camped down after coming into the city. The statue was destroyed and later replaced with the Fountain of the People, built with the very stones of the statue. The permanent gallows at the northern end see little hanging action but are used daily as a platform for anyone to orate and debate on any topic.

Kargis' Lighthouse

Officially named the Prince Argus Sevso Lighthouse, it is now only known under it's other moniker, named for Zora Kargis, the famous architect. This was her magnum opus, after having designed many more buildings in the city. Built on an artificial island in Corzon Bay right where the Vius river ends, this tall tower tapers to a special housing that contains special lenses created in Baltur of old. Magic is normally used to light the beacon but more mundane options are available when needed.

Life near Death

The largest market in the city started next to the main cemeteries. Over time the market grew and started to incorporate dry goods next to the food stalls that were there from the start. The city started burying its dead elsewhere but a small cemetery remains, dwarfed by a market that is now several city blocks in size.

Mifora Bulletin

Founded shortly after the revolution by the canny Esther Ridgeway, this newspaper is still owned by her family. It is one of the few papers with international corespondents who will use expensive magic to report news if it is important enough. They publish a daily GICOM edition and weekly international edition. The latter are usually over thirty pages and so popular that they are still read months later in countries far from Mifora.

Mulsa Palace

This former palace can be found between the riverbank and End of Emperors Square. It now houses the State Convocation where representatives from all the shires run the country on those rare moments where they aren't insulting and berating each other.

Price Price Imperial Warehouse

Don't let the bombastic name fool you; this is a relatively new business, started not even fifty years ago. Better known as PPIW, it has revolutionized shopping. The company has many caravans on the road, visiting all cities (and some villages) as often as weekly, carrying their most sold wares. But the innovation lies in the fact that anyone can order any product in PPIW's catalogue which will then be delivered by the next caravan.

Summerset College

This wealthy university college contains the largest temple to Boccob in the world on its grounds, see below. Beyond magical theory they are also word-class in subjects like engineering, applied mathematics, law, and more.

Sweet As Honey

Owned by the Boulé family, the best candies you have (n)ever tasted can be found here. Honey from the best apiaries in the country is used for an astouding array of sweets. This includes the common sugared fruits but also fennel flavored 'cushions', honey-lemon 'suckers', and marvelous creations like miniature castles made of sugar-work.

Organizations

Sulla Arena

High Bridge Lane Arena is the imposing wooden building where Sulla Arena holds daily prize fights. These have become so popular that they expanded seating and moved their training facilities to two buildings just outside the city.

Hetwoman Axa Galmiir hails from the Godfall and is a former adventurer of some repute.

Companions of Elric

The Companions have a large presence in Mifora and their headquarter in the capital is housed in a modern building called the Sonshal Center near the Bridge of the Twenty-Eight.

The leadership is split between the local coordinator, Zeldara Promeer, an enthusiastic amateur actress, and the national coordinator, the wizened gnome sage, Ina Falmar.

Kasarian Embassy

Over the years that GICOM grew in importance, the embassy grew as well. After the empire fell they bought large premises near Mulsa Palace and when that didn't prove enough they bought the neighbors as well. There is much speculation as to why the Kasarians need this much space; the building is much larger than those in other cities and also compared to the number of staff they appear to have.

Xoz Ghumir, an old tiefling with a black skin and red panther-like spots, is the ambassador. He is a career diplomat and has been posted to most countries around the Sarodin Sea at one time or another. There are three people directly under him. Voctar Kyrtur is a human man of middle-age and is rumored to be a magical prodigy in some way. Kuxy Chigol is an attractive human woman in her thirties, she never misses a social event. Ithul Xymdar is a hunchbacked tiefling with a lopsided distribution of horns coming out of the right side of his head, he is seldom seen.

Abjura Dolana

The lodge has a close relationship with the Cathedral of Magic Arts and Summerset College, its building can be found right outside the college grounds. They coordinate the placement of Abjura Dolana mages at all major border crossings, and thus many Summerset students are posted this way for their first work experience job. The current building has become too small and some of the work has been moved over to the temple; a breach of the founding charter, but so far no one has complained.

The Magister is Serena Berringer, a woman in her sixties, originally from the city of Dunum, and a former professor at Summerset. She really likes to crochet; her office looks more like a yarn store. Five Sentinels are in charge of different affairs here, we'll mention the three most public facing ones. Starting with Camelia Jallisall, a peppy halfling woman who's full-time job is something called 'public relations'. Idriane Hardy is a half-orc woman of advanced years, she coordinates 'special projects'. Zanbis Rorgudotick is a young gnome who is a sort of Jack-of-all-trades.

Buel Vitta Society

Having the gorgeous Ancee Museum as their meeting place has only spurred them on to greater and greater heights. With typical GICOM modesty they profess their chapter to be the zenith of good taste. While that might be hard to stomach, it is hard to argue that the food at these gatherings isn't the best in the world,

The appreciation for art here goes wider than in most chapters; beyond the to be expected visual arts there is also a deep appreciation for fine fashion and the kinesthetic arts.

Resa's Rest

The Golden Grotto on Mancini Way was built right across from Siec Park. The building takes up the entire city block and is famous for, among other things, the fact it was built over natural springs, much of the basement and part of the ground floor has been turned into a watery paradise.

Lecram Wantha, a mid-fourties Dolac former sailor with a legendary stamina is the general manager here.

Temples

Boccob

The Cathedral of Magic Arts consists of three massive interconnected towers on the grounds of Summerset College, it is the largest temple to Boccob in the world. One tower is dedicated to teaching and contains many classrooms, labs, workshops, and the like. Another tower is mostly for worship and is where the priests and wizards who live here are housed. The third tower is much speculated about; some think it holds the largest storeroom of magic items within the world, others contend that it is a prison for spellcasters that have become a danger to the world.

A new High Administrator was recently appointed; Agamand Brylleglian, a dwarven man of advanced years. He has had a storied career, starting out as an adventurer, then becoming a mayor in Loveria, before joining Abjura Dolana. After making it to Magister he handed in his staff and spent the next few decades as a farmer in rural Mifora. Only after all that, he joined the church.

Heironeous

The Cathedral of Valor is the largest center of worship to Heironeous in the world and is known for its flying buttresses and statues of saints. Its tower is the tallest structure in the city and contains the grand carillon made up of no less than 77 bronze bells. For some reason someone always leaves a wagon filled with hay around the place.

The High Priest is Paragon Shanna Gilliam, born in Silia. She is in her late sixties now but says she hasn't even reached her zenith yet. She has been instrumental in increasing Heironeous' worship over the last decades, so who knows what else may come.

Lirr

The Lorekeeper's Sanctum, adorned with intricate murals that depict the intertwining of love, literature, and art, serves as a testament to the goddess's influence on the creative spirit of the city. The entrance, named the Arch of Illumination, is adorned with golden quills and paintbrushes.

Within, the Luminary Library stands as the world's largest repository of knowledge, housing an extensive collection of illuminated manuscripts, poetry anthologies, and art portfolios. Among the clergy, who are often adept both in the written word and visual arts, are many sages on diverse topics.

A charismatic bard and skilled storyteller, High Priest William Cato spreads Lirr's teachings through the art of narrative. His captivating performances inspire both laughter and introspection.

Osprem

Next to the Vius river stands the Aquamarine Cathedral, adorned with intricate carvings of sailing vessels navigating stormy seas. Two towering spires, resembling ship masts, rise into the sky, and at their pinnacle, eternal flames burn as a symbolic beacon guiding ships safely to harbor.

Visitors are greeted by the soothing sound of lapping waves, courtesy of a meticulously crafted indoor lagoon. Stained glass windows depicting seafaring adventures bathe the interior in a kaleidoscope of aquatic colors. The main altar is shaped like a ship's helm and behind it, a mesmerizing mural showcases Osprem's benevolent presence calming tumultuous waters.

In charge are Mistress of the Waves Azla Stormfall and Master of the Waves Nezras Devane, who bicker like a married couple even though they aren't in a relationship with each other. Azla was born on Threepwood Isle and used to be a member of Strebor's Corsairs. Nezras is a sailor from Dolac who still takes to the waves numerous times a year.

Ulaa

In a city full of spectacular buildings, the Fane of Fulfillment still manages to stand out. While not as big as some of the other temples, the architecture and the workmanship are second to none. It is high on the list of places for tourists to visit, and therefor always quite packed. For that reason actual services are mostly held very early in the morning.

The leadership position is shared between Forewoman Sirch Remo, a dwarven woman with a storied past including stints as bard and ranger, and Forewoman Nala Irtsevlis, originally from Vilda, who stowed away on a ship to GICOM when she was only six years old.

Merchant Houses

Bowman-Outersea Cereals & Commodities

This is where it all started and the office is still next to the, recently completely rebuilt, mill and warehouses on Industry Street. They have grown a lot since those modest days and bought out their neighbors on both sides.

The general manager in charge of global operations is Kate Clubawn, known for liking a drink, and a lover of theater. The national office is run by Ken Shean, who grows onions as a hobby.

Notable People

• Alexander Todger (provost [mayor])
• Charles Dimm (chief of police)
• Russel Sulliver (private investigator)
• Fiona Lamb (halfling, sage, history)
• Jack Outend (sage, monsters)
• Rose Thorn (half-elf, singer)
• Carey Ruislip (gnome, publisher)
• Jill Regan (Rhes Haghed don)