Lafayette Keep

Template:DHII Settlement

One of the great crossroads of the kingdom

## History

Lafayette keep was founded shortly after the Scarlet Feud. It was founded by a Knight Order that followed the Maiden of Victory heavily and were some of her earliest supporters. As a result, Lafayatte has a fairly pious battle ready attitude and serves as a military and trade center for the Kingdom. The Keep holds large river port that used to ferry trade wagons to the small town of Knights Ferry across the Antirabe River.

The Settlement was given to the Barony initially, however the Knight Order held so much influence that most people simply followed their word over the actual Barony. This led to a feud between the Knights of the Banner and the Marshelline Barony in 3 RE that resulted in the Barony attempting to outlaw the Knights and calling on the guard to capture all its members. This led to a swift defeat when the guards, many of whom were the direct children of those saved by the Maiden of Victory refused his orders and instead captured Baron Marshelline.

After this, the royal crown had to intervene. The Marshelline family were all stripped of noble titles, and a noble Knight-Marquise from the order was installed as the new Baron leading to the Keephelm family legacy ruling Lafayette keep. In 49 RE, the Keephelm family decided to split the duties of its rulership directly with the Knight Order, leaving them in charge of the large town at the time while they handled the main Keep and the military training centers. This split has been held ever since then, leaving the policy, laws, and economy of the town in the hands of the Grand Master of the Knight Order. As such, the Barony only handles in directly military affairs, although the Grand Master of the Knights still reports the towns status to them.

## Settlements Laws

Lafayette keep follows the standard laws of the kingdom. Unlike many cities farther east, Lafayette Keep is very strict especially against illegal drugs and prostitution, and them checking traveler's supplies for drugs is quite common.

## Settlement Qualities

Financial, Hardened, Military Presence, Monastic Order.

## Buildings

Lafayette Keep - The main Keep of Lafayette keep. It houses the Barony of the Keep and also doubles as the main military training ground for city guard and the royal army.

Lafayatte Harbor - The large harbor of Lafayette keep houses many Ferrying boats to cross the water to Knights Ferry across the river. There are also several River Runners that sail up and down the Antirabe between Dauphin and Lafayette keep.

Knights of the Banner - A proud order of knights that formed by knights leaving their own orders to follow the Maiden of Victory back during the Scarlet Feud. This knight order specializes and focus on teaching their knights not just to be great warriors, but more importantly to be strong leaders. Many cavaliers and paladin seek training at this order to improve their skills. The order hall also contains shrines for five deific powers, Iomadae, Sarenae, Abadar, Erastil, and the Empyreal Lord Ragathiel.

## Notable NPCs

Grand Knight Marcus Lancelot - The current Grandmaster of the Knights of the Banner. He has achieve the highest knight title of Grand Knight of the Realm. His order of knights have long hoped to find the Banner of the Maiden, the original banner wielded by the Maiden of Victory. He himself is known to proudly lead the charge whenever his order is called into battle by the king or barony, leaving his daughter to manage the city during his absences.

Baron Varick Keephelm - The current patriach of the Keephelm family. Baron Varick himself is a Knight of the Banner member (As is his son) and proudly rules over the Keep and military yard within the keep. While he and his family leave the city to the

Marquise Lilianna Velma - Owner of the largest fleet of Ferries on the Harbor, she also leads the Antirabe River Runners, which operates from Portage up to Lafayette Keep. She herself also partakes in plenty of water travel, most people noting her as a tomboy on the water. Many rumors state her single status is because so few nobles are attracted so such a rough and tumble lass who's just as quick to punch you over cards than she is to draw a knife and threaten to stab you. Regardless, her successful business ventures, wealth, and ability to plan ahead keeps her in the ever good graces of the Barony of the keep.