Sapperville

The capital and largest settlement of the Amber Fallow, Sapperville serves as a bastion of civilization against the cold, harsh wilds of the Fallow. Despite its proprietary appearance, the city also hosts the nexus of the Black Leaf Guild, and thus its underground life is just as vibrant as its public facade.

Sapperville started its life as a humble military outpost. Its original name has been lost to history, but it has since gained the nickname Sapperville by virtue of its popularity as a hub for sappers, or amber miners. The outpost was officially held by House Varundom, and after losing the War of the Stripes, they retreated there in hopes of utilizing one of their last remaining developed territories as they attempted to get back on their feet. They attempted to style Sapperville after the grand cities of Auroma, refurbishing buildings and developing urban services for its residence. This became easier to do with the discovery of the massive amber deposits within the Fallow, as the substance was able to serve as both function and fashion for the structures of “Varundom Hollow”, as its masters officially refer to it. With the discovery of amber came an influx of craftsmen and traders to the town - and, with the development of the Black Leaf Guild, the hub of a black market network which has spread throughout Varzzen.

The city of Sapperville is primarily located within a small valley, very easily defended from within. The walls surrounding the city are the oldest structures in Sapperville, and have stood steadfast since their construction, defending the residents from threats both sentient and natural. The walls are made from wood found within the Fallow, which has been refurbished against the elements with both magic and mundane enhancements. In particular, amber droplets have been placed within the logs that make up the walls, in order to mimic the trees of the Zenith Valley. The tips of the logs are sharpened to fine points, and guards patrol the walls day and night.

Despite the resident nobles’ attempts to civilize the place, Sapperville retains a rustic, homespun, ramshackle quality in its buildings. Most are made of thick logs and crude stone bricks, constructed to serve primarily as shelters rather than homes or businesses, but the residents have managed to include a touch of personalization. Even Varundom Hall, the wasp rulers’ palace, hasn’t quite managed to shake off its initial usage as a mess hall. Part of the transformation from outpost to city comes in the form of the use of amber; most buildings are decorated with it, and the magical properties have allowed for heat and light to be included in the buildings. Elegant art also abounds within the city, from tapestries to stone reliefs - but nothing can quite disguise the city’s origins.

Most of Sapperville is taken up by merchant stalls, catering primarily to soldiers, amber miners, and other temporary residents of the Amber Fallow. Selling everything you could think of and then some, the colorful canopies of the merchant stalls catch the eye even more than the wasps’ tapestries. From basic necessities like dried meats and warm clothes, to amber-infused weaponry and jewelry, to books and toys, no two Sapperville merchants will ever be quite alike, and all willing to accept a fair price for their wares. However, if you know the right words and gestures and offer enough coin, many of Sapperville’s merchants will be able to provide a different sort of service. They can acquire goods from all over Varzzen, including some that, by all rights, should never be seen in the Amber Fallow. The Black Leaf’s black market hosts its biggest hub in Sapperville, and from there has been able to spread tendrills throughout the Royal Hexagon and quite possibly beyond - only the Roots know for certain.