Dreamrest
Ruler: Grand Marshal, Oathsworn of Waeldstone, Dame Taniya Aetherian of Dreamrest, the Blade.
Population: Large Town, 4614 people
Exports: Pearls, shells, fish, seablossoms
Defenses: Reinforced wooden palisades surround the cliff-top castle. A pair of tall watchtowers overlook the sea approaches, and the docks are protected by a chain that can be raised across the harbor mouth.
~ Bio ~
Dreamrest sits along the rocky coastline, its whitewashed wood and stone buildings glistening in the sunlight. A slight rise leans toward the shore, and atop it stands Castle Dreamrest, surrounded by a wooden palisade covered in sea spray. The scent of salt, fish and floral sweetness lilts across the air. The harbor is busy with the coming and goings of traders, fisherman and laborers. The wind pushes colorful sails about, and the sound of hammers and laughter rings out.
~ Founding And History ~
247 years ago: Dreamrest was founded by Mysa Wyne. She established the first docks, workshops, and modest dwellings, laying the foundation for what will become a major regional naval center.
163 years ago: A scandal erupts involving Sacred Guardian Nathar Knyvet, who is discovered to have been diverting town funds and resources for personal gain. House Aetherian strips him of his titles, temporarily plunging Dreamrest into uncertainty.
112 years ago: Tiffany Thorton, a promising young mage, dedicates her life to enchanting the Seabloosom fields west of Dreamrest. Even after her passing, the fields provide medicinal, recreational, and nutritional support to locals.
74 years ago: A severe storm and flooding devastate the lower docks and waterfront districts. Years of hard labor are spent repairing it, but ultimately it becomes stronger than it was before.
41 years ago: Oathsworn, and Knight of the Righteous Blade, Laerra Faen, is named champion of House Aetherian and wins the Avalayle Grand three seasons in a row. With her first miracle she wishes for her sword to be bestowed with the power of the Gods, so that her battles are always in their name. With her second, she wishes for her vision to remain unclouded, so that she may always see what the Gods intend, and not fall victim to falsehood and fake prophets. With her third victory, she wishes that when she dies, her very spirit be embedded into the blade, so she may forever serve the Gods alongside whoever wields it. The sword comes to be known as Faen’s Will.
23 years ago: Laerra Faen dies a hero's death, fighting off the Ravenous Hunger and protecting the people of Dreamrest. A shrine is erected in her honor, and her sword is kept safeguarded. In time it becomes widely believed to bring prosperity, calm seas, and good fortune to Dreamrest.
1 years ago: Faen’s Will goes missing, and many believe it to be stolen.
Enforced by the Knights of the Righteous Blade
Any damage or offense to Dreamrest Harbor and the Seablossom Fields is considered damage to the crown and House Aetherian.
Pearl Diving and Seablossom Harvesting must be permitted by House Aetherian.
All vessels entering and leaving Dreamrest must record their travel, wares, and pay taxes with the Harbor Master (Killian Aetherian).
~ Extra~
Famous For: It’s impressive navy, shipbuilding techniques, Seablossom Fields, and the Laerra’s Shrine, containing the legendary Miracle Blade: Faen’s Will.
Economy: Naval trade, shipbuilding, and pilgrims.
Nearby Landscape: Coastline, old queries and mines, and the field of Seablossoms.
~ Local Landmarks~
Nobles
Taniya Aetherian: Grand Marshal, Oathsworn of Waeldstone, Dame Taniya Aetherian of Dreamrest, the Blade.
Killian Aetherian (Bartelot): Oathsworn of Waeldstone, Sir Killian Aetherian of Dreamrest, the Kind, Master Shipwright.
Dantis Aetherian: Oathsworn of Waeldstone, Sir Dantis Aetherian of Dreamrest, the Youthful.
Rosealyn Aetherian: Oathsworn of Waeldstone, Dame Rosealyn Aetherian of Dreamrest, the Fearless.
Riona Aetherian: Oathsworn of Waeldstone, Dame Riona Aetherian of Dreamrest, the Proper.
Lartel Aetherian (Ashter): Oathsworn of Waeldstone, Sir Lartel Aetherian of Dreamrest, the Wealthy, Master Smith.
~ Local Laws ~
Castle Dreamrest: This stone keep stands on the cliff overlooking the harbor. House Aetherian banners snap in the sea wind from the battlements, and armored figures can be seen walking the walls. It exudes a powerful and intimidating aura, dwarfing most other castles you’ve seen.
~ Notable Characters~
Laerra’s Shrine: This well maintained shrine is built of white stone and pale timber. Surrounding it, a number of cobblestone walkways and beautiful gardens welcome those who seek to enter. Stained glass windows depicting the famed Laerra Faen throughout her many victories panel the shrine’s exterior, flickering with candlelight from within.
Docks: A long stretch of wooden piers and slipways runs along the shore. Fishing boats rock gently in the water while larger hulls sit in various stages of construction. Laborers fill the space, carrying cargo in and out of Dreamrest, repair the pier and boats alike, and eagerly take breaks among the numerous shops and eateries
Harbor Master’s Office: A sturdy two-story wooden building stands near the waterfront, its windows facing the harbor. A painted sign above the door shows a ship’s wheel. Ledgers and maps can be seen through the open windows. All traffic along the docks leads here, and a line always fills the door.
Light House: A tall stone tower rises from a mound a few hundred feet away from shore, its lantern light visible for miles out to sea. The structure is weathered by wind and spray, and hosts a small dock of its own for those coming and going.
Seaside Watchtowers: Two tall stone towers flank the harbor, and boast small barracks of Oathsworn to help protect the docks should they be called upon. Each tower maintains a bell which rings out periodically throughout the day, and lookouts with spyglasses can be seen scanning the horizon and activity below.
Fish Market: Along the harbor, wooden stalls and open tables display the morning’s catch. The air is thick with the smell of fresh fish, salt, and seaweed. Vendors call out prices while buyers haggle and gulls circle hopefully overhead. Flanking the fish market, all manner of traders hock their wares, often these shops are made up of the various sailors docked temporarily, looking to offload a few more goods before departing.
Dreamrest Square: This broad, colorful plaza is paved with stone and lined with shops and taverns. Numerous benches, trees and little parks rest within the square, making it the most popular place in Dreamrest.
The Siren’s Cask: This three story inn is made of wood and in terrific shape. It is painted with bright colors, delicious smells waft from open windows, and jovial music fills the air. A crude sign of a mermaid wrapped around a barrel of ale hangs above the door.
Guard House: This stone building sits near the main road through Dreamrest Square. Weapons racks and armor stands are visible through the open door, and several uniformed guards can be seen coming and going.
Seablossom Field: Just west of town, low coastal fields stretch toward the sea, billowing with pastel colored flowers. A sweet honeyed fragrance mixes with the salt in the air here. The blossoms shift in hue from pale blue, seaform green and even lavender pinks depending on the light. The sight stretches for miles.
Old Quarry: Near the coast, a wide scar of broken stone and overgrown ledges marks the site of the old quarry. Steep walls of pale rock rise on three sides, with scattered piles of cut stone and the remains of abandoned tools half-buried in weeds. A few dark tunnel mouths lead deeper into the hillside.