West Crown is a land of fiefdoms ruled by Banner Lords and their King. After centuries of petty warfare, they were united during the Demon War so fell to the Demons other survived and are rebuilding.
Bastion - A massive castle city that sits atop of the Anders Mesa. With only one road up, and its geographical location, this makes it a difficult target for invasion. It is also the oldest known city, and the home of many powerful kings. Bastion typically stays out of regional conflicts, and is serves as mediator for conflict resolution. Hofniel presides over the region and watches over the city, along with the Bastion army.
The castle has statues of numerous Angels from all over the kingdom as a welcoming gesture to travellers. Waterfalls and rock faces are mingled amidst the architecture as well. Baroque style architecture and statues are all around the city.
The Lonely Inn
The Lonely Inn, perched on the desolate road between Bastion and Fallowrun, stands as a beacon of refuge amidst the exposed moors. This heavily fortified establishment sits along an isolated stretch of road, with no other habitations nearby. For hundreds of years, it has provided a sanctuary for weary travelers seeking respite from the harsh and unforgiving landscape.
Despite its imposing exterior, with sturdy stone walls and a commanding presence, the interior of The Lonely Inn offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The innkeepers, a family with a long history of tending to this remote outpost, are known for their hospitality and dedication to ensuring the comfort of their guests.
The Lonely Inn's menu features a variety of hearty meals and refreshing beverages. Popular drinks include:
Moors Ale: A robust and hearty ale brewed to warm the coldest of travelers.
Forest Mead: A sweet and aromatic mead made from local honey.
Elven Elixir: A delicate herbal brew with a hint of magic.
Dwarven Stout: A rich, dark stout with notes of coffee and chocolate.
The food menu is equally inviting, offering:
Roast Venison: Tender venison roasted to perfection, served with seasonal vegetables.
Stew of the Moors: A hearty stew made with local game and root vegetables, slow-cooked to bring out deep flavors.
Freshly Baked Bread: Warm, crusty bread baked daily, perfect for accompanying any meal.
Apple Pie: A traditional dessert made with locally sourced apples and a flaky pastry crust.
The Lonely Inn stands as a testament to the endurance and hospitality of its keepers, providing a much-needed haven for those who traverse the lonely moors between Bastion and Fallowrun.
Fallowrun
Fallowrun, a border town steeped in history, has been fiercely contested over for centuries. Today, it enjoys a unique status of relative independence, granted as long as it maintains strict neutrality. This delicate balance has allowed Fallowrun to flourish as a vital trade hub, bridging the neighboring fiefdoms and fostering economic and cultural exchange.
Districts
Market Square: The bustling heart of Fallowrun, where traders from all regions converge to sell their wares. The Market Square is always alive with the sounds of haggling, the sights of colorful stalls, and the aromas of diverse cuisines.
Craftsmen’s Quarter: Home to the town’s skilled artisans, this district is where you’ll find workshops producing everything from fine jewelry to sturdy leather goods. The rhythmic sounds of hammer and chisel are ever-present as craftsmen and women ply their trades.
The Docks: Located along the river that runs through Fallowrun, this district handles the import and export of goods. The docks are a hive of activity, with boats arriving and departing, loading and unloading a vast array of merchandise.
Temple Row: This serene district is home to the various temples and places of worship in Fallowrun. Here, the faithful gather to practice their beliefs in peace, surrounded by beautiful architecture and tranquil gardens.
Residential District: A mix of modest homes and grand estates, this area provides housing for Fallowrun’s diverse populace. The residential district is a tapestry of cultures and traditions, reflecting the town's role as a melting pot of different peoples.
Shops
Fallowrun Emporium: A general store offering a wide variety of goods from all over the neighboring fiefdoms.
The Golden Smithy: Known for its exquisite metalwork, this shop offers weapons, armor, and decorative items.
Herbal Haven: Specializing in medicinal herbs and potions, this shop is a favorite among healers and adventurers alike.
Eateries
The Silver Spoon: A popular eatery serving hearty meals and local delicacies, perfect for a filling lunch or dinner.
River's Bounty: Renowned for its fresh seafood dishes, caught daily from the nearby river.
Baker’s Delight: A charming bakery known for its delicious pastries and freshly baked bread.
Inns
The Restful Traveler: A cozy inn known for its welcoming atmosphere and comfortable accommodations.
The Dragon’s Den: Offering both luxury and comfort, this inn caters to merchants and dignitaries visiting Fallowrun.
The Wanderer’s Haven: A favorite among adventurers, this inn provides affordable lodgings and a lively common room.
Fallowrun’s ability to maintain neutrality has allowed it to become a thriving center of commerce and culture. Its districts, shops, eateries, and inns all reflect the town’s rich history and diverse population, making it a unique and vibrant place to visit or call home.
Nizer, The Capital city in the forgotten sands desert. The harsh conditions of the desert are kept above the city as this underground Oasis houses lakes, sand-falls, temples, bazaars, statues, bridges, palm trees, homes stacked on one another carved in cliff face, and theatres. The Queen of the Forgotten Sands desert serves her people, but rewards herself with a lavish palace and numerous servants for various needs and desires.
Uziel roams the sands and protects the people of the desert.
The Desert Rose Inn, a popular roadside side in used as a trading post by Bastion and Nizer merchants, its night market is the stuff of legends.
Salscreek, is a small fishing town built in to the cliffs. A bleak and desolate place it is scoured by the winds and the locals frequently have to dig out their homes after a storm.
Ignobleharbor, frequented by pirates and criminals. This shanty town is bustling and vibrant and also very dangerous.
The Forgotten Sands Desert, appears utterly barren however life is surprisingly abundant. A series of deep water oasis dot the land and are all interconnected by a vast network of freshwater caverns. Remnants of Eldren structures can be found many of them razed and vitrified. Shards of glowing green glass litter the desert, this glass is known as Bitterglass. It is toxic to life after long term exposure. A drug called Bittersweet is made from the finely ground dust, this highly addictive euphoric is also poisonous over the long term, addicts are distinguished by their green fingertips and yellow eyes.
Dracowich,
Dracowich, a city with no Saint to protect it, stands resilient despite its tumultuous history. Conquered numerous times by different city-states, the royal family has managed to maintain power to keep the locals loyal and manage the occupying forces. As the northernmost of the city-states, Dracowich is renowned for its abundant lumber and rich mining resources, making it a coveted prize for invaders. Encircled by a thick forest of red-leafed trees and shimmering rivers, the city is a picturesque yet fortified haven. The surrounding underground caves are home to the incredibly strong "Dracowich Steel," known for its distinctive blackish-red hue. Massive wooden gates guard the city, adding to its defensive strength, while indigenous forest creatures roam its periphery.
The king has charged his son with a monumental task: to find relics, weapons, and armor capable of killing both Angels and Demons. The ultimate goal is to eliminate all Angels, thereby leveling the playing field with other city-states that possess such divine beings.
Districts
Royal Quarter: The heart of Dracowich, where the royal family resides in their grand palace.
Market District: Bustling with trade, this area features stalls and shops offering goods from all over the region.
Artisan's Alley: Home to skilled craftsmen and women who produce exquisite goods, from weapons to jewelry.
Docklands: Located along the river, this district handles the shipment of lumber and steel.
Inns
The Iron Shield: A cozy inn known for its warm hospitality and comfortable lodgings.
The Red Leaf Tavern: Popular among travelers, offering hearty meals and a lively atmosphere.
Steelheart Lodge: A luxurious inn catering to noble guests and visiting dignitaries.
Eateries
The Golden Anvil: Renowned for its delectable roasted meats and hearty stews.
Riverside Bites: Offering fresh fish dishes with ingredients sourced from the local rivers.
Forest's Bounty: A vegetarian haven, showcasing the best produce from Dracowich's farms.
Shops
Dracowich Smithy: Famous for its high-quality "Dracowich Steel" weapons and armor.
Elara's Enchanted Emporium: Selling magical items and potions to aid in various quests.
The Timber Trade: Specializing in rare and exotic woods from the surrounding forests.
Points of Interest
Dracowich Castle: An imposing fortress overlooking the city, home to the royal family.
The Great Forge: Where the legendary Dracowich Steel is smelted and crafted.
Elderwood Forest: A magical forest teeming with mystical creatures and ancient secrets.
Crystal Falls: A stunning waterfall that sparkles with an ethereal glow, attracting visitors and mystics alike.
Dracowich, with its rich resources, strategic importance, and vibrant culture, remains a city of intrigue and resilience, ever vigilant against the threats that loom both within and beyond its mighty gates.
Trapperbluff
Trapperbluff, a thriving and surprisingly affluent fishing community, plays a crucial role in supplying fish and shellfish to the nearby city of Dracowich. Nestled along a picturesque coastline, Trapperbluff has emerged relatively unscathed from the ravages of the Demon War, which has only added to its appeal as a tranquil haven. Its serene environment, combined with the bounty of the sea, has made it an attractive destination for wealthy retirees seeking a quieter life during their autumn years.
The charm of Trapperbluff lies in its scenic beauty and the harmonious lifestyle enjoyed by its residents. The community is renowned for its bustling fishing docks, where fishermen bring in daily hauls of fresh seafood. The local markets are a vibrant hub of activity, filled with the aromas of the sea and the sounds of cheerful merchants plying their trade. The town's economy thrives on the fishing industry, which has brought considerable wealth to the area, reflected in its well-maintained homes and public spaces.
Trapperbluff offers a variety of inns that cater to the comfort and needs of its visitors and residents alike. Some notable inns include:
The Saltwater Lodge: This charming inn boasts stunning views of the coastline and offers luxurious accommodations, perfect for retirees looking for a peaceful retreat.
The Fisherman's Rest: Known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, this inn provides cozy rooms and excellent service, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Harbor Haven Inn: Located near the bustling docks, this inn combines convenience with comfort, offering well-appointed rooms and easy access to the town's vibrant fishing scene.
The Driftwood Inn: A quaint establishment with rustic charm, this inn features beautifully decorated rooms and a tranquil garden, ideal for those seeking relaxation.
Seabreeze Retreat: Offering spacious suites and top-notch amenities, this inn caters to the discerning traveler looking for a touch of luxury by the sea.
Trapperbluff’s inns not only provide comfortable lodging but also serve as social hubs where residents and visitors can gather, share stories, and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the town. The combination of its thriving fishing industry, scenic beauty, and welcoming community make Trapperbluff a truly special place, offering a perfect blend of prosperity and tranquility.
Taropoint, guards the mostly northerly part of West Crown, it is ruled by the Belmont family and is allied with Dracowich. A massive lighthouse sits atop the cliff warding ships from the rocks below. It is home to very prestigious Bard college, many of its students have become some of the most famous Bards in West Crown and beyond.
The Fleece, a fortified Road Inn popular with travellers along the main trade route, its renowned for the fine food and ale it serves as well-appointed accommodation available.
Rivenrest, a holy city, home of many Angels and relics. Rivenrest features countless cathedrals, statues, and temples that serve to worship the Angels. It was here that the Angels fell from the heavens to guard the planet from any evil, so says the ancient texts. This is where the Angels Guard train, and where dead Angels are interred or their relics are housed/hidden. Many travel from all over the world to this holy place to worship and thank the Angels.
Umberhill, highlands protected/governed by a demon. The demon knight killed the Saint that once watched over the highlands. Umberhill is much less modern compared to the other citadels of the world. Stone houses with straw roofs, green rolling hills, massive stone monuments, rain soaked farms, and emerald lakes make up the countryside. Many brutish statues of the Demon Knight dot the countryside, along with the ruins of saint statues. The locals have ancient (some would say archaic) languages and religions they are allowed to practice, so long as no one questions the demon or his demands as Demon King. Those loyal to the Demon King are rewarded and those who whisper betrayal are executed and turned into warnings for would be traitors. The people here are strong and hardened by the stormy weather and ruler.
Deadhall, this city state was originally known as Dyershall, but a plague nearly wiped out the entire population, thereby changing its name. This plague was introduced by a rival kingdom. A horse drawn carriage carried a statue of Death, and plagued corpses were piled at the base of the statue. As the carriage travelled through the city, the plague spread, infecting everyone. One of the few survivors was the Barron, who managed to find a healing relic before the plague could completely take him.
Deadhall was once a prosperous medieval city with wood and stone buildings lining crowded city streets, waterway canals, and rivers through the town. It is unclear who sent the plague.
Since the plague, corpses line the streets, buildings are in disrepair, and rats have populated many of the empty homes.
The Saint Murial was unable to save any people within the city he protected. Shamed, he exiled himself to the Gulthaen mountains.
Bloodwood Forest, this forest has Bloodwood trees, known for their massive trunks and high reaching branches. The bloodwoods take 4 men about 6 days to cut them down. These trees are turned into fortresses, boats, weapons, and buildings… if you can cut them down. This forest is infested with recent invaders known as Dead Gods, from the Gulthaen mountains. Rangers and mercenaries are usually the only humans that occupy these forests as the living conditions are harsh and unforgiving due to cold weather and feral wildlife.
Gulthaen Mountains, mountain ranges covered in snow, black rocks, and (sometimes frozen) water falls. Trees are densely populated amongst the lower parts of the mountain ranges, but as the mountains go higher, the trees can’t survive the temperature and infertile ground. Ruined fortresses dot the mountainside. A once powerful nation ruled the mountains and the natural resources within them. The smashed fortresses, gates, and statues are covered in snow. There are black caves that run like veins through the mountains, with crystal clear waterfalls that flow like the blood through those veins.
Underhollow, a city of the dead, made up almost entirely of tombs, graveyards, catacombs, cathedrals, mausoleums, and reliquaries. All countries bury their dead here as a sign of unification through grief. “We will all die, and rest eternally together.” The Grave Keepers watch over Underhollow to not only bury the dead, but guard against robbers, the undead, and Dead Gods. The Saint of the Dead and her followers also reside among the cemetery city of Underhollow. Massive Iron gates and mourning Angels carved from stone surround the city.
Cutthroat Fort, afortress built from Bloodwood trees in a gorge east of Bloodwood Forest in the Grizzled Peaks. This massive fort is in a difficult position to attack as it is lodged in between grey mountains, with no real way to access it but by climbing. Gruffjaw built this fort as a place for mercs to stay safe from any trouble they may be in, but it comes with a price… allegiance to Gruffjaw and money. If you don’t have the money, you pay it within 30 days or your life is forfeit, and his men take you back to Cutthroat Fort, and… well… Cutthroat isn’t just a clever name. It’s outfitted with guard towers made of wood and stone, Gruffjaw banners fly in the wind there. A massive portcullis and drawbridge are the only way in. Mercs use a pulley system and less than safe elevators to get to the fort.