Ravenrest

Ravenrest is a bustling walled city perched atop the cliffs of a high fjord filled with the sound of seagulls and waves crashing. The city’s walls are imposing, made of black waxy stone, which gives Ravenrest an air of mystery and intrigue. Its inhabitants are hardy, a mix of sailors, merchants, craftsmen, and farmers who have made their homes and livelihoods in this stunningly beautiful but challenging environment of the rugged, windswept landscape surrounding them.   The city is a maze of narrow streets, winding alleys, and stairways that climb up and down steep cliffs. At the heart of the city is the central marketplace, where traders sell goods from all over the world, including spices, silks, precious stones, and exotic animals. The market is always busy, with people haggling, bargaining, and shouting their wares.   The architecture of Ravenrest is a mix of styles, reflecting the city’s long history. The homes of the wealthy are often constructed from basalt stone and oak wood, with intricate carvings and ornate details. Major landmarks, such as the Temple of the Flamebearer, home to Ravenrest’s branch of The Order of Ash, and Ravenkeep, the academy and barracks of Ravenrest’s military, The Ravengarde, are also constructed of black basalt stone, and they are awe-inspiring in their scale and grandeur.   The homes of the poorer citizens are often constructed entirely of birch wood or repurposed fishing vessels. These homes are smaller and more functional but no less charming. The people who live in these homes are often fishermen or traders.   The city’s oldest parts are closest to the water, filled with narrow, winding streets and quaint shops. Here, the city’s history is on full display, with buildings that date back centuries. The newer parts of the city, located atop the fjord, are more modern and spacious, with wider streets and grander buildings.   The citizens of Ravenrest are hardworking and resourceful. Many of them are involved in the daily operations of the harbour, which is the city's lifeblood. They use large wooden cranes to lift cargo from the ships in the harbour to the city above. The cranes are manned by skilled operators who work long hours, rain or shine, to keep the goods flowing in and out of the city.   Despite the challenging terrain and weather, the people of Ravenrest are a close-knit community. They are known for their hospitality and generosity towards strangers, often offering food and shelter to those in need. The city has a rich cultural heritage, with festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including the annual Raven Festival, where people dress up in elaborate costumes and parade through the streets.   Life in Ravenrest is not without its challenges. The harsh winters can be especially difficult, with heavy snowfalls and freezing temperatures. The city is also vulnerable to raids from pirates and other sea-faring raiders who prey on the unprotected coastal towns. However, the citizens of Ravenrest are resilient and resourceful, and they have learned to adapt to their environment over the centuries.   Despite its challenges, Ravenrest remains a vibrant and bustling city, a testament to the ingenuity and determination of its people. The people of Ravenrest are bound together by their love for their city and fierce independence.  

Flag

The flag of Ravenrest features a black raven with outstretched wings perched atop a silver shield. The shield is emblazoned with a fiery red sun in the center, surrounded by four blue waves representing the fjord and the sea. The raven is depicted facing the sun, with its beak pointed upwards in a defiant posture. The flag's background is a deep, dark blue, symbolizing the sea's depths and the night's darkness. The flag is often flown from the tallest towers of Ravenrest and is a proud symbol of the city's strength and resilience.  

Tradition: Ravenkeepers

The tradition of keeping ravens as pets in Ravenrest is a long-standing practice that dates back centuries. Ravens are considered sacred, and they hold a special place in the hearts of the city’s inhabitants. The people of Ravenrest believe that ravens are connected to their god and serve as messengers between the mortal world and the divine.   Ravens are raised from chicks by families as a rite of passage. Parents often give their children a raven chick as a gift when they come of age, and the children are then responsible for raising and training their bird until it is fully grown. The training process can be lengthy and requires patience and dedication, but those who succeed are rewarded with a loyal and intelligent companion.   Trained ravens may be used for a variety of purposes. They are used for aiding hunters in stalking their prey, carrying messages over long distances, catching and killing rodents and other pests, and alarming homeowners of intruders. Some ravens are even taught to mimic the Brehkan language.   The tradition of keeping ravens as pets is deeply ingrained in the culture of Ravenrest. Ravens symbolize the city’s power and connection to the divine and are highly respected and revered by its citizens. Harming or killing a raven in the city is considered a crime, and those caught face severe punishment.