Re: Mirrorspace: the Looking Glass

Here's an idea I got from reading tauster's "to do"
list, although don't ask me from where :p 

The Looking Glass
As it Was: One of the wonders of the Reflective Empire
was the Looking Glass, an oval-shaped asteroid 10
miles long by 5 miles wide, and a mile in thickness. 
A deep lake occupied the center of both sides,
bordered by a mile-wide strip of dry land that ran
along the asteroid’s edge.  The edge was covered by
carefully constructed buildings of glass and crystal. 
City laws dictated what type of buildings could be
placed where, and roads were tightly regulated.  This
created an optical illusion to approaching
spelljammers, for the whole asteroid appeared as a
delicate looking glass with an intricately carved
frame of silver, gold, and jewels.  The scenes
“carved” into the frame tell the tale of the rise of
the City of Mirror.

In Mirror’s heyday, the Looking Glass was populated by
nobility, artisans, merchants, and their servants. 
The population was generally very well-off; even the
wealthiest had a townhouse or second (or usually
third) home somewhere on the Looking Glass.  It was
most (in)famous for the lavish nightly parties hosted
by wealthy landowners.  Feasts and celebrations were
commonplace as well.  Certain laws required landowners
to host a number of parties per given year, even
dictating the size of such celebrations, based on
their holdings and wealth.  Ignoring such laws could
result in fines or even eviction and shame.

The streets were a maddening maze; visitors typically
hired minotaur-guided rickshaws to get about.  These
guides were often very chatty and well-informed about
the history of the Looking Glass as well knowing where
all the landmarks were located.  The minotaurs of
Mirror were friendly and known for being able to chart
a route to a destination without error.

Absent was any sort of slum or areas of poverty. 
Servants typically lived with their masters or rented
rooms in nearby apartments.  There were always just
enough apartments for servants and their families;
government officials saw to it that any “undesirables”
were encouraged to settle other areas of the city. 
Though many pointed out that this part of the city was
rarely crowded, there was never a surplus of
apartments or houses for the poor.  The Looking Glass
had been set aside for the well-to-do to raise
families, throw parties, and keep peasants out of
sight.

Small boat slips and docks lined the edges of the
lakes, as boating was popular with the residents. 
Again, the size and number of boats was tightly
regulated, to the point that anyone wanting to spend
an afternoon on the lake required a permit a week in
advance.  Patrols kept unauthorized individuals off
the lake and heavily fined anyone caught without their
proper permit.  Diving was also popular, especially
for those who could afford Potions of Water Breathing.
 The lake floor was covered by coral reefs,
shipwrecks, and even underwater taverns, diners, and
inns.

The Fall: When Mirror was besieged, the Looking Glass
was a tempting prize for pirates and warlords.  It had
poor defenses and its buildings were all but jammed
with treasure.  It was sacked multiple times, each
time the pirates carting off treasure enough to fill
their holds to overflowing.  Many were slain, others
carried off to be ransomed or enslaved, and others
still fled.  By the time the city fell, the Looking
Glass had been shattered and was all but deserted.

As it is Today: The minotaurs survived the Fall and
now rule over the vine-covered ruins.  They continue
to act as guides to visitors, although they take a dim
view of pillagers.  The dream of a City of Mirror
reborn is very strong with these minotaurs.  Offering
to help restore some ruins is a sure way to gain their
aid.



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