Ostverk
“Where the trees whisper in two tongues—one of iron law, and one of the old songs.”
The buildings of Ostverk are a mix of single and two stories with several more prominent that raise over the rest. Amist the gathered buildings are people coming and going from shops, homes and the center of town that seems to be the marketplace. As you enter the village the people pay less attention than the serfs in the fields as they go about their business. At the southern end of town is quaint gnomish squat homes with neat gardens and fields. One the west end of the small village another wood building sits on knoll with its peaked roof that looks to be an open one-room shrine. Just east of the road as the stream spills into the pond is a mill with its water wheel slowly churning. Wood and iron machinery is heard grinding from within. You have a sense of a thriving hard working trade center with lawful presence. From the looks of the guardsmen patrolling the marketplace and streets they are vigilant and well respected.
The Border Village of Fey and Men
Tucked between the southern skirts of the Gnarley Forest and the fog-kissed borders of the Fey Kingdom of Celene, Ostverk is a place of quiet significance and lingering watchfulness. Divided by a stream-fed pond and mill, its people live between law and legend, between three peoples: elves, gnomes, and humans. They coexist not out of love, but out of old pacts and deeper necessity.
Ostverk is small, but its influence far outweighs its size. It controls the last road south into elven lands, a route watched by elven garrisons, gnome sentries, and the Mounted Borderers of Verbobonc. Traders, diplomats, and adventurers seeking entry into Celene must pass through Ostverk’s scrutiny—and earn the forbearance of its guardians.
At the center of this political and spiritual knot stands Waldgraf Corbin Deleveu, half-elf noble and Knight Commander of the Longriders, who governs with a diplomat’s hand and a soldier’s eyes. He does not rule alone.
Tiriel Mossheart, the village’s High Druidess of Beory, speaks with the authority of the land itself. Her voice carries weight beyond law or blood, and even the elves of Caer Ostverk give her space when she walks the groves.
This is not just a settlement. It is a living border—between realms, peoples, and worldviews. Here, tradition shapes law, the land breathes with memory, and power whispers from every stone and tree.
History
Originally a garrisoned hunting lodge and druidic glade on the fringe of the Gnarley, Ostverk has grown—slowly, stubbornly—into a structured village over two centuries. Its earliest settlers were druidic followers of Berei and Ehlonna, along with a few elven scouts assigned by Queen Yolande to observe the “encroaching ambitions of men.”
The elven garrison at Caer Ostverk was established first, its watchtowers and banners bearing silent witness to the founding of what would become Deleveu Manor and the central marketplace. Over the centuries, elven protection merged uneasily with Verbobonc law, culminating in the appointment of Lord Corbin Deleveu, a half-elf noble and respected commander of the Borderers, as lord of the region. Over the centuries, it has served as a gateway to the Faerie Kingdom of Celene, where only the most trusted or persistent travelers are granted passage.
Geography
Ostverk lies at the threshold between civilization and wilderness—where the rolling farmlands of the Viscounty meet the shadowed edge of the Gnarley Forest. The village is bisected by a stream-fed pond, its mill and waterwheel grinding steadily along the banks. This natural feature separates the village center from Deleveu Woods to the east, where Lord Corbin’s estate rises among old-growth trees.
- East: Deleveu Manor and Deleveu Woods, across the stream and millpond
- Southeast: Caer Ostverk, the elven fortress watching the Celene border
- Southwest: Gemhome, the gnomish hillside enclave built into the earth, its gardens tidy and its chimneys smoking
- Center: The market square, militia hall, and open-air shrine to Beory serve as the heartbeat of village life
From above, Ostverk resembles a braided knot of field paths, elven banners, and gnomish chimneys—all spiraling out from a place that never quite forgets it stands on the edge of myth and memory.
Society and Culture
Ostverk’s population is a mix of humans, elves, and gnomes, each contributing to the village’s unique cultural fabric. The village is governed by a sense of duty and loyalty, with the residents placing their allegiance first to Lord Corbin Deleveu and then to the Viscount of Verbobonc. The Old Faith, particularly the worship of Beory, Hearth Mother, plays a central role in the spiritual life of the community, with the local druids maintaining a strong influence over daily affairs.
Government and Laws
Ostverk is governed by Hrōvacán Corbin Deleveu, a half-elf Lord of the Viscounty of Verbobonc, who bridges the gap between the human and elven communities. The elven commander, Traeliorn Triscaryn, speaks for Queen Yolande and governs Caer Ostverk with a cold and ceremonial distance. The gnomes of Gemhome, while nominally loyal to Corbin, maintain autonomous control of their hillside.The village adheres to the laws of Verbobonc but also respects the edicts of the The Fey Grand Court of Celene, creating a unique legal system that balances human and elven jurisprudence.
Justice is a shared responsibility, interpreted differently by each faction. Borderers uphold Verbobonc law. Elves intervene only when their interests are endangered. Gnomes resolve their own matters. But in all things, the druids of Beory hold the final spiritual word.
Politics
Ostverk occupies a delicate position in the political landscape of the Viscounty, acting as a buffer between Verbobonc and Celene. The village's loyalties are complex, with Lord 'Hrōvacán' Corbin Deleveu serving as a key political and military figure who maintains the balance between human interests and the demands of Celene. The presence of the Mounted Borderers further complicates local politics, as they enforce the Viscount’s laws while respecting the autonomy of the elven garrison. The village’s political landscape is further complicated by the interests of the Mounted Borderers and the local gnome families, who hold economic sway over the region.
Religion
The Old Faith, centered on the worship of Beory, the Earth Mother, is the dominant spiritual tradition among the humans of Ostverk. Tiriel Mossheart, the High Druidess, guides the community through ritual, foresight, and communion with the land itself. She is widely respected, quietly feared, and never contradicted.
- Tiriel Mossheart is a Flan woman of unknown age. Her voice carries the weight of storms, and her eyes the stillness of winter rivers. She answers to no lord or elf and holds sacred knowledge that predates the founding of Ostverk.
The shrine of Beory, an open circle of carved stones ringed by wildflowers and shallow roots, serves as place of judgment, healing, and prophecy. Farmers seek Tiriel’s blessing for their harvests. Soldiers ask her protection before patrols. Even gnomes offer quiet respect when crossing sacred ground.
Military
Ostverk is heavily militarized due to its strategic location. The village is defended by a permanent garrison of 50 elven warriors stationed at Caer Ostverk. These elves are responsible for safeguarding the border of Celene and preventing unauthorized entry into the kingdom. The Mounted Borderers, under the command of Lord Corbin Deleveu, also play a crucial role in the village’s defense, conducting patrols and maintaining order in the surrounding region.
Military Highlights
- 1. Caer Ostverk: The elven fortress that overlooks the village, serving as both a military outpost and a symbol of Celene’s presence.
- 2. Deleveu Manor: The southern headquarters of the Mounted Borderers, a key military installation that ensures the security of the southern Viscounty.
- Mounted Borderers: This elite unit, known as the “Longriders,” is tasked with maintaining order and security along the borders of Verbobonc and Celene, specializing in forest and hill warfare.
Politics & Diplomacy
Ostverk exists in the tension between obedience to Verbobonc and proximity to Celene. Corbin Deleveu is loyal to the Viscount, but his fey blood and elven honors (he holds the title Hrōvacán, “wild commander”) make him both asset and liability in the court’s eyes.
Factions & Relations:
- Celene: Maintains the garrison at Caer Ostverk. Views Ostverk as a tolerated frontier
- Gnomes: Trade partners, but politically wary
- Druids of the Gnarley Forest: Respected by all, feared by some
- Knights of Luna: Occasionally pass through, seeking secrets or staging subtle missions
- Viscount Wilfrick Revepaix: Expects loyalty and results, especially amid growing tensions with Nulb and Dyvers
- Gnarley Forest: A strong alliance exists between Ostverk and the Gnarley Rangers, who often coordinate efforts to protect the forest and the village from external threats.
Points of Interest for Adventurers
Ostverk offers numerous opportunities for adventurers, from exploring the depths of the Gnarley Forest to engaging in the political intrigue between Verbobonc and Celene. Key locations like Caer Ostverk, Deleveu Manor, and the surrounding wilderness serve as prime settings for quests and adventures.
- The Gift of Beauty – A diplomatic offering vanishes en route to Celene
- The Lurking Shadows of Gemhome – Something old and wrong stirs beneath the gnome mines
- Trial by Moonlight – A stranger is accused of trespassing on Beory’s land
- The Lost Scouts – Two Borderers disappeared near Stirge Wood
- Tiriel’s Test – A PC is offered a boon from Beory—if they pass a secret rite
- Whispers of the Hrōvacán – Fey beings summon Corbin, and he vanishes for three days
- Border Patrol: Assist the Mounted Borderers in securing the borders against bandit incursions or monster attacks from the Gnarley Forest.
- Diplomatic Missions: Serve as envoys between Ostverk and Celene, navigating the delicate politics between the human and elven realms.
- Gnome Mines Quest: Ostverk Quest: The Lurking Shadows of Gemhome: A malevolent Tentacle Horror from the Underdark has infiltrated the hidden gem and silver mines of Gemhome, wreaking havoc and claiming the lives of many gnome miners. The miners of Clan Nackle are in desperate need of aid to confront this deadly menace.
Conclusion
Ostverk is a threshold. It is not merely a place—it is the border between law and legend, between mortal toil and eternal watchfulness. It survives because it remembers, and because it does not pretend that the past is gone. The Old Faith still speaks here, and the trees lean close to listen.
Adventurers may pass through Ostverk, but few leave unchanged.
Demographics
Demographics and Population of Ostverk
Racial Composition
Humans: 45% (Around 160 individuals)- Primarily farmers, craftsmen, and traders who form the backbone of the village's economy. Most humans in Ostverk are loyal to Lord Corbin Deleveu, and their culture reflects a blend of local traditions with influences from the Old Faith.
- These include the 50 elven warriors stationed at Caer Ostverk and their families. The elves in Ostverk are predominantly sylvan elves from Celene, tasked with guarding the borders of their kingdom. They play a significant role in the village’s governance and military affairs.
- Comprising 25 gnome families, the gnomes in Ostverk are skilled artisans and tinkerers, contributing to the village’s economy through their craftsmanship. They tend to live in the southern part of the village, where their squat homes and neat gardens reflect their industrious nature.
- Many half-elves in Ostverk are descendants of human and elven unions, such as Waldgraf Talarien Carewlein. They often occupy positions that bridge the cultural gap between the human and elven populations.
- A small number of other races, such as halflings and dwarves, are present in Ostverk, often passing through as traders or staying temporarily as part of their travels through the region.

Maps
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Ostverk
Ostverk is a small, yet vital village located on the southern frontier of the Verbobonc, Viscounty, where the human world meets the mystical boundaries of the Fey Kingdom of Celene.
Key Political Figures
- Waldgraf Talarien Carewlein: The half-elven mayor of Ostverk, known for his diplomatic acumen and deep connection to both the human and elven communities.
- Lord 'Hrōvacán' Corbin Deleveu: A key political and military figure, Deleveu is the steward of Ostverk and a commander of the Mounted Borderers. His influence extends across the Gnarley Forest and into Celene.
- Baran Feath: Captain of the Guard, a seasoned human warrior, responsible for maintaining law and order within the village’s human population. Loyal to both the Viscount of Verbobonc and Lord Corbin Deleveu, Feath oversees the northern half of Ostverk.
- 1. Caer Ostverk
- 10. The Broken Buckle Inn
- 11. Elowen's Elixirs & Herbs
- 12. Ironclad Forge
- 13. Thornwillow Farm
- 14. Alessa's Bakery
- 15. Ostverk Mercantile Outfitters
- 16. Hingnora Waterside Mill
- 17. Hingnora Pond
- 18. Fharlanghn Chapter House
- 19. Stipish’s Wheelwright Shop
- 2. Deleveu Manor
- 20. Farley Homestead
- 21. Gemhome - Clan Nackle
- 22. Kappelkourt Warren
- 23. Astrolacyll Warren
- 24. Shrine of the Golden Gem
- 25. Kwilliticutti Warren
- 26. Mastacalatl Warren
- 27. Pipwhistlion Warren
- 28. The Cozy Hearthstone Inn
- 29. The Market Meadow of Gemhome
- 3. Guest Noble House
- 30. Gemhome Hidden Gnome Mines
- 31. The Burrowhill Homestead
- 4. Temple of Beory - Osterk
- 5. Tiriel’s Cottage
- 6. Shrines of Divine Order
- 7. Ostverk Guardhouse
- 8. Ostverk Marketplace
- 9. The Laughing Moon Inn
Notable Locations
- 2. Deleveu Manor: A well-constructed manor house that serves as the residence of Lord Corbin Deleveu and the headquarters for the Mounted Borderers in the south.
- 1. Caer Ostverk: The elven fortress that houses the 50-strong elven garrison, tasked with defending the borders of Celene.
- 4. Temple of Beory - Osterk: The largest shrine in the village, dedicated to Beory, the Hearth Mother, and serving as a spiritual center for the followers of The Old Faith.
Social Structure
- Nobility and Military Leadership: The village is led by Lord Corbin Deleveu and Commander Talarien Carewlein, with a significant military presence due to the Mounted Borderers and the elven garrison at Caer Ostverk.
- Craftsmen and Artisans: Gnomes and humans form the core of Ostverk's artisan class, producing goods that are traded within the Viscounty.
- Farmers and Laborers: The majority of the human population is engaged in agriculture, producing food and goods for the village and nearby regions.
- Religious Figures: The Old Faith, particularly the followers of Beory, are led by the druid Shandril, who also plays a key role in guiding the spiritual and ecological practices of the village.
Defense & Military
Ostverk is quietly fortified—its defenses shaped more by strategy and illusion than by walls.
Deleveu Manor – The Longriders
- Headquarters of the 3rd Company of Mounted Borderers
- Experts in guerrilla warfare, forest pursuit, and swift retaliation
- Patrols guard the eastern Kron Hills, the Long Road, and the Gnarley’s southern border
Caer Ostverk
- An elven garrison of 50 warriors, rarely seen but always present
- Operates autonomously under Traeliorn Triscaryn, a Knights of Luna
- Only intervenes when Celene’s interests are directly threatened
Gemhome Defenses
- Hidden wards, illusion barriers, and stonework golems guard the gnome enclave
- Led by Captain Burlow Nackle and the Silent Sentinels
DM Note: Ostverk is a safe haven—but only just. PCs who stir political trouble or desecrate sacred ground may trigger harsh consequences from unexpected factions.
Village Rumors
- “Tiriel Mossheart knows your name before you say it. She knew your grandmother too.”
- “Baran at the inn lost his arm to swamp trolls. Still pours the best beer in the Viscounty.”
- “There’s a tree in Stirge Wood that bleeds when you cut it. I’ve seen it.”
- “The Gift wasn’t just treasure—it was a bribe for peace.”
- “Corbin eats with the fae. Or maybe he is one.”
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