Overview
Ish’ania is the city in Vaunepahsauk most commonly visited by outsiders. Her streets are well kept and paved in crushed alabaster. They flare outward in a gentle spiral from the central keep and are crossed at regular intervals with aquaducts above the thoroughfares and aquifers running beneath. It is not uncommon to see many of the city’s more afluent personages poled from stop to stop along the gentle waterways.
North of the city trappers ply the forest paths which have been sculpted over centuries by the constant vigilance of Vaunephasuak’s wardens. Here birds with magnificent plumage and odd creatures which wander into the trade lands are trapped for the menagerie of the Duke or killed for the pelts and feathers which find their way to even the distant lands of Alleria or Carthen.
In the manor lands of the thanes stand vinyards which have produced fine vintages for the last half millenium. To some it seems that Vaunephasuak never changes. Her buildings are all ancient by the standards of Silverthorne, having stood unchanged for nearly four hundred years. They have a stoic, old-world beauty to them. Each is crafted of imported stone, hauled from distant mountains by the serpent river.
Arches and soft curves predominate the architecture and many of the buildings are inlaid with ornate bronze or copper curliques along their plinth or arches.
The Baroness
Ish’ania is ruled by the lovely baroness Lydia Namio, and her husband Redwan. She is the primary figure of motivation and energy, working actively with the people and court, while her husband is often absent for long periods of time, both abroad in the lands, and deeply involved in his own husbandry projects.
The Thanes
Three thanes hold lands within her domain, and are if not loved by the people, at least respected. Thane Yllsem of the Tree has an estate to the north of Ish’ania, which produces much of the town’s rare wood export. Thane Margaret of the Vine has lands to the east, and produces many varieties of red and white wines which are considered some of the finest in the kingdom. Thane Deanfal of the Tooth has lands to the west of Ish’ania and is well noted for his zoo, and the domesticated rare animals which he provides to the rest of the duchy.