Northlake

The most militaristic of the cities of the East, and one of the few to allow the establishment of a Temple of Shanah. The forces of Northlake were able to crush the land-based invasion of Oranzar of the Elven Empire, which brought about his fall from grace within the Empire and the eventual return of Magelord Renzel. The college of Northlake Studies was once known for its studies of ancient Elven ruins on North Island. Now, however, war expenditures have resulted in a dwindling of financial support at the College.
Northlake hosts the Wyldwood Shrine of Defiance. 
Military Force: Skymages (Northlake) – approx. 250 (See Alveran Military)
Primarily Ariel, although there are a few non-Ariel members, this unit is the primary battlemagic unit within the Alveran military.
Commander: Duke Adamas
Player charcaters originating from Northlake: Bazin. Also, Twoo was apparently living in Northlake at the time of the invasion.
See also: Northlake Metal Trade at Cerdyd and Far Haven & Northlake Trade
==Map==
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==Major Personages==
===Duke Adamas===
(Male half Ariel): Lord of the City, close friend of the King. Has Clearsight according to OlgZoom 2020-11-06 21:00.
He led the magic forces in Alvera's battle against the Giants:
He, too, was brother to King William but, born out of wedlock, he never had a claim to the throne, something which burned in him still. He liked to outrage 'polite society' and did so with relish, particularly when it came to magic. Yet his outraged, outrageous front hid a sharp mind, one he wasn't afraid to voice to the King. This was the trait that Alvera admired.
(later on)....Adamas and his few Ariel mages were now engaged in a desperate battle to keep themselves alive. Giants
From Alveran Politics:
Bastard Ariel half-brother to King William, he earned his Dukedom and recognition in the last Troll War. Proud and seething with suppressed anger at the many affronts of his childhood, both perceived and actual, he openly flaunts his magic ability and obvious mixed blood, and has caused numerous problems with both the Universal Church and the Royal Family. A favourite of the young Alvera, he holds Northlake against all invaders.
As an acknowledged bastard of William (as with Reston), he could have opened the gates to Riverside, but there is no evidence that he might have done so. 
He is considered (by Vinmira) to be a rock-solid supporter of Alvera, despite his delight in outrage.Zoom 2020-12-17 21:00
===Sir Garth===
(Male Human): Marshall, in military command of the city garrison and watch, sponsors and runs a warriors college, known locally as the Dragonriders Guard.
===Sparrowsight===
(Female Ariel): Head librarian of the Imperial Studies college, since funding for the college was massively reduced, she has become somewhat of a recluse. Gohde can provide you with letters that will get you in to the college, but after that it is up to you.
===Shan Swordbearer===
(Male Ariel): High Priest of the temple of Shanah, simply known as “The Temple”, commands the cities Cavalry force, unusually is close friends with Golderod.
===Golderod===
(Male Human): Priest of the Wyldwood shrine, known as “The Defiance”.
Accoring to Kinogel: "Golderod is a nice guy, but sometimes seems to act more like a Shanah priest than a Wyldwood, he certainly gets involved with the military aspects of the city defence.”Days 11 - 13
Quercuis met and spoke with him in Day 28-34 – The third week in Northlake and again in Day 35-41 – The fourth week in Northlake
He does not appear to have Clearsight. The party noted that Even given the Spell of Voids, he seems remarkably relaxed about the Shanah attack against Wyldwood in Far Haven.Zoom 2020-11-12 21:00
His lack of Clearsight was confirmed to Quercuis by Uil TreesoarEmail 20201-02-06 14:54: Golderod was not clearsighted and therefore had genuinely no understanding of what had happened at Far Haven.
===Box===
A questionable monicker!
Supposed head of the underworld/criminal fraternity, gained his/her name from the habit of dismembering his/her enemies and packing the body parts in a crate left out on the highway.
==Other People The Party Need To Know==
===Jurrage===
(Male Dwarf): Owner of the “Falling Star”, an ex-Pathfinder and good friend. Gohde provides you with letters of introduction.
===Apana===
(Female Human): An elderly senior priest of Shanah, again ex-military and used to be Cagruns commanding officer. Again Gohde will provide letters of introduction, she may be able to assist with getting to Far Haven.
Has Clearsight according to OlgDay 35-41 – The fourth week in Northlake
Bazin and Umar had luch with her just before departing Northlake - see A Conversation with ApanaDay 42-45 – Leaving Northlake. This included such details as: Apana is mid 60’s but still obviously reasonably fit, she has a large disfiguring scar on the left side of her face and is missing one ear, plus you notice that she is missing two fingers on her left hand .... these were 'souvenirs' from Warskull whom she holds in high regard.
===The Red Knight===
See #The Red Knights Company
===Cohner===
See #Cohners Company
===Olg===
See also: Olg and Miriam's Mercenary Band
:DEG wonders if Olg is a secret Wild worshiper: Olg said he "would be interested in any news on Onwen".  He also gave us the necklace/bracelet to delivery to Miriam in Far Haven - which is where we just happened to bump into Vinmira.  We noted this as a massive coincidence at the time - which would be explained if Olg was part of the same Wild sect as Vinmira (and might also explain why Olg fell out with Miriam, and Vinmira didn't want us to talk to her again in case she told us about Olg's 'proclivities'.) There is also Maronay Moonshadow's comment of 'I think that he [Olg] has lost sight of some of our underlying goals'
Has Clearsight and Clearsight detection.
Old Stonemaker is a Perceval priest who had a chat with Garaf and explained Clearsight to him during Day 28-34 – The third week in Northlake.
His price for this information was for the party to take some jewellery to Far Haven. He also warned Garaf and the party to be careful of what other deals they strike, and the 'price' of information.
According to Maronay MoonshadowDay 65 - Far Haven - Tripwires: “Marany: “Olg Stonemaker! Of course I know him, he is a senior member of my Order. Not surprised that Miriam wasn’t happy though, there is some bad blood between the two of them.”
Garaf: “What happened?”
Marany: “How much do you know about our faith, I see you are a follower – but I guess you aren’t really familiar with the church and how it operates. You probably see Perceval as simply the god of trading and dealing….. particularly if you are taking Olg as the leading example.”
...
Marany: “So as you can see, Olg has taken the trading aspect of Perceval somewhat to extremes, he seems to enjoy the constant bartering and trade, but personally I think that he has lost sight of some of our underlying goals…..but I may be wrong.”
Garaf: “But none of that explains Miriams’ attitude.”
Marany: “I really cannot tell you too much, but it is public knowledge that Olg and Miriam were members of a small elite mercenary band. The band was well known, and well regarded, but something went wrong on a contract with Wingsport. The band lost over half of it’s number including most of the command structure and was dissolved. Miriam and Olg had grown very close in their time with this band…..shit why cant I remember the companys name??.....”
Marany (thinking): “No, it isn’t going to come back to me”
Marany: “Anyhow, whatever happened to destroy the mercenaries, Miriam seemed to believe that Olg was responsible and since then has refused to have any contact with him.”
Marany (thinking): “No, it isn’t going to come back to me”
Marany: “Anyhow, whatever happened to destroy the mercenaries, Miriam seemed to believe that Olg was responsible and since then has refused to have any contact with him.”
==City Areas/Locations==
===The Citadel===
Contains the main keep and Duke Adamas’ residence along with the main city barracks, the courts of justice, city watch headquarters and of course the jail. Generally you should stay away unless you have business in the area – just in case.
===Royal Docks===
Berthing for a small number of warships, plus also the city granaries and central storehouses are to be found here. With the city still considered under siege, this area is heavily patrolled and monitored.
===Dragonriders Guard===
Northlake has always had a military college, generally held in very high repute, nobody is really sure where the name comes from. The current college head Sir Garth is also the city Marshall and it is said that he personally oversees every graduation test.
===Inner Quarter===
Primarily the living quarters for families of the city garrison and watch, there is a small market area – primarily food produce. The only two inns in the quarter are almost exclusively patronised by the military and what rooms they do have are reserved for visiting soldiers.
(Note: The Pathfinders will be staying at the Sword and Anvil Inn in this quarter)
===City Docks===
Handles all of the civilian trade across the lake, this used to be a bustling area as a quick way to ship and receive goods from the central north cities such as Far Haven and the nomadic tribes of the North. Whilst this trade still takes place, the demands of war have focussed attention on foodstuffs, weaponry and ore, rather than exotic good. Still, trade remains strong and this enables the city to keep food prices reasonable. There are a number of taverns in the area, but few with accommodation, and even fewer without unwanted guests hiding in the mattresses. If you must stay here then the Lakeside Palace Inn is probably the best of a bad bunch.
Day 35-41: There have been a number of	disappearances down at the city docks, the city watch has increased	its patrols in the area. Day 35-41 – The fourth week in Northlake
===Lakeside===
This small district, only part of which actually adjoins the lake is populated by the well to do larger merchant houses.
===Eastern Quarter===
Primarily a residential area, many of the occupants farm smallholdings out to the east of the city and so the Eastern gate is nearly always crowded in the early mornings and evenings with people travelling to and from their small farms. Generally a reputable area, there are a number of decent hostelries in the area, although only a couple offer rooms – and even then only one or two.
==== Eastern Market: ====
Not yet visited, apparently again a predominately food market – particularly with the produce brought in through the Eastern Gate.Day 14-20 – The first week in Northlake
===The Sprawl===
Every city has an area where the ne’er do well congregate, and for Northlake it is the Sprawl. Cramped winding alleys with little light make it difficult for the city watch to keep full control here. Recently there have been several mass sweeps through the Sprawl by the city watch supplemented with the military. Rumours are that they are looking for someone, although the more believable reason is conscription and rounding up any deserters.
====Crime in Northlake====
Obviously, as with any large population centre, there is crime and where there is crime there are organisations that look to control it. Whilst some cities across the North Island are known to have large centralised “guilds”, Northlake does not have the same degree of criminal organisation – possibly the success of the City Guard has managed to prevent this.
It is generally believed that the Sprawl district is the centre for any criminal organisation, , but until investigated – nobody can know the truth behind this.
Crime in Northlake is obviously patriotic, nearly all citizens in Northlake note that in period between the Elven invasion and the cease fire commencing – crime dropped rapidly. The few less desirable elements that entered the city with the refugees were winnowed out and either handed over to the City Guard or on more than one occasion found dismembered and packed in a crate on the main highway.Day 14-20 – The first week in Northlake
===Southern Quarter===
A large residential area, properties close to the main road tend to be owned by the more affluent, whilst those in the back streets, particularly to the East have more dubious tenancy. The western side of this quarter houses the red-light district, heavily patrolled by the watch it is unclear who maintains order here – the watch themselves or the brothel madams, in any case this is probably the safest place to walk at night alone in the whole city. Note that as the main thoroughfare to Stormhaven passes through this area, the inns here are well appointed, clean, serve decent food – but are extortionately priced. The Elven invasion has of course reduced traffic on the highway to a minimum and so sometimes a bargain can be negotiated.
===City Market===
A collection of wide alleyways spanning the central crossroads, nearly all of the properties here are shops of varying size and quality. Similarly the alleys will often see traders set up stall, under license from the authorities of course. Any time of day the visitor to this area will be presented with a wide variety of goods and services.
'the central square in the city market is nearly always the venue for some political speech or other.' 
Exploring the full extent of this market will take days, on the main thoroughfares most of the stalls and shops are mainstream, selling foodstuffs, ironmongery, cloths and threads, tools etc. etc. To find more esoteric offerings you need to visit the back alleys, you initial visits have not surfaced anything of interest though – most of the so called “ancient curios” are either fragments of pottery and similar (albeit possibly authentic) or are probably fakeries.
==== Inner Market: ====
A small street with a number of stalls, these are predominately food stalls with some household goods and similar. Apparently this market has no clientele interested in the more esoteric, most of the locals being military families.
===Shanah Temple===
Known locally simply as “The Temple”, this large ugly building houses a large number of Shanah clergy, led in worship by Shan Swordbreaker. There is also a small garrison of knights maintained by the temple and dedicated to the defence of the city.
===Defiance===
A shrine to Wyldwood, set within one of the city parks, Golderod leads a small but devout body of priests in maintaining the park and the shrine.
Originally outside of the city limits of Northlake, this shrine to the Wyldwood is centred around an ancient Oak tree in the centre of a small park. Visitors are welcome to visit the shrine, although all footwear must be removed on entering the park.
Offerings at the shrine tend to be seeds or similar during the winter and spring, followed by fruits/produce during summer and autumn. There are two high festivals, held at the summer and winter solstice, and for these festivals an animal (usually a Deer) is sacrificed and then roast for a celebratory feast. As with most Wyldwood shrines, there is a healthy following amongst the population, particularly with farmers and fishermen.
The Defiance Shrine was apparently founded in Northlake during the Age of Chaos and according to some of the priests there is the third oldest of all the Wyldwood holy sites. One evening Quercius is shown by one of the acolytes to an ancient stone, standing about 4’ tall in the depths of a dense patch of scrub. On the stone are inscribed figures of what would appear to be an Eagle, a Lion, a Snake, two Human(oid)s, and a Centaur surrounding a stylised Oak tree.
Acolyte: “It is said that this stone was erected as part of the founding of this shrine. Certainly all of the pilgrims that visit here come to pray at the stone prior to departing.”
An interesting viewpoint that some of the acolytes seem to have had in the past is that the Elves were guardians of nature and that their departure was forced upon them by some evil external power. As has become obvious, the Elves are in fact people of Empire and so far have exhibited no particular love of nature or balance. Those acolytes that had the mistaken believe are occasionally teased about it, generally good naturedly. The Defiance Shrine (Part 2)Day 21-27 – The second week in Northlake
In week3 at NorthlakeDay 28-34 – The third week in Northlake: Golderod leads the way towards the very centre of the shrine, and up to the huge central Oak tree. He then lays his right hand on the tree and a shimmering portal opens up, revealing spiral stairs leading down. He gestures for Quercuis to enter.
The stairs descend in a spiral for about 25’, at the bottom is an archway that leads into a medium sized cavern. At the centre of the cavern is a clump of gorse, in full bloom – with bright yellow flowers that seem to glow in the dim light. The floor of the cavern is a verdant wildflower meadow, flowers closed in the evening seeming light
===Old City===
The original settlement of Northlake centred around this district, and though most of the old properties have been torn down and replaced with nobles mansions a very small number of the old Elven houses still survive, now owned by wealthy nobles as a talking point.
===Northlake College===
See Imperial Studies College for main article.
In its heyday this College maintained somewhere around 150 students of history, particularly focussing on the old Elven kingdom. Nowadays the Library is empty apart from Sparrowsight the Head Librarian and a few die-hard self-funding students. Much of the collected writing, particularly that relating to the Elven military has been shipped out to Starport but the library it still a treasure trove of historical information – if only one can find it amongst the shelves and shelves of scrolls.
===Craft/Merchants Quarter===
The focus of most of the manufacturing industry in Northlake, unlike most cities where the craftsmen tend to congregate in jewellers quarters, smithies etc. here the industries tend to intermingle and you can find a weaver next to a smithy and opposite a candlemaker. There are a number of decent quality inns to be found in this quarter, and since their normal clientele are visiting merchants looking to pick up goods – prices are very reasonable. Particularly well known is the “Falling Star” inn, a large establishment with an excellent reputation, normally securing accommodation would require pre-booking but with the war, there are deals to be had.
==== The Falling Star Inn ====
There has been an Inn on this site since before the age of Chaos, Jurrage – the current owner, is more than happy to provide tours of the old cellars (for a few coppers of course). Some of the cellars are more modern, but at least half are obviously of Elven construction, and their purpose as wine/all cellars unmistakeable.
Nobody really knows how the Inn got its name, although it almost certainly predates the Kingdom. The Inn has stabling for up to 40 horses, 2 common rooms as well as a few private dining rooms. Accommodation for up to 80 guests in a spread of bunk rooms through to a honeymoon suite. The Inn has a small garden, used for vegetables and herbs and a small shrine to Percival can be found in the central courtyard.
Jurrage is ex-military, originally from Pearlstone, and has sunk his savings into the Inn. He keeps the patrons under control, thus avoiding any trouble with the city guard, and thus far has avoided having any break-ins or thefts from his residents.
===Guildhalls===
At the South end of the Crafts quarter can be found a collection of Guildhalls, of particular prominence are the Weavers and the Jewellers guild. The Northlake Guilds do not particularly control pricing or ability to practice a craft within the city, but focus on providing support to their members, acting more like clubs than traditional guilds.
===Western District===
Another residential area, mainly containing the Ariel community, the houses in this quarter are all characterised by not having westward facing windows. This quarter is the most affected by the dust that blows is from the Cracks of Doom, and often the streets are covered with a fine layer of dust that turns to sludge if it rains. Other than Ariel, most people avoid this area for that reason and there are very few Inns.
==== Western Market: ====
Only open twice a week, assuming no dust.
The stalls here offer a real mix, from your normal foodstuffs etc. through to apothecary stalls, scrolls, potions etc. The big issue is that there seems to be little organisation, and so a stall that one week sells intricate lizardman jewelry can next week be selling potatoes. The stalls move about, or at least set up where they want, finding anything in particular here will be difficult unless you can determine a way to navigate the stalls.
==Mercenaries At Northlake==
There two mercenary companies of note at Northlake.
===The Red Knights Company=== 
A mixed company of Knights, Sergeants, Men at Arms and Archers, about 500 strong, primarily human. Very experienced and with a solid reputation, the company has been in the pay of Adamas for at least 15 years, and the joke is that they are now actually Alveran regulars (though do not say that to their face). The Red Knight himself is a Palladin of Universal.Day 21-27 – The second week in Northlake
===Cohners Company=== 
About 150 strong, primarily Dwarven, this is company specialises in engineering and siege works/defence. They have around 20 giants in the Company, all wielding huge double-bladed axes and arbalests.
Cohner has Clearsight according to OlgDay 35-41 – The fourth week in Northlake
==Routes Out Of Northlake==
With the peace between Alvera and the Empire holding, road travel South is now possible, although it will cost 1sp per person for a suitably authorised pass through Elven lands.
West, will be a hard slog and will necessitate diverting to avoid the Cracks of Doom, there is a chance you could locate guides but they would cost at least 6sp per day.
East, would again need a pass through Elven lands, and it is advised that you avoid Riverside unless you have specific business there, but you could then travel on to Beriesa and or Wingsport (many weeks travel on foot).
North, would need passage on a boat. Options are:
* Lartower: 2sp per person,from there you could travel West to the Blue Tower and Tronston Town
* Jevenne: 30cp per person (this is	the most travelled route and the main trade route), from where you could go North to Far Haven
* Yorkhagen: 2sp per person, again	you could go North to Far Haven if you with, but more likely to want to move on to Wingsport or beyond to Beriesa