Kosh

## The Pale City

The city of Kosh was founded in the year 1102 F.C., though much of the land that the city inhabits has long been the site of settlements. The most notable feature of the city is the Pale Bridge, so named for a crystalline bridge that spans the Pale River, it is hypothesized to have been built by the Court of Fey during their time on Auchtyria. Though it is the smallest of the port cities, Kosh still sees ample trade thanks in part to the Pale River's direct river route to Fenrir's Hold. Maaron's Bay, the body of water the Pale River opens into, is regularly stocked with travelers from both Moonport and Calhaven. Most commerce that Kosh sees is domestic trade, as Calhaven and Ragsport are the preferred commercial hubs for international trade.

## History

### Ancient Origins

Much of the city of Kosh is built on top of what appears to be old, repurposed ruins from bygone ages. The stonework is notably several centuries old and was far too difficult to move. Instead, modern architects have since incorporated what they could, though walking through the districts leads travelers to bump into the occasional way-fallen masonry. The source of much debate, the age of the stonework is argued to be anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 years old, though there is very little historical evidence to say who might have lived in Maaron's Bay. While there are a few dwarven and orcish runes carved into some stonework, historians from the Order of the Distant Dawn believe these came long after the stonework was set.

### A Need For Commerce

Kosh was named for Baron Rayin Kosh, a half-orcish commander and landowner who had lived in Diremarsh during the reign of King Andrew II. Baron Kosh's father had been a commander under King Andrew I and served during the War for Polastian Independence. Baron Kosh had been friends with Lord Tybold Halbrooke of Fenrir's Hold, and the pair agreed that the city needed a direct line to the coast by way of the Pale River. Employing the services of Sir Kilgrod Nightford, a heroic Knight of the Couatl, to not only assist in the financial endeavor but to provide security and leadership. Luckily for them, old ruins of ancient civilizations seemed to demarcate arable land. They also uncovered an entire plaza, which was later named Nightford Square in honor of Sir Kilgrod becoming the city's first Mayor.

In the first few decades, Kosh was a steadily growing sister-city to Fenrir's Hold, from which many of Kosh's longtime families relocated. At first, Kosh was simply another port stop along the Polastian Coast, moving cargo between Fenrir's Hold and Calhaven. This was the primary source of income for the money until Jory Allfare relocated his family and business to Kosh. Moving from Drie's Port, and one of the few High Elves to have left Aeyafin, Allfare established a general goods store that quickly paid off. Working closely with his elven family, and notably the DeStraud Family of Drie's Port, Allfare brought several trade agreements to the young port city. They struck a deal with the DeStrauds to become the primary distributor of their lumber on the mainland, a deal that, while only lasting for twenty years, set Kosh on the map indefinitely.

### The Silver Mines

In 1298, a miraculous boon of industry hit Kosh with the opening of the Silver Mines east of the city. A parcel of land was purchased from Mayor Petera Yancy by Dr. Hilda Tirwing, who bankrolled an expedition into what had been the site known as Hajat Suungiv, the Orcish name for Hall of Silver. It was believed to have been an ancient mine for the Orcish tribes that lived in the Esherspire centuries before. The purchase and subsequent mining of the area were perceived as a public-relations disaster for Kosh, with half-orcs across Polast condemning the desecration of what they believed to be a burial site. Lord Bruorad Gathain of Diremarsh was the leader of the condemnation, but, after Dr. Tirwing revealed it was not a burial site, but a still highly profitable source of silver and tin, all parties withdrew their accusations of impropriety. Dr. Tirwing has since established an efficient and profitable business.

### Industrial Expanse

Kosh was one of the four cities in Polast to sign a mutual research agreement to develop rapid transit. Kosh, Moonport, Buniavets, and Svislav have devoted their resources to implement a prototype locomotive. While Buniavets and Svislav have achieved much in the way of an actual locomotive engine, the tracks have been designed by Dr. Tirwing and made possible by an alloy of silver, tin, and steel, all embued with magical enchantments. The enchantments allow for the tracks to hold the locomotive to the rails while perpetuating its movement. It is intended to work with as little friction as possible. The largest stretch of rail is currently between Kosh and Crawin's Rest to the south, referred to as the East Esher Line, though no working locomotive has been successfully tested on this track.

## Geography and Climate

The Esherspire is a distinctly more forested region of Eastern Polast, though coastal regions share similarities with the Cal Moors to the north. The Esherspire coasts, however, tend to have dark sand as opposed to a primarily shingle beach. The Esherspire coast quickly blends into the tall and spiky grasses before the tell-tale forests begin to dominate the landscape. Most of the region is fairly flat, making passage along the Pale River a quick trip.

The temperate climate and steady rainfall the region receives paired with the Pale River that extends to the east and the Aldereka River that bends southward to Mistgrove Lake created the sprawling forests of the Esherspire. Most of the trees along the coast are deciduous, with the most common of the trees being Alder, Dogwoods, Maple, and Yew. Kosh regularly sees heavier rainfall in the winter months, though heavy snow is rare. Coastal fog sets in during the first half of Dewfall, and generally does not burn off until Ancestors.

Most of the land around Kosh provided ample room and arable soil, with the majority of their crop being wheat, corn, artichokes, beets, and various greens. Much of the soil directly fed by the Pale River is softer and noticeably lighter than elsewhere. Region-specific herbs and plants are abundant near the banks of the river, such as the Paleflower, Ivory Mushroom, and Warrigan Root.

Kosh is bordered on the east by the Palegrove Forest. While there are hundreds who live in small, forest hamlets, it is largely unexplored due to the sheer size and lack of movable terrain. Only with the help of a Ranger or very experienced guide could such a trek be made. To the southwest of Kosh lies the even larger Kreshvir Forest, a notoriously difficult forest to traverse.

## Politics and Notable People

The City of Kosh is governed by Mayor Petera Yancy, though being of the Esherspire, it is also subject to the laws of Lord Albert Halbrooke and by as such is under the dominion of King Lars Walderhall III. The office of Mayor in Kosh is democratic in nature, with the victorious candidate serving a term of ten years. The Mayor is directly subordinate to Lord Albert Halbrooke. Duties of the Mayor include collecting taxes and allocating resources to best serve the community. The Mayor, while not directly responsible for military action, conducts the Royal Guard in conjunction with Commander Galegon to investigate potential threats. The Mayor is also tasked with guiding the commercial efforts of Kosh, striking trade deals with other cities and townships. While the Mayor is not permitted direct authority to conduct international business, they can petition their respective Lord to adjudicate on their behalf.

### Mayor Petera Yancy

There are fewer men who create as diverse an opinion as Mayor Yancy in Kosh. Beloved by some and utterly despised by others, there is rarely a consensus on the facts surrounding him. What is known is that Mayor Yancy was born in Fenrir's Hold to a wealthy family of Half-Elves. He spent most of his youth traveling the western coast of Noros, gaining a familiarity with the trade routes and merchant companies. It is rumored that he has ties with wealthy families in LaFainland, thus stoking an image of a spoiled aristocrat that knows little of ordinary life. Contrary to this image, however, is his time serving as a Royal Guard for several years and conducting raids against bandit groups and rebels alike. This garnered a strong bloc of supporters among the military community, who ultimately voted him into office.

### Jory Allfare

A High-Elven merchant, Mr. Allfare has run the General Goods store for nearly 150 years. He previously lived in Drie's Port, working closely with the DeStraud Family. The Allfare Family is old nobility from Aeyafin and is one of the few High-Elven families to leave the ancient city. Mr. Allfare himself is a well-respected and prominent member of Kosh, conducting business with any and all who pass through. Mr. Allfare is also seen as somewhat haughty and egotistical but has been known to prize a good deal over anything else.

### Warrick Tredd

The Tredd Family is one of the oldest in Polast, dating back to the founding of Calhaven. Warrick, like his brother Sebastian in Calhaven, deals in antique and powerful weaponry and armor. He has a fascination with historical artifacts, often soliciting the efforts of adventuring groups to investigate claims of such items around Polast. His demeanor is severe, but not without social grace. While he is a man that regularly engages with the public, he has plenty of ties to underground trading.

### Commander Galegon Talyien

The Commander of the Royal Guard in Kosh. A High-Elven woman, Commander Galegon is a child of nobility but has always fiercely defended her self-determination. A righteous defender, she is the epitome of discipline and decorum. It is rumored that she has never lost a duel, but too few are wary of her reputation to challenge that assertion. She has a custom longsword, the hilt of which is designed to reflect the crystalline stonework of the Pale Bridge. It is a nearly translucent blue, and the blade is immaculately forged.

### Kili Brineclaw

The proprietor of The Dockside Respite and Pale Tankard, Kili sees more travelers than anyone else in Kosh. A bronze Dragonborn with a knack for storytelling, he has gained a sort of cult following as many have spun his tall tales into grandiose adventures. Though Kili was a sailor himself at one point, he is reluctant to call himself an adventurer. He earned the name Brineclaw for winning a duel with a tyrannical mercenary captain more than a decade ago, besting the brute by raking his claw against the man and nearly giving him a perfect shave.

### Baron Darin Theran

The Theran Family was granted a barony by King Andrew Walderhall for their loyalty during the Polastian Independence. Since then, they have cultivated the western half of the Esherspire, seeding land to those they trusted. Darin is the latest in a long line of Barons and has garnered for himself a good reputation for his philanthropy. There are a vocal minority in Kosh that have asserted that Baron Darin should take over the mayorship of Kosh.

### Sir Lionette Carwull

A retired, human Knight of the Couatl, Sir Lionette has taken up respite in the comparatively quiet city of Kosh. A leg-wound has left her confined to a cane, but her shop has every type of armor from every reach of Noros, all gathered by her. She is eager to conduct business with those who are worthy, readily accepting deals of questing in lieu of payment. She is also open to commissioning unique items from her vast network of skilled smiths and artisans for those who are worthy.

### Dr. Hilda Tirwing

A Halfling woman, Dr. Tiwring is a graduate of the University of Svislav, earning a Degree of Mastership in Archaeology and Linguistics. She speaks Common, Dwarven, Elvish, Orcish, Giant, Gnomish, Halfling, Faindish, and Terraan. A true artisan and scholar, she is proficient in several instruments and has a compendium of poetry and non-fiction work. Dr. Tirwing is best known for her work on the Auri Stones, though she is more recently credited for her efforts on the melding of metals and magic.

## Factions

### Brother Cavendish's Ministry

The home for the Brotherhood of Koyr in Kosh. Brother Yben Cavendish is the eldest in the Ministry. Brother Julus Brunn works the infirmary. There is a small commissary for healing salves and potions operated by Brother Vera Halfthorn. The Brothers of Koyr are a deeply spiritual and wise sect, seen most clearly in the immaculately kept gardens. There are shrines to Rakaar and Shandr, both of whom, as Brother Cavendish often preaches, watch over the Ministry just as Koyr does.

### Temple of Craetor

The home for the Clerics of the Beryl Order in Kosh. The Temple itself is the largest building in Kosh, serving as both a place of worship and the library for the city. There is a small museum in the library, both of which are kept by Beryl Reyan Dosmah. Beryl Darwin Quikrye is the Head Beryl of the Order in Kosh and is a wholly devout and charitable man.

### Royal Guard

Commander Galegon Telyien is in charge of the Royal Guard in Kosh. Though their uniform is standard, some of the Guard have taken to wearing a small pin on their cloaks. The symbol is that of two crossed spears over a green plate. It has been adopted as a warding symbol against the mythical Vutagon, a legendary Hydra. Though Commander Galegon has not personally donned a pin, she has acknowledged that many in her Guard come from sailing, and has respected their beliefs.

Captain Trent Barrow is Commander Galegon's right-hand man. He was assigned to watch the Palewater Docks.

### Hajat Suunigv Workers

The workforce employed by Dr. Tirwing to work the silver mines. The vast majority of workers are of either Human or Half-Orc descent, and many live in the town of Palestone. Though most are content with the mines and the operation, there is a vocal minority that objects on the grounds that the mines were allegedly a burial site for an ancient Orcish tribe.

There is a hierarchy in the workforce that has occasionally created rifts. There are some skilled workers who have been assigned to the Refinery, which has been seen as a set above the miners. Even further, those who work in the Argentarium are seen as the elite in the workforce.

### The Misty House

An abode paid for and sponsored by the eccentric Cassandra Yates, the Misty House is one of the few places that dot Polast that calls itself home to members of the Feyspark. A group of enthusiasts, the Feyspark endeavor to collect and hunt down information regarding Feywild and Shadowfell convergences.

### Knights of the Sacred Dawn

Located in the Southbank District, their guild house has become something of a subject of scrutiny. The newest High Paladin, Warner Posatano, has tried to instill a staunch reform effort to return the Sacred Dawn to its old glory. Others in the Order are hesitant to give up their old ways.

## Palestone

Just twenty miles east over the Esher Bridge is the town of Palestone. Comprised of primarily Human and Half-Orcs, the town is quaint and rustic.