Speton

Society The society of Speton is a blend of intellectualism, resilience, and community spirit. The townsfolk, driven by a deep appreciation for knowledge and learning, hold educators and scholars in high regard. Education is highly valued, and the presence of the Speton Regional Library and the military School of Medicine highlights their commitment to fostering intellectual growth and healing. The town's history of enduring the traumas of war has instilled a sense of solidarity among its residents, creating a tight-knit community that is generally focused on helping those in need, to include strangers and visitors. The Garden Market Plaza serves as a vibrant gathering place, where locals engage in lively conversations, trade stories, and share in the joys of daily life.

Government

Monarchy - Kingdom of Kerak

Industry & Trade

Trade and commerce in Speton revolve around the town's educational focus, creating a unique marketplace centered on scholarly pursuits. The presence of educators, students, and citizens from Tudor seeking specialized books, items, and reagents fuels a thriving economy. Numerous shops, booths, and stands line the streets, offering a diverse array of academic supplies, rare manuscripts, alchemical ingredients, and enchanted artifacts. The town's strategic location as a trading spot between Tudor and the Western Periphery River Corridor ensures a steady flow of goods and a bustling marketplace. The Garden Market Plaza serves as a vibrant hub where merchants and traders gather, creating a lively atmosphere of intellectual exchange and commercial activity. The people of Speton understand the value of knowledge and cater to the needs of scholars, fostering a vibrant trade environment that celebrates the pursuit of education.

Districts

• Garden Market Plaza
• Glassmaker Ward
• Author District

History

This active town serves as a prominent trading hub, drawing in educators, students, and citizens from the nearby city of Tudor who seek unique books, items, and reagents. Divided directly in half by the meandering Periphery River, Speton is connected by two stone bridges that cater to pedestrians and riders on various riding steeds. However, to accommodate carts and larger foot traffic, the impressive Highlamp Bridge stands as a prominent feature of the town. This bridge acts as a lifeline for commerce and transportation, constantly filled with merchants and travelers. Originally a humble hamlet, Speton began as a collection of permanent merchant tents and booths situated along the Trade Road. As the demand for travel between the central kingdom and the education centers of Tudor grew, so did the town of Speton. The population flourished with the establishment of Brightsword Keep, a formidable fortress that attracted a company of troops, ensuring the town's safety and contributing to its growth. Although Speton itself was not directly threatened during the War of Freedom, the residents were not spared from its horrors. The nearby battleground of Malley Way, located north of the town, loomed in their thoughts as heavy fighting raged on. The wounded soldiers, in need of dedicated healing, found solace in a field hospital established just outside the town's walls to the southeast. The distant sounds of the camp, overwhelmed with injured and suffering, left an indelible mark on the town's collective memory. Over time, the field hospital transformed into a permanent complex of buildings and evolved into a military school of medicine, a testament to Speton's resilience and commitment to healing. One of the town's main attractions is the growing Speton Regional Library, which draws educators from far and wide. Situated near the vibrant Garden Market Plaza, the library is a treasure trove of knowledge and a testament to Speton's dedication to learning and intellectual pursuits.

Points of interest

• Brightsword Keep – A small, but stout, stone fortress built near the center of town. The lodgings and offices within the Keep are specific to a duke’s house, with a barracks building situated to the interior. The armory, stone well, and stables are also situated to the interior.
• The Harper's Alehouse - A heroic elven tavern, brightly lit by glowing gemstones set into the ceiling.
• A monolith of dark stone, placed to mark the Battle of Shield Ridge.
• Highlamp Bridge - A fortified river bridge spanning across the Periphery River, the bridge was originally built for defense. Over the years it has been used as a toll collection point and is not the primary transit point for many merchant caravans and trade traffic for the southwest portion of Kerak.
• Speton Regional Library – An ornate two-story building just off the Garden Market Plaza, the library is open around the clock. The books are placed on shelves against the walls, and even over the main door. In the small rooms of the second floor, books are kept on shelves there called columpnæ, set against the walls. No study goes forward in such places as these; this is intended for security only. Books may be read in the open Study on the first floor.

Geography

Speton is situated in the southwestern region of Alteria, within the Kingdom of Kerak. The town is within the Western Periphery River Corridor and is due east of the Whispering Arrow Woods.

Type

Town

Population

240

Inhabitant Demonym

Mixed - All lineages evenly represented.

Location under

Continent of Alteria

Owner/Ruler

Duke Orin Brightwood

Owning Organization

Kingdom of Kerak

Characters in Location

• Duke Orin Brightwood