Town of Dragonvein

Located in the southeast portion of Braks Eshai on the Glastham peninsula, Dragonvein is a large town made larger by its geography. The center of town is dominated by a large market square called the Central Market where most, if not all, of its business is conducted, and is surrounded by five different boroughs. These are separated by the remains of two fractured rivers, the Vaar and the Nalldwyr, which are spanned by a multitude of bridges to connect the town together.
The largest of those districts, Hartsthrone, is in the southwest portion of the city and encompasses the docks and wharves that connect Dragonvein to Emerrey Bay. To the southeast is the Citadel, where the majority of temples and shrines are located. It is also home to a large standing army. In the east is Greencourt, which is dominated by magically enhanced trees and plants. The entire north end of the town is considered Hellhound's Farthing, though it is merely an extension of the already expansive Central Market. The smallest district is in the west and is called Highcrown by official papers and its wealthy inhabitants. However, many of the other residents of Dragonvein call it the Rogue's Ward.

Central Market

Located in the middle of Dragonvein, Central Market is the foremost place to find just about anything. Far superior to the markets of The City of Elesrora in both size and variety and comparable to the Grand Bazaar of Mpraeso, the entire square is a cobbled maze of stalls and carts. There are no real divisions within it, and merchants often mingle and share space with those who sell completely different products.

Places of Interest

Athen's Arsenal The workshop of a weaponsmith named Athen, who is most known for her short temper and sharp wit. There are rumors that imply her hand in the death of a noble from Elesrora, though their accuracy is suspect.
The Clocktower Affectionately nicknamed The Crystal Keeper by the local population, this clocktower is made from a magical clock set into a monolith made of smoky crystal. It was constructed by an anonymous clockwright around YE 7040, when Dragonvein was little more than a cluster of farms, and has kept perfect time ever since.
The Exigent Emporium A mysterious shop of magical curiosities and wondrous items, run by an eccentric wizard named Magnus. However, it only appears to those who have a particular need, and residents hotly debate whether or not it actually exists.
The Dhel Stone An ancient colossus made of unweathered stone that has existed long before Dragonvein was settled, where local merchants come to make contracts between them. It is said that anyone who breaks an oath sworn upon the Dhel Stone will be slain before the next dawn and several prominent deaths have been attributed to this powerful magical binding.

The Warrens

Beneath the bustling streets of the market square lies the dried up bed of an underground river, now filled with arched vaults and the town's sewer system. It has become populated by the dispossessed and forgotten poor within recent years as well as those who seek to remain hidden, though there are more than enough eyes and information for the right amount of coin. The entrances to the Warrens are scattered throughout the town and hidden from casual passersby, only really visible to someone who knows what to look for.

Hartsthrone

A mostly residential district in the southwest of the town, Hartsthrone also includes the many wharves that connect Dragonvein to the outside world. The lower and middle classes reside here, separated from the Citadel and Highcrown by a branch of the Vaar. It is far quieter than the Central Market, with less of a guard presence, and its wide streets are lined with small pools and fountains filled with wishing coins.

Places of Interest

The Jester and Chalice A grand adventurer's inn and tavern and located near the heart of the district, the inn is decorated with exotic weapons and armor. It, along with several other buildings in Hartsthrone, is rumored to be a front for the local crime syndicate, its infamous leader often spotted within its hall.
The Copper Cask A shabby tavern close to the docks, said to be kept by a sphinx named Ittal. However, no one has actually seen the sphinx in more than a decade and it is currently being run by a young girl.
Shrine to Paha A tall stone spire carved with circular glyphs and bearing the holy symbol of Paha, the God of Secrets. It is said to bestow a blessing on those who leave an offering, and is surrounded by dozens of padlocks.

The Citadel

Located in the southeast, the Citadel is cut off from the rest of Dragonvein by an arm of the Nalldwyr to the north, the Vaar to the west, and encircled by a low stone wall. Containing most of the temples and shrines of town, the atmosphere is hushed, though the ringing of bells several times a day by different locations is near deafening to those unused to it. The headquarters of the town guard is also located here, and the district boasts the lowest crime rate in Dragonvein.

Places of Interest

The Water Shrine Held together by old magic, this is a tall arched shrine placed near the intersection of the rivers to honor Achiel, the Goddess of Water. It is composed solely of clear water, and said to bring peace to those who drink from it.
The Asylum A two-story stone building built slightly away from the district, the Asylum houses the zealots and madmen of the town, as well as those whom the guards decide are "disturbing the peace". There are few recorded cases of escapees, and those who do not wish to be thrown in usually hide in The Warrens.
Diranthor's Gallows A tall gallows in the middle of the Citadel, it is said to have been both cursed and blessed by the God of Death. The executioner, when appointed, symbolically has their tongue cut out, and those condemned to hang here are said to whisper a dark secret or betrayal before they die.
The Dragon's Hall A rather shabby inn, decorated with large, ornate double doors supposedly taken from a dungeon to the south.

Greencourt

The second smallest district in Dragonvein, Greencourt is located on the eastern end of town and built upon what was originally a small island in the Nalldwyr. Its narrow streets are lined with magically enhanced greenery and tall trees. Hydroponic greenhouses, where most of the town's food is grown, are common, as are various livestock roaming the streets.

Places of Interest

The Shrine of Malpha Dominating the southern end of the district is a cauldron lamp enshrining a magical flame dedicated to Malpha, the Goddess of Nature. It is held aloft by an extremely weathered humanoid statue and surrounded by a low labyrinth of moss-covered stone. Residents claim that the town's bells are nearly silent while within its many paths, though a temple to Diranthor, known for tolling for every corpse brought through its doors, is located across the river in The Citadel.
The Druid's Hedge An old hedge surrounding a dilapidated wooden shack, grown wild with age. It, and the building within it, are the home of an Elven druid named Amarduil, who became stuck in the form of a small ginger tabby many centuries ago. They are cheerfully helpful in dealing with transmutation magic, though often condescending.
The Rampant Wizard A fanciful inn, built in an Elven style and run by a woman named Maija. It is rumored to have been built atop the tomb of a lich, though no one in living memory has ever found an entrance to it.
The Cloister of Death A large, open courtyard filled with fruit-bearing trees and surrounded by tall quartz caryatids. It is mostly harmless despite its nickname, though residents will avoid staying within it after dark. The ghost of a charming humanoid rogue appears when both moons are new, and has often led the unwary astray and to their graves at the bottom of the Nalldwyr.

Hellhound's Farthing

Dominating the north end of Dragonvein, Hellhound's Farthing is mostly considered an extension of the Central Market, though mostly made up of specialty or magical stores. Separated from the rest of the town by the Nalldwyr to the southeast and a branch of the Vaar to the south west, the district is considerably less used than the market square, its buildings pristine and ornately carved with various runes of protection. Lower classes, or those not living in The Warrens, make up most of the population along the very north of the town.

Places of Interest

Ered's Blades The home and workshop of a weaponsmith named Ered, who is most known for the concealed weapons she makes. There are always people coming and going from the shop, often throughout the night.
The Wench's Alehouse A modest inn built in an Elven style. It is locally famous for the obscure trivia contests, as well as the magical duels held within its lobby.
The College of the Eldritch Arts A small school of mages that attracts wizards and warlocks alike. Notably, the school is guarded by living gargoyles that scale the outside walls of the squat tower housing it. Its headmaster, Nirah Chaelmel, has been accused several times in the past of running a cult.
The House of Voices A two-story building of brick and timber, this theatre is run by a former student of the local College and anything inside it might be an illusion. However, several people throughout the course of its history have become trapped within it, so enthralled by the visions that they could not find the exits.

Highcrown

Known as the Rogue's Ward to all but the government and those who live within the district, Highcrown is the smallest sector of Dragonvein, separated by an oxbow of the Vaar. It is primarily residential with sprawling manor houses and smooth, heavily planted streets. Those who find themselves here, if they're middle class or lower, are heavily looked upon with suspicion - travellers more so.

Places of Interest

The Ruby Fang A grand tavern built within what was once an aristocratic manor located near the river next to Hartsthrone. It's known for the extravagant music festivals it puts on every other year, as well as being the most expensive place to get a drink in Dragonvein.
Maielen's Tragedy An ancient obelisk of hewn stone, worn smooth with time and many hands. Located near the center of the district, it was erected as a memorial for the defeat of the nearby Maielen Stronghold, which has laid in ruins for centuries. Though faded, columns of runes along its face tell an account of the battle.
The King's Pub A heroic adventurer's inn and tavern, located near Hellhound's Farthing. It is a well-known destination throughout the Kingdom of Ashain for the fact that it is run entirely by cats. It's current owner, a Tabaxi named Rain in Summer, is heavily disliked in Highcrown, though beloved by most other residents of Dragonvein.

Demographics

Dragonvein is primarily human, with other races making up less than 30% of the population. Half-Elves are second-most common race, with Elves and Halflings equally next in line. Less than 1% of residents are races other than these, though Dragonvein boasts one of the highest numbers of Tabaxi outside of their Skoyyaen homeland.

Government

Officially governed by a dysfunctional council of elders who come up with bizarre laws and decrees every week, the town of Dragonvein is kept running smoothly by several important guilds as well as Vokkaebelyn Falskjalras, the feared leader of the local crime syndicate. The Black Lions, by several agreements with the overseeing guilds, are primarily located withing the Central Market and Hellhound's Farthing.

Infrastructure

Built around a central courtyard and marketplace, Dragonvein's roads are kept in usable condition by several stonemasons through The Hammers of Linást and, while inhabited, the town also boasts an extensive sewer system built by its first Elven inhabitants. Its districts are connected to each other with several bridges large enough to cross with market carts going both ways, and are repaired every spring after the annual flooding. The docks in Hartsthrone are well-kept, though undefended, and see many ships passing through to Elesrora.

Guilds and Factions

Though officially ruled by a council, Dragonvein is truly run through a consortium of guilds that keep the town running smoothly despite the bizarre and often unattainable rules the council creates. The three most known guilds include the The Hammers of Linást, The Guild of the Eldritch Tome, and The Guards of the Grave. And while not a guild, the crime syndicate The Black Lions has considerable power within the town.

Alternative Name(s)

Originally known as Sarrondran, Dragonvein's name has changed several times throughout history with its current name being a rough transliteration from the Elven Keydimalarr.

Type

Large town

Population

About 3200 people, though the impoverished and residents of the Warrens are not counted by official records.

Inhabitant Demonym

Dragonvite, Ashani, Keydimalarine, Sarrondrai

Location under

Glastham Peninsula