Seastone

"In the depths of stone, we carved our legacy. But here, upon the surface, we carve a future. Seastone will not be built on old ways, but on the strength of our hands and the fire of our minds."

— Thormir Stoneshaper, Founder of Seastone

Introduction

Seastone is a relatively young town located in the shores of the closed Sea of Syralis, founded on the principle that innovation can open new roads. Established by Thormir Stoneshaper- a once exiled alchemist- the city has quickly become a hub of technological advancement and entrepreneurial spirit. Eschewing magic for practical, steam-powered technologies, Seastone thrives on the resources of pumice stone and its cutting-edge shipbuilding research. The recent discovery of gas deposits in the nearby Thunder Rift canyon has sparked new experimentation, contesting the city’s reliance on coal to fuel its steam engines. While the city’s growth has finally drawn the attention of the dwarven kingdom, it remains fiercely independent with a diverse population of dwarves, gnomes, humans, and other races.

Governance

"Harvek Bronzebraid" by Imagica via MJ

Seastone’s governance is dwarven-dominated, but tensions are rising as the city’s diverse population continues to grow. The city is ruled by Harvek Bronzebraid, known as The Admiral- a newly created title reflecting Seastone's growing maritime focus. Harvek is an appointed representative sent by the dwarven kingdom to oversee the city’s operations and ensure its alignment with royal interests. While he holds significant power, his authority is frequently challenged by the increasing influence of Seastone’s entrepreneurial spirit and growing diversity.

The city was originally founded by Thormir Stoneshaper, a brilliant but controversial alchemist who was exiled from the underground cities of the dwarven kingdom for his unorthodox methods. Yet, Thormir's ideas and the success of the settlement quickly attracted the attention of the dwarven kingdom, leading them to send Harvek Bronzebraid to assume leadership. Though Thormir laid the foundation for Seastone, he stepped back upon the Admiral's arrival. Not out of a desire to relinquish control, but because he wanted to avoid further tension with the underground cities. Additionally, Thormir saw the opportunity to secure funding from the dwarven kingdom- an influx of money that would accelerate Seastone's growth, infrastructure, and technological advancements. His role now is more behind-the-scenes: he continues to act as an advisor, especially when it comes to the city’s innovations and technology. His sharp, inventive mind still influences Seastone, but he no longer holds official authority.

Innovations

Seastone has become a beacon of innovation, a city where traditional dwarven craftsmanship meets new ideas and groundbreaking technologies. Founded on the principle that progress and creativity can open new roads, Seastone thrives as a hub of experimentation and invention, driven by the ambition of its diverse population. From its distinctive architecture to its cutting-edge steam technology and pumice stone experimentations, the city stands as a beacon of unconventional thinking. The recent discovery of gas deposits near Thunder Rift further promises to reshape the city’s future.

General Information

Alignment
Neutral Good
Caster Level
8
Religion
Mainly Ondrul
Language
Common, Dwarven
Wealth
50,000gp
Allowance
6,000gp
Demographics
Dwarves 80%, Gnomes 10%, Humans 5%, Halflings 3%, Other Races 2%

Founding Date

910 ADA

Type

Town

Population

4,000

Included Locations

• Admiral's Hall
• SONAR

Related Materials

• Gromhalun

Architecture

Seastone’s architecture is a blend of dwarven ingenuity and surface-dwelling innovation, with buildings and homes constructed from pumice stone, which is abundant in the region. This lightweight yet durable stone is carved into multi-layered structures that blend into the soft earth and rise above the surface in a seamless fusion of stone and steel. The dwarves have also developed a primitive form of cement using crushed pumice stone, mixed with natural binders like clay. This rudimentary cement allows for more flexible and stronger constructions, providing stability without compromising the lightness of pumice.

The city’s multi-level design reflects its diverse population, with dwarven homes carved into the soft ground while surface dwellings for gnomes, humans, and others occupy the upper levels. Industrial elements like steam pipes, gears, and metalworks are integrated into the architecture, giving Seastone a distinctly steampunk aesthetic. The architecture is designed to withstand the harsh coastal environment while maximizing the potential of its natural resources.

Gas Deposits

In addition to steam power, Seastone is now exploring the potential of gas deposits recently discovered in the region. These deposits are still in the experimental phase, but early signs suggest that they could be an alternative to coal in the city's steam engines. Specialized extraction techniques are being developed to harness the gas and store it in pressurized tanks for use in powering machinery and engines. Though still in its infancy, the discovery of these gas deposits represents Seastone's commitment to finding innovative solutions to fuel its growing industrial needs.

Pumice Stone

The abundance of pumice stone in Seastone is one of the city's key advantages. It serves not only as a building material but also as a cornerstone of Seastone’s economy. Lightweight and versatile, pumice stone is used in shipbuilding, construction, and even tool manufacturing. The dwarves have mastered the art of carving and shaping pumice with incredible precision, making it an ideal material for crafting both delicate and durable structures. Its unique properties are being explored at S.O.N.A.R., a specialized facility dedicated to researching new methods of naval travel. There, pumice-enhanced ships are being built to navigate the Sea of Syralis, while plans for exploration of the vast Oceara Ocean are being developed.

Steam Technology

At the heart of Seastone’s industrial sector is steam technology. Although the city’s reliance on magic is minimal, steam power drives much of its machinery. Large steam engines are used to power forges and workshops. These engines run primarily on imported coal, but there is also experimentation with geothermal energy harnessed from the nearby Thunder Rift. Steam-powered devices such as cranes, hammers, and even ships help to propel Seastone into a new age of progress. While still in its early stages, steam technology is rapidly becoming a symbol of Seastone's identity as a forward-thinking city, pushing the limits of traditional dwarven craftsmanship.

Important Places

Admiral's Hall

A fortified pumice-stone structure overlooking the docks, serving as the center of governance and a symbol of dwarven authority.

S.O.N.A.R

The Shipyard of Nautical Academic Research is a cutting-edge facility where pumice-enhanced ships and advanced naval designs are crafted and tested.

L.S.D.

The Laboratory for Steam Development is the industrial heart of Seastone, where the Steamworks Guild experiments with steam and gas-powered technologies.

The Quarry

A vital pumice stone quarry on the city’s outskirts, enabling construction, shipbuilding, and innovation.

Kraken's Respite

A lively dockside tavern renowned for its seafaring atmosphere, exotic relics, and bustling storytelling.

The Market District

A vibrant hub of commerce and culture, blending dwarven craftsmanship with goods from distant lands.

Important People of Seastone

Thormir Stoneshaper

Thormir Stoneshaper is the visionary behind Seastone's foundation. Once an ambitious alchemist in the underground cities, Thormir was exiled after a disastrous experiment destroyed a large part of his district. This harsh punishment, one of the most severe in dwarven society, pushed him to forge a new path- one of innovation and opportunity. He founded Seastone as a haven for those willing to think beyond traditional dwarven ways. Thormir's passion for progress and practical application of new technologies has made him a revered figure in the city, though he now remains more of a guiding hand, stepping back after the dwarven kingdom appointed the Admiral.

Zac Coaststone is the captain of the Wavebrave, one of Seastone's most renowned ships. A seasoned sailor with a deep understanding of the Sea of Syralis, Zac plays a key role in Seastone’s exploration efforts. He is involved in several major projects related to naval travel and shipbuilding. He collaborates closely with Thormir Stoneshaper and other experts in the city to test new technologies and designs for ships that can navigate the vast waters beyond Syralis. Zac’s expertise extends to the use of pumice-enhanced ships, which he believes will revolutionize maritime travel and open new territories for exploration. While open hearted and extroverted, Zac rarely speaks of his past.

Pipsea Wavetinker is a brilliant gnome inventor and researcher who works alongside Captain Zac Coaststone in the S.O.N.A.R. facility. Specializing in nautical technology and steam engines, Pipsea is responsible for many of the innovations in Seastone’s shipbuilding projects. Her expertise in mechanics and engineering has led to breakthroughs in the integration of pumice stone in ships. Pipsea is particularly passionate about using the city’s natural resources, like the abundant pumice stone, to create sustainable and efficient naval vessels and explore new ways to harness them for the betterment of the city.

Dorran Ironfist

Dorran Ironfist leads the Laboratory for Steam Development (L.S.D.), Seastone’s primary hub for steam-powered innovation. A master engineer, Dorran oversees experiments in steam technology, aiming to improve the city’s machinery and industrial capabilities. The L.S.D. guild is crucial in refining steam engines, incorporating pumice stone for lighter designs, and exploring alternative energy sources like the nearby gas deposits. Dorran’s ambition drives Seastone’s technological advancements, though his bold experiments occasionally spark controversy among the city’s more cautious citizens.