Town of Bearmaw
Wealth of the Land
The gates were a blessed marvel, a bare space in the tall hedges intertwined with roots and vines. They peeled open upon my captor's request to the awakened guardians posted at either side, curling back into the leaves in a scant moment. The guards did not answer any of my shouted questions, nor did the armored elves upon their branches. Events of the World, or the Ravings of a Sane Man Trap'd Within Madness, Celasaer III.Bearmaw, also known as Nyamarion to the Elven residents, is a large town on the southwest peninsula of Braks Eshai. It is mostly forested, and opens up to a moderately-sized wharf. There are three major districts within the town: the Dock Ward, the Arcanist's Borough, and Highscepter, along with several market squares scattered throughout it. Most of the buildings are constructed from the living trees of the forest and it is considered near treasonous to commit arson within town.
Highscepter
Highscepter is a residential ward in the southeast of the town and one of the newest in terms of growth. The trees used to construct the buildings are young, often woven together instead of coaxed around a shape. The streets are large and soft, with scattered pine needles giving the entire ward a pleasant smell.Places of Interest
The Lazy Archer A fine elven inn, most notable for the fire elemental that lives in its hearth. The Guildhall A large building, once a minor temple to a local goddess. It contains a large meeting hall and several smaller rooms, and is shared by many of the guilds that run the town. The Broken Wand Though elegant and refined, this inn is rumored to be a front for the local thieves' guild. Despite the town's best efforts, no progress has been made on discovering if this is true1.Crown Market
The smaller of the two marketplaces in Bearmaw, Crown Market is located within the heart of Highscepter and consists of a small pavilion and a moderately-sized square with few carts and stalls. There is a fountain near the center of the pavilion, made of smoothly cut stone, and the bottom of it glitters with wishing coins.Arcanist's Borough
The Arcanist's Borough is a mercantile ward in the northeast of Bearmaw and home to most of the guilds. Most of the trees in this district are old, and multiple buildings made from a single tree are common.Places of Interest
The Dragon's Hoard A modest potter's shop and kiln built to resemble a bronze dragon. The potter, a woman named Auciel, spends several months filling the shop with thrown pots, then bricks the door and spends several days firing them. The opening of the fired kiln is a local festival2. The Eye of Diranthor A weathered bronze statue of a warrior with the head of a falcon. It's said that anyone who sacrifices an eye before it can see and speak with Death until the next dawn, though whether it's truth or malicious rumor is hard to tell3. The Broken Fang A heroic adventurer's inn, kept by a retired knight named Atzer, and a popular place to exchange tales for travelling minstrels.The Dock Ward
The Dock Ward is both the oldest part of the city and the poorest, with more stonework than living trees and a heavily shifting population. Though generally hidden from outsiders, the Thieves' Guild holds the most sway in this district and often makes the decisions despite the other guilds' rulings. The streets are narrow and cobbled, leading out onto multiple docks, and are often the scene of a brawl or some other disturbance. There is also a thriving red light district, though expensive due to the fees the guild imposes on its workers.Places of Interest
The Goblin Mine This pothole in the street has been named the Goblin Mine in jest4. It will not stay filled for more than a few hours, and the local residents have given up trying. The Temple of the Black Angel The largest building in the ward, this domed monastery is dedicated to Paha, the god of secrets. Its many mosaics are gilt and bright lanterns hang from every corner. The god is said to visit his temple when both moons are full. The weathered ruins of a temple, its name and dedication long forgotten. The residents avoid it, though there are rumors that it sits atop ancient catacombs that have not yet been plundered5.Rogue's Market
Rogue's Market, located in the south of the Dock Ward, is a large public square crowded with merchants of all kinds. Banners of all kinds hang above the stalls and an extremely weathered stone statue stands in the center, garlands of flowers and trinkets strewn over its undecipherable form.Demographics
The population of Bearmaw is mostly Elven, with a moderate amount of humans and halflings and very few other races. Much of the wealthier residents live within Highscepter, while tradesmen and the business-minded populate the Arcanist's Burough. Sailors, migrant workers, and the poor are confined to the Dock Ward, though most aspire to leave the district.
Government
Bearmaw is run by a consortium of guildmasters who call themselves the Council of Nine. Their Guildhall, located in Highscepter, is usually open to the public for complaints to be brought before them.
Defences
The landlocked edges of the town are protected by a large hedge that is rumored to be poisonous to the touch in an effort to stop people from climbing over it. There is only one entrance into Bearmaw from the east, guarded by awakened trees, and the rest of the wall is patrolled from both the interior and exterior.
Guilds and Factions
Bearmaw has a wide variety of guilds, from wainwrights to cartographers to ones catering to the adventurous parties that pass through it's districts. Much of their activity is restricted to the Arcanist's Burough, though several also have ties to both of the other wards. The most acknowledged are those that make up the Council of Nine:
The Crimson Company
An adventurer's guild led by the retired hero, Ser Caedmund Runescar.The Council of the Black Angel
The local monastic order, ran by Lady Erilre Wynneiros.The Council of the Shield
A fighter's guild that doubles as the city guard, directed by Sonas Ophins.The Fellowship of the Whispering Fang
The local thieves' guild, ran exclusively in the Dock Ward by Ernam Rawley.The Golden Foxes
The most prominent merchant's guild in the town, ran out of Highscepter and directed by Khimil Bonebender.The Guild of the Veiled Tome
Far from the only collection of mages in Bearmaw, this guild is mostly comprised of transmuters who accompany the city guard. It is run by Induis Bonneseul.Koerwe's Council
A local temple to Koerwe, the Lady of the Lost6, whose acolytes are devoted to helping those in need. The High Priestess is currently Lady Joane Eddyn.The Silver Swords
A high-class mercenary's guild, ran by Lesym Byne.The Thorns of Ordad
The local druidic circle, responsible for the maintenance of Bearmaw's trees. It's leader, Eldartas Stormdancer, is often found outside the town.History
Founded in YE 6523 by a handful of Kadenan refugees, Nyamarion was primarily a small fishing village for most of its history until a powerful mage settled at its edge in 7130. The mage, Atrix Spiderstride, then created the extended forest that is visible today and left instructions for its maintenance. The original documents are still proudly on display in the Guildhall.
Footnotes
1Enemies Without Restrictions: An Infamous History of Swindlers and Conmen, Curethil Dorthellothl 2Art and Festivity of the World, Erild Freeshield 3Death and Magic: How Far Is Too Far?, Gilmithel Mosslight 4Creatures and Creatures and Creatures, or Amusing Anecdotes From the Countryside, Fari Bedde 5Dungeons of the West, Ziri Kholedzar 6Blinded By the Gods: The Ascension of Koerwe, Lady Alartas Beliene
Alternative Name(s)
Nyamarion
Type
Large town
Population
About 4900 people
Inhabitant Demonym
Ashani, Nyamari
Location under
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
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