Duskvare

Introduction

Duskvare, known also as Blackwater, is a fortified town located on the eastern front of the Empire, where it stands ever vigilant against the cursed forces Undead Kingdom of Myltery. Encircled by the grim Whispering Woods, which fade into perilous swamps closer to Myltery’s borders, Duskvare’s very structure and lifestyle are shaped by its proximity to this constant threat. Governed by a strict military regime, Duskvare’s populace endures a life marked by discipline, caution, and an unyielding sense of duty.

In stark contrast to the rest of the Empire, Duskvare's skyline is dominated by large, imposing stone buildings with gothic architecture, their spires and buttresses casting long shadows over the cobblestone streets. These structures serve as barracks, prisons, and military offices, giving the town an austere and unyielding atmosphere. The town’s heavy, defensive walls and tightly organized streets further underscore its military focus.

The most prominent feature of Duskvare-except its heavy walls- is the towering Temple of Siona, dedicated to the goddess of death and magic. The temple’s dark, ornate facade looms over the town, its interior filled with flickering candlelight and intricate carvings depicting the delicate balance between life and death. This sacred place not only serves as a center of worship but also as a sanctuary for the town’s many arcane casters, who are vital in defending Duskvare from the undead forces of Myltery. The influence of Siona permeates every aspect of life in Duskvare, where the grim realities of death are ever-present, and magic is both a weapon and a shield.

Goverment

Duskvare is governed by a strict military regime, operating under the direct authority of the Keraian Empire. The town's administration is led by a top-tier military officer, known as the Commander, who holds ultimate decision-making power regarding all matters of defense and security. This role is crucial, as the Commander is responsible for orchestrating the town’s strategies against the undead forces of Myltery. The Commander’s position is subject to change based on the Empire's directives, ensuring that Duskvare’s leadership remains aligned with broader imperial interests.

Currently, the role is held by Senior Officer Sir Edric Valdor, a seasoned veteran magus whose experience and tactical acumen are vital in maintaining the town’s formidable defenses. Valdor's leadership is characterized by a disciplined approach and a focus on fortification and magical defense, reflecting the town’s unique needs and the ever-present threat from the undead.

We are the last bastion against an enemy that knows no mercy. We stand in the shadow of death, not just to protect the living, but to keep the darkness at bay. We will not falter, for if we do, it will be us who become the next battalion of the undead."

— Commander Edric Valdor

City Layout

1. The Bastion Keep

Bastion Keep stands as the indomitable heart of Duskvare’s defenses. Built from thick, dark stone and fortified by layers of protective enchantments, it is a daunting stronghold that commands respect and instills a deep sense of security throughout the town. Positioned at Duskvare’s highest point, its towering walls and imposing battlements overlook the streets below, a constant reminder of the military's vigilance and readiness.

General Information

• Alignment: Neutral Good
• Caster Level: 12
• Religion: Mainly Siona
• Language: Common
• Wealth: 25,000gp
• Allowance: 4,000gp
• Demographics: Humans 10%, Dwarves 5%, Other Races 5%

Founding Date

512 ADA

Alternative Name(s)

Blackwater

Type

Town

Population

20,000

Owning Organization

Keraian Empire

Sir Edric Valdor

The Keep’s architecture is both intimidating and functional, blending gothic grandeur with utilitarian strength. Towering spires and parapets are equipped with ballistae and enchanted turrets designed to repel aerial and arcane assaults. Intricate carvings of mythical beasts and sigils line the walls, with magical wards etched into every stone, each one casting a faint glow that signals its potent enchantments.

The Temple of Siona

The Temple of Siona rises solemnly in the heart of Duskvare, its dark stone façade adorned with intricate carvings of life and death, magic, and the delicate balance between the two. This grand structure is both a place of worship and a vital center for the community, embodying the power of Siona, the goddess of death and magic. As one of Duskvare’s most sacred places, it serves as a sanctuary for arcane casters and clerics who draw upon Siona’s power, supporting the town's defense against the undead forces of Myltery.

The Temple is woven into every aspect of Duskvare’s culture. The townsfolk come here not only to honor the dead but to gain clarity on matters of life, hardship, and purpose. The temple hosts events and rites throughout the year, many of which are designed to reaffirm the community's bond and resilience in the face of darkness. Festivals and gatherings center on the themes of balance and remembrance, reminding everyone of their duty to honor life while accepting death.

The Arcane Sanctum

The Arcane Sanctum is a secluded, fortified complex within Duskvare, dedicated to the study, practice, and advancement of defensive and arcane magic. This is where Duskvare's battle-mages, enchanters, and arcane scholars come together to push the limits of their knowledge, honing skills vital to the town’s survival. Both a training ground and a research center, the Arcane Sanctum is essential to Duskvare’s strategic defense against the dark necromantic forces of Myltery.

The Arcane Sanctum works closely with Bastion Keep and the Temple of Siona, sharing information, resources, and personnel to maintain Duskvare’s defenses. The mages in the Sanctum not only reinforce the town’s protective wards but also play an active role in offensive strikes when needed, launching powerful spells that disrupt or even annihilate the undead forces attempting to breach Duskvare's borders.

The Twilight Plaza

Twilight Plaza is the beating heart of Duskvare’s civilian life, a marketplace where townsfolk gather to trade, socialize, and find a brief reprieve from the harsh realities surrounding them. Located in the shadow of the Temple of Siona and the imposing walls of Bastion Keep, the Plaza is a vibrant contrast to the rest of the town’s stern, military atmosphere. Despite the constant threat of undead incursions, Twilight Plaza stands as a reminder of the town’s resilience and determination to maintain a sense of normalcy.

Twilight Plaza is more than just a marketplace; it’s a social hub where the community comes together. Even with a strong military presence, the Plaza fosters a warm, communal atmosphere. The Commander, Edric Valdor , ensures that soldiers posted here remain respectful and protective, giving civilians the freedom to move and gather in peace. The townsfolk appreciate this balance of safety and independence, and they view the Plaza as a shared space where they can momentarily escape the weight of duty and danger.

Local musicians and storytellers sometimes perform in Twilight Plaza, offering entertainment and a sense of relief. These performers are usually townsfolk or travelers from safer parts of the Empire who bring news and stories of life outside the border. Seasonal festivals and public rituals are also held in the Plaza, organized by the priests of Siona to honor life, death, and the goddess's protection. These events allow the people to express their shared fears, hopes, and gratitude, reinforcing a sense of unity and resilience.

The Whispering Woods Outpost

The Whispering Woods Outpost is a grim but vital outpost located at the very edge of Duskvare, standing as the last line of defense before the eerie, undead kingdom of Myltery. Situated on the border of the haunted forest, this outpost is manned by an elite group of scouts, rangers, and military guards whose primary duty is to observe the movements of Myltery’s forces and ensure Duskvare is prepared for any incursion.

The forest is dense and dark, filled with shadows that seem to move on their own. The silence is broken only by the occasional strange sound- whispers in the wind, rustling leaves when no breeze stirs, and unsettling echoes that might be footsteps, or something worse. The air is thick with an oppressive energy, and those who stay at the outpost for extended periods often report strange sensations, such as the feeling of being watched or hearing voices in the distance.

The eerie silence of the forest is something that all who are stationed here must contend with, and it wears on the nerves of the soldiers. Few are chosen to spend long shifts at the outpost, and even fewer can withstand the isolation of the job without being affected by the mental strain. It is a place where paranoia and dread often take root, and many of the outpost’s inhabitants speak of the Whispers- a sensation that draws them to wander aimlessly into the forest, though none ever return after succumbing to the pull of the Whispering Woods.