Ever-Stone

Central Plaza: At the heart of Ever-Stone lies the central plaza, a bustling hub of activity where citizens from all walks of life come together to celebrate the city's spirit of unity and cooperation. Here, the grand council hall stands as a symbol of the city's governance. Surrounding the plaza are vibrant market stalls, where merchants from across the realm sell exotic goods and wares, their colourful displays attracting visitors from all over the eastern nations. The plaza is a venue for cultural events, celebrations, and public announcements, reflecting the city's diverse heritage.

Diplomatic Quarte:

Cascade District:

Harmonia Heights:

The Warrens: (Formerly deep mine)

Origins and Early History (Pre-4730)

Before the tumultuous years of the Shandan Vs The Empire of Olliveria War, Ever-Stone was known simply as Borous-Under, a dwarven mining outpost nestled deep within the foothills of the Staboribus Mountain. Rich veins of precious metals, gems and a mysterious mineral (later revealed to be a compound infused with tiny flecks of gold) made it a vital part of the Empire of Olliveria's economic backbone. Initially mistaken for common pyrite, this mysterious mineral eventually spurred a sudden rush of prospectors and miners. Word spread quickly, and soon Borous-Under became a beacon that lured adventurers and skilled craftsmen alike, setting the stage for an era of prosperity born of the earth. The dwarves carved intricate halls and passages, their unmatched craftsmanship turning the underground city into a marvel of stone and iron. Life here revolved around the mines, the forge, and the traditions passed down through generations.

The Shandan vs. Empire of Olliveria War (4730-4735)

The tranquility of Borous-Under was shattered when a conflict erupted between the noble elves of Shandan and the mighty Empire of Olliveria. As warfare swept across the region, many elven clans found their ancestral homelands ravaged and abandoned. Borous-Under’s strategic location and its intricate network of subterranean defenses soon turned it into a bulwark against the chaos. Amid the clash of steel and spells, the indomitable dwarves not only defended their ancient halls but also harbored the displaced, setting the stage for a future of reconciliation.

The Creation of Ever-Stone (Post-4735)

In the aftermath of the devastating conflict, the surviving dwarves extended a hand of friendship to the exiled elves. Recognizing the strength that lay in unity, they embarked on a grand endeavor: the creation of a new city that would honor both their legacies. Atop the time-worn mining complex, they began to construct a city that combined the sturdy, elegant engineering of the dwarves with the graceful, natural aesthetics of the elven people. This visionary city was named Ever-Stone—a symbol of enduring peace and the melding of two great cultures, rising resiliently from the scars of war.

The Golden Age of Unity (4735-5007)

United under the banner of cooperation, Ever-Stone entered its golden age. The city became renowned for its vibrant markets, where expertly crafted goods and exquisite artifacts were traded far and wide. A bustling district, once the heart of the mining endeavors, evolved into the famed Trade Quarter—a concentration of wealth and industry reminiscent of the many legendary boomtowns of old. Trade routes expanded, cultures intermingled, and the city’s artisans pushed the boundaries of creativity. The combined talents of elven artistry and dwarven craftsmanship elevated Ever-Stone to a status admired across the lands.

Decline of the Mines and Dwarven Departure (5007)

Over time, the once plentiful mines began to yield diminishing returns. The precious resources that had sustained generations of dwarven prosperity slowly dwindled. Faced with economic challenges, many dwarven families chose to return to the core of the Empire of Olliveria or pursue new ventures in distant lands. This migration led to a considerable cultural shift: while the dwarven influence remained etched into the city’s architecture and traditions, the elven culture grew ever more prominent. Ever-Stone began to reimagine its identity, focusing on innovation, trade, and the arts.

A Multicultural Metropolis (5007-5110)

In response to the economic transformation, Ever-Stone opened its gates wider than ever before. The city soon became a thriving multicultural metropolis, drawing humans, halflings, gnomes, tieflings, dragonborn, and many other races who sought opportunity and unity. Each community brought its own customs, languages, and skills, enriching the cultural fabric of the city. While the sunlit streets and soaring palisades of the upper city thrived, an older world lingered below—the Undercity.

Originally home to the dedicated miners and artisans of Borous-Under, the upper reaches of the Undercity remained bastions of practical industry and clandestine trade routes. But the deeper layers, abandoned with the decline of the mines, fell into neglect. Over time, these shadowed corridors became havens for those left behind—marginalized souls, cunning smugglers, and secretive guilds. This underbelly, marked by poverty and illicit dealings, stands in stark contrast to the glittering promise of Ever-Stone above, hinting at stories and struggles that remain hidden from the light of day.

Districts were reorganised to accommodate the growing populace, each developing its own unique character while contributing to the city's cohesive identity.

The Underbelly Grows (Post-5110)

By 5110, beneath the shining surface of Ever-Stone, shadows began to grow. The Undercity, once the proud domain of dwarven miners, started to change. The upper layer of the Undercity retained much of its original purpose. It housed workshops, storage facilities, and served as a nexus for subterranean trade routes. It became a melting pot for craftsmen and traders who preferred the cooler depths.

The deeper levels, however, fell into neglect. With the mines exhausted and no longer maintained, these areas became a haven for those marginalized by society—beggars, outcasts, and ne'er-do-wells. The lack of oversight turned parts of the Undercity into slums, where poverty and crime took root. Rapid population growth led to increased competition for jobs and resources. Not everyone could find prosperity in the bustling markets above. And the maze-like passages of the deeper Undercity provided the perfect cover for illicit activities—smuggling, black markets, and clandestine gatherings.