Calmarnock

Calmarnock, known as the "Jewel of the North," rests at the edge of civilization in northern Aethoria, cradled by nature's embrace. A quaint city of 14,000 souls, it lies at the feet of rolling southern hills, bordered by the dense Thistlewood to the west and the tranquil Lake Avalora to the north. Its buildings, mostly timber-framed and thatch-roofed, blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, creating a harmonious tableau of wood, stone, and water.
Calmarnock is renowned for its peculiar quirk – the city and its residents abide by an unwritten yet universally respected 'Pact of Silence.' Every evening, as the sun dips behind the Thistlewood, the city enters an hour of hushed tranquility, where even the faintest whisper seems a sacrilege. This tranquil period, known as the 'Calmarnock Hush,' is a time for personal reflection and peaceful solitude, lending a serene, almost mystical aura to the city's twilight hours.

Points of interest

The Whispering Stones: A circle of ancient, rune-inscribed stones on the city’s outskirts. They are said to echo faint whispers during the Calmarnock Hush, believed to be voices of the ancient ones.
Lake Avalora Lighthouse: A towering structure on the northernmost edge of the city that casts a soft, guiding light over Lake Avalora. It serves as both a beacon for fishermen and a popular spot for stargazing.
Thistlewood Grove: The gateway to the dense Thistlewood forest, it hosts a bustling timber and herbal trade during the day, while turning into a serene, firefly-lit spectacle by night.
Hilltop Vineyards: Sprawling vineyards covering the southern hills, producing some of the finest frost grapes in Aethoria, known for their contributions to the unique, crisp wines of Calmarnock.
The Silent Hall: A grand library in the heart of the city, enforcing the 'Pact of Silence' at all times. Its vast collections of texts and peaceful ambiance make it a haven for scholars and researchers.

Settlement Level

7

Type

City

Population

14,345 (Elf - 57%, Human - 24%, Gnome - 5%, Halfling - 3%, Orc 2%, Other - 9%)

Owning Organization

Aethoria

Brief Description

A quiant city with an eerie silence.

Government

Lord Mayor (Chosen by Prime Scholar)

Languages

High Common, Common, Elven, Gnomish

Religion

Vaeloria, Elysia, Zephyros, Mordos

Threats

Wyverns, lured fishermen, shadow of the Thistlewood, opposition to the hush

Blessing of Silence

Non-verbal spells are empowered after participating in the Hush, increasing their DC or spell attack by 1 for 2d4 days.

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Thoren Icevein

(Lawful Good, Male, Dwarf, Master Brewer): The stern but respected owner of the Hilltop Vineyards, renowned for his frost grape wines.

Eirlys Starwhisper

(Neutral Good, Female, Elf, Keeper of the Silent Hall): A patient, soft-spoken librarian dedicated to the preservation of knowledge.

Melvin Hushfoot

(Neutral, Male, Halfling, Mayor): A charismatic leader committed to upholding the traditions of Calmarnock, including the revered 'Calmarnock Hush.'

Sarnath of the Thistlewood

(Chaotic Neutral, Male, Grippli, Herbalist): An eccentric, forest-dwelling grippli with a deep understanding of the local flora and fauna.

Liliana Silvergleam

(Chaotic Good, Female, Human, Lighthouse Keeper): The mysterious guardian of the Lake Avalora Lighthouse, reputed to possess a siren's voice.