Blackburn
Gem of the Hearthglen Vale
Blackburn is a growing frontier town located in the Hearthglen Vale. It is lead by a Half-Elf mayor named Nexian Vellenor, though Nexian has started to consider himself a Jarl, and is referred to as such. The town is quite large, and construction on a defensive wall is about to start. There are ten Knights that defend the city, led by the experienced Knight Sir Edmund Yorick. There are also a few members of the Thieves Guild present in Blackburn, though their identities are a secret.
Government
The government is currently a democracy, however, if Blackburn is granted the title of a Hold, the current leader will be semented as Jarl. This means that future Jarls will be of his bloodline, and he will join the Council of Jarls.
Defences
Blackburn is about to start construction on a wall, but has a master Abjuration Wizard that they currently rely on for defense. There are also 15 Knights stationed in Blackburn that defend the town from attack, and deal with particularly dangerous threats. There is also a town guard consisting of roughly 400 people, though they are not trained nearly as well as knights, and they mostly just keep the peace and work as a police force. With the looming possibility of Blackburn becoming a Hold, there is talk of forming an official military force.
Industry & Trade
The most important export in Blackburn is food, as they provide crops and seafood for the entire area. They have Honeywell Mead imported from Greystone, and many merchant caravans journey to Blackburn from Stormyard.
The Fishmongers Guild is an important staple of industry in Blackburn, and they have their headquarters by the large river that runs next to Blackburn. The Guild has great wealth and power in the area, especially among the middle class, as many are employed by the Guild.
Wealthy travelers coming through the city enjoy staying at the Boastful Bard, a large tavern and inn in the wealthy upper class district of the city. The Boastful Bard is very popular and wealthy, regularly hosting large parties and other events for the wealthier denizens of Blackburn. The less wealthy have to stay down in the Wards, in one of the cheaper inns or brothels.
Unlike much of the civilized world, Blackburn's status as a frontier town operating under Greystone rule makes prostitution legal in the city. The town has several brothels in the Wards, some of which make good money. The largest and most controversial is run by the mysterious Lady Allysanne Gray, a powerful woman who is known to have many connections almost everywhere.
Guilds and Factions
The Fishmongers Guild in Blackburn is an extremely influencial group. They produce the vast majority of seafood for Blackburn, from the Valgus River that flows through the edge of town. The leader of the guild, a Moon Elf named Ceric Alloro, is known for being a ruthless and cunning businessman. It is also rumored that he has ties to the Guild of Shadows, a mysterious assassin group in Petrea. Regardless, this guild is supplying a large portion of the food for Talus Ridge.
The Brotherhood of Fortune is another very influential group. After coming to the defense of Blackburn during an attack from Gnolls, the wandering mercenary guild was given a large building in Blackburn. They quickly set up shop, and they work as guards for hire, as well as maintaining their position as the regions most renowned mercenary group. They do not engage in illegal activity (at least not openly), and they mostly root out bandits and kill monsters that roam too close to the city.
History
Blackburn started as a small settlement in 1530. The group that founded the settlement was on a quest to settle a town in the Hearthglen Vale, which was largely unexplored. The group set off from Coldhall in 1528, and when they settled Blackburn in 1530, it was the only town for miles in any direction. It was originally founded by a cattle baron named Kayne Dillion, who acted as mayor for twenty eight years. He was killed in an attack by Gnolls in 1558. The town was built by a river, and a large plateau, which they had been building up into. When Kayne died, his second in command, a dwarf named Bragram Flaskjaw took over leadership. Bragram was considered a bad leader, and after many failed attempts to drive out the Gnolls from the area, Bragram was killed in 1568, after a Gnoll spear found it's way into his chest during an attack. After this tragic incident, a half-elf named Nexian Vellenor took over leadership as the town mayor. Under his leadership, the town began to thrive. They built a mansion for the mayor to live in, and the town began to grow. In 1570, the Fishmongers Guild was formed, and in 1599, the Brotherhood of Fortune moved into town. The town has been growing steadily, and there are rumors that the Council of Jarls will make it a Hold soon. This would make Nexian Vellenor the first Jarl of Blackburn, and he would be invited to join the Council of Jarls. This would make Blackburn the capital of the Hearthglen Vale.
Points of interest
The Brotherhood of Fortune is a popular mercenary group, and they only accept the best. Blackburn employs them quite often, and they make their home here.
Fishmongers GuildThe Fishmongers Guild is a very large center for fisherman to come and sell their supply, and they deal with most seafood sale in the area. The leader of the Guild is rumored to have very shady connections with a guild of assassins.
School of EvocationThe wizard Percival Smoteridge teaches young wizards in the art of Evocation. He learned his craft at the Valia Academy of Magic, and moved into town fairly recently. Though it is small, with only around fifteen students, the School of Evocation is the only magical institution for many miles in any direction.
Temple of PelorThere is a large temple to the deity of Pelor in Blackburn, which many people worship at. Pelor is said to bless crops, and ensure a bountiful harvest, so the hard working people of Blackburn revere Pelor immensely. They also train clerics at this temple, and the clerics of Pelor regularly bless the farmland of the Hearthglen Vale.
The Boastful BardThe Boastful Bard is a high end tavern and inn situated at the top of the Blackburn plateau. The Boastful Bard is considered by many to be the best tavern and inn in the region, and is more expensive than most establishments. It boasts great food, Honeywell Mead, and comfortable rooms with warm beds. They have a skilled bard from the Bards College of Valor on staff that plays every day at meal times.
Geography
The town is situated on a large river, which flows through the town. There is a large, flat plateau in the town, which many buildings have been built onto. Most of the nobles, wealthy citizens, and expensive buildings such as the Boastful Bard are located at the top of the plateau.
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