Shadowstar Keep
A city build on the coastline of the Shadowlands. The unofficial capital of the Confederacy of Vec and center of the people of Pol.
The city is in perpetual magical darkness from the influence of the Shadowfell that bleeds into this part of the continent. People have adapted to live in constant darkness and oil lanterns can be seen everywhere with some of the wealthier districts being well-lit all day and night. Timekeepers ring bells to announce the passing of the day but recently a new clock has been installed on the great tower of the Clan Hold.
Build on the ruins of an ancient city, forgotten to the sands of time, only an old shrine remains intact with a black marble statue of a figure only known as the Nameless king.
Important Buildings
- The Great Clan Hold: a massive fortress made from black volcanic stones and blocks of granite with high walls and defensive turrets. It serves as the seat of government for the city and hosts the confederate council when they're in session.
- Shrine to the Nameless King: an ancient shrine to an unknown great king from before the calamity. Inside the simple stone temple is a large statue of white streaked black marble of a tall man with a staff and wearing a crown. The residents see him as the nameless protector of the city and maintain the shrine and statue, even saying a prayer to him as if he is God.
- The White Serpent Inn: a great inn build in the Citadel Quarter and a favourite place for the Nobles and wealthy merchants to mingle. Great hearths are lit all day casting light and warmth inside the richly decorated halls. Well known for its exquisite food and imported wines from the Empire.
- Whaler's Wharf: the mooring docks next to large warehouses dedicated to the processing and storing of whale blubber, oil and organs.
Demographics
The total population of the city is approximately 10,000 people.
Composition by Species- Humans: 90%
- Shifters: 3%
- Dwarves: 2%
- Gnomes (Surface and Deep): 1%
- Halflings: 1%
- Elves (High and Wood): 1%
- Other Races (Tieflings, Dragonborn, Orcs, etc.): 2%
- Nobles: 5%
- Warriors: 15%
- Merchants/traders: 15%
- Freemen: 30%
- Thralls: 30%
- Foreigners: 5%
Government
A clan-based Oligarchy rules the city through a council and the Chieftain of the leading clan. Traditionally, Clan Vec, the founding clan of the Confederacy supplies the Chieftain of the city and represents them in the confederate council.
Industry & Trade
The main industry of the city are the whalers and fishermen who sail out onto the frozen dark seas. Workshops and rudimentary factories process the blubber into the finest whale oil and medication from their livers.
Tributes from lesser clans and client towns trickle into the city as well. Tradeships from the Empire of Mori visit these docks rarely, preferring to go to the southern settlements of Frost Harbor or Ertonbus. Goods are shipped overland on great sleds drawn by the native great goats and strong horses.
Districts
- Citadel Quarter: build around the Great Clan Hold in its center, the great houses of the Noble clans are build next to the walls of the Clan Hold. There are some inns and taverns for the more affluent citizens.
- The Lantern Quarter: a lot of simple wooden houses scattered around a round square of market stalls filled with lanterns. Most of the low workers and merchants of the city live here.
- The Iron Chains: high iron bound palisades wall this district off from the rest of the city. The destitute, poor and the thralls live in squalid conditions, some in tents or decrepit buildings. Gangs roam the streets and extort what meagre belongings the residents have.
- The Flaming Docks: a long strip of wooden and stone docks. Always frozen and clogged by icebergs, there are special workers with boats that clear the ice with fire and picks. Because of the perpetual darkness there are always watch fires and lighthouses lit on the coast. Build next to the docks are warehouses and workshops as well as the seedy inns, brothels and taverns sailors frequent.
- Witchhunter Lodges: a small section of the city is set aside for the wooden lodges of the Witchhunter orders. Surrounded by a wooden palisade and guarded it serves as a small fortress in the city.
History
Build upon the ruins of an ancient fortress city, its black stones salvaged and used in the construction of the Great Clan Hold and the high walls of the city. Founded by one of the survivors of the Great Scarring of the world, Kurl Vec the White Bear.
People quickly flocked to the lit fires of the city and its stalwart defenders.
Founding Date
72AS
Founders
Type
City
Population
10,000
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
Comments