Tantallion
Tantallion (also simply known as Tant) is the crux of settlement in the Freelands, a lordless region widely known as the Marigold Realm nestled between the northern kingdom of Drin and the southern kingdom of Dalair. The city lies at the mouth of the Silverhawk Coast that connects to the Sea of Mithris. It is bordered to the north by the Valenruun (also known as the Thornwilds) a land that ancient elves and wicked fey once called home, and an expanse of great plains and rolling hills called the Painted Steppe that embroider the snow covered peaks of the southern mountains.
Tantallion was founded almost three centuries ago by the ancestors of the first Freelanders. It is a city of diversity where one can find the races of men, elves, orc and awakened animals as true equals. The heraldry of Tantallion is a dark red field supporting the image of a stag’s head with a marigold eight pointed star as a crown. This heraldry represents the blood of those who have died for the Freelands, the community of peoples whom prosper under the banner, and hope that all people of this realm shall live in providence.
Tantallion is the largest city of the Freelands and supports a strong economy made rich by trade flowing from the bordering realms and the eastern continent of Infidia whose goods and services arrive by sea. Tantallion exports many natural resources from the Freelands but the most plentiful are; lumber, stone, iron, and tobacco. Due to the wealth of commerce in the city Tantallion is home to many notable craftsmen and even a Merchant’s Guild. While there is no official government within the Freelands themselves, Tantallion is overseen by a parliament of elected officers who manage resources and discern where the interests of the city and those of the Freelands should be concerned. An election of these officers occurs once every eight years and an individual may serve as many terms as they are elected.
The defense of the Freelands, and Tantallion, falls to a volunteer army called the “Braves of the Freelands” whose ranks consist of any man or woman willing to die so that this realm remains unconquered. The Braves of the Freelands defend villages and towns, patrol trade routes and serve the people of the Freelands in times of crisis and war. The Braves are generally celebrated as heroes in the Freelands and rarely will a Brave find themselves unwelcome or in need of hospitality.
Tantallion boasts an impressive harbor capable of accommodating even large vessels from across the sea who may spend up to an entire year travelling up and down the coasts before returning home. Many residents of the city and nearby hamlets make a fair life for themselves on or near the Silverhawk Coast, but others work in the shipyard repairing vessels and organizing cargo to be brought into the city or packed onto trade ships. The bay connects to the Sea of Mithris and over the course of time storms and disasters have sunk several notable ships. Stories of fishermen’s nets pulling up treasures from the depths of the bay have marked the beginnings of many attempts to uncover and plunder the riches that lie forgotten beneath the calm waves. The Root & Mineral:
There are many taverns within the city but none more infamous or beloved by the Freelanders of Tantallion than the Root & Mineral. This tavern has been passed down through the hands of the Britewen family for as long as the banner of the Freelands has flown over Tant and currently rests in the care of Ardus Britewen, a young man eager to see the tavern’s legacy flourish again as it once had when he was a boy. This has long been the hall where the Adventurers of Tantallion have celebrated their victories and hung their heads when misfortune and disaster struck the guild. The inn has a warm, inviting atmosphere that has been comfort of countless travelers. House of Parliament:
Though no official government rules the Freelands the city of Tantallion is overseen by elected officers who hold congress at the house of parliament in Tant. Parliament votes on courses of action to safeguard the prosperity and security of the Freelands, organizing trade routes and working with the Braves of the Freeland during times of crisis and war to determine what steps and actions to take to preserve peace in the region. All merchants and businesses within the borders of the city pay tax to Parliament so that funds can be distributed to worthwhile projects and undertakings. Citizens of the Freelands can petition to speak in Parliament to bring attention and light to situations that may threaten or interest the region. The Marigold Bazaar:
At the crossroads of the city there is a large outdoor market where traders and merchants frequently peddle their wares. It’s difficult to say what one might find from day to day at the Bazaar but frequently there are rare goods and materials to uncover among the brightly colored tents and carpet stalls. One is always advised to purchase when the opportunity presents itself as there is no guarantee that the merchant will stay to bolster their coin pouch or travel on to other lands. The Freelands are home to many lost and valuable treasures, some of which could easily end up in a pile of useless trinkets and merchandise if the seller has not the skill or the knowledge to recognise their uniqueness. The Brave’s Garrison:
The city of Tant is surrounded by a thick ten foot high stone wall accompanied by watchtowers facing the city’s four gates standing at the cardinal directions. These walls adjoin to a large, formidable garrison of stone that towers over the other buildings and structures of the city. This Garrison is where the Braves of the Freelands are organized, where battle plans are mapped, where the coalition of volunteer soldiers receive their initial training and where the call to arms will be raised when war darkness descend upon the realm.
Polished, snow-white marble stones distinguish the Sanctuary from the other landmarks and scenery of Tantallion. This holy place stands apart from the bustling streets and familiar shops. A garden courtyard and sparkling fountain lead towards its steps wherein shrines and altars to the gods await for believers. Here, fellowships commune and pray to the divines, asking for their blessings and protection. The Sanctuary is a recent addition to the city, brought forth only a few short years ago, one whose construction required the hard deliberation of Tant’s Parliament. There are still a lot of mixed feelings about its presence in the city due to the great melting pot of beliefs that contest in the Freelands, but perhaps this is due more in part to the monk who presides over the holy grounds, Jalaeka, a native of Infidia, the continent that lies across the Eastern Sea. The Giant’s Dance:
A very recent addition to the city of Tant, the Giant’s Dance is a brewery owned and operated by Wovag, his wife Riva, his sons Iag, Vrom, and elderly father Odun. This family of river giants were happened upon by the Pathfinder’s during one of their adventurers and convinced to bring their brew of spirited ale to quench the thirst of mortal men. The brewery is three stories tall and can easily accommodate the height of even the tallest giants. It sports hardwood flooring, long benches for seating, a wide hearth and several aisles of cask shelves full of barrels big enough for a halfling to call home. The Merchants Guild:
The Freelands are protected by the volunteer army of the Braves, but it is the Merchant’s Guild that sees that no man should starve or find himself naked in the cold of winter. The Merchant’s Guild is largely responsible for the unspoken treaties that prevent the bordering nations of Dalair and Drin from invading. They organize trade in Tantallion and throughout the region, finding ways to bring necessary goods and services to the Freelands and communicate needs between rival realms and even the distant lands of Infidia that lay beyond the Eastern Sea. Gold is the only language that all nations speak and the efforts of the Merchant’s Guild have given the Freelands a strong voice Dragon’s Lair:
A propriety of Zirada Wu and the Merchant’s guild, the Dragon’s Lair is a newly established bank located at the heart of the city. The Dragon’s Lair offers loans and financing to Freelanders under certain stipulations as well as offering security for their patrons wealth. The bank is overseen by a sullen gnome named Lirope and guarded by a group of mercenaries from Drin. These mercenaries show no intention of integrating into life amid the Freelands and have become somewhat troublesome to the locals and the Braves. College of Sorcery:
Lead by archmage Lorren, a necromancer from the southern realm of Dalair who was handpicked by the Pathfinders, the college of sorcery is the first of its kind within the realm. The college is located outside the walls of Tant and is a elegant structure visible from nearly any corner of the city and surrounding area, its domed roofs, the abundance of colored glass and the brightly painted colors making it a vibrant landmark. The college has generated many rumors among the many sewing circles of the city and for the Freelanders whom have had very little exposure to the arcane arts the college preys upon their inner fears of sorcery and those who wield the mystic powers. Coupled with the arrival of many new arcanists from beyond the Freelands, the College of Sorcery has become a topic of concern for the citizens of Tant. Oolicoon Gardens:
Beyond the northern gate of Tant lies a vast, vivid garden seeded with fey plants, and trees called the Oolicoon Gardens. This elaborate, and beautiful arborium was founded by the first leader of the Pathfinders, who discovered the treasure trove of fey seeds within an ancient faerie circle. It is considered one of the wonders of the fifth age, and has been a source of increased tourism to Tantallion, and the Freelands.
Landmarks of the City
Harbor and Shipyard:Tantallion boasts an impressive harbor capable of accommodating even large vessels from across the sea who may spend up to an entire year travelling up and down the coasts before returning home. Many residents of the city and nearby hamlets make a fair life for themselves on or near the Silverhawk Coast, but others work in the shipyard repairing vessels and organizing cargo to be brought into the city or packed onto trade ships. The bay connects to the Sea of Mithris and over the course of time storms and disasters have sunk several notable ships. Stories of fishermen’s nets pulling up treasures from the depths of the bay have marked the beginnings of many attempts to uncover and plunder the riches that lie forgotten beneath the calm waves. The Root & Mineral:
There are many taverns within the city but none more infamous or beloved by the Freelanders of Tantallion than the Root & Mineral. This tavern has been passed down through the hands of the Britewen family for as long as the banner of the Freelands has flown over Tant and currently rests in the care of Ardus Britewen, a young man eager to see the tavern’s legacy flourish again as it once had when he was a boy. This has long been the hall where the Adventurers of Tantallion have celebrated their victories and hung their heads when misfortune and disaster struck the guild. The inn has a warm, inviting atmosphere that has been comfort of countless travelers. House of Parliament:
Though no official government rules the Freelands the city of Tantallion is overseen by elected officers who hold congress at the house of parliament in Tant. Parliament votes on courses of action to safeguard the prosperity and security of the Freelands, organizing trade routes and working with the Braves of the Freeland during times of crisis and war to determine what steps and actions to take to preserve peace in the region. All merchants and businesses within the borders of the city pay tax to Parliament so that funds can be distributed to worthwhile projects and undertakings. Citizens of the Freelands can petition to speak in Parliament to bring attention and light to situations that may threaten or interest the region. The Marigold Bazaar:
At the crossroads of the city there is a large outdoor market where traders and merchants frequently peddle their wares. It’s difficult to say what one might find from day to day at the Bazaar but frequently there are rare goods and materials to uncover among the brightly colored tents and carpet stalls. One is always advised to purchase when the opportunity presents itself as there is no guarantee that the merchant will stay to bolster their coin pouch or travel on to other lands. The Freelands are home to many lost and valuable treasures, some of which could easily end up in a pile of useless trinkets and merchandise if the seller has not the skill or the knowledge to recognise their uniqueness. The Brave’s Garrison:
The city of Tant is surrounded by a thick ten foot high stone wall accompanied by watchtowers facing the city’s four gates standing at the cardinal directions. These walls adjoin to a large, formidable garrison of stone that towers over the other buildings and structures of the city. This Garrison is where the Braves of the Freelands are organized, where battle plans are mapped, where the coalition of volunteer soldiers receive their initial training and where the call to arms will be raised when war darkness descend upon the realm.
“I pledge my life to these free lands”The Sanctuary:
“An oath I swear with my free heart”
“To safeguard all free men”
“So we may die as free as we were born”
“The blood of the Brave runs through me”
“The wisdom of the stars is my helm”
“Fortune is my armor”
“Justice is my shield”
“When the earth quakes and storms gather”
“When fires blaze and war drums thunder”
“When death comes in my final hour”
“Let it find a soul as free as it was born”
Polished, snow-white marble stones distinguish the Sanctuary from the other landmarks and scenery of Tantallion. This holy place stands apart from the bustling streets and familiar shops. A garden courtyard and sparkling fountain lead towards its steps wherein shrines and altars to the gods await for believers. Here, fellowships commune and pray to the divines, asking for their blessings and protection. The Sanctuary is a recent addition to the city, brought forth only a few short years ago, one whose construction required the hard deliberation of Tant’s Parliament. There are still a lot of mixed feelings about its presence in the city due to the great melting pot of beliefs that contest in the Freelands, but perhaps this is due more in part to the monk who presides over the holy grounds, Jalaeka, a native of Infidia, the continent that lies across the Eastern Sea. The Giant’s Dance:
A very recent addition to the city of Tant, the Giant’s Dance is a brewery owned and operated by Wovag, his wife Riva, his sons Iag, Vrom, and elderly father Odun. This family of river giants were happened upon by the Pathfinder’s during one of their adventurers and convinced to bring their brew of spirited ale to quench the thirst of mortal men. The brewery is three stories tall and can easily accommodate the height of even the tallest giants. It sports hardwood flooring, long benches for seating, a wide hearth and several aisles of cask shelves full of barrels big enough for a halfling to call home. The Merchants Guild:
The Freelands are protected by the volunteer army of the Braves, but it is the Merchant’s Guild that sees that no man should starve or find himself naked in the cold of winter. The Merchant’s Guild is largely responsible for the unspoken treaties that prevent the bordering nations of Dalair and Drin from invading. They organize trade in Tantallion and throughout the region, finding ways to bring necessary goods and services to the Freelands and communicate needs between rival realms and even the distant lands of Infidia that lay beyond the Eastern Sea. Gold is the only language that all nations speak and the efforts of the Merchant’s Guild have given the Freelands a strong voice Dragon’s Lair:
A propriety of Zirada Wu and the Merchant’s guild, the Dragon’s Lair is a newly established bank located at the heart of the city. The Dragon’s Lair offers loans and financing to Freelanders under certain stipulations as well as offering security for their patrons wealth. The bank is overseen by a sullen gnome named Lirope and guarded by a group of mercenaries from Drin. These mercenaries show no intention of integrating into life amid the Freelands and have become somewhat troublesome to the locals and the Braves. College of Sorcery:
Lead by archmage Lorren, a necromancer from the southern realm of Dalair who was handpicked by the Pathfinders, the college of sorcery is the first of its kind within the realm. The college is located outside the walls of Tant and is a elegant structure visible from nearly any corner of the city and surrounding area, its domed roofs, the abundance of colored glass and the brightly painted colors making it a vibrant landmark. The college has generated many rumors among the many sewing circles of the city and for the Freelanders whom have had very little exposure to the arcane arts the college preys upon their inner fears of sorcery and those who wield the mystic powers. Coupled with the arrival of many new arcanists from beyond the Freelands, the College of Sorcery has become a topic of concern for the citizens of Tant. Oolicoon Gardens:
Beyond the northern gate of Tant lies a vast, vivid garden seeded with fey plants, and trees called the Oolicoon Gardens. This elaborate, and beautiful arborium was founded by the first leader of the Pathfinders, who discovered the treasure trove of fey seeds within an ancient faerie circle. It is considered one of the wonders of the fifth age, and has been a source of increased tourism to Tantallion, and the Freelands.
"Tantallion is the home of the legendary guild of adventurers known as the Pathfinders. Their deeds were considered so heroic, and world-shaping that it heralded the beginning of the fifth age of Orr.
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