Rashara, the lively metropolis on the southern coast of Galeon, is known not only for its bustling nightlife and picturesque beaches, but for its rich culture that values art in all its forms. Public art is found in every corner of the city, with mosaics and murals adorning the walls and walkways and musicians and performers sharing their craft on every corner. One of the city's most prominent landmarks is the Rashara Operahouse, where free performances are held daily for the public. In addition to the operas, concerts, and plays one can attend, the centuries-old building is a common destination for aficionados of beautiful architecture, with travelers flocking to the site to observe the Operahouse's grandiose dome. To the citizens of Rashara, the Operahouse is more than just a landmark, however; it is a familiar, beloved aspect of the city's culture. Most citizens have many memories associated with the place, but like many large, ancient structures, the Operahouse also has its share of secrets.
The Operahouse is, indeed, very large; the dome can be seen from rather far outside the city, and its famed auditorium has a capacity of almost 4,000 seats. It's entry hall and courtyard is large enough to serve as the site of an annual masquerade attended by many, many people. Those who work at the Operahouse know that its size is not limited to that which can be seen on the horizon, however. In addition to a large backstage area, a series of basement levels wind beneath the building, the first three serving as storage for props, costumes, and scenery. Some workers say that this is where it stops, claiming that any basement levels beyond the third are simply a rumor. There are others, however, in addition to a group of Rasharan history enthusiasts, who claim that there are more. Many more.
The Operahouse was designed two and a half centuries ago by famed Galean architect and eccentric Desta Zaman, and constructed over a decade. Despite only designing a few known structures, Zaman was known for putting an immense amount of thought and consideration into the symbolic meaning and purpose behind each detail of a building, and this is obvious when one looks closely at the Operahouse's construction. Devotees of Zaman have looked closely at notes left behind by the architect, which detail a number of deliberate design choices based on an intricate series of magical sigils, and the more mathematically inclined among them have surmised the existence of a number of additional levels for many years, claiming the currently accepted floor plan appears to be like, in the words of one mage, a puzzle with many missing pieces.
These claims, in addition to the circulation of rumors telling of hidden doors in the third basement level that seem to lead deeper into the ground, have been enough to inspire Rasharan adventurers to plan secret expeditions into the lowest level to attempt to find a way deeper into the structure. There are plenty of unfounded, but creative theories about what might be down there; a vast catacomb structure filled with ancient magical artifacts, a trove of Desta Zaman's most beloved treasures and journals, and even Desta Zaman themself, alive and well after having constructed a large magical sigil system devoted to powering their life essence well after their body should have died. Mages who have studied Zaman's notes claim this last possibility is highly unlikely. Regardless, there are many who seek the truth with regards to the Operahouse's true nature, as it remains one of Rashara's greatest mysteries.
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