Falkryst

Falkryst is the capital city of the Kingdom of Oster. It is to the northern half of the Free Kingdoms what the Free City of Ralindor is to the southern half. It is a hub of trade, information, and political intrigue. Its name comes from an archaic spelling of "Falcon's Rest", given that the city was used as a home-base for falconers and scouts during the Elveswar. The city still contains buildings from that time period.

Demographics

• Men from Oster dominate the city, although one can also find Dale-Men and Norsken from out-of-town staying here.

• Dwarfs, elves, and halflings are in relatively equal numbers here, but are rarer than they would be in a city of similar size elsewhere.

Government

• Queen Galfrey rules both Falkryst and the Kingdom of Oster. She is an autocratic ruler, but is wise enough to enlist the help and support of dozens of other nobles from her House.

• Nobles from around the Kingdom are required to pay tribute to the Queen. Those who earn her favor are invited to her noble court, where they can influence the politics of the realm, and have as much sway over the government as the House of Oster.

Defences

• The Guard is composed of members of the Kingdom's standing army.

• The Guard still has a tradition of falconry; they have falcons designed for reconnaissance, as well as "urban falcons" which know their way around the city, and can deter and attack lawbreakers on-command.

• The prestigious Academy of Warcraft is located on the outskirts of the city. It educates the nobility on the finer points of battle tactics, diplomacy, and other topics of warfare. The Kingdom's great military minds are housed there.

Infrastructure

• Cobblestone roads are seen throughout Oster, and Falkryst is no exception.

• Falkryst is one of the few cities capable of supporting a sewer system.

Guilds and Factions

• The House of Oster and and the House of Ungar have concentrated their influence in the city.

• The Order of the Eye is originally from this region, and their agents are common here.

• The Knights of the Seventh Realm also make their headquarters in the city, extending their business around the Kingdom.

Alternative Name(s)

Falcon's Rest, Twocrowns

Type

Large city

Population

160,000

Location under

The Kingdom of Oster

Owner/Ruler

Queen Galfrey