Vellen Falls
Perched on a large cliff above Lake Vellen, the city of Vellen Falls is built around the largest waterfall in Penthaheim. The city's main industry is fishing and trade down the busiest river in Penthaheim. It has several cranes that allow smaller vessels to move down the falls without being destroyed.
As you enter the city of Vellen Falls through one of the great gates you walk or ride onto neat colorful cobblestone streets. The streets themselves are wide enough for two carriages usually and spiderweb around the large central building which houses most of the government offices. A dull roar fills your ears as the not too distant Archon Falls drop into the southern half of the largest river in Penthaheim. The spring sun beams down through dozens of short but wide trees with light green leaves and pink blossoms on them. The pink blossoms dot the cobblestones making a pastel mix of dots all around you.
Dozens of traders, some with hand carts, some with mules carrying goods and some well dressed with servants carrying chests move about the streets around you. Wide polished stone bridges stretch out over the river and are easily recognizable as the famous bridges of Vellen Falls. Over by cities edge as the area is called that hovers over the cliff overlooking the waterfall a series of hundreds of wooden docks are built into the side of the cliff. Moving platforms tied together with winches, chains, rope and metal grommets work in concert to move goods and people down to the water below. Vellen Falls is also different from other cities in the region due to the high population of elves. Elves are commonly seen in Penthaheim but usually only a small number, here though you can see elves walking in groups and milling about the coffee shops and taverns as well. The university here has a large contingent of Elven students and professors. Their are also several embassies devoted to different elven kingdoms and their ambassadors and aides as well. [DM Note: Have VF and COG make perception checks to notice pedestrians wearing the symbol of the Assembly of the Weave. ]
Unlike other cosmopolitan cities, Vellen Falls is home to few formal festivals and gatherings. In addition to celebrating Highharvestide in autumn, Vellians celebrat The Breaking every spring, marking the day when the last hunks of ice break away from the Archon River, freeing it for safe trade. They also hold public celebrations for Returning Day, which commemorates the return of Hellenox from the Dark Lands as it is told in the holy text. Every so often, Vellians will gather together on a street around a grouping of crates, barrels and other impromptu seating to share stories and tales with one another. These cobble parties, so named for the cobblestone roads on which they are hosted, are marked by special "rose-red" torches that can be purchased from the local fireworks shop.
Dozens of traders, some with hand carts, some with mules carrying goods and some well dressed with servants carrying chests move about the streets around you. Wide polished stone bridges stretch out over the river and are easily recognizable as the famous bridges of Vellen Falls. Over by cities edge as the area is called that hovers over the cliff overlooking the waterfall a series of hundreds of wooden docks are built into the side of the cliff. Moving platforms tied together with winches, chains, rope and metal grommets work in concert to move goods and people down to the water below. Vellen Falls is also different from other cities in the region due to the high population of elves. Elves are commonly seen in Penthaheim but usually only a small number, here though you can see elves walking in groups and milling about the coffee shops and taverns as well. The university here has a large contingent of Elven students and professors. Their are also several embassies devoted to different elven kingdoms and their ambassadors and aides as well. [DM Note: Have VF and COG make perception checks to notice pedestrians wearing the symbol of the Assembly of the Weave. ]
Unlike other cosmopolitan cities, Vellen Falls is home to few formal festivals and gatherings. In addition to celebrating Highharvestide in autumn, Vellians celebrat The Breaking every spring, marking the day when the last hunks of ice break away from the Archon River, freeing it for safe trade. They also hold public celebrations for Returning Day, which commemorates the return of Hellenox from the Dark Lands as it is told in the holy text. Every so often, Vellians will gather together on a street around a grouping of crates, barrels and other impromptu seating to share stories and tales with one another. These cobble parties, so named for the cobblestone roads on which they are hosted, are marked by special "rose-red" torches that can be purchased from the local fireworks shop.
Demographics
Vellen Falls has a large contingent of Elves due to it's ties to the Forest Lands. It has always kept itself clear of the knot that it the Five Houses of Penthaheim. It has a Gnome district and a strong cultural link to Urgolos and the Dwarves.
Government
Vellen Falls is ruled by several Houses separate from the Five Houses of Penthos. These houses and their appointed Barons, compose the Council of Four. They were elected by the citizens to serve for life or until they wished to retire. The Council served as a member of the Northern Alliance, which included Lamboriginus, Volen, and Copenhaus among other nation-states.
A quorum of several ministers attached to the various guilds and city offices then elect a Prime Minister from the Barons who forms the current government. This government rules for 10 years before the next election or until there is a vote of No confidence
City Officers The Council of Four are served by five deputies, city officials that oversee their subordinate bureaucrats and maintain the daily needs of Vellen Falls. Their titles and responsibilities are as follows:
Harbormaster: Manages operations of the Vellen Lake Harbor, assigns tariffs and taxes on imported goods, and maintains the records of all goods shipped in or out of the city
High Constable and Master of Walls: Castellan of the Watch Citadel
Master of Drains and Underways: Maintains operations of the city's drains, sewers, waterways and aqueducts
Master of Cobbles: Oversees construction and maintenance of all city roads, bridges and non-water-related, stone infrastructure
Purse Master: Collects taxes, invests city funds, directs payment to city officials, and overseesw the Bailiff of the River
City Officers The Council of Four are served by five deputies, city officials that oversee their subordinate bureaucrats and maintain the daily needs of Vellen Falls. Their titles and responsibilities are as follows:
Harbormaster: Manages operations of the Vellen Lake Harbor, assigns tariffs and taxes on imported goods, and maintains the records of all goods shipped in or out of the city
High Constable and Master of Walls: Castellan of the Watch Citadel
Master of Drains and Underways: Maintains operations of the city's drains, sewers, waterways and aqueducts
Master of Cobbles: Oversees construction and maintenance of all city roads, bridges and non-water-related, stone infrastructure
Purse Master: Collects taxes, invests city funds, directs payment to city officials, and overseesw the Bailiff of the River
Industry & Trade
Taverns and Inns -
Salmon Falls - A popular laborer's bar known for hard drinking and bar fights. Bartender is Otiluke Mesher, A half elf man and the barback is Colus a Half Orc man. It is managed by Poca Telleshin a human woman.
Hairy Tony's Tavern and Inn - One of the larger inns in the city. Still kind of a mid tier inn for visiting sailors and merchants. Owned by a former warrior the dwarven man named Custony Anverwahr. He is known for his prodigious chest hair and beard. The bartender in the tavern is a female half elf named Hannah Entenu. The server is a Firbolg man named Cornver.
The Dolphin's Respite - A high end hotel and bar in the city. It is easily the largest and most resplendent of places to stay. Frequented by ministers, ambassadors, and other high class citizens. It also has the largest staff available including porters, concierge service, and room service. It is staffed mostly by humans, gnomes, and half elves. The current front desk officer available is a prim and proper human man named Jestival Agland. The bar at the Dolphin's Respite is called the Bottle Nose and has many magical lights stretched into patterns surrounding the bar itself and the many booths and tables.
Barristan's Court - a large rowdy bar always full with sailors and local tradesmen. Bartender is a dwarven woman named Keily Umbersmith. The barback is a human man named Kent Clarksey and the server is a elven woman named Impatien Hollydocks. The main common room has a fistelbash ring in the middle. It is built into the wooden floor and is sunk into the floor by a couple of stairs. The circular ring is surrounded by hempen ropes.
The Dragon's Clutch - A lively Tavern with a large wooden dragon statue in the main common room. The owner is an obsessive carpenter and whittler. It is a Firbolg man named Dirk Diggler. The main bartender is a human woman named Chloe Pear. The server tonight is a Half orc man named Whammo.
Salmon Falls - A popular laborer's bar known for hard drinking and bar fights. Bartender is Otiluke Mesher, A half elf man and the barback is Colus a Half Orc man. It is managed by Poca Telleshin a human woman.
Hairy Tony's Tavern and Inn - One of the larger inns in the city. Still kind of a mid tier inn for visiting sailors and merchants. Owned by a former warrior the dwarven man named Custony Anverwahr. He is known for his prodigious chest hair and beard. The bartender in the tavern is a female half elf named Hannah Entenu. The server is a Firbolg man named Cornver.
The Dolphin's Respite - A high end hotel and bar in the city. It is easily the largest and most resplendent of places to stay. Frequented by ministers, ambassadors, and other high class citizens. It also has the largest staff available including porters, concierge service, and room service. It is staffed mostly by humans, gnomes, and half elves. The current front desk officer available is a prim and proper human man named Jestival Agland. The bar at the Dolphin's Respite is called the Bottle Nose and has many magical lights stretched into patterns surrounding the bar itself and the many booths and tables.
Barristan's Court - a large rowdy bar always full with sailors and local tradesmen. Bartender is a dwarven woman named Keily Umbersmith. The barback is a human man named Kent Clarksey and the server is a elven woman named Impatien Hollydocks. The main common room has a fistelbash ring in the middle. It is built into the wooden floor and is sunk into the floor by a couple of stairs. The circular ring is surrounded by hempen ropes.
The Dragon's Clutch - A lively Tavern with a large wooden dragon statue in the main common room. The owner is an obsessive carpenter and whittler. It is a Firbolg man named Dirk Diggler. The main bartender is a human woman named Chloe Pear. The server tonight is a Half orc man named Whammo.
Infrastructure
Much like Copenhaus, Vellen Falls relies on a web of strong bridges to tie the city together as it straddles the river and the waterfall itself. These bridges were designed and built by the famous architect, Radinald Arriter. A half elf man who lived in the late 23rd century.
Grande Olix Building - The main parliamentary building is the Grande Olix Building. It houses the Prime Ministers residence and offices. The buildings surrounding it hold many offices of several ministers and their assistants.
Vellen University - One of the largest and most respected universities in Penthaheim it is the premier higher education for the wealthy and powerful. A mark of it’s prestige is the fact that several powerful elven families send their progeny here to become stronger rulers or traders in the future. Despite adding a stuffiness and class to the city with it’s many professors and intellectuals, it also makes it a party city for the young and reckless. A series of white stone buildings with large thick hedge walls surrounding each one the area is easily marked by the dark red wine colored roof tiles on each one.
The Assembly of the Weave - On the eastern side of the city is a walled garden that takes up several city blocks. Inside hidden amongst illusions spells is a tall grey building that is the offices of the Assembly. The Assembly has a strong presence in Vellen Falls due to it’s relationship with the university and elves in general.
Grande Olix Building - The main parliamentary building is the Grande Olix Building. It houses the Prime Ministers residence and offices. The buildings surrounding it hold many offices of several ministers and their assistants.
Vellen University - One of the largest and most respected universities in Penthaheim it is the premier higher education for the wealthy and powerful. A mark of it’s prestige is the fact that several powerful elven families send their progeny here to become stronger rulers or traders in the future. Despite adding a stuffiness and class to the city with it’s many professors and intellectuals, it also makes it a party city for the young and reckless. A series of white stone buildings with large thick hedge walls surrounding each one the area is easily marked by the dark red wine colored roof tiles on each one.
The Assembly of the Weave - On the eastern side of the city is a walled garden that takes up several city blocks. Inside hidden amongst illusions spells is a tall grey building that is the offices of the Assembly. The Assembly has a strong presence in Vellen Falls due to it’s relationship with the university and elves in general.
Assets
Shoppes/Trades/Services -
Vintner - Wines from Tellenor - Run by Harv Leder's older Brother Antolon Leder. He has a brisk trade with the Onsalm region.
Armorer- Poltroon's Damage Reductors - Run by a Half orc by the name of Cutter Poltroon.
Bookbinder - The Beaten Page - operated by Bilious Page a human man in his 80's.
Instrument maker- Spinal Tap and Drum - Run by the Spinal Family a group of Halflings.
Magical Illuminator - Integrated Neon - run by a Gnomish woman named Natilda neon.
Herbalist- The Root and Stem - Run by a green elven woman named Stila Stem
Jeweler - Silver smith - Velinson's Gems and Silver - run by a Gnome named Hanbon Velin
Weaponsmith - Hairsplitter's Blades - run by Yorish Covolty, Dwarven Man.
Blacksmith - Bronka's Metal Goodes - Run by a large barbarian human woman named Bias Bronka.
Haberdasher - Tails and feathers - run by an aarokocran man named olivus Tailfeather. He looks like Puffin.
Barber - Bibs and Beards - Run by a tabaxi man named Mane and Tail and Bib. he has crafted a high end look amongst the young university crowd known as the bib. It is a swoop haircut that threatens to fall over the eyes.
Arcanist - Wonderballs Wonders - Run by a Gnome man named Billiash Wonderballs.
Alchemist - From Rust to Gold - Run by a human woman named Rustila Golden. She is a very accomplished alchemist.
Magical Items - Banjo Kablooie - Run by a Halfling man obsessed with any type of magical item or oddity. His name is Kablong Banjo.
Magical Curios - Denver's Nuggets - The rival shop to Banjo's the operator here will waste no time deriding Banjo and his store. The human man who owns it is Johann Denver.
Schools, Universities, and Trade Schools -
Vellen University - A place of higher learning for the wealthy and the well connected. Vellen U is the premier school for any future minister, lawyer, or Trades person. Many members of the East tellenheim company elite have degrees here.
Vintner - Wines from Tellenor - Run by Harv Leder's older Brother Antolon Leder. He has a brisk trade with the Onsalm region.
Armorer- Poltroon's Damage Reductors - Run by a Half orc by the name of Cutter Poltroon.
Bookbinder - The Beaten Page - operated by Bilious Page a human man in his 80's.
Instrument maker- Spinal Tap and Drum - Run by the Spinal Family a group of Halflings.
Magical Illuminator - Integrated Neon - run by a Gnomish woman named Natilda neon.
Herbalist- The Root and Stem - Run by a green elven woman named Stila Stem
Jeweler - Silver smith - Velinson's Gems and Silver - run by a Gnome named Hanbon Velin
Weaponsmith - Hairsplitter's Blades - run by Yorish Covolty, Dwarven Man.
Blacksmith - Bronka's Metal Goodes - Run by a large barbarian human woman named Bias Bronka.
Haberdasher - Tails and feathers - run by an aarokocran man named olivus Tailfeather. He looks like Puffin.
Barber - Bibs and Beards - Run by a tabaxi man named Mane and Tail and Bib. he has crafted a high end look amongst the young university crowd known as the bib. It is a swoop haircut that threatens to fall over the eyes.
Arcanist - Wonderballs Wonders - Run by a Gnome man named Billiash Wonderballs.
Alchemist - From Rust to Gold - Run by a human woman named Rustila Golden. She is a very accomplished alchemist.
Magical Items - Banjo Kablooie - Run by a Halfling man obsessed with any type of magical item or oddity. His name is Kablong Banjo.
Magical Curios - Denver's Nuggets - The rival shop to Banjo's the operator here will waste no time deriding Banjo and his store. The human man who owns it is Johann Denver.
Schools, Universities, and Trade Schools -
Vellen University - A place of higher learning for the wealthy and the well connected. Vellen U is the premier school for any future minister, lawyer, or Trades person. Many members of the East tellenheim company elite have degrees here.
Guilds and Factions
The following guilds are active in Vellen Falls and the surrounding area -
Helle's Kitchen Baker's Guild
Carpenters', Roofers', & Plaisterers' Guild
Cellarers' & Plumbers' Guild
Coopers' Guild
Council of Farmer-Grocers
Council of Musicians, Instrument-Makers, & Choristers
Dungsweepers' Guild
Fellowship of Bowers and Fletchers
Fellowship of Carters and Coachmen
Fellowship of Innkeepers
Fellowship of Salters, Packers, and Joiners
Fishmongers' Fellowship
Guild of Apothecaries and Physicians
Guild of Butchers
Guild of Chandlers and Lamplighters
Guild of Glassblowers, Glaziers, and Spectacle-makers
Guild of Stonecutters, Masons, Potters, and Tile-makers
Guild of Trusted Pewterers and Casters
Guild of Watermen
Jesters' Guild
Jewelers' Guild
Launderers' Guild
Loyal Order of Street Laborers
Master Mariners' Guild
Most Careful Order of Skilled Smiths and Metalforgers
Most Diligent League of Sail-makers and Cordwainers
Most Excellent Order of Weavers and Dyers
Order of Cobblers and Corvisers
Order of Master Shipwrights
Order of Master Tailors, Glovers, and Mercers
Saddlers' and Harness-makers' Guild
Scriveners', Scribes', and Clerks' Guild
Solemn Order of Recognized Furriers and Woolmen
Splendid Order of Armorers, Locksmiths, and Finesmiths
Stablemasters' and Farriers' Guild (STAFF)
Surveyors', Map-makers’, and Chart-makers' Guild
S.M.O.G - Spirits and Mead Organized Guild
Assembly of the Weave
Helle's Kitchen Baker's Guild
Carpenters', Roofers', & Plaisterers' Guild
Cellarers' & Plumbers' Guild
Coopers' Guild
Council of Farmer-Grocers
Council of Musicians, Instrument-Makers, & Choristers
Dungsweepers' Guild
Fellowship of Bowers and Fletchers
Fellowship of Carters and Coachmen
Fellowship of Innkeepers
Fellowship of Salters, Packers, and Joiners
Fishmongers' Fellowship
Guild of Apothecaries and Physicians
Guild of Butchers
Guild of Chandlers and Lamplighters
Guild of Glassblowers, Glaziers, and Spectacle-makers
Guild of Stonecutters, Masons, Potters, and Tile-makers
Guild of Trusted Pewterers and Casters
Guild of Watermen
Jesters' Guild
Jewelers' Guild
Launderers' Guild
Loyal Order of Street Laborers
Master Mariners' Guild
Most Careful Order of Skilled Smiths and Metalforgers
Most Diligent League of Sail-makers and Cordwainers
Most Excellent Order of Weavers and Dyers
Order of Cobblers and Corvisers
Order of Master Shipwrights
Order of Master Tailors, Glovers, and Mercers
Saddlers' and Harness-makers' Guild
Scriveners', Scribes', and Clerks' Guild
Solemn Order of Recognized Furriers and Woolmen
Splendid Order of Armorers, Locksmiths, and Finesmiths
Stablemasters' and Farriers' Guild (STAFF)
Surveyors', Map-makers’, and Chart-makers' Guild
S.M.O.G - Spirits and Mead Organized Guild
Assembly of the Weave
Founding Date
1213 SF
Alternative Name(s)
River's Edge
Type
City
Population
7800
Inhabitant Demonym
Vellinians
Location under
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Comments