Darkwood Keep

Darkwood Keep serves as the central city of the Darkwood region, nestled deep within the Darkwood Forest. It is a bastion of Grimizan rule and a symbol of the accord between the Grimizan Kingdom and Ostenweld. The city walls enclose nearly the entirety of its population, with only a few farms and scattered homes located outside for practical purposes. These outlying farms supply the keep with food while also serving as a buffer against the dangers of the forest.

Architecture: The city within Darkwood Keep is a blend of Grimizan and Ostenweld styles, reflecting its dual heritage. Towering stone walls, reinforced with ironwood from the Fey-Touched Forest, provide unmatched fortification. The keep itself is an imposing structure of dark stone, crowned with sharp spires and decorated with intricate carvings that depict the region’s lore and ties to the Feywild.

Governance and Lore:

• Archduke Roland Darkwood: The young and charismatic heir to Ostenweld, Archduke Roland is being groomed for leadership under the careful guidance of his mother. Though still learning the intricacies of governance, Roland has shown promise as a just and compassionate leader, earning the respect of the keep’s inhabitants. He is fascinated by the legends of the Feywild and the magical heritage of Darkwood, often spending time in Arbor Island to learn about its enchanted forests.
• Duchess Elara Darkwood: The regent and true authority in Darkwood Keep, Duchess Elara is a skilled diplomat and administrator. She carefully balances the interests of Grimizan and Ostenweld, ensuring that her son’s future rule is secured while protecting the autonomy of Darkwood. Known for her sharp intellect and unwavering resolve, Elara commands respect from nobles and commoners alike. Her influence extends beyond the keep, as she often mediates disputes in the surrounding regions.

City Life: Inside the walls, the city is bustling with life and industry. Markets, guild halls, and communal spaces thrive under the protection of the keep. The population consists primarily of foresters, artisans, and merchants, with many specializing in goods crafted from the region’s famed lumber and mushrooms. The city’s architecture and layout reflect its inhabitants’ reliance on the forest, with buildings designed to blend seamlessly with their environment.

Defenses and Military: Darkwood Keep maintains a formidable militia trained to defend against threats from the forest and beyond. The walls are equipped with ballistae and other defenses, while the militia includes skilled archers, rangers, and mounted knights who patrol the surrounding forest.