Last Hope
Optimism was in the air when the founding stones of Lady's Hope were laid forty-five years ago.
A frontier town on the western border of Ankaros, Lord Aenwund Bede, faithful vassal of King Tarnak III, had been granted deeds to the lands in 1201, following the end of the Border Wars. Establishing a small settlement around a central garrison, the village grew in size due to two influencing factors.
First, a vast deposit of cold iron was found in the hills to the north of the settlement, prompting an influx of miners, merchants and traders to travel to the edges of the kingdom in search of fortune and fame.
Second, at Queen Theodora's insistence, a Temple of the Sun Maiden was also established in the settlement. A devout follower of the Sun Maiden, Theodora's reasoning was that the light of the Maiden would shine upon the dark regions surrounding the settlement. Then but a priestess in the Cathedral of the Order of the Lady in Gyral's Hold, Lady Arindel Galiser was despatched from the capitol to lead the faithful and oversee the new temple.
Two years after first meeting, Lord Aenwund and Lady Arindel became bethrothed in 1205, and together laid the founding stones of a town, granted the title of Lady's Hope by royal decree.
Demographics
The majority of inhabitants of Last Hope are human, though a small number of elves tend the Temple of the Sun Maiden. A large family network of halflings run the hospitality services in town, and a close-knit group of gnomes live and work in the Makers Guild.
Government
The town is governed by Lyressa Bede, with assistance from Sir Fenros Callister and Cyrandele Il'Roth.
Defences
The town is surrounded by a stout stone wall with a single entrance, able to be barred by a wooden gate and portcullis.
The Keep provides an inner circle of defence should the walls ever fall.
Industry & Trade
By far the largest asset of Last Hope is the access to Soulstone, able to be extracted safely from the The Soulstone Mines thanks to advances from the Makers Guild.
Cattle, grain and linen goods are the main exports, whereas more exotic wares and supplies are imported from Gyral's Hold and other trading centres across the kingdom
Infrastructure
A cluster of dwellings and traders surround the central Keep of Lady's Hope, the first structure built in these lands in 1201. The Temple of the Sun Maiden lies to the west of the Keep, and the town's largest tavern - The Dancing Rabbit - is located close by. A smaller tavern - The Silent Hound - lies behind the Keep.
Garyth Holsten owns a forge from which he makes and repairs arms and armour, whilst a modest apothecary - The Leaf and Twig - serves more arcane goods. Several stalls line the town square, offering everyday foods, utensils and other tools & equipment.
The Makers Guild has a hall in the town centre, and is complemented both by the blacksmith and Cobblepew Mortimer the tinker.
Farms lie to the west of the town beyond the walls.
Assets
The town coffers have coin and valuables worth 75,000GP, as well as deposits of Soulstone held in the vaults of the Keep.
Guilds and Factions
The Makers Guild is the main licensed organisation in Last Hope, with both taverns being run by representatives from The Groaning Table.
Alternative Name(s)
Lady's Hope
Type
Town
Population
240
Inhabitant Demonym
Last Hopers
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Related Tradition (Primary)
Characters in Location
Related Plots
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