Ardalest

From Toosigma

• Mayor Marcus DeVir – father (Decimus Furius DeVir) came to Ashenford 40 years ago, married a local girl (now Lady Kira DeVir) and had two children, Marcus and Lina. (Father was fleeing political persecution from enemies in the Petran Senate? Rumors say he may have been Heir to the empire? Illegitimate son of someone important? Lost King on the Battlefield of Caemlyn?) Decimus was instrumental in rebuilding a semblance of society, re-establishing limited trade with Tairenfell to the south, and re-opening Galdur's port. Marcus continues in his father's footsteps as mayor, but he hasn't his father's natural skills, and often relies on his sister to handle many of the duties nominally his. Uncle Lucius still commands the town guards. (Lucius as a womanizer – possible father for PCs? Trained in Petran Sword Forms ala Book of Nine Swords? Mentor for more martial characters)
• Once a much larger city, the area is now struggling to support the remaining population. Mostly farmers providing for the city as a whole, they cling to the semi-ruined city as a means of protection from the wilds of the Old Forest to the south. Several neighborhoods are still in ruins and some are swarming with various humanoids (goblins, kobolds) that the guard has never had the manpower to dislodge
• Kolos Keep – Once a powerful fortress and naval base on a medium island in Ardalest bay, the northernmost of the Petran Empire, it is still mostly intact, but few who visit the island ever return – those who do speak of malevolent ghosts and spirits. Garrison was surrounded and made a horrible pact that cursed the island and all inhabitants
• Tower of Sorcery – once the Northern College for Wizards and Sorcerers, after the war, it has fallen into disuse – many have tried to breach it's defenses, but few manage to make it past the magically enchanted garden – overpowering fear? Magical sleep? Turning people to stone?
• Few remaining Petran nobles – vast manses on the hill – a shipping magnate who is slowly going broke (because many ships sent south fall prey to the Vorn or to scrag attacks) – an untapped silver mine in the hills to the southwest (because the Old Forest makes it too dangerous), silk farms in Gent, outlying farms
• Rebuilt Senate Chamber and Forum – built on ruins of the old Tarrnish castle?
• Dwarven Enclave outside the wall on the East Road – dwarves sell items at high markup, and don't allow anyone within the fort?
• Nearby farms and outlying farming hamlets – all turn to Ashenford for defense. A few ranger patrols, mostly warriors though. Citizen militia – every able-bodied man citizen (voting rights) is required to serve in time of need. Powerful warriors may be asked to serve
• Forest Road leads south into the forest, passes by Sunken Citadel, eventually reaches St Alban's Monastery and into Caemlynn Field
• East Road leads east around the Old Forest, passing through Irontown, beneath Castle Kilarn and south to Tairenfell (Thirden prevents most trade passing to Ardalest)
• Coast Road leads west eventually reaching Glenock Point – lost lighthouse? Haunted?