Merrymead, City of Revels
A city of joy and light and strength is unusual in any
kingdom, but in the dark landscape of the Shadow
Realm, Merrymead seems a mirage. Built of great
oak timber daubed with clay and painted in bright,
warding patterns of flowering vines, every rooftop
studded with beehives, and wandering droves of pigs
grown fat from acorns, Merrymead is a lively point
in a shadowy forest, and it enjoys frequent trade as it
sits at the crossroads between Fandeval, the Moonlit
Glades, and the forests of the shadow fey. It is an
especially seasonal sort of city, having a much faster,
even frenetic pace in high summer and fall, compared
to the sleepy winter and the difficult days of spring.
The city’s role as a crossroads extends beyond the
roads within the Shadow Realm. One of its roads
leads back to the mortal world, to a sophisticated,
well-ruled human city with a large temple to a
goddess of cats, hunters, and perfumes.
The Honey Fair. Each year at high summer, the
King and Queen of Merrymead open a trade fair,
one of the few in the Shadow Realm. It is open to
everyone who can obey its rules: fair speech, fair
bargains, and no brawling outside the Royal Ring.
Many deals are struck for great vats of honey and mead, for lengths of bearfolk timber and goblin
moonsteel, and even for strange treasures dug up
from Soriglass or brought down from the stars. The
trade fair sometimes even carries on into mortal
lands when a bear king of the mortal world opens a
shadow road, as the Honey Fair ends, and extends an
invitation to travel the Honey Road to bearfolk lands
in the mortal world.
The Slumbering Winter. The city of Merrymead is
still populated in winter months, but its bearfolk do
very little but sleep, dream, and wake for brief periods
to see the snow. During the slumbering months,
the regency is granted to a trusted human, such as
the high priestess of Charun, the boatwoman Linne
Mallemele, or else the high priest of Umbeserno,
Snuffling Tilda, Keeper of the Snoring Temple—
who, as all priestesses of the Lord of Sleep, enters
the winter sleep late and wakes early. One of the
priestesses watches over the bears and keeps the city’s
business moving, albeit at a sedate pace until spring.
Their primary goal is to provision the city well for the
spring hunger.
The Spring Hunger. Come the spring and the
snowmelt, Merrymead stirs and wakes itself,
extremely thin and hungering. Darakhul in particular
seem to understand the bearfolk hunger in a way
that gnomes and humans don’t quite, and their
merchants always forge through the late snows
to bring fish, spring lamb, potatoes, and other provisions to Merrymead. Vast amounts of food are
devoured in just a few weeks as the bearfolk awaken
family by family, and the price of spring provender is
double that of the rest of the year. In short order, the
festivals of Bengta and Charun are held, the shrine of
Umbeserno holds the rite of Waking the Last Sleeper,
and the dream season ends with bearfolk returning to
the hives, fishponds, groves, and fields.
Demographics
11,000 (6,500 bearfolk, 2,000 umbral humans, 1,600 shadow goblins, 500 darakhul, and 400 wyrd gnomes)
Industry & Trade
Trade Goods: Honey, wheat, oats, ironwork, maple and pine wood, and pork (in order of importance)
Points of interest
Honey in the Treetops
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Nestled high among the treetops of two massive oak trees, the Honey in the Treetops is a renowned establishment celebrated for its warm ambiance, hearty fare, and exceptional drinks. Ascending on a wooden elevator platform, patrons are greeted by a sweet aroma of honey and the lively sounds of music and conversation.Inside, the spacious layout features wooden tables and chairs arranged casually, with a walkway meandering between the two trees that house the tavern. Adorned with animal hides, antlers, and trophies from the surrounding wilderness, the rustic decor creates an adventurous atmosphere.The menu boasts a diverse selection, offering everything from robust stews and roasted meats to fresh salads and vegetarian delights. The true gem, however, is the honey-infused cuisine, blending the sweet nectar into both savory and sweet dishes.The drink selection is equally impressive. Skilled bartenders craft an array of potent concoctions, including classic ales, meads, and exotic elixirs made with local ingredients like wild berries and herbs, lending a distinct taste to each sip.A wooden sign behind the bar proudly declares, "The Honey in the Treetops welcomes all weary travelers and adventurous souls." Whether seeking respite after a day of exploration or simply desiring a vibrant atmosphere to unwind, this treetop tavern promises a memorable experience. For those seeking an extended stay, the hollow trunks of the massive oaks house cozy inn rooms, offering a night's reprieve from the shadows of the Ebontide.
The Snoring Temple
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Nestled within the comforting embrace of a great, hollowed tree, the Snoring Temple stands as a modest sanctuary devoted to Umbeserno, the bearfolk god and Lord of Sleep. Upon entering, visitors encounter a serene atmosphere where prayers and offerings find their place upon a simple altar on the first floor.The temple's sacred space extends upwards, reaching into the canopy of the tree where the clergy resides. It's a harmonious abode where tranquility and devotion blend seamlessly. The Winter Regent, Snuffling Tilda, oversees the temple with a gentle authority. Guests are kindly requested to speak in hushed tones, respecting the temple's role as a haven of quiet and peace.Snuffling Tilda, the High Priestess of Sleep, holds a unique position of importance. As the Winter Regent, she assumes control over Merrymead during the bearfolk's slumbering months. It is a time when the city slows, and its denizens do little more than sleep, dream, and briefly awaken to witness the snow. As Keeper of the Snoring Temple, Snuffling Tilda is the last to enter the winter sleep and the earliest to emerge, embodying the ebb and flow of the seasonal cycles.The Snoring Temple serves as more than a religious center; it is a symbol of the cyclical nature of life in Merrymead, where periods of rest are as integral as the lively seasons. Visitors seeking solace and reflection find a haven within its walls, and the temple's presence enhances the spiritual and cultural richness of Merrymead.
Forestwatcher Garrison
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Nestled within Merrymead's heart, the Forestwatcher Garrison stands as a testament to the bearfolk's commitment to safeguarding their vibrant city. This colossal, hollowed tree serves as both a symbol of strength and a practical defense against potential threats.As visitors approach, they witness the exterior adorned with small, defensive ballistae, a visual proclamation of the militia's dedication to protecting Merrymead. The tree's vast hollow interior accommodates multiple floors, each serving a distinct purpose.The first floor welcomes with a small armory, ensuring the rapid mobilization of the militia during emergencies. Adjacent to it is a reception desk, inviting citizens and visitors to express their concerns or report suspicious activities.Ascending to the second floor reveals the militia bunkhouse, where rows of beds foster camaraderie among the defenders. The third floor, a strategic hub, houses a war room with maps and tactical charts for planning incursions into the Fey Courts and the Twilight Empire. An elaborate armory on this floor holds specialized equipment for advanced operations.The upper floors prioritize the well-being of the militia. The fourth and fifth levels offer comfortable breakrooms, spaces for study, relaxation, and bonding among the bearfolk defenders.Outside, a large training yard allows for the honing of combat skills, ensuring the militia remains in peak condition. The Forestwatcher Garrison, with its strategic placement and communal spaces, embodies the harmonious blend of defense, community engagement, and strategic planning that defines Merrymead's ethos.
The Royal Ring
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At the heart of Merrymead lies the esteemed Royal Ring, a circular arena of honor where the denizens of the city gather to settle disputes, showcase their talents, and celebrate during festivals. Enclosed by a low wooden barrier adorned with blooming flowers, this space serves as a multifaceted hub for both conflict resolution and communal revelry.During ordinary times, disputes are resolved through sparring matches within the Royal Ring, a physical representation of Merrymead's commitment to maintaining harmony within its borders. Yet, the significance of the Ring extends beyond combat, evolving into a versatile stage for verbal debates, friendly games, crafting competitions, and artistic expressions.Boulderfist, the current champion and arbiter of the Royal Ring, holds a pivotal role. His imposing presence ensures that competitions remain fair and that the spirit of Merrymead's traditions is upheld. He not only adjudicates physical contests but also serves as the city's representative in matters of honor, ready to defend Merrymead's pride against challenges from outsiders.The Royal Ring transforms into a grand stage during festivals, becoming the focal point of Merrymead's celebrations. Performers and artists use the space to showcase their talents, adding a vibrant and cultural dimension to the city's festivities.Surrounding the Royal Ring, market stalls create a bustling marketplace where Merrymead's thriving business comes to life. From colorful produce stalls to shops offering various equipment, the market contributes to the lively atmosphere, making the Royal Ring not just a center for resolution but also a nexus for commerce and social exchange. The melding of tradition, celebration, and commerce in this central space encapsulates the dynamic spirit of Merrymead.
Maps
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Merrymead
Overview
Founding Date
1391 TT
Type
Large town
Population
11,000
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Additional Rulers/Owners
Ruling/Owning Rank
Characters in Location
Related Reports (Primary)
