Ostrin
Ostrin is a small town, perched on a slim hook of land extending between the ocean (Sea of Swords) on the left and brackish swampland (the Cartuga Swamp) on the right. This rocky crescent of land provides good protection but not much useable space.
The people of Ostrin are a dour, hardy sort, use to the rigors of life on a land of scarcity. They know that whatever you have, you have to earn it. Life is struggle. Nothing comes easy, and don't expect too much. The world is against you. They care for one another as they can, and take joy in the little moments of life, knowing that any happiness is fleeting.
Ostrin has always felt overshadowed by its neighbor to the south, Port Llast. While Ostrin's break in the cliffs gives it a swamp, Port Llast's break provides a shipable harbor and sandy beaches. Port Llast is much more prosperous because of it.
Government
Ostrin is run by a hereditary lord, approved by the Lords' Alliance. The Pentron Family were the previous lords, but all seemed to have died. Lord Camden Treagle was in the process of trying to legitimize his claim to the seat when a traveling adventurer who appears to be Earl Asper Pentron's missing heir, Jaspen Pentron arrived. Treagle tried to kill him and was captured for it. He is now in custody, healing from his wounds.
The dwarf man-at-arms Gyleon has been appointed by Lord Jaspen to oversee the running of the town when he is absent.
Ostrin has three satellite towns--Aubrek's Meadows, Tern, and Sutton. Each satellite is held by a minor lord who pays taxes to Lord Pentron and obeys his commands.
Defences
The town's defenses include a wooden palisade across the neck of the crescent of land and the lord's keep. A rickety wooden walkway runs along the top of the palisade. The keep is blocky and two-stories tall. Neither is very strong, but at least it is something.
Ostrin supports a garrison of 18 soldiers, under the leadership of Gyleon. They are outfitted with studded leather armor, shield, spear and short sword. Three have bows.
Industry & Trade
The only industry developed enough for export is based upon fishing. Most of the fishing goes to support the local populace, but a score of salted fish barrels are ported by barge to Neverwinter on a monthly basis. The Lord of Ostrin owns the barge.
There are a number of scattered farms in the vicinity that look to Ostrin for protection and pay taxes into her coffers. They are limited by the scarcity of arable land. Most of these farmers also support herds of sheep and goats. An industry in wool could become profitable for Ostrin if cultivated with a number of small investments.
There is a blacksmith, a tavern (the Wicked Gypsy), a small church of Lathander (Lathander's Light) and a number of minor craftsmen in the area.
Bob is the town's blacksmith. Lord Jaspen Pentron recruited Fred to be his apprentice in an effort to get the garrison's gear in top shape.
Infrastructure
Most of the town is built from timbers. Even the lord's keep is still made of wood.
Guilds and Factions
The Lords' Alliance is a strong presence in Ostrin. It provides the overarching structure that holds the various lords in check. It installs a lord in each area and recognizes their claim. It handles disputes and can provide judgment in matters beyond a single lord's purview. Lord Camden Treagle has been paying them a double tithe to keep them away and out of Ostrin's business while he tried to cement his claim to the area. If the payments stop, they will become concerned and seek answers.
Geography
Ostrin is located on the ocean coast between Neverwinter and Luskan. It is 90 miles (3.75 days normal travel) from Neverwinter and 45 miles (2 days normal travel) from Luskan.
Much of the area is covered in rocky cliffs. Ostrin is located at a break in the cliffs that allows seawater to form a brackish swamp, the Cartuga Swamp, to its north. To the east of Ostrin is the Neverwinter Wood. The Crags are a nearby mountain range.
Other Distances
- Ostrin to Neverwinter: 90 miles (3.75 days)
- Ostrin to Luskan: 45 miles (2 days)
- Ostrin to Aubrek's Meadows: 10 miles (3 hours)
- Ostrin to Tern: 12 miles (4 hours)
- Ostrin to Sutton: 20 miles (7 hours)
- Ostrin to Pentron's Hunting Lodge: 4 miles (1 hour)
- Ostrin to Crane's Rest: 30 miles (1 day)
- Ostrin to Drendon: 38 miles (1.6 days)
- Ostrin to Bitlen: 42 miles (1.75 days)
- Ostrin to Rosette: 46 miles (2 days)
- Ostrin to Port Llastt: 50 miles (2.1 days)
- Ostrin to Naephus: 59 miles (2.5 days)
- Ostrin to Rada: 67 miles (2.8 days)
- Ostrin to Aetius: 75 miles (3.1 days)
Natural Resources
Fish, sheep (meat and wool), goats (milk), some timber and farmland.
Maps
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Ostrin
Type
Town
Population
about 600
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Characters in Location
Comments