Ostverk

The buildings of Ostverk are a mix of single and two stories with several more prominent that raise over the rest. Amist the gathered buildings are people coming and going from shops, homes and the center of town that seems to be the marketplace. As you enter the village the people pay less attention than the serfs in the fields as they go about their business. At the southern end of town is quaint gnomish squat homes with neat gardens and fields. One the west end of the small village another wood building sits on knoll with its peaked roof that looks to be an open one-room shrine. Just east of the road as the stream spills into the pond is a mill with its water wheel slowly churning. Wood and iron machinery is heard grinding from within. You have a sense of a thriving hard working trade center with lawful presence. From the looks of the guardsmen patrolling the marketplace and streets they are vigilant and well respected.

The Border Village of Fey and Men

Ostverk is a small, yet vital village located on the southern frontier of the Verbobonc, Viscounty, where the human world meets the mystical boundaries of the Fey Kingdom of Celene. Governed by the half-elven Waldgraf Talarien Carewlein and protected by an elven garrison, Ostverk is a place where the traditions of men, elves, and gnomes converge. This village serves as a strategic outpost, safeguarding the borders of Celene while maintaining loyalty to the Viscount of Verbobonc.

History

Founded centuries ago as a humble settlement on the edge of the Gnarley Forest, Ostverk has grown under the watchful eyes of both human and elven rulers. Ostverk has a history steeped in cooperation and occasional conflict between its human and elven inhabitants. Founded as a frontier settlement to guard against the wild dangers of the Gnarley Forest, the village has grown into a key military and political stronghold. Over the centuries, it has served as a gateway to the Faerie Kingdom of Celene, where only the most trusted or persistent travelers are granted passage.

Geography

Ostverk is nestled where the Gnarley Forest meets the open lands of the Viscounty, with the imposing Kron Hills rising to the north. The village itself is built around a central marketplace, with sturdy wooden homes and gnomish dwellings dotting the landscape. To the west lies 1. Caer Ostverk, a small elven fortress an elven fortress that oversees the village and guards the border of Celene, while the nearby 2. Deleveu Manor serves as the southern command center for the Mounted Borderers.

Society and Culture

Ostverk’s population is a mix of humans, elves, and gnomes, each contributing to the village’s unique cultural fabric. The village is governed by a sense of duty and loyalty, with the residents placing their allegiance first to Lord Corbin Deleveu and then to the Viscount of Verbobonc. The Old Faith, particularly the worship of Berei, the Hearth Mother, plays a central role in the spiritual life of the community, with the local druids maintaining a strong influence over daily affairs.

Government and Laws

Ostverk is governed by Waldgraf Talarien Carewlein, a half-elf who bridges the gap between the human and elven communities. While Carewlein oversees the day-to-day affairs of the village, significant decisions are often influenced by the presence of the elven garrison and the political interests of Celene. The village adheres to the laws of Verbobonc but also respects the edicts of the The Fey Grand Court of Celene, creating a unique legal system that balances human and elven jurisprudence.

Politics

Ostverk occupies a delicate position in the political landscape of the Viscounty, acting as a buffer between Verbobonc and Celene. The village's loyalties are complex, with Lord Corbin Deleveu serving as a key political and military figure who maintains the balance between human interests and the demands of Celene. The presence of the Mounted Borderers further complicates local politics, as they enforce the Viscount’s laws while respecting the autonomy of the elven garrison. The village’s political landscape is further complicated by the interests of the Mounted Borderers and the local gnome families, who hold economic sway over the region.

Religion

The Old Faith dominates the spiritual life of Ostverk, with the druids of the Gnarley Forest playing a central role in the village’s religious practices. The most prominent deity is Beory, the Hearth Mother, whose shrine is the largest in the village. The priestess Shandril serves as the spiritual leader, guiding the villagers in the ways of the Old Faith while supporting the secular leadership of Lord Deleveu. The elves in Caer Ostverk worship the elven Selderine.

Military

Ostverk is heavily militarized due to its strategic location. The village is defended by a permanent garrison of 50 elven warriors stationed at Caer Ostverk. These elves are responsible for safeguarding the border of Celene and preventing unauthorized entry into the kingdom. The Mounted Borderers, under the command of Lord Corbin Deleveu, also play a crucial role in the village’s defense, conducting patrols and maintaining order in the surrounding region.

Military Highlights

• 1. Caer Ostverk: The elven fortress that overlooks the village, serving as both a military outpost and a symbol of Celene’s presence.
• 2. Deleveu Manor: The southern headquarters of the Mounted Borderers, a key military installation that ensures the security of the southern Viscounty.
• Mounted Borderers: This elite unit, known as the “Longriders,” is tasked with maintaining order and security along the borders of Verbobonc and Celene, specializing in forest and hill warfare.

Relationships and Alliances

Ostverk’s relationships are as complex as its politics. The village maintains strong ties with the elven kingdom, facilitated by the presence of the garrison at Caer Ostverk. At the same time, it remains an integral part of the Viscounty of Verbobonc, though its loyalties are more closely aligned with Lord Deleveu than with the distant Viscount. Lord Corbin Deleveu’s connections with The Gnarley Rangers and the Knights of Luna further enhance Ostverk’s strategic importance.

Key Relationships

• Celene: The elven kingdom views Ostverk as a crucial outpost for protecting its borders. Relations are generally positive, though Celene’s isolationist policies sometimes create friction.
• Verbobonc, Viscounty: Ostverk is loyal to the Viscount, but its ties to Celene and the influence of the Old Faith create a unique dynamic that sometimes places the village at odds with Verbobonc’s central authority.
• Gnarley Forest: A strong alliance exists between Ostverk and the Gnarley Rangers, who often coordinate efforts to protect the forest and the village from external threats.

Points of Interest for Adventurers

Ostverk offers numerous opportunities for adventurers, from exploring the depths of the Gnarley Forest to engaging in the political intrigue between Verbobonc and Celene. Key locations like Caer Ostverk, Deleveu Manor, and the surrounding wilderness serve as prime settings for quests and adventures.

Adventure Hooks

• Border Patrol: Assist the Mounted Borderers in securing the borders against bandit incursions or monster attacks from the Gnarley Forest.
• Diplomatic Missions: Serve as envoys between Ostverk and Celene, navigating the delicate politics between the human and elven realms.
• Gift of Beauty: The Gift was created by joint artisans from Veluna, Druids of the Gnarley and folk of Verbobonc A delegation was a few miles from the Celene border just south of Ostverk but was raided by unknown agents and the gift was taken.
• Ancient Secrets: Uncover hidden artifacts or ancient evils buried deep within the Gnarley Forest, guarded by its mystical inhabitants.
• Gnome Mines Quest: Ostverk Quest: The Lurking Shadows of Gemhome: A malevolent Tentacle Horror from the Underdark has infiltrated the hidden gem and silver mines of Gemhome, wreaking havoc and claiming the lives of many gnome miners. The miners of Clan Nackle are in desperate need of aid to confront this deadly menace.

Conclusion

Ostverk is more than just a border village; it is a place where cultures meet, and where the balance of power between men and fey is maintained with careful diplomacy and vigilant defense. For those seeking adventure, political intrigue, or simply a deep dive into the rich lore of the Greyhawk world, Ostverk stands as a gateway to the wild and wonderful.

Demographics

Demographics and Population of Ostverk

Racial Composition

Humans: 45% (Around 160 individuals)

• Primarily farmers, craftsmen, and traders who form the backbone of the village's economy. Most humans in Ostverk are loyal to Lord Corbin Deleveu, and their culture reflects a blend of local traditions with influences from the Old Faith.

Elves: 25% (Around 90 individuals)

• These include the 50 elven warriors stationed at Caer Ostverk and their families. The elves in Ostverk are predominantly sylvan elves from Celene, tasked with guarding the borders of their kingdom. They play a significant role in the village’s governance and military affairs.

Gnomes: 20% (Around 70 individuals)

• Comprising 25 gnome families, the gnomes in Ostverk are skilled artisans and tinkerers, contributing to the village’s economy through their craftsmanship. They tend to live in the southern part of the village, where their squat homes and neat gardens reflect their industrious nature.

Half-Elves: 7% (Around 25 individuals)

• Many half-elves in Ostverk are descendants of human and elven unions, such as Waldgraf Talarien Carewlein. They often occupy positions that bridge the cultural gap between the human and elven populations.

Others (Halflings, Dwarves, etc.): 3% (Around 10 individuals)

• A small number of other races, such as halflings and dwarves, are present in Ostverk, often passing through as traders or staying temporarily as part of their travels through the region.

The Sanctuary of Divine Order Ostverk by 3orcs

Key Political Figures

• Waldgraf Talarien Carewlein: The half-elven mayor of Ostverk, known for his diplomatic acumen and deep connection to both the human and elven communities.
• Lord Corbin Deleveu: A key political and military figure, Deleveu is the steward of Ostverk and a commander of the Mounted Borderers. His influence extends across the Gnarley Forest and into Celene.
• Baran Feath: Captain of the Guard, a seasoned human warrior, responsible for maintaining law and order within the village’s human population. Loyal to both the Viscount of Verbobonc and Lord Corbin Deleveu, Feath oversees the northern half of Ostverk.

Type

Village

Population

350 inhabitants

Included Locations

• 1. Caer Ostverk
• 10. The Broken Buckle Inn
• 11. Elowen's Elixirs & Herbs
• 12. Ironclad Forge
• 13. Thornwillow Farm
• 14. Alessa's Bakery
• 15. Ostverk Mercantile Outfitters
• 16. Hingnora Waterside Mill
• 17. Hingnora Pond
• 18. Fharlanghn Chapter House
• 19. Stipish’s Wheelwright Shop
• 2. Deleveu Manor
• 20. Farley Homestead
• 21. Gemhome - Clan Nackle
• 22. Kappelkourt Warren
• 23. Astrolacyll Warren
• 24. Shrine of the Golden Gem
• 25. Kwilliticutti Warren
• 26. Mastacalatl Warren
• 27. Pipwhistlion Warren
• 28. The Cozy Hearthstone Inn
• 29. The Market Meadow of Gemhome
• 3. Guest Noble House
• 30. Gemhome Hidden Gnome Mines
• 31. The Burrowhill Homestead
• 4. Temple of Beory - Osterk
• 5. Shandril’s Cottage
• 6. Shrines of Divine Order
• 7. Ostverk Guardhouse
• 8. Ostverk Marketplace
• 9. The Laughing Moon Inn

Owner/Ruler

Talarien Carewlein

Additional Rulers/Owners

• Corbin Deleveu

Owning Organization

Verbobonc, Viscounty

Notable Locations

• 2. Deleveu Manor: A well-constructed manor house that serves as the residence of Lord Corbin Deleveu and the headquarters for the Mounted Borderers in the south.
• 1. Caer Ostverk: The elven fortress that houses the 50-strong elven garrison, tasked with defending the borders of Celene.
• 4. Temple of Beory - Osterk: The largest shrine in the village, dedicated to Beory, the Hearth Mother, and serving as a spiritual center for the followers of The Old Faith.

Social Structure

• Nobility and Military Leadership: The village is led by Lord Corbin Deleveu and Waldgraf Talarien Carewlein, with a significant military presence due to the Mounted Borderers and the elven garrison at Caer Ostverk.
• Craftsmen and Artisans: Gnomes and humans form the core of Ostverk's artisan class, producing goods that are traded within the Viscounty.
• Farmers and Laborers: The majority of the human population is engaged in agriculture, producing food and goods for the village and nearby regions.
• Religious Figures: The Old Faith, particularly the followers of Beory, are led by the druid Shandril, who also plays a key role in guiding the spiritual and ecological practices of the village.