Rosewick

"And Iva lifted her hand and pulled the leylines together. As the sweet smell of rosewood emanated from her censer, she blessed the space, creating a potent centre for magic among the marble pillars of the plaza. From then on, Rosewick has been honored as the holy place of Iva."

Rosewick is the capital of the kingdom of Balihr, on Qopith. It sits at the southern delta of the Dark River, between Balihr Heath and the Misty Pine Forest. Chosen millennia ago as the holy city of Iva when it was only a small town, it is a hotspot for magic users.

Government

As the capital of Balihr, Rosewick is home to the Masked Circle. A group of ten to fifteen people, the Masked Circle oversees the affairs of the entire kingdom. The Circle is highly exclusive, boasting the most powerful and experienced wizards in the Emerald Sea, and nearly the entire world. The members of the Circle, as evidenced by its name, are never seen without skillfully crafted silver masks. While far from purely decorative, these masks are often extravagantly decorated, resembling those one might find at a masquerade ball. These masks, covering the eyes and nose, are a symbol of the wearer's status as a member of the Circle, and protect the identity of those in the Circle. This allows its members to proceed about their daily lives, unmasked, without fear of being threatened for their status. Except for rare cases, the wizards of the Circle do not even know one another's identity behind the mask.

The Masked Circle holds absolute rule over the kingdom. They act as their own council, discussing all matters with one another until they come to an agreement. Because of their reputation as intelligent, capable wizards, the general public trusts the Circle to make decisions that are best for the kingdom as a whole, and Balihr enjoys relative political stability because of this.

Traditions

Feast of Iva

As the holy city of Iva, Rosewick places great importance on the Feast of Iva, a three-day celebration from the fifth to seventh of first fall each year. During these days, the marketplace is full of stalls boasting spell components, magic items and artifacts, magicians, and sundries. The streets of Rosewick are bedecked with witch lanterns, purple and silver streamers, and braziers on every corner burning rosewood. At the end of the festival every year, a competition is held under the supervision of the Masked Circle in which magic users of all kinds compete in showmanship and combat. The winner of the contest receives a monetary prize alongside a silver plaque. On rare occasions, a magic user will demonstrate such prowess as to catch the interest of the Circle. In these cases, they will be approached and given an invitation to a renowned, highly secretive test which is used to select new members of the Circle.

Founder's Day

Founder's Day, on the twenty-second of third winter, is a celebration of the founding of Rosewick, dating back to before Iva's blessing of the city. On this day, citizens pay respects to the Masked Circle and to the city's founder. Many taverns and public spaces will host bards or storytellers, who relate the tale of Rosewick's founding in the depths of one of the coldest winters the continent had seen.

Other Feasts

Rosewick, like many other cities in Galactus, honors the feast days of most other deities, though never as extravagantly as the Feast of Iva. On these feast days, citizens typically celebrate in smaller groups, with various traditions. Rosewick does, however, place more importance of the Feasts of Termin, Metsli, Ydos, and Xitos, the husband and children of Iva. On these deities' respective Feasts, citywide festivities are held to honor the family of Iva.

Notable Locations

Temple of Iva

The temple of Iva stands imposingly over Rosewick's main square, built at the epicenter of the city's vast network of leylines. Built out of marble with silver accents, the facade of the building stands several stories high. Within, a central chamber is surrounded by wide hallways. These hallways are lined with rooms where clerics and paladins of Iva can study, practice magic, or pray in solitude. Entering through the rosewood doors of the central chamber, the most noticeable object is the tall, marble statue of Iva. Once painted with purple dyes, most of its color has faded but it remains an eye-catching reminder of the city's role as a holy city. On the floor in the exact center of this chamber is carved the symbol of Iva, filled with amethyst. While no services are held here, it is not unusual to see the surrounding benches dotted with citizens, heads bent in prayer.

Ashann's Academy for Gifted Wizards

Ashann's Academy for Gifted WIzards is said to be the most prestigious magic school on Galactus. Wizards flock here from every continent, hoping to pass the rigorous entrance exams and learn magic at the highly selective Academy. Founded by Ashann Runespire, the most well-known wizard to come from Rosewick, a few centuries after the city's blessing, it boasts an impressive roster of alumni, many of whom went on to perform incredible feats of magic and heroism. Some say that the children of the Masked Circle attend the school to be groomed to take their parents' places. Many of the wizards who are given entry to the Masked Circle without a blood connection have attended this academy.

Port of Rosewick

The port of Rosewick is a bustling trade hub, known to some as the Gateway to Qopith. Its position on the Gulf of Morning and the Dark River give it excellent access to shipping and trading routes. Rosewick does not export any goods of its own creation, but instead brings supplies from all over Qopith and sells to merchants from Judera and other parts of the world.

Included Locations

• Rosewick Prison