Avenwolf

== Description ==
Avenwolf is a bustling medieval city situated at the heart of the Duchy of Avenwolf, in the realm of Haystan. With a population of roughly 100,000, it is a melting pot of cultures and races, including imperials, dwarves, halflings, gnomes and beast folk. The city's unique location at the crossroads of major trade routes has made it a hub of commerce and a centre of power for the duchy.
Avenwolf is divided into several distinct districts, each with its own character and charm. Some of its most notable districts are; Wolfstadt is the historic centre of Avenwolf and is home to many of the city's oldest and most venerable buildings, including the Ducal Palace and the Grand Cathedral of St. Cuthbert, Handelstor is a hive of activity, with hundreds of shops and stalls selling everything from exotic spices to enchanted trinkets, Zwer'Kul, located on the eastern side of the city, is home to the city's large dwarf population and is characterized by its sturdy stone buildings and ornate metalwork.
=== Wolfstadt ===
Wolfstadt is the historic heart of Avenwolf and is known for its elegant, stately buildings and winding cobblestone streets. It was named after the city's founder, Lord Johan von Avenwolf, who established the city nearly two centuries ago. Wolfstadt is home to many of the city's oldest and most venerable institutions, including the Ducal Palace of Avenwolf and the Grand Cathedral of St. Cuthbert.
In addition to these grand institutions, Wolfstadt is also home to the bustling "Feststrasse", lined with shops, inns, and taverns. Street performers and minstrels can often be found entertaining the crowds.
Overall, Wolfstadt is a district of great cultural and historical significance in Avenwolf, and its elegant architecture and grand institutions are a testament to the city's long and proud history.
Some points of Interest:
* "Ducal Palace of Avenwolf" - Government Building
* "Grand Cathedral of St. Cuthbert" - Religious Building
*"The Golden Goose Inn" - Inn
=== Handelstor ===
Handelstor, also known as the Trade Quarter, is a bustling district located in the heart of Avenwolf. It is the economic hub of the city, and a centre of commerce and trade for the entire duchy.
The district is characterized by its wide, cobblestone streets, lined with colourful market stalls and shops selling goods from all over the world. Merchants from across Ferra converge here to trade their wares, and the district is a hive of activity at all hours of the day and night.
Handelstor is divided into two main sections: the Upper Market and the Lower Market. The Upper Market is home to the more high-end shops and boutiques, catering to the city's wealthiest residents and visitors. Here, you'll find everything from fine silks and jewellery to exotic spices and rare books.
The Lower Market, on the other hand, is a more rough-and-tumble affair, with vendors hawking their wares from makeshift stalls and carts. Here, you'll find everything from fresh produce and meats to second-hand goods and oddities from far-off lands.
One of the most notable features of Handelstor is the massive bazaar that takes place every month, where merchants from across the region come to showcase their wares and strike deals with one another. The bazaar is a colourful and chaotic affair, with vendors shouting out their prices and haggling with customers in a dozen different languages.
Despite its reputation as a centre of commerce, Handelstor is also home to many artisans and craftsmen, who ply their trades in small workshops and studios throughout the district. Here, you'll find skilled blacksmiths, weavers, and leatherworkers, creating everything from Armor and weapons to fine clothing and jewellery.
=== Zwer'Kul ===
Zwer'Kul, also known as the Dwarven District, is a fascinating area of Avenwolf that is home to most of the city's dwarven population. The district is located on the outskirts of the city, in a rocky and hilly area.
The most striking feature of Zwer'Kul is the architecture. Most of the buildings are built into the side of the hills, and the streets wind their way around the rocky terrain, creating a labyrinthine network of tunnels and passages. The buildings themselves are half carved from the rock and half constructed on top of the rock, with intricate designs and patterns etched into the stone.
Despite the rugged appearance of the district, Zwer'Kul is a bustling and vibrant community, with shops, taverns, and other businesses lining the streets. The dwarves here are known for their skill in metalworking and crafting, and many of the shops in Zwer'Kul specialize in weapons, armour, and other metal goods.
The district is also home to several important landmarks and institutions. The most notable of these is the Hall of the Explorers, a massive underground complex that serves as the centre of the Explorer's League in Avenwolf. The Hall is a marvel of engineering, with massive stone pillars and intricate carvings adorning the walls.
Another important landmark in Zwer'Kul is the Stoneforge, a massive foundry that produces many of the weapons and armor used by the city's armies. The Stoneforge is a marvel of dwarven engineering, with massive bellows and furnaces that can melt even the toughest metals.
The dwarves of Zwer'Kul are known for their skill in metalworking and crafting, as well as their fierce loyalty to their friends and allies. Despite their gruff and reserved demeanour, they are a valued and respected part of the Avenwolf community, and their contributions to the city's culture and economy cannot be overstated.
Some points of Interest:
* "Hall of the Explorers" - Seat of the Explorer's League
* "Stoneforge" - Manufactory
=== Haldur's Heights ===
The Citadel District of Avenwolf is also known as Haldur's Heights. This name comes from the legendary held Haldur Fussman, who is said to have defended the city against an invading army of beastfolks during the Beastly Torment.
Haldur's Heights is located in the south-western part of the city, on a hill that overlooks the surrounding area. The district is home to many of the city's most important military institutions, including the Grand Citadel, the headquarters of the city's military forces, and the stockpile of the ducal army.
The architecture of Haldur's Heights is grand and imposing, with towering walls and fortifications that are designed to keep the city safe from any would-be attackers. The buildings are made from the same grey stone that can be found throughout the city, but they are adorned with intricate carvings and decorations that lend them an air of elegance and sophistication.
One of the most notable landmarks in Haldur's Heights is the Grand Citadel, which serves as the final hardpoint in any potential siege. The Citadel is an enormous complex of buildings, with multiple towers and walls. The courtyard of the Citadel is a training ground for the city's soldiers, and visitors to the district can often watch the soldiers practicing their drills and honing their skills.
Another important landmark in Haldur's Heights is a secondary, more spartan palace, which serves as the backup residence of the Duke and his family in times of war and siege. The palace is a massive building, with dozens of rooms and halls that, while more modest than the Ducal Palace of Avenwolf, still lavishly decorated.
=== Drachenswut Hill ===
The hill to the south-east of Avenwolf is known as Drachenswut Hill. According to local legend, it was once the site of a great battle between a powerful dragolich and a group of heroes who sought to protect the city from its wrath. The heroes emerged victorious, but the dragon's rage was so great that it left the hilltop in ruins, destroying everything in its path.
Over the centuries, the people of Avenwolf attempted to rebuild the structures that had been destroyed, but each time they did so, strange and unsettling things would happen. Mysterious accidents, unexplained fires, and other disasters would plague the construction efforts, and it eventually became clear that the hill was cursed.
Today, Drachenswut Hill is a place of mystery and danger, looming over the city like skeletal fingers, shrouded in myth and legend. The ruins that remain are said to be haunted by the spirits of those who perished in the dragon's attack, and many brave adventurers have attempted to explore the area, only to disappear without a trace. 
Some say that the ruins of Drachenswut Hill hold great treasures and powerful magic, hidden away by the heroes who fought the dragon all those years ago. Others believe that an evil force lurks within the ruins, waiting to claim anyone foolish enough to venture too close.
Despite its dangers, Drachenswut Hill remains a popular destination for thrill-seekers and adventurers, drawn by the lure of its secrets and the thrill of the unknown. However, the people of Avenwolf have long since given up on trying to rebuild the structures that once stood there, and they warn anyone who will listen to stay away from the cursed hill.
Some points of Interest:
* "Avenwolf's Pantheon of Light" - Ruined Religious Building
* "Avenwolf's Pantheon of the Dragon Cult" - Ruined Religious Building
=== Schwarzstein Hill ===
Schwarzstein Hill lies to the north west of Avenwolf. It is dominated by the Schwarzstein Arena, a massive and ancient structure carved directly from the black rock of Schwarzsteinhill. The hill is home to most of the cities sporting events, be it mock battles, sports competitions or in some cases even small naval battles.
Around the arena on the peack, many smaller buildings house visitors, competitors, spectators or serve as taverns, inns and gambling houses. The houses closest to the arena are often decorated with banners and flags, showing support for their favourite gladiators or teams. The streets are lined with vendors selling food, drink, and souvenirs, and the air is filled with the smells of roasting meat and spiced wine.
Some points of Interest:
* "Schwarzstein Arena" - Tavern
== History ==
The history of Avenwolf is rich and complex, dating back to the founding of the duchy. The city has weathered numerous wars, sieges, and political upheavals over the years, but has always emerged stronger and more resilient. One of the most significant events in the city's history was the War of the Five Dukes, which saw Avenwolf fall into a five ways civil war. The legacy of this conflict can still be seen in the city today, with many of the fortifications and defensive structures, internal and external, that were built during the war still standing.
In recent years, Avenwolf has faced new challenges, including a growing tide of crime and corruption. Gangs of thieves and smugglers have become increasingly bold in their activities, and there are whispers of a shadowy criminal underworld operating in the city's shadows. Despite these challenges, however, the people of Avenwolf remain proud and resilient, and the city continues to thrive as a centre of trade, culture, and learning in the realm of Haystan.
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Category:Settlement