The Gentleperson’s Guide to Nassau
PrinceCon Staff
The Gentleperson’s Guide to Nassau
by la Comtesse de la Tour
As a native of Lascaux, I experienced a certain trepidation the first
time I visited Her Majesty’s island kingdom. But despite age-old
political tensions, the social elite of Nassau are open to all the
world’s influences, and no person of wit and culture should skip the
delightfully bold inhabitants of these islands. They will tell you that
their ancestors were smugglers, not pirates, and I advise that you agree
with them while noting their audacity and natural inclination toward
intrigue.
As the crossroads of the known world, Nassau can fulfill
your every desire. From exotic spices to rare music, the Queen’s realm
is a connoisseur’s paradise for those canny enough to avoid thieves and
swindlers.
Teatime is a particular treasure, as it provides the
perfect occasion for observing positively everyone of importance while
offering the most delicious sandwiches and cakes. (Eat up, dear
traveler, for dinner is bland and uninspiring. The impoverished but
delightful should show themselves only at teatime and angle for
invitations to luncheon, as this is the largest meal of the day.)
While the majority of the nobles are human, most of the population are
perrin, and some of these have been granted land and titles. It is only
good manners to be polite to everyone. Yes, everyone--the natives are
informal to a fault and quick to repay a slight--and outside of the
ballroom, the only sure way to identify persons of quality is to
memorize all the best families in advance.
Visitors who are able to arrive openly usually begin on the island of Tyne, the central and most heavily populated island. The city of Newcastle is a cosmopolitan port that sprawls beneath the dizzying spires of the Royal Palace of Nassau, where Queen Nayla I holds court. The Sylvanian Ambassador is the darling of the highborn set and generous with his party invitations to worthy visitors.
Nearby is the mysterious
island of Faerie, land of hidden coves and tiny waterfalls. This
romantic island is home to Fey sorcerers, Perrin retreats, and the
notorious city of Blackpool. Many of the Queen’s nobles have summer
retreats on the island, and it is widely rumored that the Hidden Court
is convened in the unmapped caverns underneath the city. Those
interested in maritime history should visit the Museum of the Smugglers,
found at one end of the twisting Alley of the Knife that cuts through
the heart of the city. While Blackpool appears smaller and poorer than
the capital of Newcastle, the narrow streets pulse with gossip,
intrigue, and cloaked figures moving silently through the moonlit
streets.
Adel is the easternmost island. Freeport is the largest
port and home to all of the great merchant houses. Be sure to leave time
to visit the Monkey’s Bazaar, the largest open-air market in the known
world.
South of Adel is Cockburn, the least populated of the
four major islands of Nassau. Cockburn is populated mostly by Fey who
wish to withdraw from the cacophony of the major islands, and hotels are
scarce and lacking in amenities. Those who speak Fey may enjoy visiting
the island’s nature preserves.
Nassau at a glance:
Monarch: Queen Nayla I
People: Perrin (53%), Human (22%) , Fey (10%), Other (15%)
Religions: primarily Gaia, Ratri, Hione the Hermit
Symbol: Orange Poppy on Black field