Beystone
Serving as the border city between the Burnt Mountains and the Ashrane Peaks, the city of Beystone is a beacon of hope from the repression of the Corinian Empire. It welcomes beings from all races, and has become a hub for those who want to serve in the defense of the Southern Marches. Nearby is Redmont Keep which serves as the primary defense for the league. As the oldest city in the confederation, it has experienced the most warfare, which has led the city to maintain a superior military. Beystone is especially well known for their elite guerilla fighting force, the Stone Guard.
Nestled into the very mountains themselves, Beystone emerges into view dwarfed by the landscape around it. Although old, the city is a marvelous feat of architectural design and construction. Its walls rise high, creating an almost impenetrable fortification around the city within. Banners of brown and silver frame its gated entrance, displaying the sigil of the 'hammer and pick'. Most of the buildings utilize timber and locally mined limestone in their construction, with a heavy dwarven influence in their structure. Unlike Riven, there are few tall buildings, save for the lord's keep and the abbey, but because they are built of stone they are built to endure. To the south of Beystone runs the Dornan Tributary, bringing fresh water from the Ashrane Peaks into Lake Dorna.
Demographics
Primarily made up of humans and half-elves, although some of the dwarves from the nearby Ashrane Peaks have made their home here to escape the impending dangers of their mountain holds.
- 58% Human
- 17% Dwarves
- 10% Half-Elves
- 8% Elves
- 5% Halfling
- 2% Gnome
Government
Beystone is governed by a lord, part of a dynasty of rulers who hail from the same noble family. The current ruler, Lord Taron Daermont is a benevolent sovereign, although his laws are enforced by a strict and orderly city guard.
Defences
Beystone itself is well protected, not only from the nearby mountains, but also due to the stone walls that surround the city. Because it is located nearest the border with the Corinians, it was built to withstand sieges while the citizens of Tusnya head to Riven to escape an invasion. There are several guard towers, positioned optimally to see northeast towards Ridwan's Pass. The military of Beystone is comprised of both a standing army as well as a collection of mercenaries. The mercenary groups are mostly refugees who have escaped the harsh rule of the Corinian Empire and now fight for the Southern Marches as a way to protect their freedom from tyranny.
Industry & Trade
Due to the proximity of the Ashrane Peaks, the citizens of Beystone have become expert miners. An abundance of coal deposits has given many work, but the city itself did not find wealth until it struck silver with the help of the dwarves. After the first silver mine was established, Beystone started to attract more residents and was able to foster trade relationships with nearby villages and towns.
They have historically engaged in trade with cities outside of Tusnya, particularly with Angelspire. However, due to the siege of Redmont Keep by the Corinian Empire, trade has been limited to settlements within the region. The Chancellor's Road provides a direct route to Riven, fostering a strong relationship between the two cities.
Guilds and Factions
As mining became central to the wealth of the city, small mining guilds were established to unite the labor force and take advantage of the flourishing industry. One in particular, Silver Peak Mining Company grew large enough to wield significant influence in the city and acquired many of the smaller guilds. It now stands as the largest mining company in Beystone, with control of most of the coal and silver mines in the Ashrane Peaks.
Because of the hostile nature of the surrounding area, and the conflict that arises near Ridwan's Pass, many soldiers of fortune flock to Beystone. Following close behind are members of the Order of the Bellflower, a healing sect within the Church of Penem. Membership consists primarily of life clerics, although their organization attracts monks and paladins as well. They have established a presence in an old abbey known as the Sanctum of Convalescence.
History
The northern part of Tusnya remained unexplored by the elves of Tol Annûn, leaving the opportunity to settle the unknown to the human factions of the Eastern Ring. The region of Uruger was known to be barren, and to settle there would only incur difficulty. Therefore the Kingdom of Ardor looked past Uruger and into Tusnya through Ridwan's Pass. An expedition was created in 694 AR and funded by Lord Daermont, a wealthy baron within the Kingdom of Ardor. What the expedition found was a region overgrown with forests and bestial creatures. It took the Ardorian expedition years to find a suitable location for a settlement, even just as a respite from the inhospitable wilderness. Finally when Beystone was founded in 698 AR, Lord Daermont sent his second-born son to rule in his stead. Ever since, the reigning Lord of Beystone has been a descendant of house Daermont.
Architecture
Limestone is not only used for exports, but also integral to much of the construction within the city. Old parts of Beystone are constructed primarily with limestone, while newer buildings prefer to use more wood. Stylistically, buildings are a blend of Tusnyan architecture as well as heavy dwarven influence. The city is still above ground, but buildings in the dwarven district are constructed with more stone and tend to have shorter ceilings.
Founding Date
698 AR
Type
City
Population
~19600
Location under
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
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