Blackbird Point
The town is set upon a large promontory of rock at the confluence of the Omathi (North to South) and Freth (NE to SW) rivers. The rivers flow into Loch Moraine directly south of town. To the east is a secluded valley bordered by the Svart Wald (East and South), the Loch in the west and mountains to the north. Other than some mule trails thru the mountains, access to the valley flows thru the town. The town has been growing since the Alorian Conquest as trade up and down the Omathi River expands.
The town was originally a part of an independent County under the reign of the San Benedict family. A Count San Benedict having held the lands for over 120 years. The San Benedict family came to the valley from the Rholdam and settled there. Eventually a small town grew on Blackbird Point, providing a central trade point to the small community. The town was built over some old ruins lost to antiquity. The San Benedicts have been people of the land for the most part and left the day to day affairs of the town to an appointed Mayor.
When the Alorian Conquest began, the heir to the San Benedicts (Rory) took up arms. The Count himself passed during the war. While Rory San Benedict is still at large, the Black Prince has claimed the lands under the Count’s title and bestowed them on one of his faithful retainers (Lord of the MacAllister clan). John MacAllister has built up a Station for the family on the lands in the eastern valley, but has not taken up the Title. The Mayor (Ron San Martine), remains the mayor but his authority seems to rest mainly on tradition. This is a source of some trepidation that no one has dared to call out yet.
With the growth of the town has come new stresses. Originally it was the Farmers and the Townies, then the soldiers the Black Prince had been pensioned off, given land seized from rebel families. Now the growth in trade in the province has brought interest from larger trading consortium’s competing with the original merchants in town.
The San Benedict estate itself has been lost to the Wald which seems to have swallowed the buildings with pristine trees.
Landmarks of Blackbird Point
1. Church of St Eustice – Father Bruni
– A large gothic Cathedral, it is larger then the town would appear to require. Build at the southern edge of town right up against the cliff over the Loch. The cathedral is so large it is home to both the main house of worship for town as well as the home of the Monastery of the Stained Hand.
The monastery is under the rule of Abbot Ren Macdougal. This order of Monks are famous for their scriptorium and illustrated manuscripts they produce. The brothers are withdrawn from the world and rarely seen or interacted with directly.
2. Landow’s Refinery – Giles Landow
– The Landow family have been refining the ore coming out of the northern mountains for 60 years. Their ingots are a common source of portable wealth across the free cities (now the New Provinces). Some precious metals but mostly Iron and Copper.
3. Willow’s Papers – Angus Willow
– Paper Mill
4. Lost Spur – Mike Pitts
– Blue collar Tavern
5. The Public Parlor – James and Heather Smith
– New Fangled Coffee house
6. Dancing Shoe – Sylene Redfeathers
– Rowdy Blue Collar Tavern
7. Cow Shed – Pete Dithers
– Tavern for the old timers
8. Gilded Coaster – Allen Farthing
– Newer Tavern chasing the merchant in town.
9. Counting House – Widow Janice Renfrew
– Common ground meeting place for merchants to make trades. An Inn it serves light food, drinks, tea, coffee and chocolate. Merchants often use the place to make trades. (Early commodity trading)
10. Town House – Scribe Elias Crow
– House where the town’s business is conducted. Includes an Armory, Courthouse and Assessor’s Offices.
11. Trading Greens –
– There is a large open area near the church that the town keeps as an open field. It is used by merchants traveling on as a temporary tent market. Also used by the farmers bringing wares to town. Easy access to the wharves and the eastern gate.
Underworld
The underworld of Blackbird Point is not overly developed. They are in the main a loose alliance of criminals needing help on scores. There are three main individuals who have made enough of a name that others will consult with them when they need something and are known to give “gifts” for the advise. Each of these three have associates helping them maintain their lifestyle.
Knowing about the specifics would require a successful Investigation check.
1. Fat Sue
Sue was originally a wagoneer, making her living with her husband hauling between settlements. Her husband passed and her girth increased enough so that she opened a caravaners shop in Blackbird Point. There are those who frequent the shop who have been known to find things that fell off wagons and are now available for sale to the discerning client.
2. Del Ran
Del Ran claims to have been a successful mercenary for twenty years. With the conquest he felt the need for his services less important. He opened a martial school in town for folks wishing to train. He has been known to offer the services of his students in keeping local businesses safe from random acts of thievery.
3. Conner Macdougal
Conner’s large extended family have been running boats on the loch since time immemorial. Very little happens on the water that he doesn’t know about. He is always willing to offer advice to keep others on the water safe.
Type
Village
