Breylet
One of the oldest cities in Nephistrad, Breylet’s local customs are as engrained in Nevermore as the Von Lishken lineage. Surrounding the city is the Brimeye Timbers, an ancient forest perpetually shrouded in an eerie fog, adding to its ominous atmosphere. Longtime residents of Breylet are incredibly paranoid and often hostile toward the forest. Common superstition is that the Brimeye is alive, emboldened by pre-civilized dwellers who believe civilization is true madness.
Government
Breylet is ruled by House Darvu, the most powerful noble house in the city. With a population size of 10,000, Breylet can appoint three senators to the Blood Court to assist the Scarlet King, Harlock Von Lishken. As the city ruler, House Darvu is represented by the reclusive Mirabel Darvu. Alongside House Darvu are two families with lineages that stretch far before the Nevermore became ruled by Sanguis; House Faustus led by Caleb Faustus and House Carpathian led by Jonas Carpathian.
Industry & Trade
Being near the Brimeye Timbers offers a lucrative industry for those willing to harvest and trade the rare herbs and plants that grow in the area. Many alchemists and herbalists purchase these unique ingredients, making Breylet a hub for those seeking exotic potions and remedies.
Breylet is also known for their skill in breeding and training beasts of burden, most notably the nightmare warhorses. These dread steeds resemble a fiendish horse and are the chosen mounts of the Wraith Knights, Nephistrad’s elite fighting force.
Guilds and Factions
Burnt Hand
After years of quiet growth, this secretive group of spies and assassins have begun to make a name for themselves in the back alleys and cellars of Breylet. Openly opposing the Hereafter Thieves Guild, few dare to challenge the Burnt Hand in the surrounding region as the consequences often prove dire. The public brace themselves for the inevitable retribution from the Hereafter.
Circle of Green
The Circle of Green is a collective of druids and rangers who maintain a permanent residence in the outskirts of the city. Led by the Archdruid Talia, a wise and respected Elf in the twilight of her life, the circle mediates conflict between the people of Breylet and the dwellers of the forest who worship the Eternal Oak.
Crimson Order
Thanks to their ties to the Scarlet Walker, most citizens in Nephistrad worship Evenneth, the Scarlet Walker, and are either Sanguis or strive to become one if they can afford it. The importance of blood is undeniable and by having faith in the Scarlet Walker, the populace can feel assured that the wheel of life will continue to turn. Members of the Crimson Order serve the mother of hematurgy and with her guidance, are responsible for the collection of the weekly Vida Culling blood tax. This responsibility gives the Crimson Order much political leeway and untold power in the region. It also serves as a reminder to the Scarlet King that his rule is only allowed by a greater being.
Breylet Superstition
The people of Breylet believe the ancient forest surrounding their city is alive and dangerous. To protect themselves when entering the Brimeye Timbers they follow a set of rules or face the wrath of a mystical being known only as the Eternal Oak. For in the Brimeye, incorrect behavior must be pruned.
Notable People
Archdruid Talia
Leader of the Circle of Green, Talia’s knowledge of the ancient world is second to none in Breylet. Her deep connection to the whims of the Eternal Oak has led many to believe she has fey blood. This same connection has helped her play a vital role in Breylet’s politics, advising the noble houses on matters of the forest.
Caleb Faustus
The second appointed senator from Breylet, Caleb is a shrewd and calculating senator with a not-so-secret obsession of collecting rare magical items. Known for throwing dinner parties that revolve around merchants and exotic dealers, Caleb’s collection has spilled into a private armory protected by the best that money can buy.
Jonas Carpathian
Being the third most powerful house in Breylet is a testament to the Carpathian lineage. Unfortunately, being the third and final senator from the city has left a sour taste in Jonas’s mouth. Unbeknownst to many, Jonas is a twin. His brother, Marcus, is a parasitic twin, conjoined in secrecy to Jonas’s side. When Jonas became a Sanguis, it helped to strengthen Marcus, allowing the brothers to plot their rise in the Blood Court together.
Mirabel Darvu
Ruler of Breylet and first senator on the Blood Court, Mirabel Darvu is known for her reclusive nature yet undeniable influence. Despite shunning the public eye, Mirabel carefully cultivates relationships behind the scenes. Her reputation of having an iron grip is true, but her continued dislike of drinking blood remains a rumor that none dare speak aloud.
Myra Grigorva
A renowned apothecary, Myra Grigorva followed her passion and made the trip in her youth from Falkovnia to Breylet. One of the few unafraid to push deep into the Brimeye Timbers, her fearlessness has allowed her to harvest the rarest of herbs and catapulted her into a local celebrity.
Old Man Horace
The jovial and welcoming owner of the Infernal Tankard, Horace is known for spreading good cheer and spiced ale. However, he hides a dark secret that only those closest to him truly understand.
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