Belecosta

"The last stop before the long, perilous trek down the Lonely Road. You'll not find a more welcome sight than Belacosta, nor a better mead than that brewed in the Crimson Courtesan's casks. Take your rest, resupply, and continue forward in your journeys knowing that ahead lie the Dwarf Holds of the Slayer clans, and behind you lies a town awaiting your return." ~ Brask Anashi, Captain of the Ranger Guard.
At the root of the Serpent Spine mountains along the Lonely Road, nestled on the southern banks of the Umbra Loch, lies the quite trade hub of Belacosta. A sanctuary for travelers to rest their weary bones, a trade stop along the long journey to the western outposts in Belrynd, or a resupply stop for the Rangers that brave the wilds of the Spine and the Dale Lands beyond it. Belacosta is a different town for different people, but all agree that it is the last bastion of civilization until reaching the Brass Legion's holdings to the west, or the Empire's northern border 100 miles to the south. Belacosta is a free settlement, beholden to no taxes save those instituted by its elder, Merrik Edris, and only subject to Imperial meddling if the Inquisition has cause to suspect a apostate may have passed through.
Belacosta began as a small ranger encampment pitched by retired Gloomstalker Merrik Edris in the waning years of the First Age. His encampment gave rest to the any weary soul that stumbled upon it. Merrik would provide food, tea, and a good night's rest and protection to those under his care for the evening as the gentle crash of the Umbra Loch's waves lulled them to sleep. Some visitors stayed, pitching their own tents, lending their strong weapon arms to Merrik's safe haven. Over time, what started as seven small tents grew to ten, then twenty. Due to the unexpected growth, Merrik made the decision to construct the Crimson Courtesan and offically turn his growing encampment into the burgeoning settlement it was becoming. A blacksmith took residence, followed suit by a young witch seeking a safe haven who established an apothecary under Merrik's protection. As the word spread along the Lonely Road of Belacosta's success, more and more towns and villages began to spring up along the length of the Lonely Road, using Belacosta as a key staging point. Key most among them being the town of Ashmire, thriving on the unexpected breweries that took root there, and provide much of the town with work.
The Umbra Loch became a life line to the citizens of Belacosta and a strong fishing presence began to grow along the banks. Docks were constructed, skiffs began to ply the waters of the Loch and Belcosta's main trade item became the large carnivorous fish native to those waters. Perhaps grown so large due to the remnants of magic that linger in the sunken ruins that lie in the dark depths of the Loch. Though many pay them no mind, Merrik does occasionally dive down to check on them from time to time.
The rangers that stayed on with Merrik became the town's protection, the Ranger Guard, or so the citizens affectionately refer to them. Comprised solely of volunteers, mostly retired rangers, the Ranger Guard are an effective deterrent to any bandits, goblin tribes, or kobolds that may seek to raid the town. Many of the Guard brought their animal companions with them as such bears, panthers, hawks, eagles, and even the odd drake or two can be seen roaming the town outskirts.
In the years after the Planar Confluence, Belacosta suffered the bleeding of citizens who feared further attack by the Creatures of Chaos, despite the excellent protection the Ranger Guard. However, many still remain, confident in Merrik's ability to keep them, and the town safe from attack. As a result, despite the calamity, the way of life of many Belacostans remain unchanged. Its blacksmith continues to provide service to the citizenry and arms to the Ranger Guard. Its apothecary still supplies medicinal potions, poultices, and ointments to the trade caravans and travelers that still pass through. The fishing trawlers still glide across the dark waters of the Umbra Loch, casting their nets into the depths from dawn to dusk. As night falls and the aurora dances across the night sky, the Ranger Guard take up their watch along the banks, and in the watch towers along the edges of town. For even in a remote place such as Belacosta, fangs lie in wait in the darkness. For in this Second Age of Vanigraad, danger lurks in even the most unassuming places. Yet hope and warmth flicker behind the windows of the Crimson Courtesan, rest your weary bones in its soft beds and let your dreams dance among the lights in the gentle sky above.

Government

Lead by a village elder, Merrik Edris is a retired Tiefling ranger from the Amber Plains

Type

Village

Population

2300 residents

Inhabitant Demonym

Belecostans

Location under

The Serpent's Spine Mountains

Characters in Location

• Aliana Von Derlant