The city of Venice sits on top of a lagoon, first built atop of wooden flotsam by people who were fleeing from a war that was being fought all around them. As more and more refugees arrived, more and more flotsam was lashed together to float on the lagoon. During low tides, lumber could be …
Ottoman Storytellers
The culture in the Ottoman Empire is rich and lavish. They have a wealth of hand crafted goods from swords to rugs to jewelry. Additionally, their access to great empires to their East and to their West means that they have influences pouring in from these places as well. One of the most noted entertainments …
Gargoyles in Milan
Milan was settled by Celts. The Celts were later driven out by the Gauls and Lombards, but whenever a people settle in a region, aspects of them clutch and cling to the place. Milan has been touched by the Celts like no other place in Italy. Recently, the doge of Milan received a gift from …
Naples and the Role of Sicily
The island of Sicily sits just off the coast of Italy and the citizens of Sicily often have their own opinions of how they should be governed and heard among the monarchy. After a number of Sicilian complaints went unheard and unresponded to, the Sicilian people revolted and sold out their king to the King …
Works of Mercy
The Book of Matthew teaches us that there are seven distinct acts of mercy to be performed to ensure salvation beyond this life. In practice, there are fourteen acts- 7 corporal acts to be performed by laymen and 7 spiritual acts to be performed by clergy and those of greater Faith. The seven corporal works …
Holy See: The Matriarchy
The first book of the Bible, Genesis, talks about seven women: Sarah, Hagar, Rebekah, Leah, Rachel, Bilah, and Zilpah. These women are revered as reverend matriarchs who are held responsible for the moral events in the lives of those around them. Their prayers fall unto God’s ears differently and their pleas on behalf of their …
Historical Timeline
Venetian Timeline 1162- Tradition of Carnival begins 1204- Venice sacks Byzantium and brings home the spoils ,last till 1261. 1268- Carnival is adopted as annual tradition 1295- Marco Polo returns to Venice with tales from the Silk Road and the lands to the East 1315 – Venetian Golden Book of the Nobility lists most influential families, allowing …
Florence: Stinche
Florence has a prison that is quite famous. It has housed political criminals, controversial artists, and debtors. The building itself is most impressive. There is a stone brick tower with tiny windows. The building is surrounded by a moat causing its guests and visitors to refer to the structure as Isola delle Stinche- the island …
Character and Setting Inspiration
Classical Inspiration When writing about fictional characters in history, there are a few go to experts that can be quickly consulted. While working on Under the Mask, we went to the best we could think of. In addition to all of the great DC and Marvel inspired characters that appear in game, a good number …
How the War Began
How the War Began The Revolutionary War in North America ended in 1783. In 1793, a diplomat travelled from North America to Britain with a goal in mind- to abolish the practice of slavery in the United States. David Humphries travelled to Britain and met with Heads of State and Ministers. He demonstrated the power …