Volta
Volta is one of the most unique locations in all of Idalos. It is a town by the sea founded on a large zinc deposit, cured by the salt air. The chemical properties of the zinc-infested soil make it impossible to grow anything, but reveals a much stronger power: electricity. The differential between zinc and salt, mixed with a little conductive material like copper or iron, turns Volta into a large battery. Consequently, violent storms the likes of which not seen by any other location in Idalos erupt here. Lightning storms last for days on end, and the townspeople have erected iron poles that work like lightning rods to channel the energy under the road and ground the buildings. It's not uncommon to witness a gigantic thunderous boom on one or several buildings, then the loud hum of a rod as the electricity sinks into the soil. The town is built around this strange phenomenon, and as such metals like iron, copper, and gold are not highly valued here. Such metals are known as being quite volatile conductors, which channel the electric power in the air. Tourists to this strange town often find their own nel will sometimes give them light tingling shocks, and are encouraged to temporarily exchange them for the local wooden currency. Since wood does not conduct electricity, it is safe to handle.
Likewise, the town has very few guards. Any bandits approaching the city bristling to the teeth with metal weapons find that their own knives, swords, and even armor has turned on them. Arrows fly unpredictably here, wobbling and flying oddly as the energy in the area reacts with the metal heads. Weapons like hammers are the most dangerous, and tend to attract sudden lightning strikes. While this all can look quite beautiful, it is incredibly dangerous to the wielder. Men and women who wear anything other than leather armor will find that metal armor will earn them a serials of uncomfortable jolts and shocks. Even buckles, belts, and nails on the bottoms of shoes can produce painful shocks.
As a secondary precaution against raiders and hostile armies, there exists three iron spires protecting the land-facing south of Volta. These spires are constructed of steel infused with salt and zinc, and is wrapped in metal wire. Anything even remotely conductive wandering near these spires will get painfully zapped by the ambient energy. If they ignore the warning, drawing closer might result in more painful electrocution. Signs are posted in several languages at the furthermost edge of the spires' range...ignore at your own risk.
The denizens of Volta are a relatively safe, happy town. They thrive on the harvesting of salt from the sea. This salt can be combined with cool water to make a freezing slurry that keeps the precious bottles of wine transported from Rharne cold and safe. Men who have ordered shipments of beer are often shocked to find that the barrels arrive quite cool even in the middle of Saun, with no magic involved. The people of Volta have embraced alchemy and their own fledgling brand of science to their own benefit, and Alchemists are both welcomed, advertised for, and loved in Volta. The small city boasts one of the largest Alchemical reagent stores in the whole of Idalos, and Alchemists are encouraged to sell their recipes. Recipes shared with the town for their own benefit will net a decent amount of pay. More so, if an Alchemist learns how to further harness the gift of lightning.
Come to Volta, the Town of Storms, and leave your (probably metal) weaponry at the door.
Volta NPC List
Moderator's Note: Players are welcome to use these NPCs if they're writing about this location.
Emelia Bram
DoB: Ymiden 5, 665
Title: Mayor of Volta
Skills: Socialization - Expert
Politics - Expert
Investigation - Competent
Business Management - Competent
Emelia Bram is the de-facto Mayor of Volta. She rules the town with a somewhat stern attitude, given that it is an intrinsically dangerous place. She is quick to punish those who don’t follow the rules, and has no problem with using Volta’s unique lightning capabilities to her own ends. She is selfish, prudish, and is terribly prideful of Volta's alchemical expertise.
Emilia is a thin stick of a woman who wears dark hued dresses made from stiff fabric. Her hair is a white hue and she keeps it pulled back in a prim bun that is secured with a simple cloth barrette. Her eyes are hawkish, angular and possess a stormy gray color.
“It takes a tough bitch to run this town, but you gotta wonder sometimes why people drop out of our elections like flies…” - Caim Seagraff, Salt Sailor
