Kestor's Past

Kestor's Past, the sprawling coastal city, situated in the northwest of the Qahir region, welcomes adventurers arriving in Al'Taj with its rich history, alchemical wonders, and a profound connection to Geryu God of Oceans. Founded over 600 years ago, the small fishing village’s destiny changed when its eternal ruler Kestor, guided by a vision from Geryu, transformed it into a thriving metropolis. The city's unique history, crowned rulers, and the mysterious reliquary crown have shaped Kestor's Past into a haven for seekers of prosperity and safety.

Description

History

Over 600 years ago, Kestor's Past was a humble fishing village. That all changed when, Inspired by a divine vision from Geryu, the first Kestor found his way to the village and in his lifespan transformed it into a city of worship. A mysterious crown, claimed to be a gift from Geryu, became a symbol of leadership. Passed down through rulers, the crown preserved the city's safety and prosperity at the cost of a fraction of each ruler's soul.

Despite challenges and the rise of new alliances, including one with Aecho, Kestor's Past evolved into a hub of trade, worship, and mysticism. Kestor's Past positions itself as a haven for newcomers from other continents. As the city remains a dynamic force, the legacy of Kestor's Past continues to unfold in the cobbled streets and enduring structures, echoing the whispers of Thassa and the spirit of its resilient people.

Government

Kestor's Past operates under a unique monarchy based on their pseudo-immortal ruler. For the entirety of its history Kestor’s Past has been ruled by King Kestor, who reincarnates into the body of whomever wears his crown. Said crown is a relic gifted to the first Kestor by an Emissary of Geryu, and when he put it upon his head it stored his soul into it forever. Now, each time he dies and his successor dawns the crown it records small fragments of their soul and combines it with the ‘Kestor’ soul, overwriting their soul and binding itself to the new Kestor until death. Currently led by Kestor 23rd, the city continues to thrive under the leadership of its eternal king.

Economy

The city's strategic location and welcoming policies have turned it into a bustling trade hub. The docks facilitate maritime trade with other continents while the Market of 1,000 Sands attracts merchants from across Al'Taj. The city's prosperity is tied to trade with a diverse range of goods flowing through its markets. Part of its major success can be attributed to its vast fields and abundant yearly harvests, in a largely arid continent Kestor’s Past serves as the largest producer of food.

Climate

Kestor’s Past has a mixed climate and while it’s mostly arid there are large areas around it that act as farm land.

Districts

The Guild Hall: A large stone building adorned with statues of cockatrice who with their scorpion-like tails stand guard over the building. The Guild Hall contains everything a newbie adventurer could need, including a bunkhouse that is cheaper than the inn, but with much less privacy and security.

Kestor Keep: A sprawling keep atop the hill that overlooks the city, the main features of this keep are beautiful painted murals along the outer walls that Kestor commissions from the public every 6 months.

Blackstone Inn and Tavern: A large wood and stone inn, home to all adventurers with a love for alcohol and a bag of gold at their side. Traveling bards, magicians, and performers of all stripes come and try to win over the notoriously tough crowd. The Tavern is best known for its hard spirits, with its main ingredients a mystery to all but the Blackstones themselves.

The Market of 1,000 Sands: While Kestor’s Past does have individual shops and stalls, the real attraction is the Market of 1000 Sands; a beautiful and lively bazaar that has merchants setting up temporary stalls every day. The market is open from sun up till midnight, but no merchant or their stall is allowed on the premises once the moon has risen to the middle of the sky. Because of this competition for the best spots is fierce, and the mad dash when the sun rises every day is a spectacle many locals enjoy watching while sipping their morning coffee.

Altar to Geryu: The altar to Kestor-Past's favored Geryu, God of Oceans, is split in two parts. First, there is the main altar where praying and worship is done and where the majority of the followers typically reside. Across the river though, some distance to the south, is a massive statue portraying Thassa where many go to seek guidance when they are lost.

The Docks: The docks of Kestor’s past are a surprisingly small assembly, located on the western side of Kesotr’s Past, containing only a few piers that hold mostly small fishing boats and a few merchant vessels. The Dockmaster Shal Al’Mir is responsible for the function of both the docks and the small shipyard that is usually used only for repairs on small ships and is rarely if ever used for building new ones.

Skiffyard: A large area within Kestor’s Past designated for the repair, production, and sale of skiffs in Kestor’s past. Located on its most northern side the skiffyard has direct access to the vast sands of Al Taj.

Factions

The Delver’s Guild: One of the main branches of the Delver’s guild which facilitates the management of adventurers in the region around Kestor’s Past.

Followers of Geryu: The church and priests that worship Geryu within Kestor’s Past.