Lustrum - Fallweld
Fallweld, a high-altitude district nestled within the mountainous region of the Lustrum Metropolis, was founded by the nomadic Aarakocra in year 700. This mountainous enclave, accessible only by flight or through steam-powered elevators, serves as a stronghold for the Aarakocra and is renowned for its advanced steamforging technology, a unique process that blends the natural magic of the mountains with early steam power to create finely crafted weapons and armor. The Aarakocra live in woven hut clusters atop plateaus, scattered across the mountainsides, with key industries like metalworking and magical item crafting sustaining the district.
Founder: Kelirc, leader of the Aarakocra nomads, spearheaded the settlement of Fallweld after the "Stray Races" gathered and sought out new lands to call their own following years of displacement.
Demographics
Aarakocra: 80%
Stray Races (including some Kenku and Tabaxi): 10%
Other Humanoids: 10%
Government
Fallweld is governed by the Lustrum Council, but the day-to-day management of the district falls under the leadership of Mayor Zeyrius, an Aarakocra metalsmith with deep ties to the community. The council enforces peace, trade regulations, and cultural harmony, while the mayor and Council of Forges oversee Fallweld’s unique industrial and technological advancements.
Defences
Fallweld relies on the natural elevation of its mountain and the flight abilities of its Aarakocra to defend against intrusions. In addition, steam-powered ballistae guard key pathways, while the highly skilled Skyward Sentinels, an elite aerial guard, protect the forges and the district from above.
Industry & Trade
Fallweld are masters of metal, using the metals and ores found at the top of the mountain they have have found a way to make use of steam (one of the earliest examples of the steam technonolgy) to forge there weapons. Infused with a little magic, steam-forged weapons are highly durable and very effective against certain creatures depending on the type of ore that is used.
Primary Industry: Steamforging is the district’s main trade, producing armor, weapons, and magical items that are exported to other regions.
Exports: Steamforged weapons, light armor, magic-infused tools, and enchanted trinkets.
Imports: Food, rare metals, and magical components not found within the mountains.
Infrastructure
The district’s infrastructure is defined by elevated pathways, wooden elevators, and natural plateaus where the Aarakocra have woven their homes. Each plateau is connected by flight paths and hanging bridges, with steam-powered elevators facilitating the movement of goods and people who cannot fly. Forges, powered by geothermal steam, are spread across the mountain to maximize access to natural resources like ore and steam vents.
Districts
- Forge District: The heart of Fallweld’s economy, housing steamforges where weapons and armor are crafted. This district is filled with workshops, metal stockpiles, and crafting guilds.
- Plateau of the Skywatchers: A spiritual and observatory area where Aarakocra elders perform rituals and track celestial movements, believed to be crucial for their connection to the elements.
- Hot Spring District: Home to steam baths and healing pools where residents and visitors come to relax. This district is also the location of several specialized forges.
Assets
- Steamforging Forges: These forges produce high-quality armor and weapons using ore from the mountain and steam from geothermal vents.
- Featherlight Armory: A blacksmith known for crafting lightweight yet durable armor that’s perfectly suited for Aarakocra and other avian races.
- Talons’ Edge Emporium: A magical item vendor specializing in enchanted weapons and tools infused with elemental magic drawn from the mountain.
- Skyweave Clothiers: A tailor known for crafting lightweight robes and flying gear, often imbued with enchantments for ease of movement.
Guilds and Factions
The Skyward Smiths: A guild of metalworkers and blacksmiths specializing in the unique art of steamforging, ensuring the traditional methods are passed down through generations.
Council of Forges: An assembly of master forgers and steam artisans who regulate the production of weapons and tools, ensuring quality and trade compliance.
Wings of the Forge: A group of elite Aarakocra scouts who protect the skies around Fallweld and monitor the lands below for external threats.
History
Fallweld was founded a long time after the Pandora War, after certain creatures beagn appearing from tears caused by the Sins. One such group; the Aarakocra, were left moving nomadically for hundreds of years not being accepted by the races originally on this plane, since they appeared around the same time as the Sins.
In the year 700; A group of the informally classified "Stray Races" held an informal council near the pastel prarie and had deciede to take up some unclaimed land and make it as their own, with certain features needs for certain races. Kelirc - the leader of the Aarakocra at the along with the rest of the nomadic tribe settled with the stray races on top of a mountain. Where metal ores were falling and with the speed and along with the magic in the area had welded on impact. Dubbed Fallweld for this strange phenomenon, Kelirc set up the town to have forges near by landing zones of these ores and began learning the ways of this magical welding and smelting, creating interesting armour and weapons through a process found from the strange steaming pools at the top that metal ores had fallen through, called steamforging.
Today - Fallweld is now a section of the fastly growing Lustrum Metropolis, building into the fallweld mountain. While technology has made it easier to reach the mountain it stays traditional in its steamforging methods.
Points of interest
- Skywatcher’s Pinnacle: A spiritual site where the Aarakocra commune with the skies and track celestial patterns. Visitors come to witness the breathtaking view of the stars and participate in seasonal rituals.
- Forge of Winds: The central forge in Fallweld, where the best smiths create enchanted steamforged weapons. It’s also a hub for trade and learning, drawing blacksmiths from across Astrium to study the art.
- The Whispering Springs: A hot spring area near the summit, believed to have healing properties. Many Aarakocra come here to recover from injuries or long journeys.
Tourism
Visitors are drawn to Fallweld for its scenic hot springs, steamforged relics, and the breathtaking sight of Aarakocra in flight around their homes. Guided tours are occasionally allowed to observe the steamforging process, and the Plateau of the Skywatchers is a popular destination for spiritual seekers and scholars.
Celebration
Falling Flames - 16th Anvilorn
Overview
The Day of Falling Flames is a vibrant, sky-bound festival celebrated annually in Fallweld, marking the day the Aarakocra discovered the mystical phenomenon of "falling ores" that led to the founding of their settlement. The event honors the district's mastery of steamforging and pays tribute to the fusion of nature, magic, and technology that has become Fallweld's identity. The holiday is filled with aerial displays, fire-lit ceremonies, and competitions in blacksmithing and flight.
History
The festival traces its origins back to the discovery of the magical ores that fell from the mountains and fused upon impact in a natural welding process. According to legend, these ores first fell during a massive storm, where streaks of flame were seen descending from the sky. Kelirc, the founder of Fallweld, interpreted these flames as a divine sign, leading the Aarakocra to settle on the mountain and harness this natural resource. The first Day of Falling Flames was held to celebrate their mastery of steamforging, and the festival has since grown into a district-wide event.
Traditions:
- Falling Fire Display: The day begins with the Falling Fire Display, a breathtaking aerial show where Aarakocra perform intricate flying patterns, weaving through rings of magical fire that symbolize the falling ores. As night falls, glowing orbs are released from the mountain peaks, mimicking the falling flames from the legend, lighting up the sky.
- The Great Forge Ritual: One of the central events is the Great Forge Ritual, where master smiths of Fallweld, under the guidance of the Council of Forges, perform a public demonstration of steamforging. They forge a ceremonial weapon or armor piece, typically a blade or chestplate, using rare metals gathered in the preceding year. The finished item is enchanted and displayed in the Forge of Winds until the next year's festival.
- Flight Competitions: Aarakocra from across Astrium gather for the Featherflight Challenge, an exhilarating race through the mountain's valleys and sky paths. The race tests both speed and agility as participants navigate obstacles, wind currents, and magical barriers. Winners are awarded with custom-forged armor, enchanted to enhance their flight abilities.
- Oath of the Flames: A solemn ceremony takes place at the Skywatcher’s Pinnacle, where young Aarakocra coming of age swear an Oath of the Flames, vowing to uphold the values of their people: honor, craftsmanship, and protection of the skies. The ritual is accompanied by the lighting of forge fires, which are left to burn throughout the festival.
- Sky Market: During the festival, merchants and artisans from all corners of Lustrum Metropolis and beyond gather at the Sky Market. Here, visitors can purchase steamforged weapons, rare ores, and intricate crafts made by the Aarakocra. Magic items related to flight, weather manipulation, and air-based enchantments are especially popular.
- Skyfire Stew: A spicy, warming stew made from local mountain herbs, root vegetables, and fire-kissed meats. It's traditionally cooked in pots suspended over the steam vents.
- Featherbrew Ale: A light, crisp ale made using fermented cloudberries and mountain spring water, popular among the Aarakocra for its refreshing taste after long flights.
- Embercakes: Small cakes baked with fiery spices and topped with glowing embers of enchanted sugar, which flicker like small flames.
Architecture
The architecture of Fallweld is dominated by woven huts resembling large bird nests, perched atop natural rock formations and plateau edges. The forges, by contrast, are sturdy stone structures designed to withstand both extreme heat and the cold mountain winds. Elevators, bridges, and hanging platforms connect the various levels of the district.
Geography
Fallweld is perched high in the Lustrum Mountains, surrounded by steep cliffs and deep valleys. The natural rock formations provide both protection and resources.
Climate
The district experiences a cool, mountain climate with frequent mists, light snow in the winters, and clear, crisp air in the summers. Steam vents from geothermal springs provide heat in many areas of the district.
Natural Resources
Mountain ores: Fallweld is rich in rare metals and minerals essential to its steamforging industry.
Geothermal steam: Used to power the forges and the elevator system that connects the district to the rest of Lustrum Metropolis
Founding Date
700 AD
Founders
Type
Quarter
Population
4113
Location under
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