Highgate Town and Cemetery
Amongst the long list of ancient and renown places in the world of Histaeria, there is one town where the past and present share the streets like old neighbors. The town of Highgate is quite simply put; an intentional accident. The unique community sprouted and grew as cultivated by its residents to fit their unique needs. Despite its charms, which include unique architecture, expert masons, and religious significance very few ever choose to visit Highgate. Perhaps it’s the rumors that the streets are haunted, or maybe it’s stories of vampires and witches that dwell within its walls. While these rumors may circulate well in the minds of children, the true reason is likely more obvious and it can be seen in the name that describes the town’s intended purpose: Highgate Cemetery.
As old as the Last Wars; Highgate is best described by its key function, the cemetery. Highgate is the largest cemetery in the Republic of Omeran. If one were to stand at the edge of the town, one could scarcely make out the end of the cemetary in the distance.It stretches over leagues upon leagues of land and in some areas, if some scholars and architects are to be believed, the graveyard continues deep underground as well. This is true enough of the residential area of the town. Construction of catacombs that reside beneath the town is a lifelong project for many masons and folk that call Highgate home.
The cemetery served the Republic throughout the end of the Last Wars and continues to serve it to this day. Those of wealth and significance often have their bodies carried to Highgate from their homes in order to be buried. While this accounts for the need to expand and develop the cemetery, it does not detail the story behind the vast majority of the town's inhabitants… Soldiers. Many soldiers that fought in the Last Wars were buried in Highgate. The region served as one of the bloodiest battlefields and, as many scholars are happy to point out, Highgate marks the location where the Republic turned the tides against the armies of Dregroth.
In the wake of the battle, mass graves were filled with men and their horses. It is said that special care was taken to avoid accidentally burying any of the enemy. The Dregrothian remains that were transported to sea and left to feed fishes. During and after the victories of Omeran, bodies were transported to Highgate and burials were made. While many of those graves stand well tended to this day, there are more remote parts of the Highgate cemetery that has been left to be reclaimed by centuries of wild nature.
In fact, it is more uncommon in Highgate to enter a home or business that does not have more graves than living residents. Stacks of tombs are built into the thick stone walls that make up the buildings and because of this, the people of Highgate have grown accustomed to living their lives in the constant presence of those who have perished. The streets of Highgate shine a light into history as tombstones line it’s passages and above ground graves in wonderfully carved stone are among common obstacles that one may need to navigate.
Highgate over the years has served a particularly unique niche for followers of the Pantheon of Oros. Highgate is home to the largest temple of Shiddahr in the world of Histaeria. The temple itself can almost be described to resemble the appearance of a library, except instead of large bookshelves lined with reading material, the stone walls are lined from floor to ceiling with graves. The temple can seem intimidating from afar. The doors are watched by the statue carved of black stone. The statue depicts a tall figure cloaked and hooded in all black, wielding a scythe in his left hand. At the feet of the statue is an ever-burning large purple flame set inside of a stone brazier.
As a matter of fact, many worshippers and students of Shiddahr live and work in Highgate. The vast majority of acolytes study the texts of their god in hopes of one day serving him beyond the realm of Highgate. Many clerics and paladins undergo initiation at this temple. The high members of the religion surrounding Shiddahr reside in Highgate.
The church of Shiddahr never tires for work in Highgate. Between doing their part to assist in maintaining the graves they also serve as defenders of the town. Most often they defend against monsters that would typically frequent graveyards. The results of these frequent conflicts has left parts of the cemetery damaged and exposed - so long have they faced these foes that trees and brush have now reclaimed parts of the cemetery which served as the battle grounds. Countless tombs now lie forgotten beneath the foliage. The followers of Shiddahr are often assisted by the members of The High Malacarum Society. Between the two groups they are the shields that continue to protect the residents of Highgate, living and dead.
Demographics
Common races:
Humans, Dwarves, Drow, Tiefling, Gnome
Uncommon races:
Elves, Dragonborn, Halfling
Rare:
Half-orcs, Druergar
Government
Small local government. Town mayor with a small council. Primarily comprised of the wealthier masons and laborers in town.
Guilds and Factions
Spoilers...
Tourism
None.
Architecture
Dead people EVERYWHERE!
Geography
Stunning unspoiled nature with rugged mountains, deep blue lochs and empty glens where majestic animals rule the hills and birds of prey rule the skies. Due to the ever and fast changing weather Highgate can have a mystical touch. One moment you see the hills, the next they are gone. Sunny spells and dark shadows move over the hills and the white snow capped mountains in winter give the Highlands a sparkling touch.
Alternative Name(s)
Highgate Cemetery, Town of the Dead, Realm of Shiddahr
Type
Large town
Population
2000 - 2500 people
Owning Organization
