Horsa Settlement in Soldiers of the Sword Coast

Horsa

Once the major crossing point along the Swanmay River, the city of Horsa has now vanished into shadow, leaving only a few remnants of its tumultuous past. Founded by mercenaries and dedicated to the Storm Lord Talos, Horsa was a city built on the values of strength and contribution, where each resident was expected to offer something valuable to the community. The site where Horsa once stood has now transformed into a small crossroads market, with a handful of permanent encampments springing up around it, serving as a modest hub for traders and travelers.

Demographics

Horsa's past population was diverse, composed primarily of mercenaries from across the Archipelago and even as far as the Eastern Empires. Known for their acceptance of all who could prove their worth, the Horsians embodied the city’s fierce and independent spirit.

Government

Previously led by Lady Calliope, Horsa was rumored to be governed by a council, though it was unclear if this group held true power or if the title was merely a symbolic reward for loyalty. With Horsa’s fall, the influence of its former leaders has faded, leaving the crossroads market as a simple, ungoverned space.

Points of interest

A shadow of its former self, Horsa’s notable landmarks remain buried beneath the rubble. Beneath the old city lies a colosseum where the Horsians once initiated new followers through The Trials, a rite of passage for those seeking citizenship. Though these remnants remain largely untouched, they serve as a reminder of Horsa's storied past, attracting curious adventurers and fortune-seekers who venture through the crossroads.