CornaroIndex | Time Under Chaos | Settings | Shadows of Note | Cornaro Cornaro is a return to the Golden Age of the Italian Renaissance, where Rome never fell and conquered the world. Rich in arts and sciences, stately marble mansions, tasteful Tuscany-style counrty houses and wineries set amid rolling hills and on the shores of sparkling blue waters, Cornaro is a jewel of a Shadow. Exceptional artists are supported by the either the Church or the State, their workshops producing masterpieces for the sponsors and providing ideal learning environments for their apprentices. Architects work closely with the artist's workshops to design total environments in buildings both public and private. Weavers produce some of the finest brocades ever seen. Musicians, poets and performing artists attend special schools that allow them to focus on their arts while seeing to more complete educations as well. Graduates are expected to return for a three year stint of teaching after graduation to offset the cost of their training. Those that do have their student fees waived, those that don't are liable for their fees and paid many visits by the bankers until they pay their debts. The role of the courtesan is one that enjoys a measure of respect in Cornaro, and those who feel the calling for the lifestyle and meet the standards are trained and educated at a facility known only as The Jade, a magnificant villa of green marble that sits in the rolling hills outside of Roma. Those who don't make the final cut are often directed to the Mansion dei Piaceri Terrosi, a high class bordello in the heart of Roma. Science and Alchemy are on equal footing. The University of the Heavens in Roma is the haven of astronomers shadow-wide and is jointly supported by the enlightened Church and the State. More "mundane" sciences find their homes everywhere, but the university of choice is in Venicia where, unlike its counterpart, is not slowly being overtaken by the sea, thanks to the efforts of their engineers. They say that any sufficently advanced technology is indistinguishible from magic and it nowhere more true in Cornaro then in Venicia, where engineers and mages work side by side to design the flying machines and other of Cornaro's technology. Venicia is also the capital of the banking industry, where interest rates are set and currency is printed and minted. The economy uses the familiar gold standard and currently Cornaro has just recovered from a frightful recession. The political landscape is a series of city-states, each with their own hereditary ruling family. Each is required to send a representative to Roma to serve for four years terms in the Senate. Term limits are twelve years. Cornaro's socio-political landscape also includes several powerful Ancient families who belong to an organization known as Che Cosa è il Nostro. Viewed as criminals by some, the majority of the average citizens do not agree, and see them as role models and protectors of the poor and weak. If asked, those who belong to the Ancient Families will tell you that pride, honor, social responsibility, and the protection of Family are at the basis of all the orginizations business dealings. Those who oppose them however, do not agree. The military branches, while limited to cannons and muskets and the more traditional bows and blades, are still impressive in battle and are swift to put down any uprising that even simmers on the surface against Roman rule. Universities for sword/rapier dot the countryside and attending is the dream of every young boy and a few young women. Graduates are automatically officers in the military and are expected to serve at least one tour, though many make it their career. Cornaro's main exports are, of course, wines, olives, brocades, leather goods and the much sought after rose-gold. |
