Willston info

**Willston**

Taken by the Rasten, the Pirate City seems to have had a corrupting influence on the young Elf. The City is only nominally considered to a part of the Elven Colonies, and indeed, to be 'Sent to Willston' is to be practically exiled from the Empire.

**Major Personages**

**Rasten (Male Elf):** Considered somewhat of a rogue, or at least by Elven standards, fond of Bardic research into Human folk-lore and Saurian engineering. Considered a troublemaker and prankster by Admiral Sezcarn, who once physically threw him off the Sky Fleet, he was only saved by an opportunely passing Drakerider. He is possessed of considerable charm, and does not take offence too easily, perhaps just as well considering his being labelled by the Empress the only juvenile delinquent in the Elven Empire. He owns Willston, having seized it from a pirate band.

**Evenstar Moonbright (Female Elf):** Bishop of Hahsandra, appointed by Sister Sorlor to keep an eye on Rasten and to make sure that he doesn’t cross the line in terms of Empire policy. In this she has been remarkably unsuccessful as Rasten continues to follow his own path – whilst still regularly attending religious ceremonies.

**Truthspeaker (Male Giant):** High Priest of Perceval in the Willston, the only person to remain in power from the days of the Pirate Lords. Originally the temple of Perceval thrived in Willston as a truly neutral arbiter of disputes between the Pirate Lords. Since Rastens conquest of the city Truthspeakers main role has been in providing legal defence for the locals. Whilst the Elven judiciary are not enamoured of having a non-Elven representative at court, Rasten has insisted that Truthspeaker be allowed to present cases and be given due respect. Immensely popular amongst the non Elven citizens, Truthspeaker and his clergy have tread very carefully to avoid being accused of legal violations themselves.

**Kahu La’kear (Female Elf):** A recent convert to Wyldwood, Kahu used to be an Elven Druid but switched to the priesthood and opened a shrine to Wyldwood in Willston. Whilst she is careful not to be seen to be trying to convert Elves and Dark Elves, it is noticeable that her congregation spans all races in the city.

**Luan Lorraine (Male Elf):** Patriarch of the Lorraine family, Luan and his family have always specialised in espionage, scouting and similar activities. An early supporter of Rasten, Luan was part of the original invasion force and set up the family headquarters in Willston. Affectionately known by Rasten as ‘The Rogue’, his mansion house has become colloquially known as the ‘House of Rogues’. Much like Rasten, Luan’s views on the treatment of lesser races (i.e. anything not Elven) is much less orthodox and he is known to support the training of non Elves within his facilities, if only as spies and scouts. For some reason or other though, he is known to have a strong dislike for Dwarves and has refused to allow any of that race to enter his premises.

**Greyel (Male Elf):** Seasoned mariner and Admiral of the Willston fleet, somewhat more conservative in his views than Rasten he is still a staunch supporter.

**Ausriela (Female Elf):** An Elven Bard and Merchant, Ausriela has taken residence in the old Pirate Lord palace, or at least the wings that are still standing, and now functions as the city Chancellor.

**City Areas/Locations**

**The Citadel:** A large imposing castle that houses Rastens personal guard and provides barracks areas for the Elven marines. The extended groups of the castle also house the city courts, jail and execution ground.

**Nature Shrine:** A small, but increasingly popular shrine to Wyldwood consisting of a small manor house plus grounds. Most of the services are held in the grounds near a small ornamental lake that has been allowed to return to the wild.

**Trade Shrine:** In some ways a more imposing building than the Hahsandra Cathedral, the church now terms itself as a shrine and maintains a relatively low profile. It’s influence amongst the non Elven inhabitants of the city is considerable though.

**Her Cathedral:** Recently constructed, and to many onlookers somewhat overelaborate in its attempts to outshine the Perceval Church. Non-Elves had better have a very good reason for being on the grounds of the Cathedral, as punishment will be swift and violent.

**Hall of Rogues:** The Lorraine family holdings, officially known as ‘Lorraine Mansion’, more commonly known as ‘The Hall of Rogues’.

**Commercial Waterfront:** Berths and facilities for trading ships, along with shoreside markets and stalls, all carefully managed by Ausriela and her city militia. People of all races are found here and it is probably the most lax district in it’s enforcement of the official Elven rules regarding racial behaviour.

**Blackeyed District:** Nobody really knows why it got this name, the district is now home to the cities slave population (primarily human). Many observers have pointed to this district as proof that Rasten remains an Elf – despite all of his fancy talk and charm. Others simply point out that nearly everyone enslaved at Willston was until recently a member of the Pirate Clans that ran the city – themselves slavers.

**Mithrilton:** Largely razed during Rastens invasion, this district is still in the process of rebuilding, largely with Elven mansion houses.

**Military Docks:** The city maintains a large warfleet, which are maintained in this district. The only non-Elves allowed are either accredited craftsmen or slaves (for labour or rowing duties).

**The Tanneries & Home Farm District:** The free (non-Elven) population are largely drawn from the old slave labour that the Pirate Lords used to own. One of Rasten’s first acts was to grant these ex-slaves their freedom, providing they managed the fields and herds of livestock for a period of 5 years. All accepted, and the vast majority have remained in Willston, even though they are now free to leave. Many have set up as craftsmen, and these districts are allowed a reasonable amount of autonomy within the city.