Tafeld
The town is a labyrinth of winding, narrow streets and dark alleys.
The exact center of town is a large cobblestoned square. The cobblestones are arranged to make a pattern: light grey stones in a radiating pattern from a central circle of light gray stones, creating a shape the most closely resembles a stylized stone. Over the years some of the stones have been replaced with the same darker stones as the exterior rings, giving the "sun" a spotty, dilapidated look.
Gallowsbridge
To the east of Tafeld's center is Gallowsbridge: the district of the small town mostly populated by the poor and those engaged in the Scaled Guard. It is so named for the bridge that crosses over Julan's Brook, where those convicted of serious crimes are thrown from with a rope tied about their neck. The bodies are often left there for a week or more afterwards. This is also where the small jail is located.
Lamplight Grotto
The western half of Tafeld is its wealthier half, for a few reasons. One, it is the home of the local crime boss (bully), Caldor Vyn. His crew, the Red Ravens, have taken a vested interest in shaking down the various businesses in and around Tafeld, and have gotten away with it as the Ravens far outnumber the paltry Scaled Guard stationed in Tafeld. They also have several illegal and dangerous substances that they are willing to sell to anyone interested. They can normally be found in the Blue Crystal Tavern. The second reason is that the hunter's guild that works out of Tafeld can be found in this district. Many of them are quite wealthy and have made a quaint, insulated community for themselves. That being said, members of the guild are posted at the entrances to the grotto, of which there are four. No one not associated with the guild or the Ravens are allowed in without a hefty fee (normally about 30 gold).
Willow Hollow
Willow Hollow encompasses the remaining areas of Tafeld, and is a relatively neutral area. It is not fraught with poverty, crime, or despair, but neither is it a haven of affluence, wealth, and power. It is where anyone and everyone is free to visit.
Different Areas of Tafeld
Sun's SquareThe exact center of town is a large cobblestoned square. The cobblestones are arranged to make a pattern: light grey stones in a radiating pattern from a central circle of light gray stones, creating a shape the most closely resembles a stylized stone. Over the years some of the stones have been replaced with the same darker stones as the exterior rings, giving the "sun" a spotty, dilapidated look.
Gallowsbridge
To the east of Tafeld's center is Gallowsbridge: the district of the small town mostly populated by the poor and those engaged in the Scaled Guard. It is so named for the bridge that crosses over Julan's Brook, where those convicted of serious crimes are thrown from with a rope tied about their neck. The bodies are often left there for a week or more afterwards. This is also where the small jail is located.
Lamplight Grotto
The western half of Tafeld is its wealthier half, for a few reasons. One, it is the home of the local crime boss (bully), Caldor Vyn. His crew, the Red Ravens, have taken a vested interest in shaking down the various businesses in and around Tafeld, and have gotten away with it as the Ravens far outnumber the paltry Scaled Guard stationed in Tafeld. They also have several illegal and dangerous substances that they are willing to sell to anyone interested. They can normally be found in the Blue Crystal Tavern. The second reason is that the hunter's guild that works out of Tafeld can be found in this district. Many of them are quite wealthy and have made a quaint, insulated community for themselves. That being said, members of the guild are posted at the entrances to the grotto, of which there are four. No one not associated with the guild or the Ravens are allowed in without a hefty fee (normally about 30 gold).
Willow Hollow
Willow Hollow encompasses the remaining areas of Tafeld, and is a relatively neutral area. It is not fraught with poverty, crime, or despair, but neither is it a haven of affluence, wealth, and power. It is where anyone and everyone is free to visit.
Demographics
Primarily human, some halfling.
Government
Tafeld is governed by steward Asteria Goldsmith, whose bizarre laws and decrees are commonly ignored, one of which is "no music after sundown."
Guilds and Factions
- The Red Ravens (neutral evil, gang; most wear a glove on their left hand emblazoned with the head of a raven in red paint)
- Ulfik's Pride (lawful neutral, hunting guild; all members wear a dark green cloak, pinned with an ivory broach carved to resemble a deer skull)
History
Tafeld was once simply an encampment - a place to rest in before the members of Ulfik's Pride, more commonly called the Pride, went out to continue their hunts. Blessed by Thellyne as the hunter who listened to her warning against pursuing The White Hart, Ulfik's prowess grew and he founded a hunting party that became well renowned in Vespmar for their skill.
Overtime, the encampment grew and grew, and upon the introduction of the fifth building to the encampment, as aasimar known as Asteria Goldsmith appeared, declaring herself the steward of this town in the name of the count of Vespmar. The hunters were shocked and dismayed to lose their rulership and self-governance to this unknown person, but as Goldsmith's stewardship continued, the hunters soon realized she was unable to control the town whatsoever, and continued on as they had once ruled. Goldsmith, sensing her loss of control, has grown increasingly more erratic as time has gone on - desperate to maintain her position within Tafeld and has introduced laws that are utterly inane in a bid to remain relevant within the city.
Founding Date
1672
Type
Town
Population
2300
Location under
Owning Organization
Related Reports (Primary)
Related Reports (Secondary)
Locations in Tafeld
Sun's Square- The Rusty Blade (tavern and inn; a single story half-timbered building, with a heather-thatched roof; accommodations consist of a single large room with wooden cots)
- Heaven's Light Cathedral
- Steward's Home
- Goldsmith Gaol
- The Iron Works (guildhall to Korak; builders)
- Blue Crystal Tavern
- The Copper Horn (jewelry and tailor)
- Corbyn Weapons and Armor
- The Wrightmaker's (toy shop)
- The Granite Hound (run by human Pride member Osbourne, the Granite Hound trains and sells animals for use in hunting. Generally, he sells horses and hounds, but he does have some trained falcons as well)
- Julan's Tannery (tanner, leather working)
- Lavender Loaves (bakery; all goods are stamped with a seal that resembles a sprig of lavender)
- Willow Hollow Goods (general store; sells basic supplies but it will be almost impossible to get anything specialized)
