The Visage Itself is a peculiar rock formation etched into the lakeside cliffs on the southern beaches of the Lake of the Baronies that is surrounded by the Tanglelight Forest. Occasionally, the expression and features of the Visage shift and change.
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Around and behind the hill where the Visage Itself is, there is an unnamed hamlet of the Fey, well-known as the centre of theatre and performance within Eleutheria. Sometimes, this settlement is also called Visage, as a shorthand. Its villagers wear masks often influenced by the current state of the Visage Itself, but the visitors are only strongly encouraged to follow this tradition, not absolutely obligated to.
The visual approximation of the hamlet of Visage.
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"You must be the guests that I have been told of. I am the one who will show you the path, though I see that you are all maskless. You should consider changing that, for your own benefit. Here, faces may not be naked. Except one - that of the Visage itself." |
Fishing, hunting, and similar activities are also an important part of the hamlet's life.
Locations of note include:
1) The Gaiety: a large amphitheatre partially carved into the backside of the rocky outcrop of the Visage; some masked Fey are sitting upon the steps as viewers, some are on the stage, performing their acts. A tent rises above the rest, at the very top of the amphitheatre, directly opposite to the stage - a seat reserved for guests of honour, such as Lord Attys.
Two stone, mossy arches, half-covered by red curtains, flank the stage, and lead into the attached building in the back. This dark Backstage is lit only by an occasional heatless candle or lantern. Deep, scented fumes and faint clouds of powder fill the air, looking for their way into one's lungs. Hundreds of masks and costumes litter the surroundings in a cacophony of colours and patterns. Actors rush to and fro, reciting their lines or psyching themselves up for the upcoming performances. This is a rare place in Visage where faces go naked.
An enigmatic thespian, La Moretta, is currently seen here as one of the main attractions. In the darkest corners of the Backstage, the Maskmaker can be found working on new faces for those who need them. Hyalos, Space Insect and Radiance of Heavens, Imbibed At Dawn And Unshackled At Dusk are some of the many important staff members.
2) The Harbour: the part of the hamlet that rests between the still waters of the Lake and the towering Visage itself. The houses are small and crowded, and piers extend towards the Lake like wooden fingers, ready to receive boats and small ships. Here, it is acceptable for new arrivals to go maskless, but not for long. Lady Flavianne currently inhabits and protects this area, claiming the whispering reeds and carved stones of the Harbour as her abode. Lately, she has been founding a slime sanctuary here.
3) 'The Winding Witness' : the local, tiered tavern / inn which coils around a massive tree. There are plenty of balconies, walkways, rope bridges and side-rooms, and some extend towards other trees nearby. There is a small stage for a band of Grig Sprites and Satyrs. The lower levels are mostly used by larger gatherings of visitors, and contain the kitchens and the main bar with a mounted head of a black bull above it.
The upper levels are mostly occupied by smaller groups or couples in need of some modicum of privacy. The topmost tiers are reserved for exclusive, private parties. Questionable sounds filter in from above like sunlight through the leaves. Curtains and tapestries, alongside minor sculptures and vases are more prominent here, offering a nicer, or some would say gaudier ambiance.
The visual approximation of the tavern's appearance.
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The main supporting tree is bonded to Ampella, the Unknown boniface of the establishment, who has a small battalion of Leshies, lesser Arboreals, dexterous flora, and other Dryads aiding her. The mercenary and spy, Claudin, used to reside in one of the rooms before he was exiled to First Landing.
4) The Briarborn Embassy: a hut that doesn't match its surroundings, sticking out like a bad tooth - there is plenty of furs; the wood used in the construction wasn't shaped by primal magic, but instead cut and nailed together; the building itself is taller than most, and the doors are large enough to fit a horse. This is the residence and the business quarters of Akanth Briarborn, an envoy of his Centaur tribe.
Some distance behind it, there is a clearing where the Unicorn from the quest A House of Cards passed through and rested on its way deeper into Eleutheria, leaving behind a pool of blood, which resulted in Bloodlash Bush infestation. Thankfully, it was cleared out by Dr. Prof. Boom Boom.
The Visage was first discovered during the quest All Work and No Play, when the party was ferried there across the Lake from the Temple of the Two Suns by Marsyas.