Crystal Vattery (Starfire Lift Crystals)
Patriarch: Lambert Schoonoven
The Schoonoven family is a prominent and influential force in Seregon, known for their mastery of crystal vattery, an arcane art that has powered the city's airship industry for generations. Their estate, located in the prestigious Starfire Hill District, is both a home and the heart of their vattery operations, where they grow the starfire crystals that are essential for airship lift.
The Schoonoven Estate
The Schoonoven Estate is a sprawling property that dominates the landscape of Starfire Hill. The estate consists of a grand manor, surrounded by lush, meticulously maintained gardens, and the vattery itself, where the crystals are grown. The manor is an architectural marvel, reflecting the wealth and taste of the Schoonoven family, with its tall spires, intricate carvings, and large windows that offer sweeping views of the Lula River and the city beyond.
The gardens surrounding the estate are not just for show; they serve as a buffer and an additional layer of protection for the vattery. The gardens are enclosed by a high masonry wall, enchanted with wards and protective spells to deter intruders. The plants within the garden are carefully selected for their beauty and their ability to absorb and channel arcane energy, which helps in the crystal-growing process.
The Crystal Vattery
The vattery is the true heart of the Schoonoven Estate, where the famous starfire crystals are grown. These crystals are the lifeblood of Seregon's airship industry, providing the necessary lift for airships to soar through the skies. The process of growing these crystals is a closely guarded secret, passed down through generations of the Schoonoven family.
Growing a starfire crystal is a laborious and time-consuming process that requires immense planning, foresight, and patience. The crystals are cultivated in specially designed chambers within the vattery, where the conditions are meticulously controlled. Each chamber is tuned to specific arcane frequencies, and the crystals are nourished with carefully measured doses of magical energy, light, and other arcane substances. It can take up to 50 years for a single crystal to reach maturity, during which time it must be closely monitored and protected.
The best crystals produced by the Schoonoven family are highly sought after, as they are renowned for their purity, strength, and ability to generate powerful lift. These crystals are often reserved for the most prestigious airships, including military vessels and luxury transports.
The Immortals of Karsis
Given the economic and military significance of the starfire crystals, the Schoonoven Estate is heavily guarded. The security is provided by the Immortals of Karsis, a group of elite warriors who are sworn to protect the Schoonoven family and their vattery. There are 50 Immortals stationed at the estate, all highly trained and equipped with powerful weapons and armor. These warriors are not just physical protectors but are also well-versed in arcane arts, making them formidable opponents to any would-be intruders.
The Immortals of Karsis are known for their unwavering loyalty and discipline. They are not just guards but a symbol of the Schoonoven family's power and influence in Seregon. The presence of these warriors ensures that any threat to the vattery or the family is dealt with swiftly and decisively.
Economic and Military Significance
The starfire crystals produced by the Schoonoven Vattery are of immense importance to Seregon's economy and military. The crystals power the city's airships, which are crucial for trade, transportation, and defense. As such, the Schoonoven family wields considerable influence, not just in the Starfire Hill District, but across Seregon and beyond.
However, this power also makes them a target. There have been numerous threats against the vattery over the years, ranging from industrial espionage to direct attacks by rival factions or those who wish to destabilize Seregon's airship industry. The Schoonoven family takes these threats seriously, and the estate's defenses—both physical and magical—are designed to protect against even the most determined assailants.
The Legacy of the Schoonoven Family
The Schoonoven family is deeply respected and sometimes feared, not only for their wealth and power but also for their long-standing commitment to the art of crystal vattery. Their legacy is built on generations of knowledge, skill, and the careful nurturing of the starfire crystals that have kept Seregon's airships aloft for centuries. As one of the three vatteries in the city, the Schoonoven Vattery is a cornerstone of Seregon's prosperity, and the family is determined to keep it that way for generations to come.
Recent Events
The son of Lambert Schoonoven and Eva Schoonoven, Clement Schoonoven, was training to be a druid as an apprentice of Ilmadia Mianala.
Clement has gone missing after supposedly being transported to the jungle by Thorne Wildwood at the Emerald Haven inn.
Clement's great great grandfather, Hase Schoonoven, was once kidnapped, but was rescued by the ~Sentinels of Seregon.