The Gentleperson’s Guide to Lascaux
PrinceCon Staff
Lascaux is an endless delight for the cultured and educated. The fine arts of painting, hoof-sculpting, and conversation are prized here, and an adventurer with wit and flair will quickly find admission to all the best houses. The arts have long been influenced by frequent intercourse with elven artisans from Sylvania, and while the presentation of traveling exhibitions has lessened of late, the Museum of Elvish Antiquities in Montalban still houses the most complete collection of elvish art outside of Sylvania. The Archives of the Races, in the nearby Tour de l’Histoire, houses a scholar’s paradise of artifacts and records regarding all the races of the known world. The Hall of Genealogy, run by renowned hobbit Professor Piedpetit, will also be of interest to scholars.
The more lively traveler will want to visit the stunning Opera du Monde, with its five-story gilded columns and exquisite productions. A stroll through the city’s garden, the famous Jardins du Cinq Arbres, will put one in the way of meeting the charming inhabitants and perhaps earning an invitation to dinner.
The Epon and Human inhabitants of Lascaux live equitably together, and those with decided opinions about the inferiority of other races had best swallow their words unless they wish an unpleasant encounter with the local constables. In Lascaux, the quality of the mind is held to be of the utmost importance. This conviction runs even unto the nobility, as we see with the betrothal His Gallant Majesty Prince Francis, a human, to Her Glorious Highness Mare, the Queen of Jum, an Epon. Queen Mare is also a distant cousin to Queen Nayla I, and has repeatedly refused to give up her claims to the throne of Nassau.
Speculation is rampant as to why King Clovis has thrown his country into the middle of intrigue and possible violence by betrothing his son to the Queen of Jum--and yet, the center of intrigue is where his Glorious Majesty shines most brightly. The nobility of Lascaux only wonder if their King’s actions are at all influenced by his long correspondence with King Ferdinand of Hesperia.
In these unsettled times, the courts and streets of Lascaux are filled with Epon wondering what fate will befall their homeland of Jum---an Epon paradise of green rolling hills and sparkling streams--should the nobility of Lascaux withdraw their support.
Lascaux at a glance:
Monarch: King Clovis
People: Human (39%), Eponai (30%), Hobbit (15%), Dwarf (8%), Other (8%)
Religions: Mavors, Leo, Gaia
Symbol: rearing horse opposite rearing Epon, gold on red