cittagazze

[grigori]

cittàgazze the city of magpies

Cittàgazze is an old, sprawling city, a place that is both peaceful and busy at the same time. However, there is a yawning and almost unsettling silence that stretches to every corner, something that even the steady lapping of waves in the distance can't disrupt. With no birds and no chirping of insects—even at night, where the temperature barely drops and the sky is awash with stars—it's obvious you're the only residents. The streets are empty, to the point of seeming abrupt. Doors to stone buildings are left open, meals abandoned at cafes and the kitchen table alike; beds unmade, lights on, laundry left out, even water left running in some homes, as food and clothes mold in the humid climate of this coastal city.

The absence of a population does make it easier to explore packed buildings and narrow streets, at least. Newer buildings—ranging from homes stacked on top of each other and squished side-by-side to grocery shops, bakeries, jewelers, florists, cafes—are found in the outer rings of the city. Doors are unlocked, and windows easy to pry open. (Or, easy to break down, for the more impulsive and violent.) Beaded curtains allow entry into private homes, and iron-wrought balconies house personal gardens that are already turning towards overgrown.

Buildings at the heart of the city seem almost ancient, and like the residents simply decided patch jobs would work where the buildings weren't practically ruins already. There are holes in the road, crumbling archways, doors barely on their hinges as whatever patches of grass and long-forgotten gardens overtake everything. Plaster peels and windows are empty or boarded up, having given up the ghost long ago. At night, there's almost the illusion of something grand—but come sunrise, everything looks all the more shabbier.

1. TORRE degli ANGELI - Standing at the centermost point of the city, looming at four stories tall, is a spire-topped tower. This tower is markedly older than all the other buildings in Cittàgazze, by centuries, with a worn exterior of stone that is marked in the equally worn down depictions of now-faceless—but still intelligent and powerful in their weathered state—winged figures, wings raised and folded alike, neither feminine nor masculine. Leading up to the heavy, black oak door are well-travelled stairs, stone like much of the rest of the city. ( 1 )

Trying the door results in the discovery that it's currently locked.

2. BOULEVARD - Be careful where you step as you navigate the narrow pathways—despite of how things look, there are still people here—more interesting, children. They are neither unfriendly nor are they welcoming. Unless, that is, you come with a cat. If they spot you with one, you can be assured it will not be a pleasant experience. Generally, however, they'll look at you with a questioning look and maybe ask you a few questions before going on their way. What's most interesting is how there's a feeling among the residents here are a bit unruly; as though no one has cared for them in a while. And if you look closer to the doorways to their homes and look closer to the walls... there are just things that don't seem right. Asking the children about them will get you a harsh (perhaps fearful) look before they dismiss you. What's with the third degree? ( 1, 2 )

Many of the more recent buildings can be found here, grocers and bakeries and jewelers and more. However there is one cafe that stands out and shows signs of being once a popular spot for people to have come and gone—visitors and residents alike. Now, however, is something only a shadow of itself with how washed out things have seen. There are traces of care here and there with how things have not gone completely to ruin. Within the cafe people can find a modest supply of food—refrigerated and not. However, be mindful of being to quick with your hands as there are other mouths that need to be fed. But there is a price for everything; you just need to know what they're looking for. ( 1, 2, 3 )

3. COURTYARD - Travel through the tight corridors of Cittàgazze where buildings are stacked on one another and stairs litter the sides of buildings it's easy to feel claustrophobic. At the same time, every inch of the walls and the buildings say some sort of story... Traces of some sort of deeper story—something that no one is talking about. Something maybe a little dangerous. Not that there's time to dwell on that because eventually into an open space where it's possible to breathe. It's an open area with small shops where you can find various things from nick-knacks to pottery unique to the people of Cittàgazze to just about anything else. Remember, this is a city of magpies. There's something for everyone and everything comes with a price. ( 1, 2, 3 )

4. HOTEL - Much like the rest of the city, the signs of their grandeur have long since faded and what remains are only the traces of what seemed to be the jewel of the city. The fact that there doesn't seem to be many tenants these days may be beneficial as there will be plenty of vacant rooms among the various floors for people to claim as their own. (Or maybe share? I don't know your life.) Each room has a bed, fully functioning shower, sink, and toilet. Nothing luxurious but nothing too primitive. ( 1, 2, 3 )

It does seem like there's initial room assignments, but there's no real punishment for sleeping elsewhere at this time - save, perhaps, for the fact that your coins will only unlock the room you found yourself waking up in. Weird? This place definitely doesn't have a smart system, but it seems like whenever you have your coin on your person, your assigned room will open for you. Maybe you got lucky and have a nice roomie..?

5. OPERAHOUSE - Vast and one of the few places that hasn't seemed to be touched by the age and whatever has touched the rest of the city, the halls and décor speak to what the rest of the city must have looked like. Adorned everywhere are the angels—all who seem to be supporting the key parts of the building. Despite of all this, it seems as though no one has put on a show here for quite some time. If asked, the children won't see anything wrong with it. It wasn't as though there was anything worthwhile to watch. ( 1 )

6. BEACH - Beyond the walls of the city and free from all of its steps and buildings is an ocean breeze and a calming sound of waves lapping at the shores. The water is warm and instantly inviting—no worries about needing to get used to the temperature. Swimming further out into the ocean will reveal that there is an abundance of life, which can also be watched from the diving platform 50 yards out. Some of it tasty. Fortunately, not too far from the walls are long piers that stretch into the ocean and paddleboats that are docked nearby. There looks to be bait, rods, and a few cages placed near the boats—however be mindful that these are not for free. You might have to barter with the half-wild children of Cigazze.

Even further beyond the piers and the boats, if someone were to keep walking, the signs of human presence lessens and lessens until there is nothing but sand, water, and trees that are left. Or, that would be the case if not for a curious scattering of glass bottles that seem to be perfect to send a message in. ...or to keep as a prize. Who knows your life but you? Either way, if you feel compelled to write a note and stick it in the bottle, maybe you should throw it back into the ocean. It might be surprising to see what will come back. ( 1, 2, 3 )

7. LIGHTHOUSE - At the furthest point of the stretches of the city stands a solidarity lighthouse. The state of it is slightly weather worn but not to the point of disrepair. It stands as a place that has seen visitors but many and not recent. The doors are unlocked and upon entering the lighthouse, the insides are that of what one could expect from a lighthouse. A spiraling staircase that leads all the way to the top. It's all a bit aged but still sturdy. At the top, however, is what seems to be remnants of something. A bed, some lights, simple cabinetry...all aged and collecting dust.

Most interesting is that there is writing against the wall. Markings. Signs of something. Did something happen here? Maybe there might be someone who would know the answer. Will anyone in town be able to answer your questions? Only one way to see. Let a mod know if you'll ask around about the lighthouse. ( 1, 2, 3 )

In the distance, beyond the city, is the promise of great, rolling green hills and a thick treeline. Further still are looming cliffsides, just barely and fleetingly lit up at night by the beacon of the lighthouse. Attempts to traverse this treeline to reach the hills results in explorers getting turned around, before being spat back out facing the city. It's possible to lose a large chunk of time if one isn't careful with their exploration. Let the mods know if you keep trying, or stick around for longer than a couple of hours.

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