Lagura

Lagura is a vestige from a time when the borders of Evestia extended across the Skyreach Mountains and ran right up to the Spiderweb River. Lagura comes from the old elvish word for “royal garden” and it is not difficult to see why. The elves built the city into the trees that with houses shops and manors all constructed around and inside the massive trunks and canopies of the southern Sylvanus forest. As the trees grew and shifted as the years went by, the city was adjusted, modified and expanded to accommodate it. The elves loath to ruin nature, especially the wood elf family who reigned over the city. This continued until the Blight of Parasix swept through the elven population east of the mountains. Many cities and settlements were abandoned out of fear and even when the plague was declared to have run its course many years later, the city was considered a desecrated place and few dared return to resettle it. The humans of the east, however shared no such reservations. The city was claimed by the then strong Free Alliance and was given to a general named Varicus Spiderfang.

Spiderfang made himself lord of the city and turned it into a hub of military activity. The close access to the Spiderweb River allowed it to control one of the only crossings into the west from the free kingdoms. Spiderfang himself became something of a mythic figure, famous for his size and unforgiving personality. His skill in battle was only matched by his lack of tact. Although being awarded Lagura for his victories against Tellmir initially, he quickly and easily made enemies. In 393, with the Free Alliance already crumbling after Tellmir had managed to repel them, Esserio Verdari, lord of Maratrina led an attack on Lagura. Spiderfang met him on the plains in front of the spiderweb river north of Lagura. The battle was horrific. It is said that the river ran red for three days afterwards. Verdari was killed in single combat with Spiderfang but not before leaving him with a poisoned dagger in his stomach. Despite his immense size, Spiderfang succumbed to the poison a day after the battle. With his death, the future of Lagura was thrown up into the air.

The city was already reeling from the loss of its leader and the bulk of its army. The crisis of succession only served to deepen the uncertainty. Many tried to claim the empty throne but none managed to survive the political warfare it entailed. Just when an individual seemed to gain leverage or a reasonable amount of power, they would show up dead the next day. It was a year before a minor noblewoman from the edge of the Yuan-Ti Wastes managed to garner enough power and influence to be called the Lady of the city. Her name was Rashya Alzevir and she is remembered as one of the most intimidating leaders in the history of the Free Kingdoms. It is said she possessed a severe kind of beauty and could make a heart stop with a glance. She was rumoured to be a master of poisons and deception. It is said she could always tell when someone was lying. There is much mystery and myth surrounding her as a person but as a ruler her deeds are still seen today. She ordered the construction of the great bridge that connected the east and west banks of the Spiderweb river and the construction of the Green Road which connected Lagura with Darkwater. She also defeated Sarya Verdari and the armies of Maratrina at the battle of Ilsenvern. Sarya had sworn vengeance for the death of her father but was routed by Rashya and the Darkwater armies led by Nil Grimseer, an 89 year old man who somehow kept his wits even in old age. Rashyas line still rules Lagura to this day as well as maintaining their close relationship with Darkwater throught the Pact of the Golden Road, the enduring alliance between the kingdoms.

Today, Lagura is ruled by Aramil Alzevir. He is flighty and overly romantic. He is obsessed with stories of knightly valour and grand adventures and will go on at length about his gorgeous lady love. He calls her the maiden of the forest and claims her beauty is the source of his strength. Most think the young lord is crazy as none have ever seen this woman he speaks so highly of.