Carovin
"His eyes widened as he stared into the wall of mist from atop Yesterhill. The mists parted and he saw Home. Before him, a glassy-smooth lake, reflecting the ruddy brown, snow-dappled peaks of the Irontooth range, dwarfing all by their sheer immensity. Around it, lay pine forests interspersed with rolling farmland. Across the lake lay a white city sprawled over three hills, fishing boats swimming like swans on the lake before it. Five gleaming towers rose from the easternmost hill, a hundred fluttering black and white flags mounting their battlements. Home; Carovin; the Citadel of Kelemvor. A single tear fell from the Paladin's eye as the vision of his home faded, replaced with the steely twilit sky of grim Barovia."
- Curse of Strahd: A Chronicle
Overview:
Holy Carovin has long been a city of strategic importance. Situated astride one of only two roads through the Irontooth mountains, Carovin is the most important fortress-city in the Empire. Sprawling along the still Barrowmere, the city's numerous temples and towers are outlined against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains, and the Margravial Castle stands watch over the city from the highest hill. In the summer months, the beauty of Carovin is magnified by the appearance of brilliant yellow Cytisus flowers in the foothills. Carovin is a cosmopolitan hub and home to many important institutions. The Onyx Tower, or the Onyxium, has become a home for various mages and other peddlers of sorcery. Other attractions in Carovin include the Gotthammar coliseum, a decrepit but still popular arena, and numerous temples of all faiths. Carovin has a cosmopolitan streak rare in the Empire, and even before the War of the Broken Crypt, it possessed temples of all faiths. Recently, the Citadel of Kelemvor has gained prominence in the city, with the Justiciar of Kelemvor reigning as the de facto ruler of the city.
Carovin has a troubled history. Originally home to a powerful Valmeric city state, Carovin was conquered by the Empire in the 4th century HR and razed, only to be rebuilt as a major cosmopolitan hub. During the War of the Three Emperors, Carovin was the site of numerous battles between nascent Rhudaria and the Cardalonian branch of the imperial family. A mere fifty years later, Carovin was devastated in the War of the Broken Crypt, the capital of a short-lived Calabim state. Finally, in 736 HR, Carovin withstood a year long siege during the Sanguinic War. This history has led to Carovin having a militaristic, orderly culture.
Holy Carovin has long been a city of strategic importance. Situated astride one of only two roads through the Irontooth mountains, Carovin is the most important fortress-city in the Empire. Sprawling along the still Barrowmere, the city's numerous temples and towers are outlined against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains, and the Margravial Castle stands watch over the city from the highest hill. In the summer months, the beauty of Carovin is magnified by the appearance of brilliant yellow Cytisus flowers in the foothills. Carovin is a cosmopolitan hub and home to many important institutions. The Onyx Tower, or the Onyxium, has become a home for various mages and other peddlers of sorcery. Other attractions in Carovin include the Gotthammar coliseum, a decrepit but still popular arena, and numerous temples of all faiths. Carovin has a cosmopolitan streak rare in the Empire, and even before the War of the Broken Crypt, it possessed temples of all faiths. Recently, the Citadel of Kelemvor has gained prominence in the city, with the Justiciar of Kelemvor reigning as the de facto ruler of the city.
Carovin has a troubled history. Originally home to a powerful Valmeric city state, Carovin was conquered by the Empire in the 4th century HR and razed, only to be rebuilt as a major cosmopolitan hub. During the War of the Three Emperors, Carovin was the site of numerous battles between nascent Rhudaria and the Cardalonian branch of the imperial family. A mere fifty years later, Carovin was devastated in the War of the Broken Crypt, the capital of a short-lived Calabim state. Finally, in 736 HR, Carovin withstood a year long siege during the Sanguinic War. This history has led to Carovin having a militaristic, orderly culture.
Demographics
60% Holmgardian, 20% Valmer, 10% other human, 10% other (dhampir, dwarf, tiefling, orc, halfling, mixed)
Districts
A visitor to Carovin from the east, after passing under the twin turreted Neugate, is greeted by the broad, paved boulevard of Edelweiss Strasse, the tree-lined Crusaderplatz, and the tranquil district of Sasauwitz. Beyond the crumbling ruins of the Middengate lay a series of bustling squares leading to the Kriegerrathplatz, the heart of the city. On the left side are the chaotic and bustling Market Quarters and seedy Downwater, dominated by the Onyxium and Godhammer Coliseum, respectively. To the right is a reconstructed dwarven ziggurat surrounded by tents and forges - the Scholaria Dwemericum, and beyond, the gleaming, turreted sprawl of the Citadel of Kelemvor upon Heritage Hill. Past the Council Bridge lies the great Kriegerrath (War Council) Square, where the Temple of the Hammer stands, proudly reconstructed. Finally, on Mark Hill, across from the Citadel, lies the ruins of the Margravial Castle and the former Temple Quarter, now known as the "Deadman's Quarter". Nestled around the proud Citadel are the Imperial, Moon, and Ordinal quarters, quiet and orderly middle and upper class neighborhood.s
Sasauwitz
When the Empire conquered the Barrowmark, they met fierce resistance from Arthur Carus, who fought them tooth and nail. Even after the human invaders conquered their capital, the elves fought on from the forests and mountains. In response, general Isenach von Carstein evicted the entire population of over 8,000 elves from Cariovarin, turning it into an impromptu military encampment. The evicted population settled outside the walls, forming a ghetto of sorts called Sasau.
Once a village, Sasau was destroyed in the War of the Broken Crypt and rebuilt. With the expansion of the city wall during the reign of Karl, Sasau was formally renamed Sasauwitz and incorporated as a district of the city. It still retains its elven character, with wide, unpaved streets and brightly painted wooden homes intermingled with cherry, spruce, and mallorn trees. It is home to two inns: the Crusader's Rest, catering to pilgrims, and the Second Swan, catering to the locals. Downwater Strewn along the banks of the rocky river Kollitz, Downwater is a slum, much as could be found in any other city. Home to rickety three story clapboard buildings with mud roads, in recent years much of the district has been reconstructed with the slate-tiled, white plastered half-timbered buildings fashionable in recent years. Downwater's two most notable features are the Prancing Nymph, a seedy brothel owned by a dryad from Arkilon, and the Godhammer (Gotthammar in Norgsprakt) coliseum, where Garon von Rallus fought. In recent years Downwater has become home to many dhampirs , both of noble and ignoble character. Market Quarter By far the largest district in the city, the Market Quarter includes the vast Kreigerrath Platz, the smaller Karl Lothar Platz, two famous inns (the Drunken Prince, the Wolf and Crow), the Onyxium, the Temple of the Hammer, and the monument to the War Council, formerly the Pillar of the Laws. Dozens of languages can be heard here and all manner of folk call the Market Square their home. Pilgrims, travelers and merchants from Emrath, Lornham, Barovia, Rhudaria, and beyond mingle with Holmgardians, dwarves, and Dainians, a true melting pot of east and west. Deadman's Quarter Home to ruins, vagrants and cultists, the Deadman's quarter stands as a living reminder of the horrors of the war. It was never rebuilt, reportedly so it can continue to serve as a training ground for acolytes graduating to the rank of Paladin. Even fifty years after the war, the occasional zombie gets unearthed from a cellar to devour a sleeping ruffian. The Ordinal Quarter
Sasauwitz
When the Empire conquered the Barrowmark, they met fierce resistance from Arthur Carus, who fought them tooth and nail. Even after the human invaders conquered their capital, the elves fought on from the forests and mountains. In response, general Isenach von Carstein evicted the entire population of over 8,000 elves from Cariovarin, turning it into an impromptu military encampment. The evicted population settled outside the walls, forming a ghetto of sorts called Sasau.
Once a village, Sasau was destroyed in the War of the Broken Crypt and rebuilt. With the expansion of the city wall during the reign of Karl, Sasau was formally renamed Sasauwitz and incorporated as a district of the city. It still retains its elven character, with wide, unpaved streets and brightly painted wooden homes intermingled with cherry, spruce, and mallorn trees. It is home to two inns: the Crusader's Rest, catering to pilgrims, and the Second Swan, catering to the locals. Downwater Strewn along the banks of the rocky river Kollitz, Downwater is a slum, much as could be found in any other city. Home to rickety three story clapboard buildings with mud roads, in recent years much of the district has been reconstructed with the slate-tiled, white plastered half-timbered buildings fashionable in recent years. Downwater's two most notable features are the Prancing Nymph, a seedy brothel owned by a dryad from Arkilon, and the Godhammer (Gotthammar in Norgsprakt) coliseum, where Garon von Rallus fought. In recent years Downwater has become home to many dhampirs , both of noble and ignoble character. Market Quarter By far the largest district in the city, the Market Quarter includes the vast Kreigerrath Platz, the smaller Karl Lothar Platz, two famous inns (the Drunken Prince, the Wolf and Crow), the Onyxium, the Temple of the Hammer, and the monument to the War Council, formerly the Pillar of the Laws. Dozens of languages can be heard here and all manner of folk call the Market Square their home. Pilgrims, travelers and merchants from Emrath, Lornham, Barovia, Rhudaria, and beyond mingle with Holmgardians, dwarves, and Dainians, a true melting pot of east and west. Deadman's Quarter Home to ruins, vagrants and cultists, the Deadman's quarter stands as a living reminder of the horrors of the war. It was never rebuilt, reportedly so it can continue to serve as a training ground for acolytes graduating to the rank of Paladin. Even fifty years after the war, the occasional zombie gets unearthed from a cellar to devour a sleeping ruffian. The Ordinal Quarter
History
Long ago, the Valmeric Starfall tribe held sway over the Barrowmere valley, having founded Carovin around 200 BHR. From the Onyx Tower of their capital at Cariovarin, they cultivated the valley into a picturesque garden. They traded fine mead, champagne, and beautiful fabric with the nearby dwarves of Tznchundel and prospered. But when the dwarven queen of Tznchundel was overthrown by the animantic Archons, the Starfall tribe, under the leadership of Chieftain Arthur Carus supported the queen and fought on the losing side of the dwarven civil war. Seeking revenge, the Archons of Tznchundel invited the Holmgardian Empire to invade the valley. The Starfall tribe were not numerous or skilled enough in war to withstand the onslaught of the Holmgardian legions under the command of Isenach von Carstein. After several years of brutal warfare, Cariovarin was sacked and the Valmer were forced to flee or live in human ghettos.
But Carovin, as it was now called, remained strategically important. The Empire established the twin fortresses of Carovin and Carsgarde to guard their Western frontier. Carovin grew far beyond its original Valmer boundaries, becoming one of the greatest cities in the Empire. During the War of the Three Emperors, Carovin was captured by Rhuduar and retaken in a bloody siege. Since then it has been further fortified using stone from the walls of Carsgarde.
Despite its troubled history, Carovin remains a cosmopolitan center of civilization and a melting pot of different religions and cultures. It is perhaps this trait that allowed the emergence of foul cults in the Barrowmere valley. In 686, increasing numbers of peasants from outlying villages were reported missing. Scouts reported that many of these peasants had been kidnapped by a strange cult from the West - worshippers of an evil god named Sanguine . This cult had grown to an alarming size in the mountains, and it was even reported that the walking dead marched with them. Due to the lack of imperial forces in the area resulting from an ongoing rebellion in the Southern Empire, Bishop Dagobert, head of the Church of Tyr in Carovin, called a People's Crusade in the autumn of 686. The People's Crusade, calling peasants, ruffians, and zealots from all across the Empire to Carovin, was supposedly meant to root out the Cult of Sanguine for good.
Yet this "Crusade" would become an infamous event in Imperial chronicles. It eventually became clear that the Crusade was merely a ruse designed to attract thousands of poorly-equipped bodies to a conveniently vulnerable location outside the city walls. For on the 10th day of Nightfall, an undead legion descended upon the Crusader encampment, killing most of the crusaders and adding them to their dread army. The city of Carovin then came under siege by a nightmarish Scourge that spread across the whole of the Barrowmark and into the Western Empire. The Bishop's betrayal, along with the treachery of the Inquisition in Carovin, would live forever in infamy.
But Carovin, as it was now called, remained strategically important. The Empire established the twin fortresses of Carovin and Carsgarde to guard their Western frontier. Carovin grew far beyond its original Valmer boundaries, becoming one of the greatest cities in the Empire. During the War of the Three Emperors, Carovin was captured by Rhuduar and retaken in a bloody siege. Since then it has been further fortified using stone from the walls of Carsgarde.
Despite its troubled history, Carovin remains a cosmopolitan center of civilization and a melting pot of different religions and cultures. It is perhaps this trait that allowed the emergence of foul cults in the Barrowmere valley. In 686, increasing numbers of peasants from outlying villages were reported missing. Scouts reported that many of these peasants had been kidnapped by a strange cult from the West - worshippers of an evil god named Sanguine . This cult had grown to an alarming size in the mountains, and it was even reported that the walking dead marched with them. Due to the lack of imperial forces in the area resulting from an ongoing rebellion in the Southern Empire, Bishop Dagobert, head of the Church of Tyr in Carovin, called a People's Crusade in the autumn of 686. The People's Crusade, calling peasants, ruffians, and zealots from all across the Empire to Carovin, was supposedly meant to root out the Cult of Sanguine for good.
Yet this "Crusade" would become an infamous event in Imperial chronicles. It eventually became clear that the Crusade was merely a ruse designed to attract thousands of poorly-equipped bodies to a conveniently vulnerable location outside the city walls. For on the 10th day of Nightfall, an undead legion descended upon the Crusader encampment, killing most of the crusaders and adding them to their dread army. The city of Carovin then came under siege by a nightmarish Scourge that spread across the whole of the Barrowmark and into the Western Empire. The Bishop's betrayal, along with the treachery of the Inquisition in Carovin, would live forever in infamy.
Points of interest
The Temple of the Hammer
The most prominent edifice in the city for centuries was the Great Temple of Carovin, a huge, hammer-shaped cathedral that overlooks the vast square of St. Ulric. The Great Temple was a center of pilgrimage and worship for the Tyrian religion. Unfortunately, the temple became the center of a conspiracy to conquer the Empire in the name of the ancient god Sanguine, with High Inquisitor Wachter and Bishop Dagobert at its head.
Following the the war, limited attempts were made to reconstruct the Great Temple. However, the damage wrought was great, and the tainted aspect of Sanguine lingered in its darkened halls. As the Tyrian faith dwindled in Carovin, the Temple would be surpassed in grandeur by the nearby Citadel of Kelemvor.
However, the Great Temple was reconsecrated by Caspar Edelweiss in the early 8th century. Now known as the Temple of the Hammer, or more formally, the Church of St. Caspar, the cathedral is a place of pilgrimage for moderate Tyrians. The Citadel of Kelemvor
From atop Heritage Hill on the east bank of the river Kollitz, a resplendent fortress, gleaming white in the midday sun, towers over the city. From its innumerable battlements do thousands of Kelemvorian acolytes and paladins march, bringing order to the cosmopolitan city. Within its buttressed walls, a colossal network of consecrated mausoleums and underground crypts securely store the dead of the city away from those with dark intent. Even nearly 50 years after its founding in 687 HR, work on the Citadel of Kelemvor continues, and it becomes ever more glorious. Kriegerrath Platz Meaning "War Council Square" in Holmgardian, this is a truly vast square bordered by the river Kollitz, rows of half-timbered townhouses and the vast Temple of the Hammer, affording an excellent panoramic view of the surrounding city on all sides as it sprawls along the twin hills to the north. In the center of the square is a triumphal statue: the Monument to the War Council. The monument is a stout hexagonal pillar engraved with six marble inlaid bas-reliefs depicting various scenes of the War of the Broken Crypt, topped by six dwarf-crafted statues of uncanny realism of the members of the war council, surrounding Emperor Karl holding an orb, triumphantly. One of the statues, that of Mordekainen, was replaced following the Ducal War and the Mad Mage's flight from Aldberg; a statue of Alleria Nexander stands in his place. Scholaria Dwemericum As a condition for founding Prythian, Karl demanded the dwarven excavators of Tznchundel first establish an institute of learning in Carovin to help study the wonders pulled from the underdark. Consisting of a small replica of a dwarven ziggurat surrounded by pavilions and forges, the Scholaria Dwemericum is home to a few dozen scholars, but has fallen on hard times as most of its dwarven expertise relocated to Prythian. Hamit's Forgeworks Hamit Silvershield still owns a large stake in this expansive smithing operation, providing Prythian with much needed revenue. The Forgeworks are the principal craftsfolk for the Order of Kelemvor and the militia of the Barrowmark, and they have no shortage of business. The Onyxium A black monolithic tower about 200 feet tall, the Onyxium towers over Carovin. Home of the archmage Alleria Nexander, the Onyxium now trains a small number of acolytes in animancy and portal magic and has a tense relationship with the Order of Kelemvor. It has never quite shaken the reputation it established during the War, whereby it became a conduit for the tortured souls of thousands.
The most prominent edifice in the city for centuries was the Great Temple of Carovin, a huge, hammer-shaped cathedral that overlooks the vast square of St. Ulric. The Great Temple was a center of pilgrimage and worship for the Tyrian religion. Unfortunately, the temple became the center of a conspiracy to conquer the Empire in the name of the ancient god Sanguine, with High Inquisitor Wachter and Bishop Dagobert at its head.
Following the the war, limited attempts were made to reconstruct the Great Temple. However, the damage wrought was great, and the tainted aspect of Sanguine lingered in its darkened halls. As the Tyrian faith dwindled in Carovin, the Temple would be surpassed in grandeur by the nearby Citadel of Kelemvor.
However, the Great Temple was reconsecrated by Caspar Edelweiss in the early 8th century. Now known as the Temple of the Hammer, or more formally, the Church of St. Caspar, the cathedral is a place of pilgrimage for moderate Tyrians. The Citadel of Kelemvor
From atop Heritage Hill on the east bank of the river Kollitz, a resplendent fortress, gleaming white in the midday sun, towers over the city. From its innumerable battlements do thousands of Kelemvorian acolytes and paladins march, bringing order to the cosmopolitan city. Within its buttressed walls, a colossal network of consecrated mausoleums and underground crypts securely store the dead of the city away from those with dark intent. Even nearly 50 years after its founding in 687 HR, work on the Citadel of Kelemvor continues, and it becomes ever more glorious. Kriegerrath Platz Meaning "War Council Square" in Holmgardian, this is a truly vast square bordered by the river Kollitz, rows of half-timbered townhouses and the vast Temple of the Hammer, affording an excellent panoramic view of the surrounding city on all sides as it sprawls along the twin hills to the north. In the center of the square is a triumphal statue: the Monument to the War Council. The monument is a stout hexagonal pillar engraved with six marble inlaid bas-reliefs depicting various scenes of the War of the Broken Crypt, topped by six dwarf-crafted statues of uncanny realism of the members of the war council, surrounding Emperor Karl holding an orb, triumphantly. One of the statues, that of Mordekainen, was replaced following the Ducal War and the Mad Mage's flight from Aldberg; a statue of Alleria Nexander stands in his place. Scholaria Dwemericum As a condition for founding Prythian, Karl demanded the dwarven excavators of Tznchundel first establish an institute of learning in Carovin to help study the wonders pulled from the underdark. Consisting of a small replica of a dwarven ziggurat surrounded by pavilions and forges, the Scholaria Dwemericum is home to a few dozen scholars, but has fallen on hard times as most of its dwarven expertise relocated to Prythian. Hamit's Forgeworks Hamit Silvershield still owns a large stake in this expansive smithing operation, providing Prythian with much needed revenue. The Forgeworks are the principal craftsfolk for the Order of Kelemvor and the militia of the Barrowmark, and they have no shortage of business. The Onyxium A black monolithic tower about 200 feet tall, the Onyxium towers over Carovin. Home of the archmage Alleria Nexander, the Onyxium now trains a small number of acolytes in animancy and portal magic and has a tense relationship with the Order of Kelemvor. It has never quite shaken the reputation it established during the War, whereby it became a conduit for the tortured souls of thousands.
Geography
The great city lies between the foothills of the Irontooth range and the Barrowmere lake, cleft by the swift rapids of the river Kollitz. The northwest of the city is dominated by Palisade Hill, atop which the great Palace of the Margrave sits, the center of power in the Western Empire. To the East of the city, overlooking the Military Quarter and the slums of Downwater, lies Heritage Hill. Heritage hill is a rolling slope where a great cemetary and Temple of Kelemvor lie.
From the twin hills of Carovin, the Barrowmere lake shimmers and reflects the white-capped mountains. Across the great lake one can just make out the remains of ancient fortresses and towering pines before the foothills of the Southern mountain ranges.
From the twin hills of Carovin, the Barrowmere lake shimmers and reflects the white-capped mountains. Across the great lake one can just make out the remains of ancient fortresses and towering pines before the foothills of the Southern mountain ranges.
Recent History (687 - 736 HR)
Though Carovin was nearly razed during the war, it soon entered a golden age. With the largesse of both Emperor Karl Graelingard and the Order of Kelemvor, Carovin expanded vastly in the following decades. First and foremost among the expansions was the construction of the Great Citadel of Kelemvor, wrought from marble and white limestone. Thousands of paladins and acolytes flocked to the city from Paxtria and the Valmer lands, and the population of Carovin converted en masse to the faith of Kelemvor. By 735, only a quarter of Caroviners still held faith in Tyr, and Carovin was the principle center of Kelemvor worship in the Empire. Indeed, Carovin arguably surpassed Drakenhelm as the second capital of the Empire, and Karl spent much of his reign in the Margravial Castle, and the city exploded in size to nearly 60,000 souls.
Though Carovin was nearly razed during the war, it soon entered a golden age. With the largesse of both Emperor Karl Graelingard and the Order of Kelemvor, Carovin expanded vastly in the following decades. First and foremost among the expansions was the construction of the Great Citadel of Kelemvor, wrought from marble and white limestone. Thousands of paladins and acolytes flocked to the city from Paxtria and the Valmer lands, and the population of Carovin converted en masse to the faith of Kelemvor. By 735, only a quarter of Caroviners still held faith in Tyr, and Carovin was the principle center of Kelemvor worship in the Empire. Indeed, Carovin arguably surpassed Drakenhelm as the second capital of the Empire, and Karl spent much of his reign in the Margravial Castle, and the city exploded in size to nearly 60,000 souls.
Founding Date
-300 HR
Alternative Name(s)
Cariovarin
Type
City
Population
45,000 (686), 10,000 (687), 60,000 (735)
Inhabitant Demonym
Caroviners, Carovain
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
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