Blackpool

History

Formerly named after its founder a human explorer named Shawni Keld, the small hamlet of Keld was nothing to write home about. A sleepy little village of gamesmen and traders. However, the long-dormant volcanos near which the village was established quickly changed that.
The volcanic activity in the area not only shaped the future of the town but a large part of the southern coast. In what came to be known as The Great Southern Cataclysm, the massive volcano chain erupted flinging sulfur, fire, and massive deposits of obsidian into the quiet town below. The prolonged volcanic and tectonic activity carved 4 deep trenches into the earth where none had existed before. The odorous mix of smoke and hot rock cleared out all but the most staunch residents. As the sediment settled and the rock cooled, the newly formed lakes of crystal clear water revealed the smooth glass on the lake beds.
The blackpools, as they came to be known are said to have a rejuvenating effect. This was seen not only in the small village that was rebuilt after the destruction but also in its citizens who have felt a sense of revitalization as their cottage industry which was once built solely around hunting and trapping transformed into a tourism powerhouse. Many came from far and wide to take in the rejuvenating energies of the Obsidian Pools. For those that have little interest in such things, they can still find remnants of the Old Keld as much of the Obsidian that is now mined from the nearby volcanoes is turned into arrowheads, axes, and knives.
In the most unexpected way, the event that should have ended the village of Keld was simply the catalyst through which Blackpool was born.

[Locations]

The Old Guard, as they've come to be known, is the last group of the trappers and rangers that remained in the town after the Cataclysm. While they still are exceedingly proficient in tracking and hunting large game, their focus has shifted to the production of hunting weapons and tools.
Travel through the region is made exceedingly difficult by active lava flows, wild Owlbears, and sinking swamps known to swallow unwary caravans. Stygian Ale Hall and Inn provides a respite for weary travelers. Stygian Sable the Inn's founder and proprietor is one of the newer residents who found himself enchanted by the quaint town and the vitalizing properties of the blackpools.
Established in the mountains and foothills of the Obsidian Peaks Mountains, Blackrock Mining is Espen's largest producer of Obsidian and Sandstone. Most of the obsidian they mine is used for tools and weapons, though the best-selling product is the Black-Eyed Glasses.
Though working in the mines rarely makes for a hazardous environment, many of the workers have to make their way over and around a number of lava flows and areas of geothermic activity. Helping them make it through these areas is Hotfoot Boots & Leatherwork. Their specailty products ensure that those making their way into the Obsidian Peaks and encountering any of the other environmental hazards can do so safely.

Type

Town