Aspenshield
The city of Aspenshield resides within the Aspenshield Forest, in the Northwood. It is protected well by the trees and the defenses of the Elves there and is home to many mysteries and powerful magics. It is ruled by the The Crystal Queen and all who come to the forest know of her power. Powerful energy can be felt within its borders and those who bring trouble should be on their guard.
The people of Aspenshield spend their days making music, art, poetry, wine, crafts, and food. They train in weapons, arm themselves with knowledge, and give thanks to Lyradell. Their society is based around one principle; what The Crystal Queen dictates. She provides them shelter, culture, law, and love. They need little else. The citizens will all typically work together to make the city succeed and everyone relies on each other. Everyone appreciate the ponds, trees, parks, and animals that call Aspenshield their home and the people live in harmony with the world around them.
Aspenshield Elves consider themselves superior to everyone, including other Elves, but they recognize the need for humility when dealing with outsiders. They show a genuine patience and solemnity when required, but within their own environment they are a happy and carefree people.
Demographics
Aspenshield is home to predominantly Elves. Most are from the city, and rarely leave except on short trips to experience the Northwood. Few travel south for anything other than business or to reach allies like Essillion, Shalehaven, or Meadowspring. The dangers of Azdurok to the south and east puts Aspenshield citizens on high alert when traveling outside the protections of their city.
Merchants find much to gain their interest in the city, and many will come from Hollow's Point to the west to sample the fineries and rare items that make their way to the stalls and tents of the Jade Leaf Market.
There is parity among most Elves in Aspenshield, with few wanting of anything. Non-Elves that hold respected or successful positions are treated well, while others are treated with a polite but distant air.
Government
Aspenshield functions like an oligarchy in which the rule of The Crystal Queen is unquestioned and accepted. She is supported by a group of advisors but she only uses them when she feels it is necessary; they do not hold any official power. Ultimately, her word is law. The people of Aspenshield, for the most part, are supremely dedicated to her and her rule. Those that find her distasteful will more often leave Aspenshield for other parts of Starhelm, but they are the minority. The Crystal Queen can be arrogant, spiteful, and haughty, but she loves her people and will do whatever it takes to defend them and their way of life. She feels she is the sole defense against the trials of Azdurok to the south, and she knows she is wise and powerful enough to defeat all who go against her. She has been around since before the Elves were placed on Aerith and she remembers a time when her people lived above the world, in their glorious floating cities. If she is intent on accomplishing something nothing will change her mind and those that are wise will either support her, or get out of her way.
In the last century, the ruling of Aspenshield interior has been largely handled by her daughter Alyra as The Crystal Queen deals with other, more pressing matters. Alyra relies on the councilors and the court more than her mother, and will heed advice and further discuss matters where her mother would take decisive action.
There is very little crime in Aspenshield and little need for any type of constabulary. There are no official thieves’ guilds in Aspenshield and the respect and fear for The Crystal Queen is usually sufficient enough to deter any major crimes. There is a small contingent of inspectors that travel through the city ensuring nothing untoward is happening, particularly with regards to foreigners. Guards stationed throughout the city ensure nothing unwanted enters and that the citizens and visitors alike are protected. The people of Aspenshield feel safe behind their wall of trees.
Defences
The army of Aspenshield is vibrant and skilled, with a varied array of specialized forces. Archers, Battle Mages, Owl and Moon Horse cavalry, Scouts, Rangers, and Crystal Champions make up a good portion of the forces at Aspenshield’s call. Front line soldiers are all equipped with crystal weapons, while the more decorated leaders will have crystal-enchanted blades. The patrolling of the northern reaches of the Aspenshield Forest are left to the Wood Elves that inhabit those areas, particularly the group known as The Cithereth. The Crystal Queen leaves the defense of her northern borders to them, while she concentrates on the western and southern edges of her borders.
The Topaz Nest, which serves as the giant-owl rookery is extremely well-guarded and rises high up slightly above the tree line.
Equally important are the Moon Horses that dwell in the Northguard Plains and into the forests to the east. The Elves of Aspenshield have tamed and trained these horses to perform great feats of stamina, speed, and grace. The Aspenshield Cavalry, at its full might can conquer from the air or the ground with equal speed and force.
The defense of Aspenshield itself is threefold; the three-ringed Aspenshield, the guards of the city, and the magic of The Crystal Queen. Few ever bother to attack it, and none have come close to even damaging it. The fear of The Crystal Queen is usually enough, but the way to the city is guarded and protected by not just Elves, but all manner of beasts and friends. The people of Aspenshield feel well-protected from all manner of harm.
The Bloodstone Spires are situated at the main entrance, the northwest, and the northeast borders of the city. The spires peek out over the trees and give a clear view of the surrounding countryside. The guards, soldiers, and military are all housed within these spires and they come equipped with barracks, training halls, armouries, and war council chambers.
Industry & Trade
Aspenshield is remarkably self-sufficient, relying on very little from the outside world. They produce fine items, have extensive knowledge of many things, and have a tremendously talented glassblowing community that specializes in stained glass. They can feed themselves, protect themselves, and are fine patrons of the arts.
From an external perspective, the Six-Spire Mines are the main source of income, as well as some excellent weaponsmiths, and a prominent magic school.
Districts
The Aspenshield, as the city is named, forms three concentric rings, each one diminishing in size as it spreads toward the centre of the city. The outer ring is called Aspenwall, the inner ring is called Aspenguard, and the final ring is called Aspenshade.
ASPENWALL
Forming the outer ring of the city and serving as the first line of defense, the Aspenwall takes up the largest amount of space and is the border of the city to the outlying forest. The trees are thick, tall, and very strong naturally, and they have been imbued with High Elven, and Wood Elf magic to make them very durable. Very few know how to access the sections of Aspenwall that allow travel to the forest; all travel goes through the main gates.ASPENGUARD
The inner ring of the Aspenshield forms the Aspenguard and it is where the majority of the crystal spires reside. The bridges high above the ground connect the spires and cast long shadows across the area. A number of parks, pools, and houses fill in the space and it sees plenty of activity, though not as much as the Aspenwall.ASPENSHADE
The focal point of Aspenshade, and probably all of Aspenshield is the Crystal Palace, the home of the Crystal Queen. It glows dimly or brightly depending on the mood of the Crystal Queen, and if it is dark in hue everyone knows to keep their distance. The power that radiates from the palace can be felt throughout most of Aspenshade.Assets
For those looking to get crystal there is no better place on Starhelm, or perhaps even Aerith. The crystal mines were in existence when Aspenshield was still an Avariel city and they still retain much of their celestial potency, though somewhat diminished.
The Six-Spire Crystal Emporium houses the finest collection of crystal to enchant or to beautify.
Illyrio’s Bright Blades is a unique weaponsmith shop that crafts and supplies crystal weapons, most often swords. They also adorn standard weapons with intricate crystals and gems for power or aesthetic. Illyrio is an Elf that has been perfecting his art for over a century. His weapons and designs are in high demand and many warriors make the trek to Aspenshield just to secure one of his swords. He has two Elf apprentices that work the shop with him, Aster, and Palen, and one Gnome apprentice named Jeannie Thistlebottom.
At the eastern end of the Aspenwall lies the prestigious hall of magic – the Moonstone Halls. Merain Moonshield is the headmaster of the school and is extremely well-versed in all things crystal. He has attuned to most, if not all, types of crystal during his long life and tenure at the school, and he is very fond of sharing his knowledge. Merain is very cautious of sharing crystal magic with those that are unworthy, and the entrance exam is extremely difficult. Most non-Elves do not bother but there are some practitioners of magic that recognize the power of crystals and look to Merain to further their knowledge. He is equally hard to all his students, Elves, or other, and he ensures that everyone that leaves the school shows the proper respect for the power they now have. While the Moonstone Halls and the Conclave of Magic are not aligned, there are those from the Conclave that like to learn as much as they can from Merain. He does not afford them any special treatment, but they are typically better equipped to learn from him than many others. He has declined any offers to join the Conclave as a specialist, preferring to pave his own way. There are a few apprentices under him that show great promise but Merain does not look like he is leaving his post anytime soon.
At the southern end of Aspenshield , near the gates sits the Alora Stables. This houses one of the finest collection of Moon Horses on Starhelm, and the skill and expertise of the Moon Riders is unequalled. The Moon Riders are led by Horsemaster Paravian Winterstar, an elderly but spry Elf who is greatly respected by his men and horses alike. They say there is no horse he could not tame, and he rides a brilliant but difficult stallion named Frostfoot, for the stark white socks he sports.
The Jade Leaf Market is an open market, with tents covering it during the harshest winter months. All manner of items can be bought but there are few oddities or eccentric items found. The Elves leave that to Hollow's Point to provide those interested. There are some strange items that can be found by traveling merchants who visited Aspenshield but most find there is better business elsewhere. The market caters mostly to the Elves who live there and to some visitors. The largest market of crystals can be found in the Six-Spire Crystal Emporium, at the heart of the open market. A series of tents, tables, and stalls display many different crystals as cultivated directly in Aspenshield, or procured from travelers to the city. Other merchants sell art, food, tools, supplies, and books.
Guilds and Factions
Within the walls of Aspenshield the only direction the city moves is that of The Crystal Queen's will. She will ask for input from whomever is most relevant to get as much information as she needs, and then she makes a decision. There is very little discussion to be had. The advisors of the Crystal Palace spend more of their time discussing with each other, or with the Crystal Heir - Alyra. She is much more inclined to hold council and find an acceptable direction, though she is more like her mother than she would like. Her patience is only so strong, but she is working on being an effective leader to her people, as nobody has the sheer presence and power of her mother.
History
Post Fractioning
Aside from the changes The Fractioning imparted on the continent (and the world), the Elves of Aspenshield were impacted very little by the Fractioning. They were far from the blast, their trees kept them safe, and the magic of their Queen negated any ill effects. Their biggest concern was that their allies in Essillion were weakened and could not lend the aid against the Fallen that Aspenshield historically counted on.
The Crystal Queen was in Starhelm City the day of The Fractioning and it was her great power that saved her from the fate that befell everyone else at the coronation of the Witch Queen. She transported back to Aspenshield immediately and began working on plans to curtail the efforts of the Witch Queen, while still maintaining the protection they offered against the Fallen of Azdurok.
Points of interest
The Crystal Palace is the home of The Crystal Queen, her children, and the members of her court. It is a focal point of the city and reflections and refractions from the many crystals, stained glass, and gems roam at random across Aspenshade. Holding court is the domain of Alyra, the Crystal Heir, and the Crystal Queen's third child.
The Pool of Tolos is a sacred pool that contains perpetually replenishing water. It is a hold over from the days of the Avariel and is special to the Crystal Queen. It is maintained by the priests of Zayphos from the nearby temple and the clarity and purity of the water is never diminished. No swimming can take place in the pool but people can come to gather some water, or sit and rest near its clear, cool stillness. Typically, the water is used for holy purposes or cleansing rituals but there are many other uses of the water. The priests ensure that the privilege of receiving the waters from Tolos does not get abused. Nobles and pious visitors are often seen at its banks, or entreating the priests who maintain it to provide some water. Places to sit and contemplate surround the pool and the area and is often filled with Elves at varying hours of the day.
The Queen’s Favour is the premiere location for art, entertainment, and culture in Aspenshield . It is maintained by Gracent Whisperwind, brother to Larence of the The Twice-Cut Emerald. He heads up a staff of Elves, Gnomes, and a few Genasi who put on plays, dances, art shows, concerts, and orations. The Queen’s Favour sits on a high ridge that has a great view of the Crystal Palace and much of the city. It is an open forum, with a roof supported by exquisitely carved pillars. When there is a performance there, the weather never affects the area, thanks to the grace of the Queen.
The Twice-Cut Emerald is an inn and gambling house that is situated northeast of the market. It functions as an inn, most notably for visitors and travelers and it can house a large number of people. Aspenshield has some smaller inns and boarding houses but the Twice-Cut is by far the most popular amongst foreigners, or those Elves who like to let loose a bit. The proprietor is an Air Genasi by the name of Larence Whisperwind. He is assisted by his wife Tashia Whisperwind, his cousin Took Whisperwind, and his niece Pasha Whisperwind. They do their best to make the Twice-Cut a fun and entertaining establishment, and there is little trouble that happens here. Occasionally some visitors may get out of hand but Larence and Tashia are very good at calming people down. The food they serve is good but not fancy. They stick to mostly local dishes with some modifications of their own.
The Sapphire Plate is a very high-end restaurant that caters to nobles, visiting dignitaries, and the wealthy. It’s chef and proprietor, Sallia Erewaith is an Elf noblewoman that is fascinated with food. She experiments often with different tastes, ingredients, and presentation, and she is fond of getting in delicacies from outside Aspenshield . She frequents the market and is well-known to many traveling merchants who deal in such wares. She has been called to cater The Crystal Queen a number of times and has never disappointed her. Sallia has been known to get hunters, trackers, or adventurers to procure some rare ingredients for her and is willing to pay handsomely. She is located close to Aspenshade, near the Pool of Tolos, and her restaurant is on a pleasant hillock that provides a nice few of the city.
Honour’s Soul is the more popular of the two temples in Aspenshield, favouring Lyradell. It is run by Grace Lord Silaret Moonshadow, a noble Elf of great charisma, grace, and humility. He represents his people well, and is a favourite amongst Lyradell’s priesthood. He also is shown great favour by The Crystal Queen and the two have been known to spend time in meditation or solemnity. The popularity of this temple requires more adherents to ensure it is run smoothly and many pious Elves serve by Silaret’s side.
The Celestica is a temple to Zayphos, and an original building from the days of the Avariel. While the temple has maintained its celestial beauty, it is nonetheless, less visited than its cousin on the other side. Mistral Aurelei is a noble Elf of extraordinary beauty and elegance, and she stands tall and proud. She is responsible for reciting and replaying the history of the Avariel and the Elves in their early days, but as time goes by fewer Elves seem interested. She never seems outwardly discouraged but during moments of introspection she can become uncharacteristically sullen for brief periods of time.
Tourism
Those coming to seek culture, knowledge, or some excellent crystal, gems, or glass will make the trip to Aspenshield. Typically people visit that have a purpose. There is very little tourism for the sake of visiting, but it does happen. The trek to Aspenshield can be dangerous, and arduous, so most do not bother to make it just for fun. Those that do find themselves in the city are dazzled by its beauty, colour, and ingenious use of art, architecture, natural materials, and sense of safety.
Architecture
Blending nature and craft together, the prominent use of crystals cannot be overstated. Stained glass windows are found in most buildings, and gems, polished moonstone, and innumerable crystals adorn even the simplest of fixtures. Buildings exist in the trees, and a great walkway extends throughout the city, connecting the six crystal mines to each other. Most people live on the ground though, not venturing to the trees to live, but to walk, commune with nature, or just to escape pedestrian life.
Geography
The forest outside the Aspenwall is thick and difficult to traverse, if one is not familiar with the terrain. A single path leads into Aspenshield and is heavily guarded by scouts, archers, and guards along the trail heading into the city. At the gates is a magically blocked portcullis of vines, leaves, and branches and can be lowered and locked in a matter of seconds.
The interior of Aspenshield is carpeted with a fine mossy grass in most sections, with paths at random intervals connecting different sections. Parks, hillocks, ponds, and quiet gathering places can be found throughout Aspenshield, and the citizens make great use of them. Towering above the ground-level houses are the six spires of crystal, that make up the crystal mines of the city.
In the far end is the owl rookery, which can be seen from anywhere in the city.
Climate
Aspenshield maintains a relatively cold temperature throughout the year, but it is a milder cold in the summer months. The city itself enjoys the regulated temperatures that the trees, and the magic of the Elves provide, but the forest around traps much of the cold, wet moisture from the north end of the sea to the east. Further north of the city it gets even colder and snow and ice are prevalent through half of the year.
Natural Resources
Crystal, lumber, and natural medicine can be found in and around Aspenshield.
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