Overview

The City of Anice (pronounced "ah-niece") is a breathtaking metropolis that seems to defy gravity itself. Countless sky-reaching buildings and sharp structures create a vertical playground for the city's primary inhabitants: the agile and curious Catfolk. Built upon a series of rolling hills, Anice is a harmonious blend of natural landscape and architectural marvel.

As you approach the city, your eyes are drawn upward to the intricate network of bridges, walkways, and platforms connecting buildings at various heights. The air is filled with the mingled scents of exotic spices and the earthy aroma of the nearby Forgotten Woods. The constant patter of nimble Catfolk feet on rooftops mixes with the chatter of various languages in the streets below, creating a unique urban symphony.

At night, Anice transforms into a sea of twinkling lights as thousands of lanterns illuminate the city, their warm glow reflecting off polished stone buildings and creating an almost magical atmosphere. It's a city that never truly sleeps, with activity shifting seamlessly between ground level and the higher reaches as day turns to night.

The verticality of the city is not just architectural necessity but a reflection of Catfolk culture itself — always reaching higher, always curious, always in motion. From the bustling Tiger's Den marketplace to the serene heights of the Moonlit Temple, Anice offers a unique experience at every level.

Demographics and Layout

Population: 103,000

Racial Demographics

• Catfolk: 71%
• Elf: 9%
• Halfling: 6%
• Human: 5%
• Dwarf: 5%
• Other: 4%

City Layout

1. The High Quarters: Perched atop the highest hills, this is where nobility and wealthy merchants reside. The architecture here is particularly grand, with sprawling mansions and ornate hanging gardens connected by elegant bridges.
2. The Market District: Centered around the famous Tiger's Den, this bustling area is the commercial heart of Anice. It's a three-dimensional maze of colorful stalls, shops, and eateries spread across multiple levels, connected by rope bridges and pulley systems.
3. The Harbor District: The lowest level of the city, where the vertical meets the horizontal. This lively area is filled with the sounds and smells of the sea, featuring warehouses, shipyards, and taverns that cater to sailors and merchants from distant lands.
4. The Artisan's Quarter: A middle-level district where skilled craftsmen and artists ply their trades. Workshops and studios are stacked atop each other, connected by covered walkways, with the air filled with the sounds of creation and the scent of dyes and spices.
5. The Commons: Residential areas for the general population, featuring a mix of ground-level homes and multi-story buildings connected by an intricate network of catwalks and bridges.
6. The Temple District: Dominated by the Moonlit Temple, this area occupies various heights and features numerous smaller shrines and meditation spaces connected by moonlit bridges.

Government and Politics

Anice is ruled by a monarchy, currently led by the beloved Catfolk couple, King Feroz and Queen Nalia. Their rule is marked by wisdom, fairness, and a deep understanding of both tradition and progress.

Major Factions

1. The Royal Court: King Feroz is known for solving complex diplomatic issues with unexpected solutions. Queen Nalia is renowned for her compassion and efforts to improve life for all citizens.
2. The Whisker Council: A group of elder Catfolk advisors who provide guidance on matters of tradition and culture. Their influence often extends beyond mere advisory roles into actual policy-making.
3. The Seafarer's Guild: Controlling much of the maritime trade, this powerful organization has significant sway over the city's economy and international relations.
4. The Sylvan Circle: A group of Elven druids dedicated to maintaining the balance between the city and the surrounding Forgotten Woods. They often act as mediators between civilization and nature.
5. The Shadow Paws: A secretive thieves' guild that operates in the shadows of Anice. While officially opposed by the government, rumors suggest they sometimes work in the city's interests.

Law-Making Process

• Major laws require approval from both the monarchy and the Whisker Council
• Public debates and forums are common, often taking place in elevated plazas
• Different districts maintain some autonomy in local governance
• The vertical nature of the city requires unique regulations regarding construction and movement

Geography and Climate

Key Geographical Features

1. The Hill Complex: The city is built upon a series of rolling hills, which have been ingeniously incorporated into its vertical architecture. The highest hills house the elite quarters and key government buildings.
2. The Forgotten Woods: An ancient forest surrounding the city on three sides, providing rare woods, herbs, and game. The forest's edge creates a natural boundary and influences local weather patterns.
3. The Eastern Harbor: A natural deepwater port providing access to the ocean, facilitating trade and fishing. The harbor area features protective breakwaters and extensive docking facilities.
4. The Valley Network: The spaces between hills create natural thoroughfares and marketplaces, connected by bridges at various heights.

Climate

• Summers: Warm but rarely oppressive, with cooling sea breezes moderating temperatures
• Winters: Mild with occasional fog, creating mystical effects among the city's towers
• Spring/Fall: Pleasant temperatures with moderate rainfall

Unique Environmental Features

• Vertical Microclimates: Upper levels catch stronger winds but enjoy more sunlight. Lower levels are more sheltered but can experience morning fog.
• Wind Patterns: The city's vertical design creates unique air currents used for natural cooling, wind-catching devices, and vertical agriculture.
• Water Management: Innovative systems collect and distribute rainwater throughout the vertical structure, supporting hanging gardens, drinking water reserves, and decorative waterfalls.

Economy and Trade

The economy of Anice is as diverse and layered as its vertical architecture, built on a foundation of trade, craftsmanship, and natural resources.

Major Industries

1. Spice Trade: Processing and exporting exotic spices from the Forgotten Woods; creating unique spice blends; operating specialized storage facilities at various city levels.
2. Vertical Agriculture: Cultivating Canta fruit in vertical gardens; maintaining hanging gardens and rooftop farms; developing innovative growing techniques for vertical spaces.
3. Textile Production: Creating unique fabrics with Catfolk-inspired designs; specialized climbing gear and safety equipment; weather-resistant clothing for various elevations.
4. Maritime Commerce: International shipping and trade; specialized vertical loading systems; harbor maintenance and ship repair.
5. Architectural Engineering: Designing and maintaining vertical structures; creating innovative bridge and walkway systems; developing new construction techniques.

Exports

• Exotic spices and herb blends
• Canta fruit and derived products
• Specialized climbing equipment
• Unique textiles and clothing
• Architectural expertise and designs

Imports

• Raw materials for construction
• Grains and staple foods
• Luxury goods from distant lands
• Specialized tools and equipment

Culture and Society

The culture of Anice is as layered as its architecture, blending Catfolk traditions with influences from various other races to create something entirely unique.

Notable Customs

1. The Moon Festival: A monthly celebration during the full moon of Verdante, where citizens gather on rooftops and high platforms to share meals, tell stories, and pay homage to the moon. The entire city glows with thousands of floating lanterns.
2. The Whisker Braiding Ceremony: A coming-of-age ritual for young Catfolk, where intricate braids are woven into their whiskers, often incorporating beads or threads that represent their family history or personal aspirations.
3. The Purring Parliament: A unique form of conflict resolution where disputants gather in a circle and take turns purring their grievances and proposed solutions. The soothing vibrations are said to promote harmony and understanding.
4. Sky Dancing: An art form unique to Anice, combining acrobatics, dance, and parkour across the city's vertical landscape. Annual competitions draw participants and spectators from across the realm.
5. The Night Market: When the sun sets, many merchants move their operations to the higher levels of the city, creating a magical shopping experience under the stars.

Arts and Entertainment

• Vertical Theater: Performances that utilize the city's unique architecture, with actors moving between different levels and audiences watching from various vantage points.
• Scent Artistry: A sophisticated art form where skilled craftsmen create complex, layered scents that tell stories or evoke emotions.
• Shadow Puppetry: Elaborate shows projected onto the sides of buildings, visible to large portions of the city.
• Rooftop Gardens: Competitive gardening at various heights, with annual contests for the most beautiful or productive high-altitude gardens.

Religion and Magic

Religious Practices

1. Verdante Worship: Primary deity of Anice, associated with the moon. Considered patron of night hunters and keeper of secrets. Monthly ceremonies during full moons hold special significance to Catfolk culture.
2. The Moonlit Temple: Central religious structure built of polished black stone. Connected by bridges allowing worship under open sky. Houses the Order of Midnight Priests and conducts regular moonlight ceremonies.
3. Other Faith Practices: Various smaller shrines throughout the city; Elven nature worship through the Sylvan Circle; personal household shrines common in most homes.

Magic Systems

1. Vertical Magic: Spells for safe climbing and falling prevention; levitation and floating platforms; weather control for different elevation levels.
2. Moon Magic: Divination and prophecy; enhancement of night vision; blessing ceremonies under moonlight.
3. Practical Applications: Floating lanterns that navigate automatically; enchanted lifts and pulley systems; weather protection barriers; communication systems between levels.

Magical Phenomena

• The eternal flames of the Moonlit Temple
• Self-adjusting bridges that respond to wind conditions
• Whisper stones for long-distance communication
• Protective wards against falling
• Enchanted gardens that thrive at any height

Law and Order

The Claw Guard

The primary law enforcement body in Anice. These skilled peacekeepers are recognized by their distinctive silver claw-tipped gloves, which aid in climbing and serve as a symbol of authority.

• High Patrol: Monitors upper levels and rooftop areas
• Bridge Watch: Maintains safety on the city's network of bridges and walkways
• Harbor Guard: Protects the port and lower districts
• Night Runners: Specialized units that patrol during darkness

Key Laws

1. Vertical Right of Way: Strict rules about climbing on private property; designated public climbing routes must remain clear; safety regulations for high-altitude activities.
2. Bridge and Walkway Regulations: Weight and crowd control measures; maintenance responsibilities; emergency access requirements.
3. Trade Laws: Licensing requirements for vertical merchants; quality control for climbing gear; regulations on aerial transport of goods.
4. The Silent Hours: Noise restrictions during certain times, varying by district and elevation, with special allowances for necessary night activities.

The Shadow Paws

While officially outlawed, this thieves' guild maintains an ambiguous relationship with the city — sometimes assisting in catching more dangerous criminals, operating under unwritten rules about acceptable targets, and providing information to authorities when it serves their interests.

Food and Drink

Signature Dishes

• Moonlight Feast: A layered dish served on vertical stands, featuring delicately arranged seafood, meats, and vegetables that diners pluck from different levels. Each tier represents a different district of Anice, from harbor catches at the bottom to high-garden vegetables at the top.
• Whisker's Delicacy: A savory pie with intricate scoring that creates a pattern resembling cat's whiskers. Filled with spiced meats and forest mushrooms, the crust is infused with Canta fruit essence.
• Climber's Stew: A hearty broth served in tiered bowls, with ingredients that change as you reach deeper levels. The top holds light greens and herbs, while the bottom reveals rich meats and root vegetables.
• Purring Pastry: Light, flaky pastries filled with sweet Canta cream that creates a subtle vibration on the tongue, reminiscent of a cat's purr.

Beverages

• Canta Cordial: A sophisticated liqueur made from fermented Canta fruit, with subtle layers of flavor that unfold slowly. Popular at rooftop gatherings.
• Rooftop Mist: A refreshing drink that creates a light fog at the top of the glass, made with exotic herbs and flower essences from the highest gardens.
• Nightclimber's Warmth: A rich, spiced milk drink favored by those traversing the higher levels after dark. Contains warming spices and a hint of Canta fruit.

Native Fruits

• Canta Fruit: The city's famous specialty, similar to cantaloupe but with a unique sour note. The fruit grows in vertical hanging vines throughout the city, each elevation producing slightly different flavor profiles.
• Lantern Pear: Luminescent fruits that grow on the highest levels of the city, glowing softly at night. Their sweet, delicate flesh is prized for special occasions.
• Verdant Berries: Small, dark berries that grow in spiraling patterns up building walls. They become sweeter the higher they grow, with the highest ones considered delicacies.
• Glass Plum: Delicate fruits that look like they're made of glass. They grow in the quieter upper gardens and are often used in meditation ceremonies.

Native Vegetables

• Bridge Bloom: Flowering vegetables that grow along the rope bridges, producing edible blooms and tender stems. They're harvested by acrobatic gardeners.
• Height Shallot: Small, intensely flavored bulbs that grow in vertical cracks between buildings. Their flavor intensifies with elevation.
• Climber Root: Versatile tubers that grow vertically up walls, developing unique patterns based on their growing height.
• Blue Moon Leaf: Dark, leafy vegetables that flourish in shaded vertical gardens, known for their rich mineral content and subtle luminescence.

Herbs & Spices

• Lunar Thyme: An aromatic herb that grows best in moonlight, featuring silver-edged leaves. Used in both cooking and moon ceremonies.
• Windbloom Spice: Delicate flowers that grow on the highest levels, dried and ground into a uniquely flavored spice powder.
• Psps Pepper: Rare peppers that create a gentle warming sensation, growing in sheltered nooks of the higher buildings. Originally created by Psia Psam but humans enjoy calling them PsPs Peppers, so the name stuck.
• Rooftop Rosemary: A hardy herb with an intense, complex aroma, thriving in the elevated garden plots of the High Quarters.

Animals, Creatures and Mounts

Local Mount: Nightstrider — The preferred mount of Anice's elite, these massive felines combine incredible agility with sure-footed climbing ability. Their dark coats shine like black silk in moonlight.

Bridge Viper: These slender snakes hide in the shadows of bridges and walkways. While not typically lethal, their venom causes temporary paralysis, making them particularly dangerous in a vertical city.

Rooftop Raven: Intelligent birds that have adapted perfectly to city life, often serving as messengers between different levels. They've learned to use the city's updrafts and can navigate its vertical maze with remarkable precision.

Spire Goat: Hardy creatures bred to maintain the city's vertical gardens, these goats can navigate nearly vertical surfaces with ease. Their wool is prized for its unusual softness and is often used in climbing ropes.

Viridian Owl: Massive owls with an otherworldly connection to the moon Verdante, these creatures serve as companion animals to the city's religious leaders. Their soft green-tinted feathers seem to glow during full moons.

Wall Crawlers: Large, aggressive arachnids that plague the city's higher levels. These dangerous pests build nearly invisible webs between buildings and prey on unwary climbers. Their presence necessitates regular patrols by specialized pest hunters.

Notable Locations

The Tiger's Den

A sprawling, multi-level open-air market that serves as the beating heart of Anice's commerce. Hundreds of colorful awnings and tents create a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from exotic spices to rare magical trinkets.

Overseer: Madam Whiskers, a shrewd Catfolk merchant known for her uncanny ability to settle disputes and sniff out frauds.

The Moonlit Temple

Built entirely of polished black stone, with intricate wrought-iron decorations that seem to move in the moonlight. The temple's spires reach towards the sky, connected by delicate bridges that allow worshippers to conduct rituals under the open stars.

High Priestess: Lady Silverbelle, an elderly Catfolk known for her prophetic dreams and deep connection to Verdante.

The Seafarer's Inn

Located near the harbor, this bustling tavern is a melting pot of cultures and stories. Its wooden walls are adorned with maps, ship figureheads, and other nautical curios.

Owner: Tybault Crampaw, a grizzled old Catfolk sailor with a peg leg and an endless supply of tall tales.

The Panther's Lair

This grand palace serves as both the seat of government and a think tank for Anice's brightest minds. Its gleaming white marble exterior contrasts sharply with the city's other structures.

Rulers: King Feroz and Queen Nalia, the beloved monarchs of Anice.

The Whisker's Academy

A prestigious institution of learning that specializes in a curriculum combining traditional academics with physical agility and magical studies.

Headmaster: Professor Felix Lightfoot, a renowned scholar and former adventurer.

The Market

Prepared Dishes

Beverages

Native Fruits

Native Vegetables

Herbs & Spices (per ounce)

Animals