HighTide



HighTide is an island city-state located off the eastern coast of Averon, on the northernmost continent of Alathra. It was created on May 22, 2021. HighTide serves as the regional authority of the Seastone Isles, a collection of islands and icebergs located between Averon and SlavonGrad. The city, and by extension the isles, are overseen and ruled by the Sealord. The current Sealord is the founder of HighTide, Cody29797. Additionally, the city has a symbolic ruler, a sea turtle called Lord Theodore Estermont. HighTide is a founding member of the Free Cities of Alathra, with Sealord Cody29797 serving as Chancellor of the FCA.

Currently, HighTide is in its infancy stages and lacks any massive developments. Its most notable attraction is the Tidefort, a large white tower that looms over the entire town. It draws in visitors from all over Alathra to gaze at its magnificence.

Residents

 * Cody29797 (Chancellor of the FCA, Sealord of HighTide)
 * KIX_6116
 * Mrblack4123
 * Gongasm
 * Helix_8ea
 * bofamnutz
 * GreatLemi

Sealord:
Oversees and rules the Seastone Isles, the current Sealord is Cody29797.

Shellherders:
Caretakers of the native sea turtle population, distinguished by their shell-shaped helmet.

History
Before the arrival of Cody2979 and his daring accomplices, the Seastone Isles were inhabited by indigenous Villagers.

Origins
As a relatively remote island, HighTide is isolated from the mainland of the northernmost continent of Alathra. While maritime trading seems to be prevalent between the cities of HighTide and Uhovia, the city of HighTide has managed to develop its own customs and traditions distinct from that of the mainland. Much of this culture is inherited from the various indigenous peoples of the Seastone Isles. Prior to the arrival of Sealord Cody29797, the natives of the island spoke a regional dialect of Animalese, distinguished by its excessive amount of words related to turtles and turtle-adjacent activities. The dialect is currently endangered and is only spoken semi-fluently by various scholars and clerics.

The Sea Turtles (Chelonians)
Many visitors are astonished by how well the local residents treat the native sea turtle population on the island. Chelonians, or 'turtles' as they are called in the common tongue, are considered sacred beings in Tidian culture and should be treated as such by anyone who wishes to earn favors with the people of HighTide. These gentle reptiles are the national symbol of HighTide, and are therefore sometimes given symbolic positions of power, like the renowned Lord Theodore Estermont.

Only under certain circumstances are Chelonians allowed to be put to death, like under the ancient ritual of Testudo Sacrificium. In accordance with the ritual, the essence orbs of the deceased Chelonian are carefully entombed under the soft sands of its birthplace. To prevent any unnecessary pain or discomfort, the gentle creature is put under anesthesia with a splash potion of weakness before being sacrificed. Fully completing a Testudo Sacrificium has been shown to be remarkably difficult. If done incorrectly, the essence orbs might be wrongly absorbed by the practitioner of the ritual, preventing the Chelonian from ascending to a higher plane of existence. It is believed that if the essence of a Chelonian resides within the material body of a human, that person needs to perish before the essence is able to ascend. Because of the serious risk involved with performing a Testudo Sacrificium, the ritual is usually reserved for professional practitioners like shellherders and clerics.

Laws relating to desecration:

 * In accordance with Tidian law, anyone who kills a turtle in cold blood on the Seastone Isles may be imprisoned in Tidefort Tower, though this has yet to be inforced by the Sealord Cody29797.


 * The 4×3 block painting by the name of "Kong" is outlawed inside the borders of HighTide, as it depicts a genocidal maniac who sets turtles aflame for entertainment. In the eyes of Tidians, "Kong" is the most profane and grotesque painting you could ever decorate your home with.