Ostenwold
For generations, Ostenwold was a humble smattering of homes and farms along the river Ost, a quiet peaceful hamlet with little connection to the outside world. In 677 TR two retired adventurers, the human Horst Blackfoot and the elf Déulara Tauranis, chose to settle down and spend their hard earned gold on building The Sanguine Dawn Inn. Being the only safe resting place for travelers in Westling Forge Lake, the tavern soon became a regular stopover for merchant ships and travelling nobility.
Under Horst and Déularas stewardship, Ostenwold quickly grew. Horst set up the Eastwatch Garrison to keep the area free from bandits and predatory monsters, before handing over the reins and starting his own smithy. Déulara took on much of the work of government, until Weststaria noticed the growing importance of the village and sent their own representative. Déulara returned to her day-to-day work at the Sanguine Dawn, but many of the villagers still look to her as the rightful leader and seek her council behind the back of the new mayor.
In the decades that passed since Horst and Déulara's arrival, Ostenwold saw explosive growth as well as great prosperity and peace but, as of 707 TR, a true tension settled in. For a few years that tension built, primarily showing itself between the original inhabitants and the newcomers. Trust in the new garrison commander became low, monsters had been reported roaming the woods to the north-west, thefts had been reported in Dockside, and rumors of a smuggler's den intermingled with talk of grave robbers at the Church of the Everlight. All those problems were set aside as lesser issues when the whispers of werewolves found their way into tavern talk. As of Autumn 707 TR, even the Ungrimsts, one of Ostenwold's oldest families, had stopped talking to each other and no one had heard from the wizard Dresden for quite some time.
Demographics
As of 707 TR Ostenwold had become home to about 200 people and provided security for about 600 farmers and ranchers in the surrounding area. Ostenwold is the only permanent human settlement open to the public on Westling Forge Lake.
A primary function of the island is housing the famed adventurer school, Eaglesmith University.
Districts
Ostenwold is filled with interesting locations. The entire village comprises roughly twenty-eight acres and extends its rule to the farmlands both northeast and southeast of the village.
Sanguine Dawn Inn
The Sanguine Dawn features everything a traveler needs for a restful stay. A roaring fireplace, a warm bath, a stage for travelling bards, comfy bedrooms upstairs with a view, a fully stocked kitchen, and the dangers of a tavern full of adventurers.The Market Square
Every village has a nucleus, a center point around which the settlement grows. The Market Square is a place where the community gathers once a month to trade goods, gossip and learn of news from the outside world. All the villagers come together on the day of the full moon to celebrate their shared home here. In 707 TR fisher-folk from Dockside, Horst the local smith, the Beard and Barrel dwarf sisters, and even Renée and her Ravishing Raiments had established themselves here.The Clenched Fist Blacksmith
As of 707 TR, the Clenched Fist is run by a giant of a human, Horst Blackfoot. Some say he has giant blood in him, but his thick black beard suggested otherwise. His wares are well renowned for their quality, but even so, his home is luxuriously decorated for a humble blacksmith. Upon further investigation, or maybe just by asking nicely, the a traveler might discover the underground bare-knuckle fight club being run in his cellar. Entering his tournament to try their shot at the prize pool could gain an adventurer all they needed or a potential chance at meeting the mysterious organizer. Though many would like to shut the illegal operation, or perhaps even attempt to take it over for themselves, very few are aware it even exists.Jodak's Mill
The local mill has been run by the gregarious halfling Jodak and his family for as long as anyone can remember. However, in recent times, he has become very insular, rarely leaving the mill and only coming out to talk business. His old friends are worried about him, and in particular the scar he seems to have gained across his right eye.Eastwatch Garrison
The Eastwatch Garrison houses the local guard barracks and jailhouse. As of 707 TR the Captain of the Guard and Justice Keeper is a Dragonborn known as Regis Forlorne. He is a by-the-books militant type who demands perfection from his recruits. Even under his watch however, some have remarked how prisoners occasionally disappear, their records seemingly expunged, and that their are moans heard in the night, of course, its probably just the wind.Dresden Tormaq's Tower
Atop a mountain overlooking the Ostenwold sits the imposing tower of the Grand Wizard Dresden Tormaq. Although generally cold and unwelcoming, Dresden, for the age he has lived, is well liked by the locals as he has been known to help them out on occasion when other avenues have failed. If adventurers really need assistance, he may be open to hearing them out, though he rarely comes out for free. Nearing the top of the steep climb, a signpost stands by a bench and brazier. The message reads 'Please do not disturb. I am very busy.'Church of the Everlight
As of 707 TR the church is a place of sanctity and tranquility. The Church of the Everlight stands open to the devout of all faiths, as well as those who follow none. The abbess Temerion and her priestesses offer kind words, support and when the need arises, healing of both the spirit and the body. The church was founded by Cuthbert von Gruemann, and has stood since as a bastion of a new faith that he created, the worship of the Source of Creation. Cuthbert hopes to spread the word of the Source of Creation through the Church of the Everlight. Named after an adventurer Cuthbert traveled with; the priestesses within are meant to serve the greater good, as had Everlight in her lifetime, wherever a traveler's faith may fall.The Broken Compass Trader's Post
Across the the bridge over the River Ost and on the eastern edge of the village rests The Broken Compass Trader's Post. Whether a traveler is passing through and needs a place to restock and freshen up, or are planning on sticking around a while to look for work; The Broken Compass offers everything a traveler needs. Cheap dorms rooms or tent pitches for the weary (and at a much fairer price than the snooty Sanguine Dawn), stables for the horses, a Cartwright to mend a busted wagon (or build a new one), and all the general goods a traveler needs for an journey beyond.Renées Ravishing Raiments
For those looking to impress, there is only one store in the village. Renée, a glamorous, seemingly ageless half-elf, tailor-makes all of her pieces from the finest elven silks and fabrics. For those she deems worthy (or at least wealthy) she also runs a VIP store stocked with hand selected magic items, spell scrolls, and enchantments for the discerning adventurer.The Beard & Barrels Brewhouse
As of 707 TR, The Beard & Barrels Brewhouse is run by four Dwarf sisters, Helga, Bolga, Frieda, and Carmine. The quality of their ale is matched only by the luxuriousness of their beards (the secret is washing them with beer). Whether a traveler's poison of choice is Ale, Mead, or hard liquor; all are welcome to stop by for a pint. Just don't try to keep up with the proprietors, they have been known to drink Giants under the table, especially Carmine, the petite (for a dwarf) youngest sister.Dockisde Fishing District
A short walk from the village on the shores of the lake is the area known as dockside. Home to humble fisher folk, it is rarely visited by adventurers, but if they need to get across the lake it would be quicker to take a boat across than swim.Ungrimst Family Homes
As of 707 TR, the longstanding feud between the Ungrimst brothers is well known by all in the village. Brandon, the elder, claims his younger brother abandoned the family farm when their parents died, instead seeking vain, shallow wealth in the richer parts of the village. Gerome, the younger, claims he was kicked out of the family home by his older brother after their parents death, sent out penniless, but made his fortune on his wits. The resentment lies deeper still however. Both brothers claim the other has withheld certain artifacts, items from their parents adventuring days that were promised in the will.
Type
Village
Population
814 in 707 TR.
Related Reports (Primary)
Related Reports (Secondary)
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