Settlements and Cities

Any good adventurer knows that knowledge is power. The lay of the land can prove just as valuable as any sharp blade. In this section, you will learn about a variety of settlements and cities across Solus and help bolster your knowledge of the country.

Note: This is not a complete list, and is merely to serve as a reference to the most populated towns/cities that you may reach on your journey.

## **Sovngarde**

**Hearth Keep:** Capital of Sovngarde. Largest population center and the center of government in the county. It is headed by King Thorin. The first thing that most people notice is the gigantic walls that surround the city, a masterwork of stone that looks nigh impenetrable. There is even a myth surrounding its construction that the god Titan himself crafted it for the Dwarves that lived in the area. It is mostly made up of stone structures, and is a mixture between Nordic, Gothic, and Art Deco architecture. Many who possess the magical arts travel here to visit the illustrious Strix Academy, and the many other magical universities that reside here. Outside of this, there is a great influx of adventurers and mercenaries that make their living here. All and all, a beautiful capital that resonates with tradition and an ancestral tie to the roots of the nation itself.

Rivermouth: This settlement is a humble fishing town situated at the mouth of a large river that leads to the ocean. Many farmers export their crop here to sell farther down the river towards Goldcrest. It has been referred to as the most beautiful place in Sovngarde, having leafy green forests and an idealistic lake that is frequented by sailors and merchants. Being sparsely guarded and more lax with authority, it has been rumored that a great deal of smuggling takes place here. However, many residents will dispute this, and instead proclaim the safety and sanctity of their small river town.

Goldcrest: The largest port town on the continent. It serves as a trading port between all three nations and many make their fortune serving as merchants, sailors, and fisherman. Frequently seen as the rival of Aquarin, Goldcrest has been established for much longer and has far more influential clients that visit its shores. Chief among these being those who live in Dragon Tooth Isle, and even those who reside in Aquarin. The Stormguard of Sovngarde patrol these waters like a pack of wolves and show no mercy to pirates. It is by far the most dangerous place in the ocean for illicit or illegal activity, which not only results in safer business but admittedly higher prices and taxes as well. With this in mind, it's almost impossible not to be captivated by the city's golden glow.

Kynesgrove: A small town that serves as the bridge between Goldcrest and Hearthkeep. Despite having constant traffic, it has a population of only around a thousand. There is admittedly not much to say about Kynesgrove, as it is not much else besides a trading port and small community that bridges major cities. It is closely guarded by the Stormguard and many adventurers make their living here as the dense forests, hills, and valleys are home to all manner of beasts and bandits alike. There is much money to be made and fame to gain for those who know where to find it.

Dove's Roost: First established before the War of Expansion by a man named Earl Skothan. It has served as a semi-frontier town isolated away from much of the Sov government and has very little monitoring. Many come here to retire and have some R&R away from busy city life. It has very heavy Nordic inspiration as well a sense of practicality that comes from orc culture. Having first been living outside the walls as neighbors, the Hellmarch clan has been completely assimilated into the town and creates an interesting dichotomy between different parts of the town. Certainly well worth the visit if one is in the area and can brave the dense forests.

Little Ivywood: This large agricultural center is also known as: "The Gateway to the West." Every import/trading caravan must pass through Little Ivywood to reach Hearth Keep. Because of this, and it's natural connections to the north and south, many adventurers start their careers here. It is home to a few thousand and rests between a crossroads of large forests and towns. These include Dove's Roost, Bravegarden, and Autumn to name a few. With plenty of avenues to pursue and people to meet, it is no question why it has grown to what to the town it is today.

Opportunity: First considered an "experiment," Opportunity is a town where there is no system of nobility. Anyone and everyone can reach high social status and serves as the home-base for many research expeditions that take place in the north. The recent interest in unearthing old history and exploring ancestral cultural has led to Opportunity becoming a booming town for scholars and scribes. Many delve into tombs and face the horrors within for the chance of uncovering new history or artifacts that could give the sovs a better glimpse into their past and the circumstances surrounding the mysterious fall of the Gilded Kingdom.

Dragon Tooth Isle: This large island is where the top 1% make their home. Everyone who lives there is incredibly successful and often boast large economic empires. The community itself is incredibly reclusive and will not allow any outsiders to join their ranks unless they too are wealthy enough to stake their claim. Unfortunately, there is not much known about the small city nation outside of this. It is said to be heavily gothic inspired and the populous being very eccentric and obsessed with their own wealth and success. Perhaps one day there will be a greater collection of information on it, but for now it remains a mystery to most.

The King's Grave: This is the land of dead kings. Every ruler of Sovngarde is eventually brought to the isle after they pass away and are buried with the rest of the past kings/queens. Some even say that the ghosts of the past rulers can be seen walking around at night, unaware of their own fates. There is not much to say outside of myth and legend, but there is certainly a strange macabre draw to the island of the dead. That much is a certainty.

## **Zestros**

**The Triumvirate:** The Economic center of the world and the capital of Zestros. Thousands pass through the city every day to do business or to make extravagant purchases. It is run by the parliament known as the Syndicate, whose membership is completely anonymous and belongs to only "the most successful and influential people in Solus." There is a constant exchange of currency and is upheld by the ownership of business which is perpetuated by a stock market that is handled by an organization of mages that work on behalf of the Syndicate named: "The Exchange." This organization headed by Archmage Jerbir Caliph. If you want it, you can find it hear through legal or illegal means. With the criminal organization "The Fix" representing the darker side of this magical city. However, no matter what its reputation, it cannot be denied that this city alone has changed the face of Solus; for better or worse.

Autumn: A small trading town to the north of the Triumvirate. It's the closest Zestros has to a center of agriculture, with a population of around a few thousand. Being mostly farmland, it draws the attention of farmers and cowboys that prefer to live life on the frontier. Being more isolated from the capital, not as much industrialization has occurred and/or been adopted. The town still resembling a more classical frontier town, with a small Syndicate force that mostly handles cattle rustlers and bandits primarily. Many have called it charming, and a perfect place to raise a family due to its cozy reputation.

Bravegarden: A medium sized city that falls under within the territory of Zestros. It was established by a gladiator named Claudia Victria, who was part of the first wave of immigrating chiropturra from Valkyr. In her time, she built an arena within Bravegarden which attracts a lot of visitors from all around Zestros. Many have even claimed that the best quality gladiators in the land are born here. The main export of this town is fruit, as the Victria family is of a fruit bat variety of chiropturra. Some have called it the “Glorfindel,” the glorious land. Many parts of the town and it’s architecture are colorful and filled with flowers and other colorful plant life.

Blackwater: A town that lies on the edge of the desert and is the middle-step between traditional living and industrialized. The city is mostly made up of cobblestone streets and a mixture of brick and wood structures. While not as industrialized as the Triumvirate, there is plenty of evidence pointing towards the growing influence that it has over Blackwater and all of Zestros by extension. Due to this, many budding businesses and similar factions look to Blackwater as the next big "thing" for western business. However, the same can be said for the less reputable business in Zestros, with the shadow of the Fix looming in the dark.

Garuda: Resting at the largest oasis in the Desert. It's a small town but it receives traffic from tourism. It was dedicated to the Goddess Garuda and you will find many still worship her there despite being unpopular in recent ages. Its main claim to fame is an oasis that shares the name of the patron goddess: Garuda's Grace. Many adventurers and aspiring monster hunters also find themselves here due to its proximity to Wyvern's Rest. While not the safest place in Zestros by any stretch of the imagination, there is always an unspoken peace that is upheld by those who make their business in the town.

Aquarin: A sister city to Goldcrest, but controlled by Zestros. The two compete over trade and trade opportunities, however Goldcrest is the far more popular of the two. Still, many come here looking to make a life on the ocean. It is home to thousands of civilians and sailors that spend their lives on the waves of the Gulf of Ragast and the Blue Expanse. Being far more friendly and upstanding than Ship's Haven, this is where the primarily of the Triumvirate's navy drops anchor. Merchants and privateers find great success here, with there always being a constant flow in and out of the city. The Syndicate have a firm grip on the city however, so any kind of illicit activity is met with heavy resistance. Despite this, many cannot deny the beauty and freedom that can be experienced on the coast here.

Ship's Haven: The home of privateers and pirates. This town is where many under-the-table deals are made and carried out. The town itself does not support outright piracy, but there is a reason why merchant vessels give Ship's Haven a wide berth. It has been said to be the home of the "Pirate King," who controls the great pirate fleets that perpetuate the Blue Expanse. While the Syndicate has made great strides to throttle the cities crime, money always ends up in pockets at the end of the day.

Leviathan's Maw: While this territory lies on Sovngarde territory, it is owned by Zestros and both nations use this location to hold the most dangerous individuals in the land. It is a massive prison that none have ever escaped. Being not only deep within the depths of Tryon but also having a heavy anti-magic field that blankets the prison and surrounding area. It is guarded by Sovngarde's most elite force: the Wolf Guard. Pray you never see it.

The Sanctum: This structure is owned by the reclusive Archmage Morello Magus. It serves as a private teleportation network for the most influential figures of each nation. Seldom few have seen the interior of the magical tower but many descripted as a place of intrigue and whimsy.

## **Vaermina**

**Davenport:** Home of the Sun Empire and the Order of the Silver Wings. Serves as the capital of Vaermina and is the largest population center in the country. It shares both oriental and traditional architecture with influences of Nordic near areas populated by the Order. It is a cultural mixing that has gone on for hundreds of years and has left Davenport in a place of cultural and artistic significance for most the populous. Indeed, art and sculpture is the main export of Davenport and Vaermina as a whole, outside of exotic plants and animals of course. Ruled by Empress Amaterasu Okamiden, Vaermina and Davenport has thrived under her rule and will more than likely continue to do so.

Izuhara: A trading town on the edge of Vaermina. This is where most of the imports and exports are handled between Davenport and the other two nations outside of Davenport. Population of a around five thousand, being a small city in its own right. It is known mostly for its frequent festivals and use of extravagant fireworks. Outside of that, it is well known for a variety of street markets and shops. A very popular vacation spots for tourists who want a taste of Vaerminan culture without traveling to the capital.

Kawachi: The largest port town in Vaermina. This town handles most of the sea trade and transports material to and from Vaermina. The main export of this town is materials and artistic goods, though it still has a sizable navy that conducts operations in the area. As much of its exports travel through here, the waters are highly regulated and any attempt at smuggling or piracy is met with extreme prejudice. However, there is another export that people often forget: Spice. Kawachi exports the most spices in all of Solus, being a highly profitable venture for those who conduct "spice runs." Very risky due to piracy, but those that can make a living on the sea profit heavily.

Watcher's Rest: This settlement is located near the southern edge of Vaermina. It is inhabited by zealous worshippers of Shiva who are world renowned mercenaries. As a part of their worship, they take vows of silence and instead use a system of sign language to communicate. More extreme follows even blind themselves to show true devotion to Shiva, a practice that dates back to the factions founding. It in itself is a very secluded town and community, but there have been no complaints about the Watcher's themselves, and have been allowed to operate without heavy intrusion.

Koji Shrine: Shrine dedicated to Inari Ōkami, the fox kami. One of hundreds that exist all across Vaermina, but this is one of the most famous due to its age. Almost being as old as the empire itself. At this particular shrine, people pray for blessings of fertility, agriculture, and industry. While connected to a small town, the location is mostly known for the fantastic shrine. It is attended to by a number of faithful attendants that see to its upkeep and continued maintenance.

Broken Shield: The home of one of the last and deadliest battles in the War of Succession. It is a large fort that was once held by Sovngarde, before being captured by the Sun Dynasty in cooperation with the Order of Silver Wings. Broken Shield serves as a mini city and the largest export of precious metals in Solus, though it still bears the scars of that bloody conflict. Much of Vaermina's military is trained here and houses a great deal of them too. A city of both form and function, practicality through and through.

Mount Ifrit: Large, always active, volcano that houses the famous Dawn Forge; home to the finest weapons in the land. However, the trek there is perilous, and ludicrously expensive for the average adventurer. Yet, if you are seeking the finest crafts in the land, there is no where better than the Dawn Forge.

Mirefall: Not much is known about the communities that live within Mirefall. The jungle itself is incredibly dangerous and home to many deadly flora and fauna. Many expeditions have taken place over the years but few have come back. Because of this, Mirefall and its ruins are generally avoided by Vaerminans.

Wintervale: A decent sized town that is on the edge of the frozen north. This town is home to many mages and magic users as many magical components are situated around the area, including even the more rare materials. Most of its inhabitants leave to attend many of the arcane institutions in either Sovngarde or Vaermina, and return during the summer. It has been called: "The Coziest Hearth."