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The Melting Pot exhibit covers the art and culture of early Second Age Melini. It is comprised of physical artifacts, transcribed texts, and reproductions of pieces from the time. This guidebook will provide directions and information to explore the exhibit. For the audio tour, please ask at the front desk.
Village Fair , Lionelle Berg (ink on vellum) – YR 3
This charming drawing gives a peek into life in one of the rural outposts of early Melini. When the Kingdom resurfaced from the dungeon, many former adventurers who had lived on the Island (now Melini’s capital) set out to escape the danger and trauma of the dungeon and find safe places to settle. Additionally, inhabitants of the former coast of the Eastern Continent travelled west to settle in the newly returned land. While some groups built their settlements from nothing, others took advantage of the preserved remains of First Age settlements. The architecture of the roofs in this drawing indicate that this village was originally built in the First Age, having been successfully repopulated and given modern dressings. The banners hanging from the leftmost buildings are typical of first-century celebrations.
Excerpt from the personal diary of Rinsha Fana, describing a visit to an early dungeon spiel – YR 6
I finally convinced Mei to come see the play in Baker’s Square today. She insisted she’d hate it and would fall asleep immediately. I said, who cares? I’ve already seen it three times. She asked why she had to come with me, then. I explained that seeing a play for the fourth time alone (having been alone every previous time) makes you look sad, whereas bringing a friend (got a dirty look for THAT!) lets you go as many times as you like. Didn’t mention that I went with Kabru the second time, because he had to run out twenty minutes in to put out some fire or other (I hope not literally) and therefore doesn’t count.
It was enchanting! The story was so-so – hard to be gripped by twists and turns you lived yourself – but the SET! The ACTING! Even Mei couldn’t pretend to be disinterested.
They set the stage up on top of that new “fountain” the King never got around to officially opening, so it’s terribly high in the air. The Winged Lion was a giant paper puppet that hung over the stage the whole time, mouth agape. Every time I go, I think, “he looks ready to swallow them whole”. Like I’ve forgotten how it ends. Like I wasn’t there for half of it the first time around.
The actors are marvellous, if a little green. They’ve dual cast me with Izutsumi, so I’m never onstage for anything important. I do get a little scene with Kabru, though, and my actress is gorgeous. Mei was drooling over her the whole time. Their Laios is truly wonderful, though – somehow able to communicate emotion while barely moving his face. I honestly think the castle should see it, much though it might inflate their egos. The only real flaw is they haven’t got a dwarf for Senshi, so they’ve stuck a beard on a muscly halfling.
Mei liked it (and I am Mrs Smug about it) although her father was apparently “too cool”. I got the actor’s autograph for her – she’s going to give it to him as a birthday present.
Reproduction of King Laios I’s Tenth Jubilee Regalia
These garments are reproduced from the patterns and techniques used by King Laios the First’s tailors. The cloak used a standard Northern Continent cut (particularly visible at the shoulders), and its lining has panels of brocade that were hand-embroidered by the King’s Northern relatives using traditional patterns and methods. Northern countries of the time favoured symbology of spring flowers, such as the crocuses decorating the placket, and forest animals. The breast pockets of the tunic are embroidered with a lion – later symbol of the royal line – and an unknown creature with multiple heads, including a rhinoceros and a wolf. It is unclear if this creature was imagined or if it was a creation of the dungeon, only known to those able to traverse the deepest levels.
Promotional poster from United Half-Foot Labourers – YR 1
HALF-FOOTS! Know your rights!
Have you been sent into small gaps? Told to ‘check for traps’? Encouraged to be reckless with your personal safety for the sake of another man’s profit?
As a citizen of the new Golden Kingdom, you are now protected under law, with the same rights as all other humans. Your wellbeing is officially recognised as equal to theirs.
Don’t feel you’re being treated equally by your employer? Contact Chilchuck Tims on the Old Island to discuss your options.
- Change in employment
- Legal action
- Royal compensation
All this can be yours. DON’T LET THE BASTARDS GIVE YOU LESS!
Seeking her fortune, Jaakeri of Rinshi (oil on canvas) – YR 7
This piece depicts one of the many travellers who made their way to Melini’s capital in search of a better life. A combination of sharp economic and social policy led the city to thrive in the years following the Dungeon’s destruction. By the year 7, the city had already become a hub for trade and culture, and innumerous travellers made their way from across the globe to see it for themselves. The subject of this painting appears to be from the Eastern Archipelago based on the style of her dress, although the artist himself had been a resident of the island before the Kingdom’s return. This work was part of a series depicting various refugees, pilgrims, and tourists’ journeys into the city. The series was displayed in the courts of Melini for seventy years before being sold off to private collectors. Several of the pieces have been lost, and there has been at least one documented attempt to fake one of the lost pieces in the centuries since their disappearance.
Rocking chair – YR 20
This artifact came from the royal castle in the capital, where it has been lovingly displayed by the family for centuries. The chair is clearly designed for a half-foot, although its proportions suggest the user would have been taller than average for the time. On the underside is carved the name Izutsumi, as researchers have found for almost all artifacts known to have been in the castle during this period. It sat in a secondary nursery room that looked onto the city. This room has never been used by the royal family, so its purpose is unknown.
Missive from Falin Touden to her wife, Duchess Marcille Donato, describing a visit to an early Melini border town – YR 25
Marcille –
Glad to hear all well with the elves. Tell Lilla I want to know everything she finds with the mana project. Don’t worry about time – you have enough.
My journey continues west, and monster sightings have begun to thin. All my saddlebags are heavy with specimens for Laios and gifts for the family. I discovered an entirely new monster – part basilisk, part lamia. It isn’t clear how it came to be (there were no parents around) but it is fascinating. Clearly intelligent, but not as sentient as a lamia – more like a bright dog or a wise horse. It did not speak, but perhaps it could and simply chose not to.
I have stopped at the border for the evening and found shelter in a town straddling the kingdom and the continent. My hosts are a husband, wife, and their three young children. The husband, Andrus, came from a dwarven family of coastal fishermen. After the kingdom’s return, he became a community leader, and worked with representatives from the capital to reshape the local economy. One of those representatives was Pikkala, who had been an adventurer in the dungeon’s upper levels and was hired (by Chilchuck, what are the chances?) to help border towns integrate into inland life. They worked together for a decade before getting married, and now Andrus is a househusband raising their children. Being half-dwarves, half-gnomes, their ageing is rather peculiar – in fact, the second-born already appears school-aged, while the eldest is still toddling. The youngest, though she’s nearly three, appears newborn, and is an absolute darling. All the noise and fuss reminds me of the castle a few years ago – it’s hard to believe I miss hearing my nephew squeal the night away.
The town itself is something of a marvel. You can see where the coast was – there’s a beach leading right into a wheatfield. All the roads had to be extended, the land itself had to be reshaped. Izutsumi’s team have completely transformed the whole thing, new buildings blending seamlessly with old and older.
Every day I am closer to seeing you again, and my heart gladdens at the thought. Sleep well, my love.
– Falin
Light in dead of winter , Lord Nakamoto Toshiro (ink on wooden board) – YR 14
Created using the traditional brush-painting techniques of the Eastern Archipelago, this rare piece captures a view of midwinter sunrise over Melini’s capital city from the guest suite of the castle. The artist, a former member of the Touden Adventuring Party, often stayed with the royal family during his visits to the kingdom, and dedicated this piece to his former companions, Falin Touden and Marcille Donato, on the day of their wedding. During his lifetime, he produced less than a dozen paintings, and is better remembered as a poet and philosopher.
Transcript of one of the first trials in Melini’s public court – YR 2
Judge: Come in, come in, we’re just getting started! Ooh, what a crowd! Nearly ten people here just to see!
Bailiff: Your Honour, a little decorum?
J: Of course, of – (very quickly) Oh my gods it’s the king.
King Laios: Hello!
J: (unintelligible)
King’s advisor (Mr Y): (whispers and pokes the king) My Liege.
KL: Oh, yes. Sorry, is it okay if we sit in? Only, Ya- (the king is interrupted by a second advisor, who whispers in his ear) I thought it would be a good idea to keep watch of the trial, make sure everything goes smoothly.
J: Urgh. Um. Of course, my king.
KL: Only if it’s no bother. (sits next to stenographer) Oh, hello! What are you doing?
King’s advisor (Mr K): Leave her alone, Laios.
KL: Are you writing everything I’m saying? Oh, that’s amazing! How do you do it so quickly? (pause) Are you not allowed to talk? (to Mr K) Kabru, we should have one of these for council meetings, but they should be allowed to talk. (to stenographer) You should be allowed to talk.
Mr K: We do have one of these, Laios. It’s me.
KL: You write down everything we say? Everything?
Mr K: Yes. Which you would know if you read the briefings I give you.
KL: I do! (softly) Sometimes.
J: (weakly) Um, my king…?
KL: Yes?
J: Can we begin?
KL: Oh, yes, of course, don’t stop on my account.
Mr Y: (heavy sigh)
[A complete transcript of this trial can be found in the museum archives.]
Reproduction of an early Löwekrachen
Based on drawings and pottery remnants from the time, this piece recreates the design of an early Löwekrachen. During the first century, all Löwekrachen were lion-shaped, and they were typically made of pottery, although some individuals used thin wood or parchment. The more common papier-mâché Löwekrachen did not become popular until the third century, when they became a staple for schoolchildren to make during the holidays. By this time, the typical design had expanded to represent any monster, although lions are still considered traditional in southern parts of Melini. Clay Löwekrachen had a small opening in the mouth, into which rice, sweets, or flower petals would be poured. They were broken open with wooden (and occasionally metal) swords, which would usually be kept for years, with some especially finely carved ones being handed down through generations.
Flyer for the first monster-based restaurant – YR 3
SenshiMi Restaurant – Opening Night!
Have you ever wanted to eat like a king? Well now, you can, at SenshiMi restaurant! Our menu includes King Laios’ favourite monster treats, including walking mushroom hotpot, basilisk omelette, and noodles topped with crispy treasure bugs!
“I love everything at this restaurant! 10/10” – King Laios
“It’s monster, but it’s good” – Izutsumi
“I’m so proud of the Captain’s cooking!” – Miss Pattadol
Bring this flyer on opening night and get a free cheesecake with your meal!
First draft of King Laios I’s speech for his first jubilee – YR 1
Dear
Beloved
My people
Hi (<- absolutely not)
Good evening, people of Melini. (acceptable)
It’s (It is) hard to believe it’s (it has) been a year since the dungeon fell and Melini rose. (fine) In some ways, it feels like only yesterday, and in others, it feels like a thousand years ago. Yaad knows what I’m talking about, am I right? (no!!! do NOT say this!!!) I am deeply proud to have reached this point, and I know I only did so because of everyone behind me (the support of my people). Marcille and Rin have managed the magical affairs of the kingdom handily, explaining and tackling trials beyond my comprehension. (rework, makes you sound ignorant) Izutsumi, Chilchuck, and their construction teams have completely reshaped the kingdom and made it habitable for our many wonderful people. (goo okay) Every person who works in this city has been instrumental in building it to what it is, and every person in the kingdom has shaped this land and your king with your hard work and generosity. (yes) I have only seen some of my kingdom, and I want to change that. I want to meet every one of you (no making promises) and know what it is you need. From me, from the council, from the city. I hope you let me do that. I plan to keep this speech short, as I know there are festivities to get to. (smart) But one final thing I want to say is thank you to my council, who are the bedrock of this kingdom. Without them, nothing could be done. Special thanks to Yaad, my oldest (wisest) advisor, and to Kabru, the man I love. (LAIOS!!)
Have a marvellous evening, and good night.
With thanks to our contributors:
Mr E G Landor
Mx Nakamoto Ren
Sir Andoni Borgess
The Hon. Elan Fana
Duchess Marcille Donato, Royal Sorceress
The Touden Party Memorial Institute
South Melini Amateur Historians’ Society
and
The Royal Family of Melini