Tilverton
Tilverton is a frontier town in Northern Cormyr. The town is the northernmost town in Cormyr. It sits at the intersection of two major trade routes - the Moonsea ride which runs North-east to south, and the North ride which runs north through the Storm Horns to Shadowdale.
As the northern most outpost of Cormyr, the town has a frontier style feel to it as it is situated at the northern edge of Cormyrean civilisation for the purpose of taming this region that is notorious for invaders and monsters from the plains around Tilverton and the Stonelands a day's travel to the west.
The "Moonsea Ride" is a major trade route that starts in the Moonsea region in the far north and runs south west through the Dalelands, Tilvers Gap, Tilverton and then turns south into the heartlands of Cormyr and ends at its capital, Suzail on the edge of the Dragonmere.
The "North Ride" runs north from Tilverton through the recently discovered Shadow Gap - a shorter but challenging trail through the northern Thunder Peaks that connects with Shadowdale in the dalelands.
Location
Tilverton is situated in the middle of a large and open grass-covered plains that extends for at least 1 day's travel to the north, west and south and several days travel to the east. The plains are largely surrounded by near unpassable mountain ranges. The heartlands of the Kingdom of Cormyr lies many days travel to the south.Travel
Two trade roads connect with Tilverton.The "Moonsea Ride" is a major trade route that starts in the Moonsea region in the far north and runs south west through the Dalelands, Tilvers Gap, Tilverton and then turns south into the heartlands of Cormyr and ends at its capital, Suzail on the edge of the Dragonmere.
The "North Ride" runs north from Tilverton through the recently discovered Shadow Gap - a shorter but challenging trail through the northern Thunder Peaks that connects with Shadowdale in the dalelands.
Demographics
The vast majority of Tilverton residents are human. There is a small population of Gnomes in Tilverton, with most living in the "Gnome Quarter" - a collection of older buildings in Lower Tilverton near the shrine to Silvanus.
For 9 months of the year, travellers passing through town bring a mixture of other surface races through Tilverton.
Half Orcs are tolerated in Tilverton. Evil races such as full-blooded Orcs, Goblins, Gnolls, Duergar and Drow are not allowed entry to Tilverton.
For 9 months of the year, travellers passing through town bring a mixture of other surface races through Tilverton.
Half Orcs are tolerated in Tilverton. Evil races such as full-blooded Orcs, Goblins, Gnolls, Duergar and Drow are not allowed entry to Tilverton.
Government
Tilverton is a barony that is ruled by a local lord on behalf of the King of Cormyr. The current ruler of Tilverton is the Lady Regent Alassalyn Rowanmantle. She has proven to be a fair and popular leader.
Ultimately, Cormyr is ruled by King Azoun IV. He is of an unbroken line of kings in the Obarskyr family running all the way back to the founding of Cormyr 1,332 years ago. Before annexure by Cormyr, Tilverton was ruled by a council of elected townsfolk led by Gharri, chief Cleric of Gond. Gharri left Tilverton shortly after annexure by Cormyr but the council persists. They currently number 12 and are consulted on matters of law, trade and other important decisions by the Lady Regent Alassalyn.
Ultimately, Cormyr is ruled by King Azoun IV. He is of an unbroken line of kings in the Obarskyr family running all the way back to the founding of Cormyr 1,332 years ago. Before annexure by Cormyr, Tilverton was ruled by a council of elected townsfolk led by Gharri, chief Cleric of Gond. Gharri left Tilverton shortly after annexure by Cormyr but the council persists. They currently number 12 and are consulted on matters of law, trade and other important decisions by the Lady Regent Alassalyn.
Defences
Tilverton is completely encircled by an 18' (6.5 metre) high stone wall. Purple dragons patrol the battlements and keep watch from the guard towers set at regular intervals along the entire circumference of the wall.
All three gates that provide access to the city are guarded by towers and portcullis' that are closed from dusk until dawn. Cormyrean Purple Dragons and War Wizards guard the gates around the clock.
Industry & Trade
Travellers passing through town bring an everchanging mix of goods for trade.
The central market in Tilverton is a bustling hub of local and visiting traders selling their goods.
Local products include fresh fruit and vegetables, horses, furs, pottery, plaster (from the nearby Stonelands), caravans, spare parts and repairs.
The central market in Tilverton is a bustling hub of local and visiting traders selling their goods.
Local products include fresh fruit and vegetables, horses, furs, pottery, plaster (from the nearby Stonelands), caravans, spare parts and repairs.
Infrastructure
Most of the roads in Lower Tilverton are paved with cobblestone. Main roads in Upper Tilverton are also paved. Smaller roads in Upper Tilverton and the older roads in Lower Tilverton (those closest to Upper Tilverton) are predominantly dirt and can become muddy during wet weather.
Three gates provide access to Tilverton: The Cormyr Gate (or west gate). This gate opens to the southern Moonsea Ride which leads into the heartlands of Cormyr. The Shadow Gate (or north gate). This gate leads to the recently discovered North Ride through the northern Storm Horn mountain range. The Moonsea Gate (or east gate). This gate opens to the northern Moonsea Ride which leads north east to Tilver's Gap and the Dalelands beyond.
Three gates provide access to Tilverton: The Cormyr Gate (or west gate). This gate opens to the southern Moonsea Ride which leads into the heartlands of Cormyr. The Shadow Gate (or north gate). This gate leads to the recently discovered North Ride through the northern Storm Horn mountain range. The Moonsea Gate (or east gate). This gate opens to the northern Moonsea Ride which leads north east to Tilver's Gap and the Dalelands beyond.
Districts
The upper part of Tilverton sits atop a 10-15' high gnoll in the middle of the plains. The buildings there are older and spaced further apart. A large but ruined keep dominates the western edge of upper Tilverton and looks down over the western edge of the town.
Lower Tilverton sits on the same level as the surrounding plains and stretches from the base of upper Tilverton to the outer walls of the city. A large marketplace lies at the centre of town and most roads lead to it, though not always directly. Lower Tilverton is mostly of newer construction and the building are tightly packed together. The shingled roofs of these buildings are often brightly coloured thanks to recent inventions by the clergy of Gond the Wonderbringer that have enabled long-lasting staining of wood.
Guilds and Factions
As a frontier trading outpost, a huge variety of guilds and traders operate in the city.
History
It was a small town of trappers and traders atop a defensible gnoll before becoming a 'protectorate' of Cormyr 10 years ago. It has since grown into a bustling frontier and trade town and has spilled out over the gnoll and onto the surrounding plains.
Tilverton was officially annexed and became a part of the Kingdom of Cormyr when Cormyr claimed the lands up to the northern Thunder Peaks as part of its territory two years ago (1330CR).
Points of interest
The gnoll of Tilverton juts out above the rest of the landscape over the plains. The view from the gnoll, which is no longer easily accessed due to the battlements surrounding Tilverton, provide visibility of the plains for miles in all directions.
Religion
There are two temples in Tilverton. The temples are manned and serve as churches to the populace, with ceremonies and civil responsibilities of the clegry. The temples are: The house of the Wonderbringer (formerly known as Gharri's house) Dedicated to Gond the Wonderbringer, god of invention and creativity Located in Upper Tilverton and is one of the oldest building in Tilverton (though it is constantly renewed, remodeled and reinvented) The Morning Rose A large temple dedicated to Lathander the Morninglord god of light and the sun Was built only a few years ago when lower Tilverton was expanding but has already become a more important religious hub to most of the common folk of Tilverton There are public shrines that are mostly unattended. They are easily accessible and anyone can visit at any time. There are shrines dedicated to the following gods: Helm the Watcher - patron of guards and guardians Tymora, Lady of Luck - goddess of good fortune and patron of Adventurers Silvanus - patron of Druids and god of natureArchitecture
The buildings in town are mostly made of stone on the ground level, and of wood and white or beige render if there are any upper levels. Woodenn shingle (tile) roofs cover most buildings. Roofs on lower Tilverton are colourful due to recent inventions by the Temple of Gond of weather resistant stains to wood.
Residences in both the new and older parts of town are mostly modest and humble, with a only a small number of luxurious residences for the richer or more important inhabitants of Tilverton. Balconies and attic windows are common in multi-story buildings. Chimneys poke out of every house.
Geography
Tilverton sits in the middle of a plain that is virtually surrounded by near-impasable mountainous terrain.
To the east, the Thunder Peaks tower over the plains. Their peaks are snow capped most of the year.
To the South and North, the Storm Horn mountains rise, with the highest peak shimmering white year round.
Due West sits the Stonelands. A notorious location that is the source of raiding golblins, orcs and other monsters.
To the east, the Thunder Peaks tower over the plains. Their peaks are snow capped most of the year.
To the South and North, the Storm Horn mountains rise, with the highest peak shimmering white year round.
Due West sits the Stonelands. A notorious location that is the source of raiding golblins, orcs and other monsters.
Climate
The climate is cool temperate. Winter snows make travel difficult for 3 months of the year. During this time Tilverton is virtually shut down.
Spring, Summer and Autumn can be wet at times but are generally good weather with temperatures rarely getting higher than mid-20s celsius.
Autumn in particular can be wet, with the rain transitioning into snow as winter sets in.
Natural Resources
The clock tower at the centre of town is powered by steam from beneath Tilverton.
There are several wells in Tilverton that provide a reliable source of water for the town.
There are several wells in Tilverton that provide a reliable source of water for the town.
Founding Date
1292 CR
Alternative Name(s)
The Northern Outpost (by Cormyreans)
Population
10,000 - 15,000 depending on time of year
Inhabitant Demonym
Tilvarans; Tilvertonians.
Location under
Included Locations
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