Ashdell
Ashdell sprang up early in the Age of Chronicles, around three centuries ago, due solely to its location. It sits on the northwestern shore of Crobhear Lake, convenient to a Portal Stone and a river that stretches down to the Gulf of Ryt. Dense forest surrounds Ashdell on most sides. Ashdell is known for its woodsmen and woodworkers.
Overview
Demographic
The population is roughly half human and half dwarves from the Belgrath diaspora. The throne is human, but the real power in Ashdell lies with the dwarven-controlled crafting guilds - woodwork, metalworkers of various kinds, felling, mining, and so forth.Designation
As the most convenient route from any Portal Stone to the Gulf of Ryt and the great river that feeds it, Ashdell is a significant regional trade hub. It supplies the Gulf and other markets with good lumber, both hardwood and softwood, as well as finished products of many kinds. The tradesman guilds pride themselves on quality.The king of Ashdell pays a largely symbolic tribute to the Council of nearby Belgrath, and has done for at least a century.
Description
Architecture
As a general rule, the more expensive buildings are dwarven stonework in the Belgrath style, and the rest are made of logs or planks. There are exceptions: several guild halls are made of finely-carved wood.Points of Interest
Gigantic docks harbor fishing fleets and send river-boats down to the Gulf of Ryt. The waterfront is a jumble of piers, curing sheds, fish markets, boatbuilding, inns, taverns, and cargo sheds. The entire area smells of fish and tar.The Royal House of Merlon rules from Castle Zarek, a dwarven-built stone fortress that overlooks the city. Castle Zarek houses a contingent of skilled guards and woodsmen, all armed with weapons from Belgrath. However, several important guildhouses are larger and better-protected. One would not want to go up against the axes of the Fellers' Guild or the hammers of the Stonecarvers, for example.
History
Background
Ashdell began as a roadside fishing town, convenient to the river, the lake, and the Portal Stone. Its fortunes waxed and waned for its first century, but improved once it built a relationship with Belgrath. Ashdell became a key settlement of the dwarven diaspora.Lore
In the brutal winter of 225AC, an orcish warband laid siege to Ashdell while Lake Crobhear was frozen solid. A dwarven force from Belgrath broke the siege unasked. In gratitude, King Carel Merlon offered tribute to the ancient dwarven city.By tradition, second or third children of prestigious houses are sent abroad for an education, typically to Belgrath, Alliria, or Elbion. The latest royal to do so was Princess Mirielle Merlon, whose extended sojourn left her changed and despondent. When she departed again in 367AC to marry a nobleman in faraway Lazular, some began to question the value of sending second or third heirs abroad.
In 369AC, a gigantic frost drake began sinking fishing boats. The Fishers' Guild hired a mercenary company called the Silver Key, which hunted and killed the drake in the foothills of the Spine.
References
The Strength of FoundationsFrozen Peaks
Skirmish in the Sands