Saarthal

The City of Two Suns

Saarthal, a place of great history, is a large free city located in the Riverlands of north-west Albion. The city was previously a part of the Kingdom of Aumont until the Schism in 245AE. Saarthal is in control of many rich silver mines that dot its surrounding regions. The profits from these mines aid in paying for the city's many projects, as well as its protection. Saarthal is a particulary pius city. Within it's walls one can find the Cathedral of Light, from where the Bishop spreads the message of Danu's Light. The city is also home to the Companion, a large metallic orb, that hangs over the High Hall. The Companion was the instrument of victory during the Red Coup. Floating above the city, the orb has hummed with a dim golden glow for the past fifty years. Paladins, clerics, and folk of faith come to Saarthal to pay homage to the Companion and take part in religious services, others to simply sate their curiosity.
A famous order of knights known as the Hellriders have their origins and headquarters in Saarthal. Many centuries ago these brave warriors rode through the gates of the Infernum itself. Today they protect the city and swear by the Creed Resolute.

Saarthal is now ruled by a group known as the High Council. Their leader, High Observer Thavius Kreeg, is currently awaiting the arrival of Frederick Bauer for diplomatic talks.
Currently the main threats to the city of Saarthal are bandits patrolling the roads around the riverlands, and beasts such as trolls and ogres that roam the countryside. Saarthals' riches also make it a desirable target should the uneasy peace between the neighbouring kingdoms of Sancre and Aumont come to an end. The actual city itself however is regarded as extremely safe; policed by its city watch and Hellrider patrols. Those that break the law are often sent to work in the silvermines outside the city.

Government

The city is ruled by an oligarchy called the High Council. This council is made up of elites who are each in charge of governing different roles within the city. The following council roles are as follows:

• High Observer (Thavius Kreeg) - This rank rules supreme over all others and the individual has the ability to overrule decisions that end in a stalemate.
• High Marshal (Jasper Keller) - In charge of the city guards, defences, and liasing with mercenary companies.
• High Financier (Sonia Besson) - Responsible for managing the citiy's treasury.
• High Recorder (Clara Peiper) - An expert in the laws of the realm and record keeper for Saarthal.
• High Shadow (Florian Gainsbourg) - Spymaster and intelligence gatherer.

The Bishop of the Folk of Danu (Gideon Elran), stationed at the Chapel of Light, has an honourary position on the council.
Fifty years prior, Saarthal used to be ruled by an elected official known as the High Watcher. After the Red Coup, the High Council was formed to help rebuild Saarthal.

Districts

The city is split into two districts: an upper city known as the High District and a lower city known as the Dock District.
The High District spreads over the slopes of a rising, defensible hill with a rocky cliff on its east side, where it meets the Silverscale. In this crowded space, the buildings are constructed of stone, with tall narrow houses topped with spires and bedecked with balconies and windows, and the cobbled streets are narrow, steep, and winding. Their cellars are dug out of the solid rock. This area is home to the city's nobility. Atop the cliff overlooking the river is the High Hall, marked by its soaring turrets and its walls encircling the summit. This is where the High Observer lives, government is based, bureaucracy managed, political and religious leaders housed, and where large commercial meetings are held. On the northeastern flank of the hill is a ravine, crossed by two bridges: Luna's Reach in the north and the Danu's Blade south of it, each 20 feet and consecrated in the name of Danu by runes carved into them.
The Dock District, meanwhile, covers the flatlands around. It is home to markets, stockyards, and warehouses, as well as wagon-makers and yards and officers of other trades associated with caravans. It is dirty, disorderly, and smelly, with buildings designed only for function and business. In the east side, it is known for hovels and warehouses clustered around the docks. In the west side there are tidier and more well-off homes and shops. Those in the east thought those in the west were lazy, soft, arrogant, and pretentious.

Guilds and Factions

The Hellriders: A group of elite mounted knights that have defended Saarthal for centuries. Currently led by High Rider Victor Wulfgar.
The Order of the Lady: Holy Paladins dedicated to Luna and those under her wing. Saarthal's chapter is led by Knight-Commander Duncan Whitefoord.
The Handlers Guild: A mercantile guild run by Dwarves of House Vadalis; involved in the breeding, raising, training, and maintaining the health of animals, as well as research and other related tasks.

History

The Ride - 87AE

A group of elite knights called the Hellriders were formed in the year 87AE, after an event known as The Ride. It is said that an angelic being visited the Kingdom of Aumont in search of zealous warriors to launch a crusade into the depths of the Infernum itself. Most of the knights who answered the divine call were Saars, although warriors came from Sancre, Kronburg, and further afield too. The angel gathered several thousand knights at Saarthal, from where they went on to ride through a portal leading to Avernus (the first layer of the Infernum). The knights fought courageously, however the legions of hell were too great, and the angel was defeated. Regardless, those who returned were glorified and earned the moniker Hellrider. The surviving Hellriders established themselves as a permanent order in Saarthal, vowing to protect their lands and bring heavenly justice to any fiends and deamons encountered. The order is still around today, although in smaller numbers. Since the emergence of the Companion they have sworn to the Creed Resolute.

The Schism - 245AE

In 245AE a group of nobles schemed during the Schism of Aumont in an attempt sieze control of the city. Wealthy mine owners, influential lords, and ambitious army officers collabarated during the chaos and confusion of the early months of the war between East and West Aumont. Using their wealth and influence the conspirators hired mercenary armies and delcared themselves a free state, electing a lord from amongst the group to act as an ambassador; eventually being titled High Watcher. Saarthal vowed to remain neutral in the rebelion between East and West; with even the church intervening and backing the city. The rich mines of Saarthal proved too tempting for the Aumontine lords however, and Saarthal had to defend itself. After several successful defences, the attacks on Saarthal eventually faded out. Once the civil war concluded Saarthal remained free from kings, which it still does to this day.

The Red Coup - 518AE

Fifty years ago the Knight-Commander of Saarthal's chapter of the Order of the Lady, Arnald Séguier, was shockingly found out to be a vampire. Séguier laid siege to the city for three weeks, commiting horific acts of violence with the help of his undead spawn. Saarthal seemed all but lost until the appearance of the Companion, the radiant light of which turned to ash the hordes of dead. The High Watcher of the time, Eleanor Bellandi, was credited for the victory. In the wake of the attack Bellandi formed the High Council, and assumed the new position of High Observer, in order to assist with the repair and future rule of the city. Four years later Bellandi was killed, her replacement was a good man called Edelmir Hue. Hue ruled the city for 33 years until his death. Today, Thavius Kreeg has held the position of High Observer for the last 13 years (since 555AE), and to this day the Companion still sits above the High Hall of Saarthal.

Points of interest

• High Hall: A spectacular building, this is the heart of Saarthal's bureaucracy and where the High Council hold their meetings.
• The Chapel of Light: The place of the Folk's worship in Saarthal. The current Bishop is Gideon Elran.
• A Pair of Black Antlers: Also known simply as "The Antlers", this is a famous tavern recoginsed even outside the city.
• House of Tranquility: The Headquarters for the local chapter of the Order of the Lady. This chapter of silver paladins have particular reverence for Dagda, the god of vigilance.
• The Companion: A shining golden orb that hangs above the High Hall, never moving. It appeared some fifty years ago, ending Arnald Séguier's hold on the city.

Geography

The city is situated atop a bluff or tor with a cliff dominating the Silverscale River. This is both a good defensive position and a good crossing-point, as the river below is narrow, shallow, and easily traversed by poling barges; the city was founded here for this advantage. The Low Road crosses the Silverscale River here at Cobb Bridge. The city is surrounded by fertile riverlands and rich silver mines.

Type

Large city

Population

~40,000

Related Ethnicities

• Saar

Inhabitant Demonym

Saars

Location under

Albion

Owner/Ruler

Thavius Kreeg

Owning Organization

High Council of Saarthal

Related Historical Events

• 518AE
  The Red Coup
• 87 AE
  The Ride