Kaelwick

## History

Kaelwick is a city in the province of Galdev, a part of the Concord of Draedis. It is a small but important trade center on the eastern coast of Validon, in the Sea of Berich and is one of the final Dradirian ports before the crossing to the Ivuldi Archipelagoes. It is one the older settlements in Draedis having been settled by early explorers from Virola. It did not retain much interest until forays south to Ordelios became more frequent and rewarding. It's importance grew further as a forward anchorage during the Armada Wars. As such it is an amalgam of old colonial era buildings, grand edifices of commerce and entertainment, and the bleaker but functional infrastructure of industry. Callosian and Ordelun ships often make port here, and even trade from Virola and Galos makes its way to the Stained Docks of Kaelwick.

## Appearance

Steam and diesel powered ships often dock at the many moorings in Kaelwick, on occasion you can catch sight of a Dradirian warship anchoring in the bay watching trade vessels, and inspecting various cargoes. The streets are filled with the buzz of electric lights, echoing footsteps on cobblestone and the whine of motor cars. Citizens seek guidance at the Temple of the Goddess, and shop on Gate Street. Smoke plumes from factories in the Steel Ward, and the thrum of rivets emanates from the Stormcloud Shipyard.

## Major Buildings

### Citadel of the Steward

The Citadel is the center of Gauldovian Government in Kaelwick. Formerly Castle Kaelwick it now functions as the administrative and beaurecratic center of the city. The Steward of Kaelwick, as appointed by the Counsellor of Galdev rules over Kaelwick and its ancillary territories. There are also liaisons from the Concord that advise the Steward and his staff on matters of state. It is a large edifice, which lords over the historic walls of the castle, built in a modern style with stark lines, rising windows, and pointed roofs. A place of controlled chaos the Citadel is always a bustle of activity, validating trade captain's manifests, hosting foreign ministers and improving, though also complicating, the lives of citizens. It still reminds one of the fortification it once was, but now its power relies upon statecraft and policy rather than sword and arrow. Beneath the lofty stone archways, a small army of attendants and bureaucrats march to the rhythm of the state, ready to wield their pens and stamps in service to Kaelwick.

### Avendorre University

One of the oldest and most well-regarded schools in all of Draedis, as well as the entirety of Validon. Valued greatly for its innovative vision, commitment to interdisciplinary education, and well-funded research expeditions. Many citizens of Draedis, and those of other countries hope to walk these lauded halls as students of the illustrious academy. The stony colleges of Avendorre remain much the same as they were in 1003 I.S. when it was built. The colonnades stand as testament to the historic nature of this monument to academia. Crenelated walls, and arched windows with iron bars give it the subtle gravitas of age. Though the Garden of the Goddess is so close the University maintains it's own ample courtyard, with stony pathways, statues and fountains abounding. The buildings themselves reach out to one another grasping like the ivy on their walls, with bridges and walkways connecting the disparate structures. Tallest of them all is the clocktower, which surveils the insulated courtyard like an instructor watches their pupils. Next to it is the great archive of Avendorre, the pride of the school a majestic library of marble, with towers and wings for reading and studying. Artifacts, tomes and all kinds of sources of knowledge from all over the world are tucked safely and precisely into the oaken shelves of Avendorre.

### Temple of the Goddess

A large structure used for ceremonies and as housing for Cordin and Acoloyte's of the Church. Surrounding it is a large park, filled with orchards, fruit bearing bushes, and smattered with vegetable gardens. Acolytes and followers tend to the land here, which is used to feed the hungry and sold for the needs of the Church. Stone lays the foundation for the Temple, and provides the material for the altar. Large polished posts of wood provide structure for the wide entrance to the main sanctum. The top of the sanctum is a large skylight with bronze supports, providing ample sunlight to the main hall. The wings are shorter than the sanctum, both constructed from a rose colored stone. The building is large enough to contain several workshops and classrooms for instruction of the populace. One wing is devoted to the living quarters of the Hostric, the Cordins and some number of Acolytes. The sanctum itself houses the Augury tree, where most ceremonies and blessings are performed, under the boughs of the hallowed tree.

## Brinefont Bay

Kaelwick sits at the beginning of Brinefont Bay referred to as the Bay by most. This serves as Kaelwicks avenue into the Sea of Berich and the Ivuld Ocean at large. The Bay is quite calm for most of the year, largely shielded from stormy seas by the landmass of Draedis to the north and south. Though in the deep of winter shifting ice and storms can make treacherous waters.

### Stained Docks

So named for their prolific use during the years of whale hunting, the Stained Docks are the civilian ports in Kaelwick on the northern side of the bay. Primarily used as porter's bays for trade ships arriving and leaving from Kaelwick. Viscount's Reach, acts as both the lighthouse of Kaelwick and a watchtower. It is built into the end of the wall, and denotes the end of the Stained Docks and the start of Scaler's Wharf.

### Scaler's Wharf

Scaler's wharf is the dock used most by the locals of Kaelwick. Here you find the fishmongers, net makers and sail weavers. Far smaller than the Stained Docks, but still quite busy, as the small sailboats constantly weave and in and out of their slips. Fishermen trawl the bay dodging the large cargo ships from foreign lands. Children, marketeers and captains all shout over the cacophony to make themselves heard.

### Tidefall Dock

The smallest dockyard in Kaelwick, Tidefall Dock serves as a mooring for yachts, racing ships, and other pleasure craft. Some of the more prestigious passenger ships also dock at Tidefall. Barring some major event, Tidefall is the most serene of the dockyards, though crowded with ships few leave the port daily, and those that do are rarely in a rush. Uniformed crewman and well-dressed attendants man the wharfs, and the several restaurants and bars attached to Tidefall. Tidefall is the closest dock to the mouth of the river Calech.

### Stormcloud Garrison

A Dradirian military outpost, housing both reserve land forces, anchorage for a small squadron of destroyers, and a shipyard for production or repair of naval vessels. Stormcloud Garrison is a Concord outpost and thus falls under the purview of the Lord Protector, not the local Gauldovian government. They mostly operate as monitors to dissuade smuggling, provide security against piracy and enforce Dradirian tariffs.

## Wards

### Steel Ward

The industrial heart of Kaelwick is the steel ward. Though now its production has expanded beyond its namesake, smoke still plumes from the large steel foundries in the north of Kaelwick now their are buildings for all kinds of goods. Electronics, ceramics, furniture, all made en masse on the assembly line. Lumber, coal, oil, and ore all come from the sea or the country side of Draedis. Though some is consumed by the Steel Ward most simply pass through the port of Kaelwick headed one way or the other.

### Gate Street

North of the bay, and the Stained Docks, Gate Street is the center of commerce for all of Kaelwick. Featuring a plethora of shops pressed together in a jumble of architecture as every new building tries to fit more shops and draw in more customers with unique designs. Scrawled shop signs handing from posts out into the street waving to passersby enticing them to enter.

North of the street for which it is named are many hotels, bars and restaurants that serve both the visitors and denizens of Kaelwick. Brightly lit they call to those who peruse the shops of Gate Street. The sounds of the city are always loudest here as food and drink flow and loud voices follow.

#### Wismark's Landing

A large stone square at the end of Gate Street with a memorial to the captain-founder of Kaelwick, Andric Wismark. The southern side has a large stone statue of the *Vitrudos*, his ship, though the hull is a mural of the early history of Kaelwick. The square often has stands and markets set up to hawk produce from the farmland beyond the city, or unique items from the enterprising ship captains moored at the Stained Docks. Secular holidays are often celebrated here rather than the garden of the Goddess.

### Hallimere

West of Gate Street near the Citadel are the towers of Hallimere not the parapets of military defense, but the soaring pinnacles of commerce. Here are leaders of the many companies and consortiums that run the shops of Gate Street, the factories of the Steel Ward, the ships and warehouses of the Stained Docks. With them a drove of clerks and financers tasked to manage their industries and accommodate the legal and bureaucratic needs of their corporations. Here also are the, gambling halls, pool dens, dancing halls, bars, clubs and lounges for those who can afford or need such entertainments.

### Brinewall

South of the river Calech, Brinewall is one of the oldest districts of Kaelwick. It has twisting streets many too tight for automobiles, and buildings whose styles mark eras from the early days of Kaelwick to recent years, as the district is renewed over and over with time new stone placed over old as the bricks crumble away. As such it is an eclectic section of the city, old grand manors and new tightly woven townhomes all finding their place here. Salt is always in the air here, and the feeling of life being lived.

#### **Seagate**

The bridge connecting Brinewall and Gate Street, the Seagate is a large causeway which not only guides travelers across the river but also protects the entrance to the river. A hefty chain can be raised by the guard post on the bridge to block any ship from entering or exiting the Calech River. The bridge is a major thorough fair allowing automobiles to travel atop it and pedestrians to walk the battlement like sides.

### Vetireaux

The land opens west of Brinewall, beyond the wall of the city, the homes grow larger, gardens turn to yards and pastures. The buzz of the city fades and the lights dim to simple lamp posts rather than the harsh glow of lit store fronts, and popular restaurants. Here many of most affluent of members of Kaelwick make their home. The buildings are often quite modern, with more and more sensational designs as you travel south and west. Some would be best described as estates with sprawling buildings surrounded by acreages of open land.

### West Calechend

West of the Steel Ward across the Onyx Bridge lies West Calechend. A tight district of solid construction, which is haven to the workers of the Steel Ward and the docks, as well as the clerks and service people of Halmere and Gate Street. Houses here lean together in cozy bundles. Apartments can be found in good supply, and all the necessary shops and business to support the people of Calechend. Rauvich Way is the main thoroughfare and is often heavily traveled by trucks aside from the normal pedestrians and automobiles. Calechend has colorful buildings, with bright colors that battle against the constant stain of soot which drifts on the sea breeze into Calechend.

#### Onyx Bridge

The Onyx Bridge was a simple bridge of stone, wide and strong enough for trucks, and with height to allow the river boats passage. Overtime the smoke of the Steel Ward has stained the bridge pitch black, despite any effort to clean it. It is an iconic site within Calechend and kept in good repair.