Esmi

Esmi is the southern stronghold of the Old Urek Empire and long famous as the location of the Oracle of Esmi. To the west of Esmi lie the Wilds of Tarima, beyond which an even denser jungle of thorny and poisonous plants is home to terrible wild beasts, like jaguar and giant python. The southern coastline of Odo Kas offers no other ports until Khuldani Purda, far to the west in the Strait of Shandar, and Esmi is the last mainland point before crossing the Galfi Sea to Mezzi Island, enroute to the southern continent of Odo Kwon. It stands at the edge of the world, blessed by the divine. 

It was here that the gods commanded the great warrior Whiro to defend Skandara until his death. 

When the Maelstrom eventually opened and Skandara was abandoned, the towns on what we now call the Portage Road, between Skandara and Esmi, looked to the Oracle of Esmi for guidance. Through the Oracle, Pashan asked for a sacred circle to be cleared atop the large hill north of town, to be used as a natural temple. Purnoz directed the people to build a high tower to the west of Esmi and burn a fire at the top; the Watchtower of Esmi. Ptomir ordered that an identical tower be built to the east of town, on the cliffs overlooking the sea; this is the Lighthouse of Esmi. Dawa also commanded that a tower be built, to the south of town, the Windmill of Esmi. The people toiled for over a century, building these towers. As they did so, more and more people arrived in Esmi to help. As the city grew, the towers were connected by walls, forming the new perimeter of Esmi. Today, the Three Towers are nearly as iconic as the Oracle.

The Oracle of Esmi, channeling Pashan, told a second-tier noble named Jaleb Lango to devote his life to rebuilding the fallen city of Skandara, now Moru Kel. In doing so, he reopened trade to the north, as goods could now be portaged between Esmi and Moru kel, bypassing the Maelstrom. Both cities grew quickly and gained status. However, since the Maelstrom has closed, some of the newer ships have chosen to sail from Moru Kel to Mezzi Island without stopping in Esmi at all. Of course, Esmi’s importance to the deities means it will always be a destination for those seeking advice from the Oracle.

When visiting Esmi, don’t expect to easily be able to get an audience with the Oracle. During your first week in town, you’ll need to make offerings to all of the gods and spend a full day in prayer at each of their temples. If you want to visit the three towers, you might want to do so before you begin this process!

Then you’ll undergo a purification ritual that involves an unpleasant trek through the jungle to an icy cold bathing pool. Fortunately, after suffering through the cold, wet journey back to town, young acolytes greet you with a warm ochala oil rub. The food they offer is simple and may seem meager, but enjoy it; it’s the last you’ll get before three miserable days of fasting, broken only by a cup of thin broth at dusk; they don’t even allow mead, just water and bitter herbal teas.

When you feel you’re growing sick and weak, one of the fresh-faced-but-serious attendants may finally lead you into the Sanctum of the Oracle. And even then, some prune-faced, hollow-eyed man might still tell you that you aren’t “fit to see the Oracle”. Then you can turn your attention to the many other attractions Esmi has to offer. If you haven’t already, tour the Three Towers, but fuel up first with a stop at Cotson’s Fishhouse or grab a fresh corn tortilla stuffed with mashed donga beans, tamarillo, and greens. Yoringo serves his with a rich and creamy corn must sauce, earthy and mild. Telleth’s are spiced with long peppers but still more mild than hot; she sometimes makes them with fish, too! Savory food in Esmi is generally lightly seasoned, but the blander flavor of their stews and dishes is offset by their spiced desserts and drinks. 

Government

Esmi is a city of worship and is governed by its religious leaders, called Tarazi. They divide the duties of government by deity. For example, taxes on commerce are collected by the followers of Sala, whereas taxes on crops are collected by adherents of Aerta. It rapidly gets more complicated, though. Theft of an animal, on land, is usually the jurisdiction of Pashan but theft of property is generally Aerta’s realm . . . .unless the property is a metal tool or weapon, in which case it is Purnoz’s Tarazi who decides the case. There are always arguments over whose scope certain issues fall under, but centuries of precedent have made these easier to resolve than one might think. However, understanding the Esmian system requires years of study. The presence of the Oracle seems to keep squabbling in check, as any sign of corruption or ineptitude can be cause to consult the gods to see if a Tarazi needs replacing.

Commerce

Esmi is a major source of lumber for shipbuilding. Once home to some of the greatest shipwrights in the world, Esmi has been overshadowed by Tarsha and Mezzi Island in this craft, but Esmi teak is still the preferred wood for seafaring vessels. Esmi is also known for tamsan wood, second only to the elven shona wood in its beauty and durability, which is exported both as raw lumber and furniture. Wooden statues for shrines are another lucrative export. Esmi also exports black pepper; their vanilla is considered inferior to that of Mezzi Island by those with refined and cultured taste but is far more plentiful and affordable. Esmi is a source of silver and opals, though their supplies of the latter seem to be dwindling. 

Culture and Entertainment

Esmi attracts acolytes of all the deities because of its religious importance. Many journey to Esmi hoping to be accepted as potential Oracles. Most are told they can best serve the gods in other ways, and many of them choose to serve and study at the local temples rather than return home. Whiro himself was born in Iyana, a day’s journey from Esmi and travelled there hoping to train as an Oracle. But when he visited for the first time, he was told Koros had called him to become a soldier.

The roots of the Esmi sassafras tree are a strong stimulant, sometimes used by the Oracle, but sass has become popular for recreational use, too.

Religion and Customs

In Esmi, there are temples to every deity, except Pashan and Skura who are worshipped in natural temples. Pashan and Skura do have dormitories in Esmi. The temples to Dawa, Purnoz, and Ptomir are separate from the Three Towers, which serve other purposes. There are no combined temples, like the Temple of Fair Weather; each deity is worshipped separately.