Briarwood
Katalossa Gazetteer
This is the second article of the Katalossa Gazetteer which will be focused on Briarwood and the human lineage!
Briarwood
Briarwood is a bustling Human city amidst the mountains of Uraborg. A majority of the city lies in a valley with mountains surrounding on three sides, offering a high level of defense for the populace. The city is ruled under a direct monarchy, with the current ruler being King Ezra Dayne XXII and his consort. His majesty is a practitioner of song, art, and magic, following in similar footsteps to his namesake. The kingdom has been ruled justly for the duration of his reign as well as his brethern before him. Laws follow standard protocol from all other Inspired rulings, though his majesty has a strong distrust for aquatic creatures due to some slight in the past.
Landmarks
Briarwood Castle - Morrow Keep
Briarwood Castle is the oldest building found within the area. Originally named as Morrow Keep, these great halls once held a noble family of undead hunters. The family line ran strong for over 100 years, but eventually succumbed to the abominations. The undead were eventually removed from the keep by Ezra Dayne and his adventuring companions. The keep was revitalized and restored and has been the human seat of power for well over 1500 years.
Eldritch Grove
A few miles outside of Briarwood is a grove of trees and vines that have been cultivated and cared for. Odd mushroom varieties, herbs, and foodstuffs are grown and managed within the grove, eventually being stored in the castle in case of siege. These plants seem to retain their freshness for at least double the duration as other plant based food. On the outskirts of the grove is a small wooden shack covered in moss and thatch. This building is home to welcome to all travelers who care for nature and ensure that it is protected.
Briarwood School of Integrated Sciences
This school founded by his Majesty Ezra Dayne and First Principle Laura was originally designed to study magical items, constructs, and flying vessels. Magic has changed drastically over time and the school itself is much smaller in scope than its original intention. This is due to much of the magical knowledge being lost in battles against the undead and creatures of elemental power. Adventurers often plundered the school for their own needs, often leaving it without resources for day to day operation.
Tusks Farm
Tusk was an orc performer and warrior friend of King Ezra Dayne. Before his majesty was crowned as King, Tusk made in roads with a number of merchants and giants within the area. These connections proved to be vital to not only protecting those within Briarwood, but also the creation of Tusks Farm. This site is used as a concert venue, fighting pit, trading post, and more.
All-Of Branch Headquarters
The All-Of Branch is an original creation of King Ezra Dayne. The publication was used to spread word of incoming threats, as a repository of magical information and an olive branch to those who strive for peace. Currently there are 18 members of the All-Of Branch housed at the headquarters in Briarwood, not far from the Briarwood School of Integrated Sciences.
Groups
The Knights of Nathanyal
This group of warriors and healers are dedicated to the memory of Nathanyal Morrow, the undead hunter and healer who fought valiantly against the growing undead hordes. Sir Edgar Radiantrews writings regarding the deeds of Natahnayl brought the order to life and many of their tenets are held to this day.
The Sanguine Palm
This group of thieves is known to frequent the areas of Briarwood and the surrounding kingdoms. The thieves guild trades in secrets, resources, and destroying oppression before it can begin. It is rumored that Queen Anna Dayne, the second queen of Briarwood and consort to his Majesty Ezra Dayne, was a high ranking member of this organization and was instrumental in the safety of the small kingdom during its early years.
The Riflemen
Humans are known to be the developers of all firearms and have a natural knack for their creation. Rumors say that early humans sought out dark forces and made pacts in order to gain the knowledge to such technologies. Few remain that believe such stories, though there was a time where humans were distrusted and banished from the lands of most of the goodly races. This distrust is long gone and the world is better for it.
Natural Resources
The lands surrounding Briarwood are full of abundant resources from nature. Vegetation is plentiful and wild game thrives locally. There is rumor of a dark cave hidden near the grove that houses the spirit of a dragon who was killed off in its prime and corrupted with undeath. The cave is rumored to hold a number of properties, though none have confirmed this. Additionally, there are a number of metal and gem based resources within the surrounding mountains. These are not as plentiful as around Zarn, but have kept the Human Lineage in good fortune and protection for its many years.
Trade
Due to its large number of merchants, plentiful resources and well traveled and guarded roads, trade is booming within the city of Briarwood. These wares are shared among the Inspired to best serve the common populace as well as the adventuring community.
Connection With The Inspired
Briarwood has a number of long standing agreements with the rulers of Port Jebeddo, Caernarthan, and Zarn. King Dayne forged alliances and befriended a number of different adventurers and rulers during his time as king. Rumors state that the Humans of Briarwood and the Elves of Caernarthan are in charge of the prison system run by the Inspired. This prison is used to trap dangerous foes from different planes and realities. Often times realizing that these creatures have great powers and may not be able to be killed outright, these criminals are confined in a secret location that few know of.
Briarwood is 5 to 15 days travel to Port Jebeddo, and 10 to 15 days travel to Urnst or Zarn in either direction. This closeness to major cities and lineages has been a great boon for the Kingdom. The humans love of science, crafting, and technology has caused them to work closely with the Dwarves and Hauflin. The Orc and Kinfolk are strong allies with the humans, though often view things differently. The Elves tend to distrust the technology of the Human lineage, but over time have grown to respect their tenacity and dedication to methodical research.
So… where to next? Rayna