Valhelm
Stilts over bubbling bog water...
In the heart of the swamp, where the river meets the sea, a town called Valhelm is built upon wooden stilts sits above the geothermal Stomach Swamp. Formerly known as Steambul, a primarily gnomish community finds this place home. Built in a shanty-town style with wooden bridges hanging above water canals connecting most buildings together, the city used to thrive off of its exotic fishing and hunting trade. With tarps made from alligator scales and fish racks lining main thoroughfares, the fishermen in the city make up a large majority of the populace. Their boats can frequently be seen sailing down on the water, with boats made of the local mangrove wood, and reinforced with brass.
Visitors often question why wood was used to build the old town, particularly when the swamp experiences huge flashes of heat waves. The mangrove wood found in the swamp has a naturally low flamability and the moisture in the air is wet enough to prevent catacalysmic fires.
Built in continent's largest river delta, deep in the Stomach Swamp, Valhelm has enjoyed solitude for most of its early infancy. It was fabled that the town was watched over by the guardian of the swamp, a black dragon, whose life had been saved by a gnomish explorer after suffering a greivous wound. This gnome, recognized as Swampwalker, was named Fidaro and was said to have had the Dawn Eyes, one of Shadrael's Gift. During the development of the town, an accord was struck with Valuna. This trade deal allowed for Steambul to import the necessary materials to make exuberant quantities of brass.
The Brass Revolution
The town went through a brass revolution, where buildings, bridges, and boats all recieved a brass finishing and reinforcements. Opposed to having brass reinforcements stuck on the exeriors, many of the buildings built after the revolution have it incorporated into its designs seamlessly. This brass industry, upheld by the three geothermal foundaries built in a triangle around the town, has proven to be far more profitable than the fishing. Their initial trade relationship with Valuna blossomed until they became close enough to join forces entirely. That is when the town took the new name: Valhelm. Valhelm is now known for its thriving innovative culture, as they utilize brass mechanisms and manufacturing to produce all sorts of gadgets like compasses, valves and manufacturing equipment, instruments, lenses, clockwork, and other precision mechanisms. The scientists, acedemics, and manufacturers that contribute to this culture have become the high-society of Valhelm. The Brass Chains, as they are most colloqueally known, are the military force protecting the settlement. They are relatively small, due to the dangers of the swamp already present and the supersticions of the dragon nearby, but they are elite sharpshooters. They get their name from the brass chains which they use to reel in their shots, fired from harpoon crossbows to mark and contain threats. The Brass Chains find Pippen's work to be distasteful since they believe his Gearheads will put them out of a job.Important Locations
Pottlepen Laboratory: The home and laboratory of the governor of Valhelm, Dawnseer Pippen Pottlepen. This laboratory is state of the art, with the most advanced tinkerer tools available and cutting edge research into artificial life using Valnorian Power Gem technology. Gearhead Foundry: One of the three geothermal plants in the city, the Gearhead Foundry is where Valnorian Power Gems are powered using Steam Mill technology in order to power brass carapaces to make footsoldiers, the most basic form of artificial life. This has been boarded up because the Gearheads have been malfunctioning. Brass Foundry: The main economic driver of Valhelm, the Brass Foundry is another geothermal plant centered around making brass and all the variations of shapes and sizes the brass needs to be. This is where the Gearhead carapaces are made, and where construction materials are outfitted. Abandoned Foundry: Due to its defunct cooling system, this foundry has overheated and been left abandoned for quite a while. This has been used by asylum seeking Tieflings for shelter against the Rot Fog, and also for a hidden place to stay while they attempt to find a welcoming home. In the absense of the tieflings, the foundry often becomes home to vagrants, delinquents, and some unwanted guests. Steamside Music Hall: Brassy blues music rages through the swampside dinner theater, where deep freid dishes are served among trumpets and tubas. It is here that scientists discuss often discuss their innovations. Outside the windows of the hall are steaming pits of gas, thick trees and geothermal gysers that have a tendency to erupt during climactic musical moments. Eyebright Growhouse: Run by the meticulous shopkeeper Chantal, the cultivation of Eyebright is run in a tight ship. Not focused for profits, and under regulation by the Valhelmian officials, there are only low quantities of eyebright grown in order to supply eyebright where it is needed and to decrease the likelihood it is used against Valhelmian interests. This place sports top of the line defenses, particularly in the form of Pippen's biggest automotons. Progress's Chronicle: The academic journal and chronicler of Valhelm's innovations, the Chronicle is one of the most powerful dictators of economic potential in the city; a good article, discovery, or patent could mean the difference between a life of luxury or flunking out to fishing. Every week, at exactly 6:00 on Friday, the chonicle releases its publication to a crowd of waiting paperboys and acaedmics below its giant library. Run by the Chronicler Kofi Comeaux, a brilliant acedemic writer, the Chronicle has never been more influential.Chosen Inhabitants
As per the legend of the Swampwalker and the Dragon, gnomes have been said to be the chosen inhabitants of the swamp, with an ever-protective plague afflicting outsiders. This plague, connected to the legend or not, has been incredibly effective in ensuring the gnomes remain safe from outsiders.
Type
Large town
Related Reports (Primary)
Related Reports (Secondary)
Rot Fog
The town is prone to experiencing rolling fogs that are reminiscant of marine layers washing over a coastal town. This fog, known as Rot Fog, is a sickly green color, and it is strongly advised that any non-gnomish individual should seek airtight shelter immediately or potentially catch Sight Rot, otherwise known as Artronach's Curse.
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