Five CornersIndex | Time Under Chaos | Settings | Amber City | Five Corners FIVE CORNERS Ward Type: Merchant Five Corners is the beautiful and exotic centerpiece of the city’s Second Tier. At the heart of the ward, Erzulie Circle provides access to virtually every other section of the city via five main boulevards that branch off from it. As such, it has become a hub of urbanite activity and commerce. Students line the park benches or discuss current events at the numerous sidewalk cafes. Shoppers haggle over everything from fine clothing to medicinal herbs to live fish to exotic jewelry. Vendors and shopkeepers sing clever songs to hawk their wares while street performers on every corner inspire music and laughter. Fringed surreys drawn by mules are a popular way of getting around. Chaosians, Amberites, and Rebmans are prevalent here, interacting as if any cultural differences have long since been forgotten.  The ward has undergone numerous changes in the last century or so. During Corwin’s assault, and again during the Patternfall War, Five Corners suffered terrible damage from fire. Some 1,000 homes and business were destroyed in the Lower District. However, Duke Metzger utilized his powers as ombudsman and skill in fundraising to rebuild and revitalize the Five Corners community. The most prevalent changes were the construction of Erzulie Park and the architectural renaissance of the Lower District. The rebirth of Five Corners also attracted Rebman, Chaosian, and Shadow-Dwellers, who in turn have left their unique imprints on the Ward. The Lower District is now dominated with Spanish Colonial and French architecture; steeped gables, graceful fanlight windows, ironwork galleries and patio and inner courtyards. Most homes and shops have an airy feeling to them and cafes and restaurants frequently feature open courtyards. Flower- and tree-boxes are highly prevalent, while some homes are virtually covered in vines and crawling flowers. Rebman influences have further added the presence of interior fountains and koi ponds. Chaosian homes frequently feature statuary or murals from the Courts. The wide diversity of the Lower District makes it a fascinating exploration for residences and visitors alike. Upper Five Corners, relatively untouched by the Patternfall War, has retrained its regal appearance; ornate Italianate mansions and Queen-Anne style homes. The quiet district is populated with antique shops, spas, and exclusive boutiques. Duke Metzger and his family live here in a large mansion overlooking Erzulie Park. They host an annual Ball for the children of the local nobles and merchants, a mixture of coming-out party and match-making ceremony that attracts people from across Shadow. At the heart of Erzulie Circle is Erzulie Park, an elegant urban oasis of oak trees and pathways. Dotted by fountains and park benches, the park features a beautiful lagoon with an abundance of wildlife. In addition to a riding path and stables, the park also features a tennis court and ample grounds for picnicking, walking tours, and generally enjoying the day. Key Personalities: Duke Metzger- An Amberite noble from before the Patternfall War. His family has been prevalent in the Ward’s rebuilding and its politics. Lady Celia Hoodwink & Grumble- Lady Celia, a Chaosian merchant, owes Hoodwink and Grumble’s; an exotic import/export store that offers items from across Shadow. If you need something bizarre or rare, chances are Lady Celia has it or can acquire it. Her co-owner is Grumble, a mumbling goblinoid creature that can repair and refurbish anything. Gilliam Eynhollow- Also known as Uncle Gloomy, Gilliam is a talented clock-maker and Tear’s only living relative. He runs a small store in the Lower District. He is also close friends with Mrs. E’lbram Orkneyinga. E’lbram Orkneyinga- The Rebman owner of Café Magnolia; a popular restaurant in Five Corners. She became Tear’s godmother by default, caring for the young girl when Gilliam could not. She is secretly in love with Gilliam but has yet to act on this; despite numerous attempts by Tear to finally get the pair together. |
