Myth Verendane Settlement in Rolara | World Anvil

Myth Verendane

The Sinister City

The sun had set long ago, and the Moons were shrouded behind a veil of clouds. The only light came from the flickering torches that lined the streets of Myth Verendane, casting deep shadows on the walls of the twisted buildings.   A lone figure walked down the street, their cloak billowing behind them in the chill wind. They looked around warily, their hand never straying too far from the hilt of their sword. The city was known for its danger, but this was the only place that they could find the information they needed.   As they passed by a dark alley, they heard a low growl. Turning towards the sound, they saw two glowing eyes staring back at them from the darkness. Without hesitation, the figure drew their sword and prepared to defend themselves.   But then, something unexpected happened. The eyes receded into the darkness, and a hand reached out from the shadows, beckoning them closer. Against their better judgment, the figure approached, and was led down a labyrinthine path of twisting alleys and dimly-lit corridors.   Finally, they arrived at their destination: a small, hidden chamber deep beneath the city. Inside, they found the information they had been seeking, but also something else. Something ancient and powerful, that would change the course of their journey forever.   As they made their way back to the surface, the figure couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Myth Verendane was a place of darkness and secrets, but it was also a place of opportunity. For those brave enough to navigate its treacherous streets, there were rewards beyond measure to be found.

Demographics

Demographics

Total Population: 7323
Primary Race: Eladrin
General Attitude: Inquisitive and Inviting   The population of Myth Verendane is composed mostly of Eladrin, with very few other races present. As of the latest census, the total population is estimated to be around 7323 individuals, with a breakdown of 1172 children, 5638 adults, 513 elderly, and 676 ill/infirm individuals. In terms of occupation, the majority of the population is engaged in agriculture and forestry, with a smaller but significant percentage involved in trade and commerce. The community is generally welcoming to outsiders, with an inquisitive and open-minded attitude towards other races and cultures. Despite this, there is a general mistrust towards magic users, likely stemming from the town's dark history under the rule of the vampire lord Vircan.

Government

The city of Myth Verendane is governed by Vircan, an Eladrin Vampire Lord. Despite his feminine appearance, Vircan prefers masculine titles, insisting on being referred to as Lord. The city's laws are enforced by a group of elven judges appointed by Vircan, and their rulings are considered final. While there is a general sense of order and safety within the city, the judges are known for being harsh and unforgiving, and the punishments they mete out can be severe.   The city is funded by taxes on businesses and citizens, which are collected by appointed tax collectors. In addition to taxes, the city also generates income through trade with neighboring settlements, especially those of the sylvan and fey folk who inhabit the surrounding woods.   The city is organized into six districts, each with its own appointed district leader who is responsible for overseeing the district's affairs and reporting back to Vircan. The district leaders also serve as advisors to Vircan on matters of governance and policy.   While there is no formal system of elections or representation in Myth Verendane, Vircan is known for being open to suggestions and feedback from his citizens. He regularly holds public forums where citizens can voice their concerns and opinions, and he is known to take these into consideration when making decisions that affect the city. Overall, the government of Myth Verendane is efficient and effective, but also authoritarian in nature, with Vircan holding ultimate power over the city and its inhabitants.  

Government Info

Type: Monarchy
Power: Authoritarian
Focus: Governance and policy

Laws

  • Judges are appointed by Vircan
  • Punishments for breaking the law can be severe
  • Enforced with a sense of order and safety within the city

Taxation

  • Funded by taxes on businesses and citizens
  • Collected by appointed tax collectors
  • Also generates income through trade with neighboring settlements

Organization

  • Six districts, each with an appointed district leader
  • District leaders oversee district affairs and report back to Vircan
  • District leaders serve as advisors to Vircan on governance and policy

Defences

Myth Verendane's interplanar nature poses a unique challenge to its defense. The city is only visible on the Prime Material Plane when both moons are full, making it difficult to locate for those who are not familiar with its existence. However, this also means that it is not completely immune to attacks from other planes of existence.   To address this vulnerability, the city has developed a multi-layered defense system. The first line of defense is the natural geography of the surrounding area, which includes a steep bluff to the east that makes it difficult to approach the city from that direction. The second line of defense is the use of wards and protective spells placed by powerful Eladrin wizards and druids, which help to deter unwanted interplanar entities.   In addition to these measures, the city has also established a network of hidden tunnels and underground chambers, which can be used to evacuate the population in case of an emergency. These tunnels are also used by the city's elite guard, the Moonlit Sentinels, to move quickly and secretly throughout the city, ensuring that they can respond to any threat in a timely manner.   The Moonlit Sentinels are made up of highly skilled and trained Eladrin warriors, who have been trained in various forms of combat, including swordplay, archery, and magic. They are also equipped with advanced weapons and armor, which are specially designed to be effective against interplanar foes.   Overall, while Myth Verendane's interplanar nature does pose a unique challenge to its defense, the city has taken proactive measures to ensure its safety. From its natural geography to its magical wards and underground tunnels, the city is well-prepared to defend itself against any threats that may come its way.

Industry & Trade

Myth Verendane is a city thriving with a bustling economy thanks to its interplanar nature, allowing for the trade of exotic goods from the Moonwilde. The city's primary industry is the production of textiles and fabrics, with skilled elven weavers crafting silks and brocades of unmatched quality. These luxurious textiles are exported to other Elven communities and wealthy merchants in the Material Plane.   Additionally, the city has a thriving market district, where traders from all over the Prime Material Plane come to sell their wares. Myth Verendane is particularly known for its alchemical products and magical potions, brewed by the skilled alchemists in the city. These potent concoctions are highly sought after by adventurers and spellcasters alike.   Myth Verendane also has a bustling shipyard, where skilled woodworkers craft sleek vessels that are used to transport goods between the Material Plane and the Moonwilde. The city is particularly known for its sleek, dark vessels, built to glide swiftly and silently through the waters.   However, not all industries in Myth Verendane are so above board. Rumors circulate of clandestine activities taking place in the shadows of the city's alleys and backrooms. The vampire lord Vircan is known to have a hand in the illicit trade of forbidden magical artifacts and dark relics, adding to his already considerable wealth and power.   Myth Verendane's unique location also allows it to import rare and exotic goods from other planes of existence, including the Feywild and the Shadowfell. These mysterious goods are coveted by the city's wealthy elite, who pay a premium to obtain them.   In short, the city's economy is built on the export of high-quality textiles, alchemical products, and magical artifacts, as well as the import of exotic goods from other planes of existence. However, its dark reputation and ties to the illicit trade of dark relics and forbidden magic mean that its true economic power may lie in the shadows.

Infrastructure

The infrastructure of Myth Verendane is well-developed and reflects the ingenuity and resourcefulness of its inhabitants. The primary mode of transportation within the city is cobblestone roads, which connect the six districts and provide easy access for wagons and carriages. Basin irrigation systems are also present, allowing for the efficient distribution of water throughout the city.   The city is home to several important facilities, including a quarry that produces high-quality basalt, and a lumber camp that harvests hackberry wood. These resources are used in the construction of many of the city's buildings and infrastructure, including the wooden docks in District 2 and the ornate structures of the Patriarchate in District 6.   The city's infrastructure also includes a range of specialty buildings such as a hot springs resort in the northeast and an administration building in District 4, which houses the city's governing officials. Additionally, there are several points of interest scattered throughout the city, such as the Ancient Colossus in the east and the Bottomless Pit in the southeast.   Overall, the infrastructure of Myth Verendane is robust and efficient, reflecting the advanced knowledge and skill of its inhabitants in utilizing the resources available to them.  

Infrastructure

Road Construction: Cobblestone Roads
Main Irrigation: Basin Irrigation
Number of Districts: 6

Special Facilities

  • Quarry: Produces high-quality Basalt
  • Lumber Camp: Harvests Hackberry wood
  • Hot Springs Resort: Located in the northeast
  • Administration Building: Located in District 4

Points of Interest

  • Ancient Colossus: 1.86 miles east
  • Bottomless Pit: 3.37 miles southeast

Districts

Myth Verendane is divided into six distinct districts, each with its own unique characteristics and atmosphere. The first district, known as the Halls of the Morning Sun, is a bustling center of commerce, with merchants and traders haggling and negotiating in its narrow streets. It is home to the city's marketplace and many shops and businesses, making it the perfect place to acquire all the necessities of life.   The second district, known as the Garden of Moons, is situated around the city's docks and is primarily focused on the city's fishing and maritime activities. Boats bob gently in the harbor, and fishermen come and go with their daily catch. This district also boasts some of the best seafood restaurants in the city, where one can savor fresh and delicious seafood dishes.   The third district, the Forest of the Night, is a verdant and lush forest situated in the heart of Myth Verendane. It is home to many of the city's artisans and craftsmen, who ply their trades in small, charming workshops. Visitors can find everything from pottery to tapestries and jewelry to glasswork, all made with the finest craftsmanship.   The fourth district, the Citadel of the Evening Star, is where the city's administrative and governmental functions are carried out. It is a center of learning and scholarship, with many of the city's most brilliant minds gathering here to study and teach. The district is also home to the city's library and archives, containing volumes of knowledge about the history and culture of the Eladrin people.   The fifth district, the Twilight Vale, is a residential district where many of the city's common folk live. The district is known for its quiet, leafy streets and charming homes, which are made from a variety of materials including stone, wood, and thatch. Visitors to this district will find the inhabitants to be friendly and welcoming, always eager to share a meal or a drink with travelers passing through.   The final district, the Starry Glade, is a sacred and mysterious place. Few visitors are allowed within its borders, as it is said to be the resting place of powerful Eladrin mages and druids. The district is home to many ancient standing stones and sacred trees, and it is said that one can hear the voices of the spirits of the land here.   Each district of Myth Verendane has its own unique character and charm, reflecting the diversity and richness of Eladrin culture. Despite the different sub-divisions of power, the city operates as a cohesive and harmonious whole, with each district working together to ensure the prosperity and well-being of all its inhabitants.

Assets

Stone Quarries

  The quarries of Myth Verendane provide the settlement with a steady supply of basalt for building purposes. The largest quarry is located on the eastern edge of the city, where a team of 50 workers use chisels and explosives to extract the stone from the earth. The basalt is then transported to the various districts of the city for use in construction.  
Quarry
  • Resource Extracted: Basalt
  • Workers: 50
 

Lumber Camps

  The lush forests surrounding Myth Verendane are home to a variety of tree species, including oak and hackberry, which provide the settlement with a steady supply of lumber. A woodcutter's camp located on the western edge of the city employs 44 workers, who use saws and axes to fell trees and transport them back to the city for processing.  
Woodcutter's Camp
  • Resource Extracted: Hackberry
  • Workers: 44
  Overall, the assets of Myth Verendane consist of its natural resources, primarily stone and lumber, which are extracted and processed by the skilled workers of the settlement. These resources provide the foundation for the city's infrastructure and economy.

Guilds and Factions

Myth Verendane, being a city of both Eladrin and Wood Elf folk, is not without its share of factions vying for power and influence. Here are some of the major guilds and factions that are at play in the city:   The Silver Crescent A secret organization of elven rangers who are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the Moonwilde. They are fiercely opposed to Vircan's rule and will do whatever it takes to protect their homeland from his machinations. Many of its members are skilled archers and trackers, making them a formidable force to be reckoned with.   The Black Hand A powerful crime syndicate that operates in the shadows of the city. They specialize in smuggling, theft, and assassination, and are rumored to have ties to Vircan himself. The Black Hand is made up of a diverse array of individuals, including humans, elves, and even some monstrous races like goblins and orcs.   The Moonlit Blades An order of highly skilled elven swordsmen and women who serve as Vircan's personal guard. They are known for their deadly precision and unwavering loyalty to their lord, and are feared and respected throughout the city. The Moonlit Blades are considered to be the pinnacle of elven martial prowess, and many young warriors dream of joining their ranks.   The Arcane Council A group of powerful spellcasters who hold great sway over the city's magical affairs. They are responsible for regulating the use of magic within Myth Verendane, and also act as advisors to Vircan on matters relating to the arcane. Many of its members are reclusive and enigmatic, and their true motivations are often shrouded in mystery.   The Celestial Choir A religious order dedicated to the worship of the elven gods. They are responsible for performing important ceremonies and rituals throughout the city, and their influence extends far beyond their own ranks. The Celestial Choir is widely respected for its wisdom and piety, and its members are known for their healing abilities.   The Ironclad A group of skilled blacksmiths and engineers who are responsible for creating the city's weapons and armor. They are known for their expertise in crafting enchanted gear, and their services are in high demand among the city's warriors and adventurers. The Ironclad are fiercely independent, and have been known to take on clients from all walks of life, regardless of their political affiliations.   These factions are constantly vying for power and influence within the city, and their relationships with each other can be complicated and fraught with tension. The result is a city that is full of intrigue and danger, where the slightest misstep can have dire consequences.

Points of interest

Myth Verendane and the surrounding area are full of unique and interesting points of interest, some of which exist on both the Material Plane and the Moonwilde. Here are a few notable examples:  

The Bluff

Located 4.25 miles east of the city, the Bluff is a steep cliff that overlooks the surrounding landscape. It provides an excellent vantage point for keeping an eye on the nearby road, making it a strategic location for the city's defenses. The Bluff exists on both the Material Plane and the Moonwilde, and on the latter, it is home to a tribe of fey creatures known as the Wind Dancers.  

The Bottomless Pit

This deep chasm, located 3.37 miles southeast of Myth Verendane, is rumored to be a portal to the Shadowfell. It is said that those who venture too close risk being pulled into The Void. On the Moonwilde, the Bottomless Pit is known as the Starless Abyss and is said to lead to the Underworld.  

The Hot Springs

The natural hot springs, located 2.76 miles northeast of the city, are a popular spot for relaxation and healing. The water is said to have magical properties and is rumored to be able to cure all manner of ailments. On the Moonwilde, the hot springs are known as the Tears of the Moon and are guarded by a tribe of Eladrin.  

The Ancient Colossus

This towering statue, located 1.86 miles east of Myth Verendane, is a relic of an ancient civilization long forgotten. It stands over 200 feet tall and is made entirely of a strange, iridescent metal. It is said that the statue was once animated and served as a guardian for the city. On the Moonwilde, the Ancient Colossus is known as the Sentinel of the Wilds and is said to be inhabited by a powerful fey spirit.  

The Monument

This towering obelisk, located 4.69 miles southeast of the city, is a testament to the power and influence of the ruling vampire lord, Vircan. It stands over 300 feet tall and is covered in intricate carvings and glowing runes. On the Moonwilde, the Monument is known as the Pillar of Shadows and is said to be a gateway to the Shadowfell.   These points of interest, along with many others, make Myth Verendane a unique and fascinating place to visit, for those who dare.

Architecture

Myth Verendane's architecture is predominantly stone-based, with wooden and timber frame buildings serving as a secondary style. The settlement has an overall aesthetic that is tasteful but somewhat disorderly, with buildings often displaying intricate stonework but also bearing signs of neglect. The primary building style in all districts is stone, with some districts incorporating more wooden elements than others.   The stone used in the construction of buildings in Myth Verendane includes basalt, slate, serpentine, and alabaster, while the wooden buildings are typically made from hackberry. Structures in the city are often adorned with ornate carvings and intricate stonework, giving them a regal and grandiose appearance. Despite the overall disorderly state of the settlement, the upkeep of buildings is considered to be generally well-appointed.   Individual districts have their own unique aesthetics and cleanliness standards. District 1 is known for its odorous businesses and dirty streets, while District 2 is home to the docks and is characterized by its filthy appearance. District 3, on the other hand, has an orderly and utilitarian look due to its focus on merchant activity. District 4 houses administrative buildings and is immaculately clean and well-appointed, while District 5, which contains the gate, has a more normal appearance but is also quite filthy. District 6, the Patriarchate, boasts ornate stonework and wooden elements, with orderly streets and well-appointed upkeep.   Overall, Myth Verendane's architecture is grandiose and regal in appearance, with intricate stonework and ornate carvings. Despite signs of neglect and disorder, the upkeep of buildings is generally well-appointed, with individual districts having their own unique aesthetics and cleanliness standards.

Geography

Myth Verendane is a settlement located in a rugged, mountainous region of the Material Plane. The city is situated atop a large plateau, surrounded by steep cliffs and rocky crags that provide natural defenses against attacks from outsiders. The plateau itself is mostly flat, with a few hills rising up here and there.   Fresh water is sourced from a nearby mountain spring, which feeds into a network of underground aquifers that run beneath the city. The spring also feeds into a small river that runs through the settlement, providing a source of water for irrigation and power for watermills.   The views from the city are breathtaking, with expansive vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. However, the terrain can be treacherous, with steep drops and sudden cliffs. The weather in the region is temperate, with cool breezes blowing in from the nearby mountains.

Climate

Myth Verendane has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The average temperature during the winter months ranges from 5-15°C (41-59°F), while in the summer months, it can range from 25-35°C (77-95°F). The city receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with occasional heavy downpours and thunderstorms during the summer months. The climate is generally stable throughout the year, with occasional fluctuations due to seasonal changes or the presence of interplanar portals.

Natural Resources

Myth Verendane is a location rich in natural resources, making it a valuable location for those looking to establish a settlement. The surrounding forests provide a steady supply of timber, which is used in the construction of buildings and various other structures. The rolling hills of the area offer excellent grazing land for sheep and other livestock, while the fields produce an abundance of crops, including grains and vegetables.   In addition to its agricultural resources, Myth Verendane is also rich in minerals and metals. The bowels of the earth offer an abundance of precious stones, metals, and ores that are highly valued in the local economy. The skilled miners of Myth Verendane extract these resources from the earth and process them into a variety of useful products, from tools and weapons to intricate jewelry.   The nearby rivers and lakes provide a source of fresh water for the inhabitants of Myth Verendane, and also offer a means of transportation for goods and people alike. Fish from these waterways are also a valuable source of food, contributing to the settlement's self-sufficiency.   Overall, the natural resources of Myth Verendane provide the foundation for its economy and the livelihoods of its inhabitants, shaping the way of life in this interplanar location.
Founding Date
-539
Type
Large town
Population
7323
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Characters in Location

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