Fortune's Crossing

Fortune’s Crossing is a burgeoning town on the Old Coast Road between Darnegal and Saltmarsh. The town was built from the ruins of Kennmouth through a pact between Zelem Corvo, the city of Saltmarsh, and the Freedom Isles, though the latter party is not publicly known. It is currently governed by Zelem Corvo, the acting mayor during rebuilding, but will eventually be governed by an elected official.

History

Before being renamed, Fortune's Crossing was known as Kennmouth. A curse befell the town years ago, causing hordes of undead to descend on the citizens of the village. Many were killed, and the remainder fled to Darnagal or south to Saltmarsh. Before Bards Gate or other factions could respond, the Huun invasion of Bards Gate happened, plunging the region into chaos and leaving the town abandoned. With Bards Gates siege lifted and control being asserted on the Akados coast, new eyes are now set on Kennmouth. Its deep harbor could be a good port for deep-sea vessels, the admiralty, or even traders wishing to avoid Bards Gate taxes. It also provides a more direct route for over-land route between Darnagal and Saltmarsh. And it could even contain old treasures or artifacts that were lost to time. A group of adventurers in late 3517 arrived and cleansed the town of its curse. Rebuilding began that winter, in the midst of the Winter of Darkness.

Locations

1. Market Square

This open fountain square serves as the center of commerce and community in the town, with several businesses built around it, along with the town hall. Every Telday, an open market day is held in the town square, allowing less central businesses to sell their wares. On the 28th of every month, assemblies are held in the town hall for any citizen to propose new policies, discuss issues within the town, and major town announcements are made. Citizens can submit their votes for proposed measures and laws from the moment they are officially proposed until the week before the next assembly, when the votes will be counted. The town hall has lodgings for the current mayor of the city, however it is currently not in use, as Zelem has stated that he is only acting mayor until the town has enough foundation for an official vote. The market is overseen by the trademaster, who is responsible for managing business licenses, facilitating negotiations between merchants, and coordinating events within the square. Inhabitants
Brenna Vennan - A female human, she’s the current trademaster and an expert negotiator.

2. Old Market

The ruins of the old market of Kennmouth were somewhat outdated, having been left mostly in ruin, but a few of the more in-tact buildings are presently being used as warehouses for merchants or construction materials.

3. Corvo Manor

The private home of Zelem Corvo, the founder of Fortune’s Crossing. A modest home for a man of Zelem’s wealth, but it seems he doesn’t spend much time within the manor when not meeting with guests. Inhabitants
Zelem Corvo - Founder and acting mayor of Fortune’s Crossing. Zelem is an ex-adventurer, famous for having earned the ire of Bard’s Gate. While he is responsible for rebuilding the town and instrumental in its development, Zelem claims no official leadership role within the city.

4. The Devil’s Hand Casino

This gambling hall was the first business built after the reconstruction of the city, a personal expenditure by Zelem Corvo. The lower floor contains gambling tables and private game rooms for rent for any patrons. It also holds a restaurant and an open waiting room which regularly provides live music. The upper floor holds rooms for important guests to spend the night in and the high rollers tables. Rooms are 6gp a night, meals 3gp. Inhabitants
Rias Gremory - A male human, the manager of the casino, a capricious man who comes and goes, but somehow always knows what’s going on in the casino.

5. The Gilded Mask Theater

The second of Zelem’s businesses within the city, stating that the biggest contributions he can provide are funding and entertainment. Once a week, the players of the Gilded Mask perform for audiences, featuring a variety of shows from plays to orchestral performances. Once a month, the players also perform a Masquerade Spectacle, in which the performers wear elaborate masks and costumes, obscuring the actors and supposedly allowing them to fully embody their roles. It’s been rumored that Zelem himself even performs in these shows on occasion. The building also has a large courtyard in the back that’s used for the occasional acrobatic performances and festivals. The theater also serves as a temple to Moccavallo, though this fact is only known to the staff and performers. Inhabitants
Rosie the Riveting - A female human, one of the star performers of the theater and often acts as Master of Ceremonies for events.

6. The Seven Stars Inn

Most visitors to the city find themselves at the Seven Stars, enjoying the cozy atmosphere and good food. The inn also has a small stage that guests are free to perform at for the rest of the tavern goers. Performers from the Gilded Mask often perform here during their off days, making it a draw for fans of the arts to catch a surprise show. Rooms are 8sp per night with meals included. Meals are 3sp. Inhabitants
Lucan Ostoroth - A male elf, he’s patient with customers and an excellent listener

7. The South Docks

The main hub for traders, fishers, and other commerce vessels. The area also has a market for where fishermen and traveling merchants sell their wares. Many citizens come by the south docks daily to purchase fresh fish.

8. Queen’s Glaive Tavern

A favorite place to stay for visiting sailors and seafarers. The establishment was built as part of Zelem’s secret contract with the Freedom Isles, a safe haven for smugglers to pursue their dealings. Rooms are 2sp, meals 1sp Inahbitants
Urshar Frostbrand - A female dwarf, she oversees the tavern with a keen eye and is strong enough to keep the peace between the more rough and tumble clientele her tavern caters to

9. Everlight Academy & Seer’s Lantern Observatory

While the academy is still under construction, it currently serves as the education center of the city. Citizens of Fortune’s Crossing are entitled to a basic education at no charge. The eventual plan for the city is to expand it to a magic academy to rival Brighthollow in Darnagal, but the school will always provide a mundane education to the city’s citizenry. The Seer’s Lantern Observatory will be attached to Everlight Academy once construction is completed. This building will provide students of divination and astronomy with the finest view into the stars possible. When asked about his reasons to pursue such a construction project, Zelem originally stated that it’s “A gift that will likely never be received.”

10. Temple of Mitra

Perched on an islet connected to the mainland, this temple was originally dedicated to Muir, but the divine presence had long been corrupted and lost when Kennmouth fell. Muir’s worship has declined among Bard’s Gate detractors, it was ruled that the temple would be rebuilt in Mitra’s name instead. The town is currently in discussions to establish smaller temples to other gods on the unused land on the islet.

11. Guard Office

This building serves as both the guard barracks and the town’s jail. Confiscated wares from the docks are also brought and kept here at the end of each day. Inhabitants
Nathaniel LeMonte - A male human, the captain of the town guard and a worshiper of Mitra.

12. The Devil’s Hand Thieves’ Guild

Bearing the same name as the casino, this guild of criminals is based underground in the city, unbeknownst to the general populace. Zelem acts as the guild’s leader, using the guild for the betterment of the city and to provide a safe haven for the scoundrels of the world. The guild has three main rules: Only take from those who can afford to lose, murder is only to be used as a last resort, and guild members shall never target other guild members. Zelem and his closest allies keep careful watch over newer members, prepared to strike back at any guild member who would cause problems within the guild or for the city.

Type

Town

Location under

Plains of Mayfurrow