Willowroot

Willowroot was the youngest of the Three Kingoms, well-known for its proud, militaristic outlook and dedication to bringing order to chaos.

> Willowroot was built on the promise of a brighter future and a new beginning. As the founders settled with their old home still smoldering on the horizon and under threat of a dragon attack at any moment, this was a promise sorely needed. But now, the evil wyrm is slain, and we gaze at the sunrise from atop our impenetrable walls under the shadows of our great towers and we wonder, just what do we do now that our ancestors' promise is kept?
>
> Casimir Dunbarton

## Geography

Willowroot was located inland, to the southwest of the Sea Haven caldera, and to the west of Thelfadihr. A short journey to the southwest lay the ruins of Riverdazzle, amidst the Spiteful Swamp.

## Description

The capital of Willowroot was characterized by its tall white outer walls designed to withstand dragon attacks. A dozen soaring ballista towers lined the wall and dotted the inner city, also anti-dragon fortifications. A central castle was tall enough to be visible from outside the city, both a seat of power and a fortification meant to shelter the townsfolk during a seige.

Three major boulevards moved people within. South Street connected to the Moth Road at the southeast gate and the Phoenix Road at the southwest gate. Silver lane ran from the South Street to North Street, which connected to the Mist Road at the northwest gate and the Copper Road at the northeast gate.

## History

Willowroot was the last of the Three Kingdoms to be founded, only around 200 years old by the time of the White Plume Mountain Incident.

### Founding

After Riverdazzle was destroyed by Karsunex the Spiteful, the city's fleeing refugees collapsed from exhaustion and were forced to make camp a mere eighty miles away. When they awoke, they were so furious at being driven from their home that they refused to flee any further and founded Willowroot where they stood. These refugees were under the protection of a hero named Gallus Dunbarton, who survived many perilous encounters with Karsunex as he shepherded his people away.

### Trevor's White Knights

Starting approximately 175 years after founding, Willowroot fell under the shadow of a crime wave, prompted by a series of high profile heists by Trevor's White Knights. Trevor, Eve, Ellessar, Jia, and Nox pulled off heist after heist, prompting a collaboration between Henrique, Vistra Sunforge, and Casimir Dunbarton to seek out and eliminate the criminals. Their effort was ultimately unsuccessful as Henrique entered a relationship with Jia, Casimir entered a relationship with Elessar, and Vistra was murdered under mysterious circumstances. The arch-criminals remained at large indefinitely.

Trevor's White Knights inadvertently stole the Wand of Orcus from the College of Magic, which had been recovered from Karsunex's hoard. Fearing public backlash, Casimir was forced to collaborate with the White Knights to dispose of the sentient artifact. He failed this as well, and he was forced to single-handedly repel a demonic incursion in the sewers beneath the city. To Casimir's frustration, the final location of the Wand of Orcus remained unknown indefinitely.

### The Dragonslayers

Karsunex continued to menace Willowroot from her seat of power in the ruins of Riverdazzle. To defend itself from future dragon attacks, Willowroot militarized and developed rapidly. Soaring ballista towers and thick walls were constructed. Gallus Dunbarton shared what he had learned about combatting dragons with his companions; these individuals founded an elite anti-dragon force known as the Wing Guard. Under these protections, Willowroot thrived despite Karsunex's ever-present threat.

When the dragon was no longer satisfied with the humans' fear, she renewed her aggression. Weeks of livestock raids eventually transitioned into an outright attack on the city. Though the defense and emergency procedures were largely successful, a ballista tower was destroyed, and the Wing Guard manning it were killed, among them the eldest son of House Dunbarton. The Dunbartons' estranged youngest son, Casimir, recruited Henrique, Vistra Sunforge, Lilith, and Jia, and the five of them goaded Karsunex into an open battle and slew the dragon at last.

These Dragonslayers were celebrity heroes in the highest degree. Though all of their names were known, only two remained public figures. Two of the Dragonslayers disappeared after the battle, likely returning to the obscurity of their private lives. Vistra Sunforge briefly enjoyed her fame, but was later murdered. Henrique, the Captain of the Guard, and Casimir Dunbarton, descendent of Gallus and Arch-Mage of the College of Magic, remained as heroes to their people, though neither were particularly charismatic. In the years after Karsunex's death, it was common to see groups of children playing 'Dragonslayer' in the street, with the children taking turns roleplaying their favorite hero, or donning black and roleplaying Karsunex. Parents often competed with one another to see who could create the best dragonslayer costumes for their children.

### The War of the Three Kingdoms

Militaristic to a fault, but with no dragon to call an enemy, Willowroot inevitably began butting heads with its neighbors.

#### Pre-War

The dwarves of the Copper Peaks found the humans irritating, since Willowroot was but an infant by civilization standards. This relationship was further harmed by border disputes between the humans and dwarves. During Willowroot's youth, humans occasionally left the kingdom to settle new villages in Copper Peaks territory, where they lived under dwarven rule. As Willowroot's territory expanded, the nobles claimed that these villages were not emigrants, but in fact colonists, and that the dwarves did not have a right to rule a land they scarcely visited. Patriotic propaganda was distributed to the villages by covert means, and one by one, the villages turned away from their dwarven lords. The dwarves were no fools, and recognized the trickery.

Relations with Sea Haven were no better. Basking in the glory of the slaying of Karsunex, an avatar of darkness itself, Willowroot held itself in high esteem relative to the pirates and thugs that characterized the Sea Haven caldera. Willowroot saw the caldera's Trade Princes as crime lords who could not claim legitimate sovereignty over the coastal vassal states. Willowroot's arrogance only served to amplify the coastal states' loyalty to the Trade Princes.

As relations between the three kingdoms deteriorated, total war broke out.

#### Blackrazor

Casimir and Henrique, operating independently from the Army, sought out a group of adventurers to assist them in recovering Blackrazor, a legendary weapon whose power might give Willowroot a decisive edge and bring the war to an end. With the weapon secured, Henrique wielded Blackrazor in several major battles, including the infamous Battle of the Marrow Fields. Upon realizing the battle must end at any cost, Marhanna Copperheart and Bonnyy managed to incapacitate Henrique and separate him from Blackrazor. The three champions then lead a movement to end the war.

Henrique retired as Blackrazor's champion, passing the burden on to Lucille Myyrh, a paladin of the Temple of Lathander. Blackrazor remained in its vault until Lucille wielded it in defense of the city during the Wyldgrowth.

#### Armistice

Immediately following the Battle of the Marrow Fields, Willowroot signed an Armistice, along with Sea Haven and the Copper Peaks. The city-state held a seat in an Armistice Council tasked with maintaining peace in the region. Henrique's relationship with the councilors was integral to maintaining said peace when the three legendary weapons went missing during the White Plume Mountain Incident.

### Wyldgrowth

Approximately 50 years after the White Plume Mountain Incident, Casimir Dunbarton's attempt to halt Wyldgrowth instead started it. The planes of the Shadowfell and Feywild invaded the Material Plane itself, destroying the natural balance and introducing invasive monsters and evildoers. Due to Willowroot's formidable defenses, the city-state held out longer than Sea Haven, but eventually fell. All of Willowroot's citizens took shelter within the walls. With its infrastructure crippled, Willowroot's food reserves ran out. Amidst the resulting chaos, the gates were breached, and bloodthirsty monsters invaded. Lucille and Casimir fought valiantly, but were unable to defend Willowroot. Meanwhile, the Raven Queen's renewed influence on Blackrazor, a weapon of her creation, corrupted Lucille far faster than it had Henrique. In her last moments of lucidity, Lucille locked herself in Blackrazor's vault. Casimir was forced to flee to the Astral Plane.

Willowroot's citizens and noble families were either destroyed or scattered throughout the land. Select rural villages, including Havarstead, were able to fortify and become fragile safe havens against Wyldgrowth. For the duration of the Wyldgrowth period, these villages were the last bastion of Willowroot's civilization.

Casimir visited the ruins of Willowroot 75 years later to find it overrun by the Wylds and its denizens. He was still able to access the secure areas of the College of Magic, which were relatively unharmed.

## Government

Willowroot was an aristocracy, ruled by a council representing each noble family, which numbered a little under two dozen. This council was formally known as the Court of Luminaries. The nobles were self-serving and greedy, but in a young city like Willowroot where everyone was united in the pursuit of patriotic growth, their political power was determined by how much they served the city and its people. The nobles therefore used their riches to help the city in ways unique to each family. The Dunbartons and the Lumsdens defended the city and developed the military. The Leadons hosted extravagant fundraisers for public works projects and humanitarian aid. Some noble families were merchants and bankers. Some were businesspeople whose enterprises stimulated the economy. Noble families divided the taxes amongst themselves proportionate to their contributions to building Willowroot, further incentivizing “selfless” pursuits. Furthermore, nobles in public service positions yield large salaries. Examples included Casimir Dunbarton as the Arch-Mage of the College of Magic and Harold Lumsden as General of the Army.

The nobles delegated power to the City Hand, who ran the city and oversaw the mayors of Willowroot's rural towns.

#### Known Noble Houses and Notable Members

* Dunbarton
	+ Gallus Dunbarton
	+ Casimir Dunbarton
* Lumsden
	+ Harold Lumsden
	+ Jason Lumsden
* Leadon
	+ Dreali Leadon
* Kelvyn
	+ Gwyndolyn Kelvyn
* Cavendish
	+ Charles Wellesley Cavendish de la Pole

## Districts

Willowroot was divided into 12 districts. Formerly arbitrary neighborhoods, the districts were formalized for administrative reasons. Each district had a unique commerical purpose and residents of particular income levels.

#### Market District

The Market District was home to the Bazaar, which was located around the intersection of North Street and Silver Lane. Travelers, merchants, and trade goods passing through the city came through the Bazaar frequently, and as such, the Market District was home to Willowroot’s imports and exports, post office, inns of all tiers, and accommodations for travelers. Much of Willowroot’s wealth was generated in the Market District, though the rich tended to live elsewhere, away from the noise.

##### **Points of Interest:**

* Larklight Bank
* Central Post Office
* Bazaar
* The Good Knight’s Rest

#### Dredenuc

This district was home to much of the city’s growing middle class, comprised of merchants and their employees. Dredenuc was mostly residential, with a central marketplace for basic necessities. The district was also dotted with eateries, taverns, and small businesses.

##### **Points of Interest:**

* Dredenuc Marketplace
* The Humble Hamster

#### North Dredenuc

North Dredenuc was very similar to Dredenuc, though a little rougher around the edges. Its proximity to the northwest gate makes it appealing to travelers. Most notably, the ever-entrepreneurial Madame Brooke acquired a failing inn, renamed it, and outfitted it to serve high end clientele. This marked Madame Brooke's diversification from brothels into exotic escort services.

#### Fort Lumsden

Formerly known as Imperial Landing, the titular fortification was built off the northwest section of wall and encompasses most of the district. The non-military portions of this district were home to officers' residences and establishments that serviced the needs of the soldiers and guards.

##### **Points of Interest**

* Town Guard Barracks
* Army Barracks
* The Helpful Halberd

#### Dawn View

Dawn View was home to Willowroot's Temple of Lathander. The highest point in the city, the founders strategically located and oriented the temple in such a way that the light of dawn poured through the front window and illuminated the altar as the sun rose over the Copper Peaks. The devout attended daily sunrise services, while others simply admired the view of the city from the temple steps.

##### **Points of Interest**

* The Temple of Lathander
* Sunset Tavern (opens at sundown, closes at sunrise)

#### Midtown

Much of Silver Lane ran through Midtown. The district had a healthy balance of lifestyles and corresponding neighborhoods. It also featured a great variety of businesses and restaurants, as well as warehouses attached to enterprises headquartered in the Market District.

##### **Points of Interest**

* Steve’s Bar
* DeCarlo's Pawn Shop

#### Morning Park

Most of this district was comprised of a beautiful park, at the center of which lay a well-maintained pond and a healthy willow tree. The tree was planted weeks after founding day; when Gallus Dunbarton returned alone to the ruins of Riverdazzle to recover valuable supplies, he discovered a single healthy seed from the corpses of the city's famous willow trees. The area of this district west of the park was a spillover from Dunbarton Heights. The east side was taken up by the college campus. Students of the college either live on the west side of Morning Park or in Dewford.

##### **Points of Interest**

* Morning Park

* Harriet’s
* Willowroot College

#### Dewford

Dewford was often described as the richest poor part of town. One could find a shopkeeper from the Market District and a tanner from Trades Acre living as neighbors on the same floor of a boarding house. Its location and affordability made it popular with artists, musicians, and students.

##### **Points of Interest**

* Trevor’s room in a boarding house
* The Bard’s Bush

#### Red Banner District

Though the Church of Lathander taught that prostitution, both as a patron and provider, was a vice, the business was never outright condemned nor outlawed. City leadership preferred to regulate a healthy industry instead of forcing it underground, and the nobles enjoyed the consistent tax revenue. Brothel owners found themselves the subject of heavy scrutiny. Those who managed to remain in good standing, however, enjoyed the services of a team of temple priests dispatched to the Red Banner District every week who performed healing and cured sicknesses.

The District was also home to a bustling night life. Infamous inns and taverns, many doubling as music venues, drew in patrons from all over the city. Most travelers coming up the Moth Road might head to the Market District for lodging, but many chose the more charming Red Banner District, the first part of town they arrived in.

This district was also the home of the world-famous brothel, Madame Brooke’s.

##### **Points of Interest**

* Madame Brooke’s Brothel
* The Shrieking Clam
* Nox’s room in a boarding house

#### Dunbarton Heights

> “Do you get to Dunbarton Heights very often? Oh, what am I saying, of course you don’t.” ~Ellessar
>
>

The richest part of town, Dunbarton Heights was named for Willowroot’s most famous hero, the same one who fought in Riverdazzle, defended Willowroot in its youth, and founded the Wing Guard, whose academy was located in this district. The richest families maintained beautiful estates in this district, with blocks of houses and high end commercial areas nearby. The Town Guard did not show special favor when enforcing law in this district, bringing the nobles to hire mercenaries to defend their estates. These thugs intimidated anyone who didn't look like they belonged into leaving.

##### **Points of Interest**

* Wing Guard Academy
* Dunbarton Estate
* Cavendish Estate
* Ashford’s
* Cadoro Bakery
* Shining Finery
* Ellessar’s elegant townhouse

#### New Riverdazzle

Also called Old Town, New Riverdazzle was where Willowroot began. Buildings as old as the city made up this charming, nostalgic part of town. Many of them were owned by nobles in Dunbarton Heights, who rented the homes out to tenants at reduced rates in exchange for the tenants taking care of the historic buildings. Some of the nobles’ mercenaries patrolled here, dissuading squatters and panhandlers.

##### **Points of Interest**

* Founders’ Square
* The Thundering Goat
* Eve’s historic cabin

#### Trades Acre

The Trades Acre was the poorest district, but by no means a massive slum. Its residents, by and large, were proud to live among their industry. Granaries, tanneries, blacksmiths, and other such industries were set up throughout. Their laborers, skilled or unskilled, lived in neighborhoods of cramped living spaces. The poorest of the poor set up near the Moth Road gate.

##### **Points of Interest**

* The Crusty Bitch
* The Armorers' Guild

## Notable Individuals

Many characters of note lived in Willowroot or spent enough time there to consider it home.

* Non-Player Characters
	+ Casimir Dunbarton
	+ DeCarlo
	+ Deliza Durel
	+ Madame Brooke
	+ Henrique
	+ Vistra Sunforge
	+ Lucille Myyrh
	+ Gwyndolyn Kelvyn
* Player Characters
	+ Ellessar
	+ Nox
	+ Jia
	+ Trevor
	+ Eve
	+ Kheris
	+ Charles Wellesley Cavendish de la Pole
	+ Tamislav