Antiva City

Antiva City is the capital city of the Principality of Antiva, more commonly called Antiva. It is a major port city and trade hub in Thedas.

Culture and society
"Antiva City...Where they say every man is a poet or a merchant prince, and treachery is the coin of the realm."

- Alistair, Dragon Age: The Silent Grove Antiva City is both beautiful and deadly, much like many of its denizens. A romantic location known for its wealthy port and robust trade, as well as the wine that is the country's main export, it also houses danger and intrigue as the base of operations of the Antivan Crows, a notorious and world-renowned guild of mercenary assassins, spies, and thieves. Antiva City houses the Crows' Archive and its (not-so-secret) secret prison, Velabanchel. The Crows are feared and admired in the city by nobles and commoners alike, and enjoy enormous privilege in Antiva. Indeed, it is the threat of the Crows which keeps Antiva City--and Antiva as a whole--safe from outside attack, in addition to the country's political neutrality.

Although Antiva as a whole is a religious country, Antiva City is more permissive and hedonistic than many of the smaller towns. Given its permissive culture, Antiva City is home to many brothels. A brothel may foster orphaned children sired by its prostitutes, and these children may then be purchased at auction by the likes of the Antivan Crows.

Climate
Antiva City is a coastal city. It rains often, but otherwise the weather is temperate. It rarely gets too hot or too cold. It rarely snows in the winter, and if so, only lightly. The flowers are always in bloom.

Cuisine
Antiva City is famous for its wine and cuisine, especially its seafood. Two popular dishes are spicy fish chowder and Antivan olive bread. Elven dishes such as vhenan pies are popular in the city as well, as they were popularized by the large number of elves in the Antivan Crows.

Traditions
Antiva City is famous for its Satinalia Festival, which is the grandest in all of Thedas. In ancient times this festival was dedicated to Zazkikel, the old Tevinter Goddess of Freedom, but has since been attributed to the Maker and the celebration of the strangeness of fate, coincidence and luck. The festival is named for Satina, the second moon, which in most of Thedas is known to embody mysterious side of cosmic forces. It is said to be good luck to follow the winds of fate throughout the course of the festival, as doing so will lead you to your destiny.

The celebration begins on the 1st of Firstfall and lasts for two weeks (whereas in most other major cities in Thedas, the celebration is more subdued and only lasts one week). During this time a massive carnival overtakes the city, with the wearing of masks and elaborate dress being the traditional garb of the holiday. On the 7th day of Satinalia, the second moon Satina eclipses the big Moon in an event called the Alignment. The Antivan festival lasts another full week after the alignment. The second half of the month of Firstfall is a period of fasting and temperence.

Crown District
The seat of the royal family of Antiva, who are little more than puppets to the Antivan merchant princes. The district is walled off from the rest of the city, and unless you look like an aristocrat you will be turned away at the gates without proof of employment or official business.


 * Palace of the Kings: The Palace is home to House Campana, the royal family of Antiva. constructed with slender towers and stained-glass windows. A massive statue of the historical Queen Asha Campana in traditional Rivaini garb looms over the entrance.
 * Royal Bank of Antiva
 * Plaza d'Oro (The Golden Plaza): A grand plaza near the Palace of the Kings, home to many fancy shops and establishments. The plaza is home to many beautiful golden statues of Antivan "heroes" (many of whom are actually just merchants who bought their way into legend).

Weaver's Cross
The main market district in the city. Its main feature is the Grand Bazaar. This part of the city smells of seawater mixed with wine and spice. The Felicisma Armada has a tight grip on this district.


 * The Grand Bazaar: The main marketplace, which is located at intersection of the Boulevard of the Seas and the Queensroad. It is an old, labyrinthine city within a city. Famous for its impressive spices and wine selection.
 * The Boulevard of the Seas: A street paved in turquoise and sea-green tiles that runs all the way from the Royal Palace to the ocean. The very nicest shops in Antiva line this boulevard.
 * The Queensroad: A major road that runs along the entire coastline of the nation of Antiva, from Bastion to Afsaana.
 * The Dwarven Merchant's Guild of Antiva
 * The Dockyards

Theatre District
The lively art and entertainment district, and the home of many a wayward expat noble.


 * The House of Crows: The headquarters of the Antivan Crows.
 * The Perfumed Spring: An upscale brothel.
 * Queen Madrigal Theatre: A famous playhouse and concert venue.
 * Dellamorte Casino: A casino owned by one of the Talons within the House of Crows.

Tanner's District
Sections of this district often smell awful, due to the tanneries that are the main feature of the area. But this is where they all tan the beautiful leather that Antiva is famous for, so the smell is considered a necessary evil. When the wealthy walk through this quarter, they try to walk with a sprig of mint or pouch of rose petals under their nose.


 * The Tanneries: Where all the leather is tanned before sent to be sold at the Grand Bazaar. Many of the tannery workers are elves.
 * The Alienage: The poverty-stricken elven district. Sometimes disparagingly referred to as "Little Arlathan." (This area smells better than the rest of the district.)
 * Athim's Dalish Pies. Culinary adventurers take pilgrimages to this tiny hole in the wall. It is known to be one of the few places serving Dalish-Antivan fusion cuisine.

Outskirts of Antiva City

 * Velabanchel Prison: An infamous prison controlled by the Antivan Crows.