Ave Sestina is built in the shallows of a great lagoon, called the Ateal.

The buildings are raised above the water on giant wooden stilts. Canals are the main method of transportation. The canals are crossed by hundreds of bridges, giving the city one of its nicknames, "The City of Bridges". Renowned for its architecture, stained glass, and artwork, Ave Sestina is considered the most beautiful city in the world.

Journey to St. Melar's Ave Sestina buries its dead on St. Melar's island. This isle of sepulture can only be reached by boat. The city's gondoleer's guild refuses to service it, so a group of ferrymen have seized the business of transporting the dead to their resting place.

The City of Masks Ave Sestina loves to combine parties and escapism. People enjoy walking the bridges en mask, pretending to be who they are not. Masks are permitted for two thirds of the year. _ Visitors be advised! While masked, it is illegal to carry deadly weapons.

Untitled #6 This work celebrates Festival, a city-wide party that on a good year, can last up to two months.

The Late Councilman Roland The city's justice system contributes to the city's air of secrecy - it operates by bounty. After a court finds someone guilty, a bounty is posted for the criminal. The city council funds over 200 bounties per year. Councilman Roland (pictured) abused this system until he himself fell victim to it.

Bureaucracy The government of Ave Sestina is considered a tangled bureaucracy. Permits are needed to do most things. Permits to wield weapons or magic are very hard to obtain. As a result, a sponsor is considered necessary for one of the adventurer class to campaign in the city. Without sponsorship, it is hard to afford that lifestyle. As such, many posted bounties go uncollected.

Crowns No More Ave Sestina's government is unique for the Nine Principalities. The city's ruler is chosen by election. For centuries, the city was ruled by a traditional monarch, but there was a revolution which reformed the government. The Chevaliers (the noble caste) became a common caste. Now the Prince is appointed for life by a council of 6, who are appointed by a council of 11, who are appointed by the illustrious council of 21, who are selected from the 317 city council members. It is problematic but considered far better than the tyranny of monarchy.

The Coin The Lemitri bank backs most of the business in the market district. In recent years they have begun to fund the arts in the Crown district.

The Citadel of the Many Ave Sestina's cathedral district is dotted with churches. The largest is the Citadel of the Many. Services there are for general audiences and are run by a different faith each week. The amount of violence connected to these services is decreasing.

Journey to St. Melar's Ave Sestina buries its dead on St. Melar's island. This isle of sepulture can only be reached by boat. The city's gondoleer's guild refuses to service it, so a group of ferrymen have seized the business of transporting the dead to their resting place.

Masquerati The mask maker's guild is the only group in the city allowed to craft or sell masks. They are members of the Lyceum Ars, a group of four linked guilds: artists, musicians, mages, and mask makers. The mask makers own a hall outside the lyceum tower where they host the city's most elite parties.