Named for the actual location of Holystone Keep further north (a place where it’s rumored Dava himself touched the earth), this village, constructed in the Third Age has been a consistent refuge in times of trouble for the farmers and fisherfolk of the region. And it also provided aid to the “keep” which is little more than a cloister and tower.
Under the guidance of the 9th Duke Wellstrung (who lives in a fortified manor tucked against the main wall in the upper NW corner of the village), it’s come to prosperity. His fealty is to the Lord Holystone (Hanrid Holystone) and thus, he is devoid of any loyalty to the Lord High Commander. In fact, there have been no royal taxes taken from this village since 555 HR.
As one enters the village, it’s apparent that this has become a sort of trade hub for travelers between the Edelrend and Aelfrinir. Immediately apparent as one crosses the main gate onto the High Street, there are a small collection of public, secure warehouses and a small moneychanger’s booth. Just behind that, in the NE corner, is the barracks house where the Lord Wellstrung’s troops reside. They are loyal and considered skilled horsemen. They double as the village guard, which keeps the village relatively crime-free.
Upon crossing Lantern Lane (the first true cross street), there is a livery, a famous tea house owned by a pair of twins, and a trading goods store where travelers can find almost anything they need. Talhand Nimblefoot is its halfling owner and is quite fond of bargaining.
Heading west to Trodden Street, one finds the Clever Bowman Public House where many a ranger has found comfort in its mulled wine and dark beer. It’s patronage also includes the occasional student or professor from the Bardica Holystone (the furthest south of the formal bard schools). Students here perfect their craft in acting and oral performance in the hopes of someday playing the Grand Holystone Theatre. While not large by modern standards, it can accommodate a good portion of the village’s population and many a traveling playwright has tested their words here.
Further down to Midden Lane holds the only formal “church” in the village, known as the Shrine of the Holies. While it’s primarily a worship site for Dava, worshippers of Raast and of Gilesh come to pay tribute to the gods. There are several small chambers dedicated to prayer, but the main hall is still very much considered Davanic.
Other notable locations are the Low Market where nearly every day there are farmers and craftsmen peddling their wares. Across from it is a large collection of buildings known as the Snapbuckle Inn and Trading Company. When out of town merchants arrive and must lay in for the night, this is the preferred location.
Across Trodden Street is Bluestone Court, where the Holystone College of Ancient Arts (magic, math, and astronomy) are taught. Further east along Market Street, and before Watchmen’s Walk, are the few houses and apartments where non-tradesmen live. Heading North again on Watchmen’s Walk is a brightly painted 3 story structure known as the Dancing Hen Public House. They are renowned in the region for their masterful cooking and provide a meal service from sun up to sundown.
Beyond the village, circling around to the east of the main gate is Rounders Road, where those having no business with the village (or are turned away in the darkest nights). It skirts along the Eastern side of the village and leads to several successful (and comfortable by commoner standards) farms. Further still are the Maresworth Stables, held by the Maresworth family residing behind the walls.
If a traveler must stop, typically they do so in the rotating camp just outside the southern barbican, where itinerants and gypsies linger. As permanent a fixture as tents can be, there is a long-standing family of soothsayers who’ve camped at the southern wall for nearly 20 years.