Vernoff
Finally, after much strife, peace and calm have fallen over Emberstone, now once again Vernoff. After its reclamation by Eclipse, Count Borak Lor was appointed as the new ruler, but was very disliked by the people there. This resentment of the count grew and grew, until it exploded with the murder of Smoke, a local leader that had led the people through the Gnolls occupation.
After his death, which until now remains a mystery, the town was whipped into a frenzy, and a mob started to gather and approach the castle. There was little resistance, and most guards were reported to have abandoned their posts, and looting was already taking place before the mob even got there. It is known however, that Eclipse were there, and they stopped the worst from happening, shielding most of the people there and buying time for most to get to safety. They were not able to save the newly appointed count however, and Borak Lor was beaten and hanged by the mob.
After that event, the Hamonnet Duchy was dealing with military advances from the Oakheart Duchy, and therefore could not devote enaugh time to properly take care of the situation. Inquisitor Noctis Aurelia was appointed to calm the situation, and Count Fergus Elde was appointed as temporary Count, a position that would become permanent soon after, in 524.
Fergus Elde had a lot in his hands, and has been a very involved ruler. With the council of his son Ezra, he has stopped the inquisitor from taking complete control of the city, though a fair few executions were held. The economic prosperity of the area is slowly growing, and slowly but surely the mining capabilities of the Emberstone Mine are being brought back to their previous form. There is a long way ahead for the county to reclaim its previous position, but it seems that while the Elde family is at its head, it will prosper. However Drow have been spotten within the city walls...
Currently the city of Emberstone had its name changed from Vernoff, to bring its focus back to rebuilding and mining, since Vernoff would forever be tied to the gnolls that almost destroyed it. After those events, the population of the city was reduced to almost nothing, from 200,000 to 15,000, and its industries were also destroyed.
The people there are largely focused on rebuilding the city and restoring it to what it used to be, though the scars left over from the gnoll occupation will not fade soon. Hatred, fear of the gnolls, and pride in their victory flows in the veins of the citizens of Emberstone, and they express those collective experiences in the two new remembrance days.
On the 260th day of the year, the people celebrate the Night of Howls, where they lock their doors and none leave their houses between the dusk and dawn, in honor of all those that were lost to the gnolls. On the 320th day, they celebrate the Day of the Broken Fang, where the people celebrate the battle for Vernoff, and the slaughter of the gnolls, which led to the liberation of the city. For more details on the battle, read The Battle for Vernoff
The latest political developments in the city is the dispute between the Count and Inquisitor between the number of gnolls in the Laughing Forest, and how serious the situation is. This culminated when trade between Vernoff and Creekfall, and by extension the rest of the Empire, was made impossible by the numbers of the gnolls. As a result, Vernoff is facing increased unrest, there are executions happening weekly, accused heretics, traitors, thieves and those who resort to, or are accused of, eating hyena meat. Outside the castle walls the inquisition rules, and the count is afraid of a peasant uprising led by the inquisition.
Hillside District: The richest District with the most expensive shops and where the mages and royals live.
After his death, which until now remains a mystery, the town was whipped into a frenzy, and a mob started to gather and approach the castle. There was little resistance, and most guards were reported to have abandoned their posts, and looting was already taking place before the mob even got there. It is known however, that Eclipse were there, and they stopped the worst from happening, shielding most of the people there and buying time for most to get to safety. They were not able to save the newly appointed count however, and Borak Lor was beaten and hanged by the mob.
After that event, the Hamonnet Duchy was dealing with military advances from the Oakheart Duchy, and therefore could not devote enaugh time to properly take care of the situation. Inquisitor Noctis Aurelia was appointed to calm the situation, and Count Fergus Elde was appointed as temporary Count, a position that would become permanent soon after, in 524.
Fergus Elde had a lot in his hands, and has been a very involved ruler. With the council of his son Ezra, he has stopped the inquisitor from taking complete control of the city, though a fair few executions were held. The economic prosperity of the area is slowly growing, and slowly but surely the mining capabilities of the Emberstone Mine are being brought back to their previous form. There is a long way ahead for the county to reclaim its previous position, but it seems that while the Elde family is at its head, it will prosper. However Drow have been spotten within the city walls...
Pre - Elde, saved for posterity
The city of Emberstone has had a temultious history, cumulating in the near-razing of the city by Gnolls in 1421 A.S.. The previous leader of the city, Count Eraon Torpin, is thought to have died in the attack, and after the city was re-taken by the Empire, Count Borak Lor was appointed as the new Count to lead the rebuilding. Alongside him, Lord Fergus Elde was also appointed as a Lord of the city, coming from the position of Baron of the now razed Rosiot, and Smoke, the leader of the survivors during the gnoll occupation.Currently the city of Emberstone had its name changed from Vernoff, to bring its focus back to rebuilding and mining, since Vernoff would forever be tied to the gnolls that almost destroyed it. After those events, the population of the city was reduced to almost nothing, from 200,000 to 15,000, and its industries were also destroyed.
The people there are largely focused on rebuilding the city and restoring it to what it used to be, though the scars left over from the gnoll occupation will not fade soon. Hatred, fear of the gnolls, and pride in their victory flows in the veins of the citizens of Emberstone, and they express those collective experiences in the two new remembrance days.
On the 260th day of the year, the people celebrate the Night of Howls, where they lock their doors and none leave their houses between the dusk and dawn, in honor of all those that were lost to the gnolls. On the 320th day, they celebrate the Day of the Broken Fang, where the people celebrate the battle for Vernoff, and the slaughter of the gnolls, which led to the liberation of the city. For more details on the battle, read The Battle for Vernoff
Pre-Fall (recorded for posterity)
The county capitol of Torpin County , Vernoff is a city which has been very quickly growing in influence and powers in the recent years as a result of increased attention by the empire factions and recent discoveries about the Emberstone Mine.A decade and a half ago, the mad mage Riakhan created the Bluetop Tower and demanded the city be his. The Mage Slayers managed to kill him before he finished casting the unknown ritual and as such were gifted the tower and granted official recognition as protectors of the city. 6 years ago the magical properties of the Emberstone were discovered, and this gave new life to the city, as the quick growing Arcanic Order turned its eyes towards it and established a presence there for the purposes of research and trade.The city as you see it looks vast, a sprawling line of rooftops goes on for much longer than you have ever seen before. A thin layer of snow covers the landscape around the city. Over the walls you can see some rooftops of houses, white and with smoking chimneys, much taller than the houses you are used to. Deeper in the city you can see tall tower structures, you assume houses to the powerful magic users living in the city, as the stories say. And then you see the Torpin Hill, and atop it the hillside district, its crowning pearl, the large castle of the Count and the royals who spend most of their days exchanging honeyed words and promises for power and influence. As you approach the town, you see the tall walls surrounding it, and atop you see four guards. They look at you, and then over the horizon, their gaze scanning the surrounding lands for any threat, ever vigilant protectors of the city. You arrive at the gates, where one of the two heavy wooden doors are open, with two guards on the outside.
A visitors first impressions of the city
The latest political developments in the city is the dispute between the Count and Inquisitor between the number of gnolls in the Laughing Forest, and how serious the situation is. This culminated when trade between Vernoff and Creekfall, and by extension the rest of the Empire, was made impossible by the numbers of the gnolls. As a result, Vernoff is facing increased unrest, there are executions happening weekly, accused heretics, traitors, thieves and those who resort to, or are accused of, eating hyena meat. Outside the castle walls the inquisition rules, and the count is afraid of a peasant uprising led by the inquisition.
Districts:
Blackhand District: Named after the black hands of the poor miners that inhabit it.- Dirtpoor Tavern
- Crows Foot Inn
- Black Keg Tavern: A very small tavern which is the syndicate base in Vernoff.
- Hardshell Stables: To the right of the southern gate are the large stables of the city, which house a variety of creatures that are sold as mounts and pets. The owner is a tortle called Gor and there are 5 stable hands named Troi, Yiorlan, Ikora and Pat.
- Statue of General Miovir who pushed the tribes of giants to the mountain before the establishment of the city.
- The Ahridian Alchemist: An alchemical and potion focused shop specializing in magical creature ingredients. The owner Fabrizio is a dark-skinned human who is an expert alchemist trained in the desert city of Ahridia.
- Stout Inn: A dwarven inn specializing in dwarven cuisine, culture, beer and architecture. It is owned and operated by Trakatrur Goldbrew.
Hillside District: The richest District with the most expensive shops and where the mages and royals live.
- The Flaming Hammer: A magical item shop and magical supplies operated by Pertrand Sol. From the outside, there is an armor stand showcasing a beautiful ornate black plate set, with a floating paper in front that writes “Plate Armor of Embers”. On the left of the door is a display case with 2 amulets in it, the floating papers write “beads of fireball, amulet of health”.
- The Jade Lady: A specialist jewelry shop operated by Margaret, Margie Borst
- Broken Anvil Forge: Weapons and Armor craft shop which is relatively large. It is run by two good smiths, Yakit-Ra a dark-skinned human and Rortak Strongarm, a dwarf, as well as 4 apprentices who help around.
Defences
Walls surround the city, and there is a high guard presence to guard the valuables and the route between the mine and the city. Additionally, outside the city is the Bluetop Tower and The Mage Slayers adventuring group is based there.
Industry & Trade
The wealth of the city comes from the Emberstone Mine which belongs to the Nobility which produces gold, jewels, and a special type of ore called Emberstone, which has recently been discovered to have unknown magical properties.
The rest of the cities wealth comes from magical services , trade, and services from the Custodis Pansophical.
Guilds and Factions
Factions in the city in order of power:
- The Empire Nobility
- Inquisition
- Custodis Pansophical
- Arcanic Order
History
995 A.S.
The outpost of Vernoff was founded with the purpose of ensuring that the Stone Giant tribe that had been pushed towards the mountain stayed there.1027 A.S.
A gold vein was discovered in the mountain close to Vernoff and the then baron pounced at the opportunity and created the Emberstone Mine to exploit it.1213 A.S.
The town of Vernoff is named a city, and becomes the center of the new County, Torpin. The Custodis Pansophical create a base of operations for research missions on the mountains, and the mines, as well as using the safety of the city to protect their assets.1268 A.S.
The mine of Emberstone discovers a new type of ore, but its uses are very limited and it is initially discarded as the growth of the town has stagnated.1405 A.S.
The Mad Mage Riakhan takes the city for a brief amount of time, before he is stopped by The Mage Slayers. This brought some attention from the Inquisition who saw fit to then create a permanent location in the city.1413 A.S.
The Emberstones found in the mine are discovered to have some magical properties, but their exact nature is a mystery. This brings in interested mages and lore seekers from all over the Empire, with the Arcanic Order establishing a permanent base, and the Inquisition ensuring that everything is properly done and nothing sinister is going on.1421 A.S.
The city is almost razed by gnolls, and only though the efforts of Eclipse and the Legio Imperallis was the city saved, and the poppulation started to rebuild.
Alternative Name(s)
Vernoff (outdated circa 1421 A.S.)
Type
City
Population
50,000
Location under
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
