Map of the local area.
Luzern is dominated and owned by the Abbey of St Leodegar (St Leger) & St Mauritius (St Maurice). This Abbey church is a daughter house of the powerful German Abbey of Murbach, one of the few Abbeys run by the Augustinian Canons (most Augustinian houses have converted to become Premonstrean). As a daughter house the Abbey in Luzern has no Abbot of its own, but is ruled by the Abbot in Murbach. In practice this means that Luzern's Prior is in charge there. As well as prayer the Abbey runs a school, a hospital and an almshouse, taking part in the daily life of the town.
Luzern is the market town for the folk of the surrounding area, including much of Unterwalden. Produce also travels along the lake from the isolated valleys of Uri and Schwyz. Although the town is owned by the Abbey, most administrative matters are handled by a town council elected by the burghers (permanent adult male residents with a secure income - in practice the senior craftsmen and merchants). Market times and dues and the upkeep of several town watchmen, plus the upkeep of public buildings are the responsibility of the council. Expenses are paid by tolls and market dues. Town rents are the property of the Abbey and are collected by its representatives.
The town has three market squares. In the centre of town are the Weinmarkt, surrounded by the guildhalls and craft shops, and the Kornmarkt, which contains the Rathaus. South of the river is the Hirschenplatz where livestock (mostly hogs) are traded. Between the Kornmarkt and the Abbey can be found the Kapellplatz with the fairly new (built 1178) chrurch of St Peter.
The lake provides Luzern with both food and trade. The fishermen of the town inhabit the poorer areas south of the River Reuss, and have their own chapel of St Judes close by. The boats from communities along the lake tie up at quays close to the Kapellplatz.
Along the road from Luzern to the Napf the majority of folk live in large extended family farmhouses. They are not villages as such but working farms based mostly on livestock. Most folk (and their animals in winter) live in one large building.
The forests arounf the Hills of Floating Eyes are well known for various Faerie activity. Overall the area has a low-level Faerie Aura. There are various regiones scattered through the forest, including at least one moving regio containing a Faerie "court". How much notice other faeries take of theis "king" and "queen" is unknown.
Prior Paulus - Runs the Abbey on a day-to-day basis. Seems to be fairly tolerant of most things including magi.
Brother Gregorius - The Abbey librarian. A supersticious, blinkered, bigot. Does not want anything to do with the Covenant and claims Mt Pilatus is haunted by Devils and Ghosts. His "learning" relates to scribing and calligraphy, little else. Prone to gossip and spreading rumours, particularly bad ones.
Francesco Contarini - Venetian Merchant. Agent for the Bank of St Michael. Has been sent here because the Bank has had "foretellings" that Luzern will be an important place "soon". The Bank of St Michael is also the house that deals with Karens estate. Continari is, at present, playing host to Enrico's daughter Madonna.
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