Bayward Lore

Weather

The climate in Bayward is incredibly similar to the weather in Ne'haer. However, being further south, it tends to run a little warmer than Ne'haer, and has more of a propensity for hot, sticky storms in the warmer seasons. Snow comes less often in the Cold Cycle, but ice is a real problem, often landlocking ships during Cylus.

Demographics

Around 900 000 people live in Bayward, and it's one of the few places in all of Idalos that truly have no racial prejudices - on an official level. If you are able to come and work, Bayward is open to all. Of course, individuals might oppose to seeing an Avriel walk free, and might spare a glance or two towards an Aukari, but on an official level, no one will say anything at all.

30% Human 25% Biqaj 15% Mixed Race 5% Mer 25% Melting pot!

Religion

Contrary to the northern city of Ne'haer, Bayward has a rather lax attitude towards the worship of Immortals. As a city, they do not feel as though they owe their allegiance to any one god, or indeed the lot of them. However, personal faith is not discouraged, though the majority of people in Bayward would laugh at true devotion.

That being said, there is an undercurrent of superstition in Bayward, particularly amongst the seafaring folk who live in the town. Almost compulsively, offerings tend to be given by pirates and sailors alike to certain gods before a voyage - more out of fear of incident on the journey than true faith. U'frek, Cassion, and Chrien receive the most attention for this reason.

Over many of the poorer houses hang strings of herbs and trinkets that are believed to ward away negative spirits. It's said by many that Bayward smells distinctively of the sea, shit, and superstition.

Trade

If you're looking for work, and aren't too particular about the type or legality of said work, this is the place for you. Take a walk to one of the many taverns, and you're sure to run into someone who will do business with you - just be sure to go armed. The Trader's Market is a good place to begin, if you have a loud voice.

Bayward is the central hub of the spice trade from the Rhakros. Apart from that, it brings in the majority of luxury goods from Rharne and Rynmere - silk, jewels, and exotic literature (much of which is questionable in nature).

Bayward's primary exports are arms, ships, naval equipment, fish, and beer.

Education

As one might imagine, schooling in Bayward is far more lax than any other place in the region. Schooling is available from ages seven to twelve arcs, but it is not compulsory, and is more trade based than theoretical. In fact, it can be said that schooling in Bayward is more of a trade school. Students are exposed to many different trades and are often snatched up as apprentices by their twelfth arc. Only around sixty percent of children in Bayward actually attend school; predominantly, they will work with their families in their businesses, or pick up additional work to support their families.

Culture

Government

Autocratic!

Crime

Slavery

Magic

Locations

Bayward Locations

Credit: Muse & Khymarah