Châlaix
At the end of its northernmost arm, the waters of the Star Sea flow into the Great Amrin River and begin their long journey east to the distant Sinnar. For thousands of years, the hilltop just south of the juncture of sea and river has hosted settlements, the most ancient of which perhaps predate the arrival of humans on Akados. Today, the mighty Castle Châlaix commands the crest of the hill, its gray stone towers and flapping pennants visible for many miles, whether from over the waters or the rolling fields of eastern Foere. From the castle, the city spills down steep cobbled streets to the docks and warehouses jutting forth into the waters of the Star Sea.
All trade between the port cities of the Star Sea and the eastern provinces by way of the Great Amrin River must pass through the harbor of Châlaix. And for those preferring wagon to boat, the road from the heartland of Foere to Aixe also runs through this city. As a result, the coffers of Châlaix are always full from the various taxes and levies imposed on merchants traveling east or west.
In addition, the lands about Châlaix are known for their vineyards and olive groves, and many of the best vintages and oils of Foere are found here on the northeastern shores of the Star Sea.
Lord Darandaran Choly’s family has held the city of Châlaix now for four generations. Like the three generations of Choly’s before him, Darandaran is a Knight of Macobert. As a result, in 3515 I.R., he, along with nearly all of the others of his order, left on campaign with the overking in pursuit of the Huun invaders that had besieged Bard’s Gate. In his absence, his wife, the Lady Escaril Choly, and his seneschal, the elderly Horam Pris, administer the city and countryside. While both are competent, many within the kingdom would like nothing more than to seize the Castle Châlaix, its robust revenue, and its rich lands. The longer Darandaran remains away, the deeper the intrigues that seek to wrest Châlaix away from his lady.
Many visitors come to Châlaix to see the famous catacombs that lie beneath the city hill. Most of the chambers and passages are restricted, but a number may be accessed by those wishing to pray at one of the underground chapels to various gods of Foere, several of which claim to hold relics of sacred power. Although now most burials occur in one of the cemeteries outside the city walls, some families still retain the right to interment in the catacombs. The exact age of the catacombs, and their full extent, remains unknown.
Settlement
Châlaix, City of
Type
Large city
Owning Organization
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