Aldrip 2.0
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Most of the Chosen who arrive in Expiation find themselves first either in, or around, the city of Aldrip. Before the mysterious events of March, Aldrip was a small, idyllic town. Very suddenly, it seems to have blossomed into a bustling metropolis. In terms of appearance, itâs a strange mish-mash of different types and styles of buildings. Some buildings and houses look ancient, built from stone or thatch, as if they came from medieval times. Still others look more modern, or even futuristic. As if the whole area was cobbled together from piecemeal bits of architecture. Money. The Inn offers free room and board for one month, and the small houses available to Chosen are free of charge, unless you want upgrades. Otherwise, Aldripâs local currencyâgold coinsâis the money of choice around here. Those who have gold, silver, or copper coins from their homeworld will find that the locals take those as well, but may ask a little bit extra. They do not take paper money at this time. Weâre not planning to make you count your currency, so we leave paying for things on the honor system for you to use as incentive to get your characters involved around town. Transportation. There are several different methods of travel in and around Aldrip. Chocobos and horses are available at various stalls in quieter parts of town, as well as outside of the city. For those who arenât quite ready to ride in this rodeo, locals offer a wagon service as well. Motor vehicles arenât used among the locals in Aldrip, but strangely, those Chosen who have acquired them are able to find gas to fuel them with. Some local shops have also started offering bicycles and unpowered scooters, as well.
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RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
The quiet residential district is where most housing in town can be found, both for the Chosen and the locals. The Inn. Newly-arrived Chosen are directed to a building that is huge, but quite rustic, as if it came out of a fantasy story. A bustling place that feels like the very heart of the town, the local inn features hundreds of rooms to comfortably house the Chosen. The staff are all friendly and willing to answer questions, and the innkeeper even allows for all Chosen to stay in their accommodations for the first month for free. The inn's lobby has a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Between the comfortable waiting area and the attached tavern and available alcohol, it is a perfect place to linger and get a pulse on happenings around the town. Because of the alcohol and accompanying food from the tavern, it is also the perfect place to host any parties, especially at night. Housing.
art credit. Around town, the Chosen can find various small homes that are vacant and waiting for ownership. Step right inâitâs yours! Thereâs no rent or charge for these small houses, apparently, but they are quite bare-bones, containing only one bedroom, a bathroom, and a small kitchen. The locals are available to add rooms as upgrades, which can be done through the Activity Rewards page. apartment buildings who will happily house the Chosen, for a monthly fee. For those not ready to become homeownersâthis may be the option for you!
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COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
The sprawling Commercial District houses most of the stores and warehouses in Aldrip, as well as the Docks on the east side of town. Itâs accessible through several of the main roads in town, making it an ideal place for trade and business of all kinds. While many restaurants are located in the Entertainment District, there are some located here, as well. Shops. Due to the proximity to the Docks, many of Aldripâs business have opened up shop in this area. Thereâs plenty of space, so local vendors are happy to have the Chosen set up their own businesses in this part of town. All sorts of goods can be found in this area, along with fresh-food markets, convenience stores, and traveling food vendors.NPC businesses. View list here Player-run businesses. View list here Docks.
art credit. Ships from all over come to the Docks, bearing unlimited selections of goods, food, clothing, and other trade commodities. Youâll have a hard time getting an answer to where these ships come from, or how they get the goods they have, some of which are strikingly modern or anachronistic compared to Aldrip. You might even find a spice or sauce you recognize from homeâŠnow how did that get here?
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CITY CENTER
Seated appropriately at the center of town, this district houses several important buildings to the city of Aldrip, as well as city-maintained outdoor spaces and services to the public. Most of this area falls quiet after dark, in contrast to some other districts, but several of the gardens and green spaces do have lights overhead, should someone find themselves there later in the night. Town Square. This is a gathering space for all of Aldripâs citizens, boasting benches, large, clean walkways, and plenty of room for socializing. In nice weather or during festivals, this area transforms into an open-air market, with vendors coming from all over Expiation to set up shop. There are several manicured green spaces and gardens in this area as well. The Courthouse.
In the place where City Hall once resided, there is now a new tall building known as the Courthouse. This dark and imposing building continues the work of its predecessor and is the location the council purports to dole out punishment to rule-breakers and summon the Chosen to hear their sentencing. Those who have an appointment at the Courthouse will meet the mysterious and long-suffering Jerry within, but details surrounding this process are murky and difficult to talk about. Those who are not invited to the Courthouse are unable to enter, adding an air of mystery to the place. Interestingly enough, when asked by the locals they canât recall anything about City Hall. According to them, the Courthouse has always been the base of operations for the council.The courthouse cannot be vandalized, attacked, or broken into . Weirdly, when approached, it almost seems like it doesnât quite exist. The area is there, and you can see it, but it almost appears like an illusion: you pass right through it, as if thereâs nothing really in the space at all. Gardens. There are several green spaces in the area, some cultivated and some allowed to grow a bit wild. Curiously, one of these areas seems to have housed statues in the past, but no longer does. Library. An old stone building almost as big as the City Hall itself. There is one big decorative reading hall and several more private chambers for the budding scholar. The book selection that can be found is vast, containing fiction, research papers, and maps. Every so often, the Chosen may come across literature from their own world. Maybe a childhood story book, your favorite novel, or even a fashion magazine! Huh, how did that get thereâŠ?
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ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
While many of the businesses in the Entertainment District are open during the day, the area really comes to life after dark. Most locals are a bit wary of the businesses that promote this kind of nightlife; some even find them to be morally repugnant. But theyâll turn a blind eye to Chosen who decide to frequent the area. Itâs not their business, after all. Restaurants. Bars and restaurants can be found in various parts of the city, but theyâre a particular draw in this district, renowned not only for their delicacies but also for the entertainment they frequently host. Events Center. What appeared in August 2023 as a casino has been transformed into an all-purpose events center, used occasionally by locals from Aldrip for gatherings and celebrations. The games and entertainment that were inside the casino have been removed and put in storage, leaving a large room perfect for events, parties, contests, and concerts.NOTE: this center is available for use by the Chosen, so long as it's not already being used...and they clean up when they're done. Don't be nasty. Casino. What looks like it must have once been a lovely establishment has certainly fallen on hard times. The building isnât entirely abandoned, but itâs very run-down, and frequented by some shady characters. Those who choose to partake in the games here might want to mind their possessions. On the other hand, some keen eyes may see a lucrative business venture in the makingâŠ
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OUTSIDE OF TOWN
The area outside of Aldrip couldnât be a more stark contrast to the bustle and commotion of the city itself. Peaceful rolling hills, dotted with gardens and orchards; tall, rocky mountains in the distance; a thick forest along a winding road. Those looking to travel should be aware that these green fields arenât quite as peaceful as they may lookâtheyâre frequented by monsters, bandits, and other unsavory creatures. Fields. The fields that can be found outside of Aldripâs city limits are perfect for farming, and indeed, have been used as such for as long as most people can remember. This is where Aldrip gets the majority of its fresh fruits and vegetables, and many of the locals are very mindful to keep the area safe, clean, and bountiful. They take this work very seriously. Stone Circle. A circle of ancient-looking stones stands on a hill beyond the fields. This stone circle stands within a large earthen barrier, little more than a hill beneath the grass. Opening doors within this barrier reveals what looks like ancient offerings: broken pieces of earthenware, bits of metalwork or broken pieces of armor, even the occasional rusted, useless weapon. The stones themselves encircle a paved circle with markings at regular points. It almost looks like a clock or a sundial. Beach. Just south of town, the Docks give way to a sunny, sandy beach with gentle rolling waves. Itâs perfect for picnics and parties, and has been used for this purpose at many times in the past. Strangely, from this angle, itâs sometimes hard to see ships coming into the harbor⊠Roads. People traveling out of town will want to stick to the roads that wind through Pessiria Forest and to the towns at the other side of the island. Closer to town, theyâre in very good shape, and easily traversed by any wheeled vehicle. In less populated areas, youâll find cracks, potholes, and maybe even sections of road that are made of packed dirt or gravel, rather than asphalt or paving stones.
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Garnet Community Gardens
Zekarion Altius [