Port Town of Espelhar

Overview

A town under the control of the Free City-State of Centrum. The town possesses one of the largest ports on the continent. There is no doubt that the town's position as a nexus for high-volume trade routes are partly responsible for the large port's development. One of these routes is a direct sea lane connection to the Free City of Centrum and that city is known as the trading hub of the entire continent. As such, Espelhar's status as a valuable economic asset and that fact is partly responsible for the creation of a strange agreement between Centrum and Lunaria.

Purchase of Espelhar

In 1257AGC, Centrum offered to purchase Espelhar from the Queendom of Lunaria. The sum offered was greatly generous and included a provision where the town could keep its original Lunarian administrators. As the Kingdom of Helia was marching onto Lunarian lands, it seemed that the influx of coin could only benefit Lunaria's war effort. Besides, the town would retain its original administration under Centrum's offer, so the Queendom would technically still have control over the town. Queen Shava accepted the offer just before the Helian attack on her land.
Not everything about the agreement with Centrum was generous. For one thing, under the new terms Espelhar would need to relax some of its restrictions on guilds operating within city limits. Additionally, the installation of new members of the town council would be overseen by the Centrum Director's Council. This effectively means that over time Lunaria's influence over the port town will diminish, and so will its control over an important trade network. It is unclear how this situation will develop in the future. For now, the Queen has little to gain from engaging in conflict with the Free City until the threat from the Kingdom of Helia is resolved.

The Keep of Espelhar

A tall metal tower stands in the midst of the town. The great height of the tower allows it far reaching sight of the lands about it, and this tower is known as the Keep of Espelhar. The keep is named after a renowned knight who traveled from the Principality of Avistar. It is said that Espelhar protected the town from a horde of monsters. He erected the tower shortly thereafter after swearing to ensure the town would always be protected. It is this tower that produces a powerful magic shield that protects the town from all manner of dangers. Some say that Espelhar powered the shield not with a Schutz Crystal, but something more potent.

Espelhar Assets:

• Ports
• Taverns
• Seafood Market
• Produce Market

Espelhar Monuments:

• Sir Espelhar Lionshard
• Ensatra Glitterheart

Note(s) from the Archivists:

I've been looking over copies of that agreement between Centrum and Lunaria. It is so strange. - Archivist Enna