Rosewood

Nestled in the fertile embrace of dark, rich soil, the city of Rosewood stands as a beacon of prosperity in the region. Known for its lush vineyards and famed wines, Rosewood's history is steeped in the mysterious Catastrophe that occurred in the times before men. It is said that black ash from the mountains pooled into the rivers, infusing the land with its unique properties. This fertile soil produces the juiciest grapes in all of the Span, giving birth to the most sought-after wines, with Rosewood Red being the pride of the city.

History

The tale of Rosewood begins in the ancient times, before the rise of mankind, when a great Catastrophe befell the world. Ash from the disaster settled in the nearby mountains, and as the rivers ran their course, they carried the remnants of this event down into the lands where Rosewood now thrives. Over the centuries, this ash has made the soil incredibly fertile, perfect for the vineyards that now cover the city’s western expanse.

Governance

Rosewood is governed by Sir Reginald , a man who took the Obsidian name upon marrying Lady Viona, the daughter of the patriarch Arathur Obsidian. Though Sir Reginald holds the official title of governor, Lady Viona’s influence is felt throughout the city, making the governance of Rosewood seem almost a joint endeavor between the two. The Obsidian family, with its deep ties to the land and its people, continues to shape the destiny of Rosewood.

Sectors of the City

Rosewood is organized into various sectors, known locally as "Rows." Each Row serves a distinct purpose and reflects the diverse life within the city.

Civic Row

The heart of Rosewood’s administration, Civic Row houses the Chancellor's Office, along with all official agencies, courts, and civil services. This is where the governance of the city is conducted, and where the citizenry comes to resolve legal matters.

Market Row

A bustling commercial area, Market Row is filled with shops of every kind. Here, shop owners live in apartments above their businesses, creating a vibrant community where commerce and daily life intermingle.
[h3Docks Row The lifeline of Rosewood’s trade, Docks Row is a modest area where ships load and unload goods destined for other ports. It’s a place of hard work and rough living, where the fortunes of many are tied to the tides.

Lower Row

The poorest citizens of Rosewood reside in Lower Row. Taverns, bars, and whorehouses are common here, catering to the needs of the laborers and sailors who pass through. It borders Docks Row, and the two areas often blend into one another in a haze of activity.

Governors Row

This prestigious area is where the city’s elite, including Sir Reginald and Lady Viona, reside. The estates here are grand, reflecting the wealth and status of their owners.

Vineyards Row

Located on the westernmost side of the city, Vineyards Row is where the magic happens. This sector is dominated by sprawling vineyards, where the famous Rosewood grapes are grown and harvested. The scent of fermenting wine often fills the air, a reminder of the city's claim to fame.

Economy and Exports

While Rosewood’s main export is the high-quality stone quarried from the granite pits in the surrounding mountains, the city is best known for its wine. Rosewood Red, in particular, is a beloved product that has made the city famous far beyond its borders. The wine trade is the lifeblood of Rosewood’s economy, drawing merchants and connoisseurs from all corners of the Span.

Culture and Society

The people of Rosewood are proud of their heritage, particularly their winemaking traditions. Festivals celebrating the harvest are common, and the city’s taverns are always lively with the sounds of music and conversation. Though there is a clear divide between the wealthy and the poor, there is a sense of unity brought about by the shared love of the land and its bounty.

Locations in Rosewood

The Golden Grape Winery - a family-owned vineyard that produces some of the finest wines in the land.
The Silver Spoon Bakery - a cozy bakery known for its delicious pastries and cakes
The Enchanted Garden - a flower shop that specializes in rare and exotic blooms
The Rosewood Blacksmith - a forge that produces high-quality weapons and armor
The Golden Goose Inn - a cozy inn that offers comfortable lodgings for travelers. Ran by Tobias Redwood.
The Rosewood Market - a bustling marketplace that sells a variety of goods, from fresh produce to handmade crafts
The Rosewood Apothecary - a shop that offers herbal remedies and potions for various ailments

The Watchful Eye - a guardhouse that employs skilled guards to keep the city safe from harm.
Soggy Drawers Inn & Horny Toad Tavern - A small slum tavern and Inn combo ran by Dogal.

Type

Large town

Included Locations

• Radiant Sanctum
• The Enchanted Garden
• The Golden Goose Inn
• The Golden Grape Winery

Characters in Location

• Jevelyn
• Lakkena
• Sir Reginald and Lady Viona

Rosewood Red Reserve (YR 571)

Description: The 1023 vintage of Rosewood Red is considered one of the finest in living memory. A perfect blend of weather conditions led to a harvest that produced grapes of exceptional sweetness and depth of flavor. The wine has a deep, ruby color, with rich notes of dark cherry, plum, and a hint of spice. Aged in oak barrels, it has a smooth, velvety texture with a lingering finish.
Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, plum, oak, spice, smooth finish
Notable Pairings: Roast venison, aged cheeses, dark chocolate

Catastrophe’s Legacy (YR 579)

Description: Produced during the festival of the Catastrophe, held once every 22 years, this vintage is both rare and highly sought after. The 579 vintage is celebrated for its bold and intense flavor, with a deep, inky color that reflects the dark history of its namesake. The wine carries an earthy undertone, with flavors of blackberry, licorice, and a touch of smoke. It's a wine with a strong personality, best enjoyed by those who appreciate robust, full-bodied reds.
Tasting Notes: Blackberry, licorice, smoke, earthy undertones
Notable Pairings: Grilled meats, hearty stews, truffles

Viona’s Vine (YR 585)

Description: Named in honor of Lady Viona Obsidian, the 585 vintage is known for its elegance and balance. The wine is a rich garnet color, with a bouquet of red fruits and floral notes. On the palate, it is smooth and refined, with hints of raspberry, rose petals, and a subtle minerality that reflects the unique soil of Rosewood. This vintage is celebrated for its delicate complexity, making it a favorite among the nobility.
Tasting Notes: Raspberry, rose petals, subtle minerality, refined finish
Notable Pairings: Grilled salmon, lamb with rosemary, light fruit tarts

Obsidian Noir (YR 589)

Description: The 589 vintage of Obsidian Noir is a dark, mysterious wine that embodies the spirit of House Obsidian. This vintage is known for its deep black currant and fig flavors, with a hint of leather and tobacco, giving it a robust, smoky character. Aged for an extended period, it is a wine of great depth and complexity, often reserved for special occasions or long-term cellaring.
Tasting Notes: Blackcurrant, fig, leather, tobacco, smoky finish
Notable Pairings: Braised beef, strong blue cheeses, dark berry desserts

Centennial Harvest (YR 900)

Description: This vintage was produced during the centennial celebration of Rosewood's founding and is one of the most historically significant wines of the region. The wine is a brilliant crimson, with vibrant flavors of red currant, pomegranate, and a hint of cinnamon. The 950 vintage is revered for its bright acidity and lively character, making it a perfect wine for celebrations and toasts.
Tasting Notes: Red currant, pomegranate, cinnamon, bright acidity
Notable Pairings: Roast duck, spiced pork, cranberry dishes

Eclipse Blend (YR 588)

Description: A recent addition to the Rosewood legacy, the 588 vintage is named after the total solar eclipse that occurred during the harvest. This wine is a unique blend of different grape varieties from Rosewood, resulting in a complex and layered profile. It boasts flavors of black cherry, dark chocolate, and a hint of mint, with a silky texture and a long, satisfying finish.
Tasting Notes: Black cherry, dark chocolate, mint, silky texture
Notable Pairings: Rich game meats, chocolate desserts, mint-infused dishes