Lighthaven
"If it's gold you're looking for, no better place than Lighthaven! Flows from hand to hand as smoothly as water."
Lighthaven is a large town found on the western coast of Arden, within the province of Telmar. Located close to the capitol city of Ardenholt, Lighthaven acts as the primary hub for trade for most of the kingdom. With plenty of links to distant nations, ships come and go, bringing in goods and wealth. The bustle of the town can be found around its markets, as gold flows as easily as water between traders from near and far.
Current political events within the Town have led to a tension between the various trading Companies and the smaller, independant Merchants of Lighthaven. As the Trading Companies have grown and overtaken the Port, the Merchants have felt their businesses being enroached upon. For this reason, Lighthaven Merchant's Guild was founded, to represent the needs of the various smaller businesses and to provide protection for their own interests against the increased political and economic power of the Trading Companies.
Current political events within the Town have led to a tension between the various trading Companies and the smaller, independant Merchants of Lighthaven. As the Trading Companies have grown and overtaken the Port, the Merchants have felt their businesses being enroached upon. For this reason, Lighthaven Merchant's Guild was founded, to represent the needs of the various smaller businesses and to provide protection for their own interests against the increased political and economic power of the Trading Companies.
Recent Events
As of 986 AF, Lighthaven has entered a new era of political turmoil. A newly-established Cult managed to burn down the Lighthaven Merchant's Guild, along with the heads of the organisation. Alongside this, there was an attempt on Lady Crow's life at the Midsummer festival, which has left her recovering from her wounds. This gap in the finely balanced political landscape has allowed the Trading Companies room to grab for power. A Governor from the Highwater Shipping Co. has now been allocated to the town, and more and more of the local merchants and traders are either being bought under Trading Company ownership or driven out of business.Demographics
Human ~50%
Dwarf ~15%
Halfling ~5%
Elf ~5%
Other ~25%
Dwarf ~15%
Halfling ~5%
Elf ~5%
Other ~25%
Government
The House of Crow has the final say of most matters that concern Lighthaven, but it is the job of the Town Council that manages the day to day happenings of the Town. The Council is made up of notable figures from the Town, namely from the various Trading Companies, the Church and a few of the more well-off Commoners.
Defences
A moderate wall surrounds Lighthaven, along with a small Castle Keep found on the north side. The keep acts as a base of operations for the Town Guard, having both a barracks and a small jail. It also acts as a place of residence for The House of Crow when family members are in town.
The Town Guard itself consists of roughly 150 guardsmen, all commanded by Captain Lysander Parson. Guards can be found patrolling the streets in small teams, and manning the various watchtowers and walls of Lighthaven. Five to ten guardsmen are assigned to each of the gates at any one time, with some also dedicated to the docks. Roughhousing amongst the sailors is common within Lighthaven, and the Guards are quick to dispel any unrest. The punishment for such is typically a night in the cells, with any fine being waved away from influence by the Trading Companies.
Patrols are also sent out to the surrounding area, and a small force can be mustered to defend from any raiders or issues. These can vary, from an individual creature slaughtering cattle and the local peasents, to full Gnoll or Goblin warbands.
The Town Guard itself consists of roughly 150 guardsmen, all commanded by Captain Lysander Parson. Guards can be found patrolling the streets in small teams, and manning the various watchtowers and walls of Lighthaven. Five to ten guardsmen are assigned to each of the gates at any one time, with some also dedicated to the docks. Roughhousing amongst the sailors is common within Lighthaven, and the Guards are quick to dispel any unrest. The punishment for such is typically a night in the cells, with any fine being waved away from influence by the Trading Companies.
Patrols are also sent out to the surrounding area, and a small force can be mustered to defend from any raiders or issues. These can vary, from an individual creature slaughtering cattle and the local peasents, to full Gnoll or Goblin warbands.
Industry & Trade
Being the major trading hub and port of Arden, Lighthaven has a plethora of goods coming and going at all times. The majority of this is managed by the two major Trading Companies, Highwater Shipping Co. and Copperhead Trading. All sorts of goods are traded and bought, including the rare and exotic from foreign lands.
A range of shops and traders can be found for local use, most prominant of these being Klitwick's General Goods and the smithy, Hrogald's Hammer. There are also other stores for more varied items, including a potion shop (Fortituous Froths) and a Scribe (Ideal Inkings).
A range of shops and traders can be found for local use, most prominant of these being Klitwick's General Goods and the smithy, Hrogald's Hammer. There are also other stores for more varied items, including a potion shop (Fortituous Froths) and a Scribe (Ideal Inkings).
Infrastructure
The Midwood River runs through Lighthaven and in to the sea, bringing fresh water and transportation links further in to Telmar. In the early days of the settlement, this was vital for bringing in supplies from Middlewood and the Midwood Forest.
A large part of Lighthaven is given over to its markets and commerce, with warehouses, shops and stalls found mostly everywhere. It's two ports are mostly owned by the Trading companies, with the Copper Port found to the west of the town and the South Port, unsurprisingly, to the south.
Despite The Church of the Holy Light being the recognised and official religion of The Kingdom of Arden, Lighthaven has a plethora of smaller shrines and churches scattered about. These are mostly found around the docks, and are kept readily available for traders from distant lands whom may wish to pray to their own beliefs. Alongside this, there is a large Church still dedicated to the Holy Light, which is named Haven's Hope Chapel.
For those new to the Town and looking for somewhere to stay, there is a large tavern off the Old Market named "The Salty Sailor". Owned by the Landlady Isabella Salter, it offers warm beds and hot food for the many travellers that find themselves in Town. Along with this, there are also several other bars and pubs located within Lighthaven. At each of the gates in to Lighthaven, a Stable can be found, offering transport services as well as a place for any mounts to be kept and looked after.
The surrounding countryside of Lighthaven is given over to farming, with several small hamlets having formed to support the residents. Most if not all of the food grown here is used for supporting Lighthaven, and large stores are often used to see the town through the winter months.
A large part of Lighthaven is given over to its markets and commerce, with warehouses, shops and stalls found mostly everywhere. It's two ports are mostly owned by the Trading companies, with the Copper Port found to the west of the town and the South Port, unsurprisingly, to the south.
Despite The Church of the Holy Light being the recognised and official religion of The Kingdom of Arden, Lighthaven has a plethora of smaller shrines and churches scattered about. These are mostly found around the docks, and are kept readily available for traders from distant lands whom may wish to pray to their own beliefs. Alongside this, there is a large Church still dedicated to the Holy Light, which is named Haven's Hope Chapel.
For those new to the Town and looking for somewhere to stay, there is a large tavern off the Old Market named "The Salty Sailor". Owned by the Landlady Isabella Salter, it offers warm beds and hot food for the many travellers that find themselves in Town. Along with this, there are also several other bars and pubs located within Lighthaven. At each of the gates in to Lighthaven, a Stable can be found, offering transport services as well as a place for any mounts to be kept and looked after.
The surrounding countryside of Lighthaven is given over to farming, with several small hamlets having formed to support the residents. Most if not all of the food grown here is used for supporting Lighthaven, and large stores are often used to see the town through the winter months.
Guilds and Factions
Founding Date
124 AF
Type
Large town
Population
~6000
Inhabitant Demonym
Lighthaveners
Owning Organization
Notable Locations within Lighthaven
- The Town Hall
- The Guard House
- The Salty Sailor - Tavern
- The Blushing Maiden - Brothel
- The Black Barnacle - Tavern
- Haven's Hope Chapel - Church
- Merchant's Guild
- Copperhead Trading Offices
- Highwater Shipping Co. Offices
- The Old Market
- Eastgate Market
Notable Shops within Lighthaven
- Klitwick's General Goods
- Hrogald's Hammer
- Runes & Tomes
- Madame Ortho's Oddities
- Fortituous Froths
- Trades & Treasures
- Rising dough Bakery
- Ideal Inkings
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