Who's who and what's what of Darkhold
The Carnival of Wonders next travelled to the city of Darkhold. Darkhold is the oldest city in the Wilds, having survived almost a millennia after the cataclysm that ended the previous Age of Man. Its main feature is the dark, stark and utilitarian Castle Darkhold that rises over the city on a large bluff. The city itself is large and prosperous. Two rocky prominences pinch off the narrow entry to the bay. Stone docks just out from the shore where wooden piers are anchored for ships to make port.
Acres of cleared land surround the city for bustling farms. New-growth forest surround the farm lands. Beyond that, though, the hills rise up dramatically from the coast and are covered with thick, dark, ancient forests. Hardwood trees like oak and ironwood make up the bulk of these verdant forests.
The forests are the home and domain of the Fey, and have been since time began. The Fraeders, the family that owns the castle and the surrounding city make an ancient pact called the Covenant with the Fey centuries before. In exchange for respect and offerings, the Fey allow some of their forest to be harvested. The agreement has lasted between human and Fey without issue since the cataclysm. Unwelcome strangers in the forest may find themselves the victims of Fey pranks, or worse.
The current Baron Fraeder runs the city under strict laws. The laws are not overburdensome, however, and the people are generally happy under his rule..
Places:
The party knows of 3 pubs:
The Flashy Fairy – currently unexplored.
The Fancy Pig – a pleasant restaurant frequented by the locals with good food. Owned by Trieve and Kara. Kara is plump and acts as the waitress. Trieve is the harried cook and bartender. Kara wears the pants in the family.
The Shadow Knight – A dark, low-ceilinged bar with plenty of space. Booths line the walls and plenty of table fill the center floor. Large, it can hold approximately 90 people. The party met Rhett Blart, man-at-arms there.
Black Cat Boarding House – unexplored.
Da’Vid’s Cartography – Small, cramped and crowded with maps and charts of all kinds.
Jace Marie’s Boarding House – They also serve breakfast.
People:
Tudar – Big, simple armsman with crush on Torvi.
Odder – Eccentric old hoarder who lives in the crawlspace under a warehouse.
Jesper Borg – Bard who first mentions the Land of Auth
Neils Kust – Lumber magnate who, along with other merchants in town, wants to cut a path through the forest to the newly-built King’s Road. Gives party a job to close the door between Kempin and land of the Fey. Gives them maps, songs, rituals and other information to complete the mission.
Andres – local blacksmith
Fritz Markeson – blacksmith with stall in shopping area inside Darhold castle.
Lord Bosan – Head of the castle guards.
