Solace
On a major crossroads between the Lord city of Haven and the elven realm of Qualinesti in a wide, fertile valley in the heart of Abanasinia sits the town of Solace--perhaps the most unique town on the continent of Ansalon. With only a few exceptions, all the businesses and dwelling places of Solace are built among the branches of mighty vallenwood trees. The people of Solace are hale, hearty, and trustworthy folk who are generally open and polite to strangers, even in these strange times. In the shaded branches of the giant vallenwood trees, the townsfolk live in relative peace.
Solace has long been ruled by an elected mayor and town council. It is defended by a town watch who are led by a high sheriff.
During the War of the Lance, it was initially under the heel of Hederick the High Theocrat, a high-ranking Seeker priest, and later it was taken over by the Red Dragonarmy.
A couple of well known structures lie in Solace, such as the Inn of the Last Home. The ruins of the Academy of Sorcery can also be found on the outskirts of Solace. The village is led by the Mayor of Solace and protected by the Sheriff of Solace.
Solace used to be a part of the Qualinesti elven realm. After a costly battle, the elves decided it was not worth to keep that area as it was far from their capital,
The first settlement used to be frequently attacked by goblins, thus the inhabitants decided to build the houses in the branches of the gigantic Vallenwood trees in the area.
Even though the goblin raids lessened, the city grew in the trees, until all except the forge and the stables were located above. The Inn of the Last Home is one of the most charismatic buildings, where the Heroes of the Lance started their adventure.
The city itself was severely damaged during The War of The Lance, when the Red Dragonarmy utilized their red dragons to burn most of the structures.
Inn of the Last Home:
The Inn of the Last Home was the site where the original companions started their quest. The inn itself is built in the boughs of a Vallenwood tree, and has a reputation for excellent hospitality. The innkeeper, a fat, jovial fellow named Otik Sandeth, is famous for his ale and his delicious spiced potatoes. When the Red Dragonarmy invaded Solace, the inn was one of the few structures not burned. However, its position in the vallenwood tree made it hard for the troops of the Dragonarmy (reptilian humanoids called Draconians) to access. A red dragon thusly tore it from the tree and deposited it on the ground
Attitudes in Solace :
Situated at a crossroads, most people traveling through Abanasinia end up passing through Solace; it’s been good for business for the residents of Solace to be accepting of strangers. Lately, however, travelers have been bringing odd tales from the hinterlands: strange beasts, missing farmers and villagers, travelers vanishing without a trace. As a result, Solace’s fabled friendliness has been tainted by a trace of suspicion due to the attack of the dragon army
S 1: Inn of the Last Home
The largest building in Solace, the Inn is about forty feet off the ground and can be reached by a staircase that winds around the trunk of the vallenwood in which it is built. Readily visible from the main road, the Inn has two stories—common room and kitchen on the main floor, sleeping rooms above. It is a lovely building with gabled roofs and stained glass windows. Stables are located beneath the Inn for the convenience of the guests. The Inn is run by Otik Sandath; Tika Waylan is one of the barmaids.
S 3: Town Square
Not so much a true town square as a large cleared area located between the intersections of several roads, this patch of land serves as a meeting place for the inhabitants of Solace. Here itinerant merchants set up market-stalls or park their wagons, traveling troupes of players give performances, and children and adults play at sports like goblin ball and kender keep-away. Celebrations such as Spring Dawning are also held here.
S 4: Theros Ironfeld’s Smithy
Built of stone and located just off the Town Square, the smithy is one of the few buildings on ground level. The great bellows roar as the forge fire burns hot; the sounds of hammering and clanging can be heard throughout Solace.
S 5: The Trough
The Trough is a disreputable watering hole that caters to those who have nefarious business to conduct, those who would rather not show their faces in public, or those addicted to dwarf spirits. The Trough is built on the ground—since no one who has been drinking dwarf spirits should be climbing trees. Its signboard features a pig wallowing in swill. The tavern itself is a gray, V shaped building wedged between the boles of two large vallenwoods. Visitors can reach the Trough without going through Solace proper. It is said of the Trough that “the barmaids are deaf, the tavernkeeper mute, and all of them are blind,” to better ensure the privacy of its patrons.
Government
Ran by the Mayor of Solace
Type
Hamlet
Population
388
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