Hidden away in the mountains, Garvinel is not known for much aside from being very cold. It's unadvised to head there without apt clothing or heat source. Contrary to the rest of Southeastern Prostesa, magic is not outlawed unless it is capable of causing damage. The people here are quite secluded and don't really speak much with other settlements unless needed.
For those searching for a relatively quiet and orderly life, Garvinel is the place for them.
Garvinans mostly consist of humans, orcs, and half-orcs, all races finding the cold weather enjoyable. Almost all of Garvinel is middle class, and workers tend to be miners or builders.
There were many noble families in Garvinel as a large amount were rich, yet most of these royal families have dwindled and died out. As a result, conflict is known to frequently break out in the streets as none of the noble families like each other too much. All of them vie for the same things and complain about the same problems. The middle class and low class often mock them, and a joke is known to pass around frequently: "Were there only one tree/coin/animal on the planet, all the nobles would argue over who deserves it the most."
One notable family of these many lines is the Von Hammenburg family. They are a line of architects responsible for much of the structure of Garvinel. Their name carries weight both good and bad, though those born in recent times may not understand why.
A noble by the name of Theodore Limerick runs Garvinel with the assistance of a council whose members are elected by the people themselves. There are no added taxes in this town, so all prices listed in shops are the prices you pay. Magic is allowed unless it is capable of causing harm. Upon cast of a harmful spell, you will be quickly sent out of Garvinel and denied entry.
There are many towers in the mountain peaks armed with Garvinel's most trusted soldiers. Sturdy, stone walls surround Garvinel in a sort of hexagon shape and also serve as a sort of water drainage system. The walls are equipped with battlements to assist in defending against raiders that managed to survive the cold environment.
One of the most important things done here is foraging in the mountains, so food is one of the many exports that Garvinel is known for. Some of the plants that grow in the Tyrian Mountains have the capability of being crafted into very fine rope and binding materials. As growing food is difficult in the mountains, any kind of food is a welcome import.
Because the city is built in the peaks of the mountains, stone bridges connect the peaks. A sewage system runs under the city and drains out through precise indentations in the walls that surround it.
Garvinel connects six different peaks, all purposed for varying things. The peaks are arranged in a pentagon that connects at the center peak.
Peak One, the north peak, is the greeting area for visitors and provides a general introduction of Garvinel's many locations. Travelers would be able to find other wanderers here and set up camp. It's essentially a resting stop for those who plan to enter and leave immediately.
Peak Two is the center peak of Garvinel, and it holds a tavern. The majority of the town is seen here during the day, and at noon, a small marketplace opens where traveling merchants make themselves known. It's the peak of trade and commerce.
Peak Three, the northwest peak, holds the Garvinel Council Hall, where the elected council does their business in peace. This is the quietest and most heavily-guarded area of Garvinel. Commonfolk are not allowed to enter without reason.
Peak Four, the northeast peak, holds the Crestclaw Guild Hall. This is where adventurers, inventors, collectors, and travelers that simply wish for a more exciting life come and gather to protect the continent. Aside from the abundance of noble families, this is what Garvinel is known for. Heroes make a name for themselves here, and their names are still said throughout the world.
Peak Five, the southwest peak, is where the commoners live. Thanks to a community effort, there’s a park at the peak’s center. The environment is kept tidy, and the homes are cozy, though they don't appear to be anything eye-catching. Two inns are stationed here for travelers that aim to settle down for longer than a day or those that need basic necessities. The citizens are very welcoming and do their best to keep things tidy.
Peak Six, the southeast peak, is where the high-class citizens live. It's the second-largest peak in Garvinel, and this is mostly due to the size of the nobles' homes. The extravagant decor that accompanies the estates takes many different servants to maintain a decent appearance. Each family has spread far apart so their homes can stand out more. There's a constant competition for status and recognition, and this usually results in violent standoffs between noble families. Commoners are glad they're not particularly welcome here. Not many people are unless they promise servitude.
Most of the stores in Garvinel are ones that sell burly clothing to resist the cold of the mountain peaks. Aside from that, there are two inns and a single, massive tavern, known as The Giant's Gut run by three different people.
One of the few groups in Garvinel is the Crestclaw, a guild of mages and warriors that seek to end the warlock that caused The Silence. As they are licensed by the government to carry out this task, any magic they cast is automatically allowed, including harmful spells. Many vengeful souls that harbor hatred for The Silence have joined this guild and rally the will of the city to support them.
Aside from this group are the Ironwise, blacksmiths that take upon the role of creating weapons, armor, and shields for the Crestclaw. They sell to the general public as well, but their supplies are greatly limited.
Originally founded by a man named Julian Thoridan, Garvinel was built with the intent to create a safe place for those looking to escape the responsibilities of their lives. Construction was hard due to the environment, but with the combined help of nearby dwarves, half-orcs, and humans, Garvinel came to be.
When The Silence began, Garvinel was hardly shaken, as the Crestclaw are now the one thing standing between Garvinel and the warlock's power. Mages who still wish to practice do so under the care of this guild, and those who don't wish to join are still free to practice much safer spells.
All of the buildings in Garvinel are made of wood and painted a dark brown. There are few brightly-colored buildings as dark colors have been found to hold heat much better. Though there are few, porches still exist, and surrounding them is a screen to provide protection from the snow. Much of the construction in Garvinel comes from the Von Hammenburg family.
The landscape is entirely mountainous and has no running water, so most are forced to melt the snow in Garvinel for a water source. As Garvinel sits at the peak of the Tyrian Mountains, one would be able to see a wondrous view of both Southeast Prostesa and Southwest Prostesa as snowflakes fall through the sky. Perfect for paintings.
Deep in the Tyrian Mountains lies a graveyard where the old nobles are buried. The graves are grouped by family line. It's here where the history of Garvinel takes a grim turn, as the long dead families can all be found in this one place. This graveyard is known as Mammon's Grove.
At the peak of the mountains are strange ferns that curl inwards at the top. They often bear seeds that have a taste faintly similar to cinnamon, and they themselves are able to be formed into a very fine fiber that's both elastic and firm. Along with those are Tyrian Frostberries, fruits that often come in groups of six and grow inside of a massive, sky blue, snowflake-shaped leaf.
"No, we're not a really talkative type, but we're still as effective as every other town out there. Hey, take this. You're shivering so hard the ground might start shaking! What? Why am I not affected by this freezing weather? That's Garvinan blood for you, boy."
"Be easy on the soldiers here, kid. They've been putting their lives on the line to bring back our magic. Times have been tough, but we're pulling through. This is our home, and we're not letting some damn warlock take it away from us!"
Theodore Limerick
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