Artifice

The city of Artifice stands in northern Elysium.

Lore
As most travelers and pilgrims to Xenos know,…across the rolling plains of Elysium,… several day’s journey beyond the River Fall,… and perched in a crook of the craggy northern arm of the aptly-named Rumor Peaks,… lay the mysterious and legendary destination known as Artifice. Though there are a variety of tales that claim to know the truth behind why it was created, and by whom,…the only rumors that draw hopeful visitors from across the world to gather with needy abandon in the halls of Xenos are the stories told of the dreams and wishes that can come true for those lucky enough to win the lottery granting permission to enter Artifice’s secluded depths.

This lottery, open to the rich and poor alike, grants the holder the power to pass beyond the glimmering golden door, and to feast one’s eyes finally upon those things which are close to any pilgrim’s heart. The lame, it is said, will be healed. The hungry, it is said, will be fed. The lonely, it is said, will find love. There are some who complain that those who are wealthy and affluent seem to win the lottery more often than those who are poor and in need of its miracles… But, honestly, who can truly judge the mercurial whims of whatever powerful forces created this mystical place? Surely, only the MOST worthy can hope to share in the miracles offered in Artifice, and if the groveling masses are kept at bay, allowing only the best of us to pass within its walls, then one can be assured that the rewards within must be truly fabulous,…and justly deserved.

Trivia
My goal is meant to be a mix of the mythic gardens of Babylon and some ruined garden of earthly delights… Based loosely on an early concept by Stephen, and composed of existing props and set pieces,… the views of waterfalls, crumbling columns, and lush plants contrasted with the sparse and somewhat barren scenery below should make this place a fun little area to explore, and an interesting enigma to experience once players gain access to the marvels within.