Rosewater
The trading port turned into a thriving port town. Rose water is also nicknamed the 2nd gate to the west.
Founding
With the end of the slave revolts and the Shadow Republic rebuilding much of the area south of the silent lake, Trade started being re-established. With several trade ports sitting on the Gem sea, nothing controlled the trade coming in from the west. Treskriri Sulta had started bringing exotic goods back in from the west, however trading it out was taking time and profit as it didn't entirely reach the Shadow republic's markets. Seeing this gap, the Tiefling noblewoman Bloodrose, founded a coach house and trade port called Rose's water stop, though this was quickly shortened to Rosewater. The main road was built between the city and tradepost, allowing for faster travel, and quickly increasing trade. During these early years, the area consisted of a walled mansion on an overlooking hill for Bloodrose herself, then a port, stables, inn, and small market all surrounded by a wooden palisade. This broke from the normal building style of the shadow empire, being closer to Rivell's style.Growth into a village
With the success of the post growing, Veil sent a small detachment of soldiers to help guard the surrounding area from the increasing bandits. Stationed at Rosewater, these guards built a military fort in just outside the palisade. The prosperity and influx of goods had also attracted settlers, as well as families of those working, either on ships or the guard. These settlers built up a small village in between the three sets of walls, even helping in the upgrade of these sections. This became a major port for the shadow republic, making its port rival other cities on the silent lake despite the village being a tenth of the size of these cities.Republic collapse aftermath
With the loss of Hope and the fracturing republic, the current lord of the manor, Blackthorn, decided it was prudent to increase protection, as he didn't need to give taxes to a far-off city anymore. Building up the fort and enclosing the whole village in sturdy walls, Blackthorn also built blister towers on outcrops in the lake. With trade wars breaking out between the remaining republic cities vying for power, Rosewater became a safe haven for none republic trade, increasing its wealth and growing into a town. This allowed for a more elaborate Patrician district to be built to the side of the town, protected by walls.Southern crusade, imperial vassel
These defenses and power came in useful during the Empire of Akoom's southern crusade, holding out for longer than the majority of the surrounding city-states, this came to an end when Shadowport fell, allowing the empire's navy into the silent lake. Put under siege, Rosewood, relying entirely on trade, collapsed. By the time the paladins entered the town, the population had dropped from a few hundred to around fifty, and plague and crime were rampant. The only section of the town that seemed untouched was the walled-off port section. Knowing the potential of the site, it was quickly rebuilt and repopulated, in an uncommon move by the Empire, almost entirely of Thieflings rather than Orcs. The town quickly prospered again under a new family, While never truly reclaiming its glory days under the empire, it became the jewel in the south after the loss of The White City. The town also almost exclusively housed wealthy merchants, making every section of the city highly decorated with mansions, gardens, and plazas. This would set the town up for its future glory. Small sections of lower houses that serve the mansions are clustered around small squares dotted around the city, but even these would make well-off citizens of other cities jealous. During the revolts, the empire found weapons flooding into the south from an unknown source, after much searching, they found Rosewater was in fact supplying the whole silent lake area with weaponry. This time the closed Drakes way prevented another siege, allowing Rose water to be the second city-state to declare independence.Post Empire
Nothing is better for a merchant town than a monopoly on certain products, and Rosewater had this meaning it grew from strength to strength. During the Chroma age, it visualized its long-term trade partner, Treskriri Sulta as well as building a temporary outpost at Cavepost, though the latter only lasted around sixty years. In 122 fey current Lord of the manor once again sees an opportunity to expand, his eyes looking north to the refugee settlements popping up.Goverment
Rosewater is ruled by the heads of the various houses that call it home, electing a Lord of the Manor from among their own. Though it is normally re-elected every ten years, it's not uncommon for a skilled Lord to rule for life.
Founding Date
123 Dragon
Type
Town
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