Sophivitas

Now, the people of Sophivitas pride themselves on being skilled orators, infallible rhetoricians, and considerate philosophers. They study the nature of mortality, ask questions of the universe, and seek endlessly for the answers. Where would exist forges in other cities instead exist public forums, where may stand a barracks instead stands a library. All of this focus on discussion and debate naturally gave rise to a civilization incredibly skilled in manipulation magics. One cannot find mages more skilled in the arts of deception, mind alterations, and illusions in all of Highcroft. 

And it is a smart thing, too. With nothing with which to protect themselves from marauding pirates from the Arrowheads, the citizens of Sophivitas have comes to rely on convincing enemies they simply do not want to be there. Their mages have become so powerful that some even fear entering the city, afraid they will find themselves doing something they had no intention of doing before arriving.

Ultimately, though, Sophivitas is neither a dangerous nor deceptive place. Mages and politicians ensure the city is kept in order and its skills used wisely and without malice...for the most part.

While Sophivitas is known for its speakers, there is plenty more to the city itself. Much of the trade with the Arrowhead Isles with Highcroft comes through the city, and many are the souls who brave the northern Farewave Ocean that call Sophivitas home. It is nowhere near the port city a place like Trine or Cypress might boast, but the city does take its role as ambassador to the west of Vault very seriously.

City Landmarks

The Steps of Persuasion - an edifice in the heart of Sophivitas where people come to debate in open forum. Every morning, debaters from around the city gather to climb the steps by winning arguments against others. The more one can argue a side of a discussion, the higher they climb, until one reaches the top step. Discussions can extend days at a time, and when a person gains a step, they keep it for as long as it takes to dethrone them.

The Grand Library of Emeral - while there are many libraries in Sophivitas, the largest and most important is the Grand Library of Emeral. Founded by the incredibly wealthy Drow Emeral during the city's founding, he sought to establish a library where the books attempted to keep themselves updated. Thus the books found here actually have a life of their own, flying about Vault, returning when they have been updated to the most recent information, and departing again when they are in need of new information. The magic at work is astounding, and it's considered good luck to see an Emeral Book flying about out in the world.

Basin of Lies - beneath the city is a place where people can go to hone their skills in deception. Attendance by outsiders is usually not encouraged but those wishing to prove themselves as orators do well to participate in the competitive spirit of lying within these halls. Tempers often flare and the lies can sometimes cause upheaval for those in attendance but those who master the body language and voice of lying go on to do great things in Sophivitas and elsewhere. 

Lingua Speech Academy - those seeking to learn the art of public speaking usually find their way to Lingua to perfect their abilities. Those who graduate with honors usually go on to study the magics of speech and persuasion.

Loose Lips Tavern - there are few things that bring the spirit of debate upon a person than actual spirits. This is well known at Loose Lips, where students of the word can be found discussing the nature of the universe far into the night over many cups of drink

Mercantile Conference - a name describing a section of the city where the shops owners care less about the price tag displayed on the window and more about what they can talk customers up to. Some say haggling in the Mercantile Conference is more dangerous than going to war, at least for one's pocketbook. But there are many treasures and deals to be found there.

Sharptongue Tavern - half stage, half restaurant, the Sharptongue is home to poets, minstrels, and those wishing to show off their prowess with the spoken word. They earned their claim to fame when the god Melil performed in their stage, which they now market as blessed by his divine power.

People of Note

Dhruv Di-Riv: Male Yuan-Ti, the current High Step and has been for almost a year, there is a rumor that he can see into the heart of a person

Jonia Everthread: Female Human, lead orator for the Sunrise, where the people of Sophivitas get their news about the world

Emeral the Third: Male Drow, descendant of the first Emeral and current head of the Library, the magic of the books is coordinated and kept secret by him

Clarity Dusk: Female Half-Elf, a known deceiver and the wealthiest member of the city, she is so good at what she does, those in power refuse to punish her for it

Frankless Harborford: Female Owlin, head of the Speech Academy and lawmaker for the city, also the head of the conclave of mages given to the protection of the city

Farewright: Female Owlin, noblewoman and socialite, they say there isn't a thing that happens in Sophivitas that escapes her notice.