Upgrade your account to a Community Supporter account and remove most of the site ads.

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="steeldragons" data-source="post: 5401743" data-attributes="member: 92511">Another stab at "flavor/fluff" entries...Aberol  <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">History:      The great citadel and city of Aberol      is the seat of the king and/or queen of Grinlia. These are the descendants      of the ancient hero, Elibon, who united the lands of Grinlia and became      the first High-king and father of the royal house of L’lorn. Aberol was      constructed in the aftermath of the Scourge Wars in the ancestral holdings      of House L’Lorn. </li> </ul>    <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Features:      The citadel is a beautiful sight of slender golden peaked spires and high      parapets. Banners and flags of bright colors baring the crests of the      various lords and lands that make up the unified lands of Grinlia fly from      the palace towers. Above them all, the banner of House L’lorn, gold      bordered in white with a white sword (blade down) passing through a crown      surrounded by stars. </li> </ul>    There are currently 12 stars, each represents a house of the warlords and petty kings who vowed fealty to Elibon L’lorn to bring about Grinlia’s Unification. Those families all still maintain lands and various titles in Grinlia: Embrar, Bentril, O’Douhn, O’Kach, Corel, D’Ensior, D’Evon, D’Arongil, Denil, Trisliam, Barforth and Aedran.        Aberol sits on a great hill rising over the lush fields and fertile farmlands looking over the inlet where the Whiteway River meets the Arm of Tyris in the southeastern corner of the Duchy of West Embrar.The city has a small port that mostly brings goods into Aberol, but also brings dignitaries and ambassadors from across Orea who fill the Queen’s court. There are embassies within the city for most of the influential nations/city-states of Orea. Several members of the Grinlian nobility also keep estates within Aberol’s walls, though etiquette dictates Grinlian nobles are offered quarters within the citadel.     <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Economy:      There is little to want for in Aberol. Goods and services found in any large city are available in Aberol (though not so abundant nor exotic as those found in Bluside or Brightmoon). A variety of the finest artisans from Grinlia and abroad, including masters in the culinary and visual arts, masons and carpenters can be found in Aberol. </li> </ul>The Queen has long been a great supporter of “the creative arts” and patronizes several painters, sculptors, weavers (tapestry-makers) and playwrights. Crime is kept fairly low with most offenses being minor thefts or pick pocketing. All in all, Aberol is an inspiring and secure beacon of good for the realms of Orea to admire.    The Grinlian currency (accepted throughout Grinlia, Mostrial, and the western Freelands) is the continent’s standard with silver and bronze pieces being the most common currency: Gold Kings, Electrum (called “White Gold”) Queens, Silver Princes, Bronze Dukes, and Copper Knights. 1gp=5ep=10sp=50bp=100cp.      <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Government:      Grinlia is a feudal monarchy heavily influenced by the temples of the gods      of good, most notably, the church       of Astar.      Traditionally, the kings and queens of Grinlia are assisted by a fairly      large council of ministers and advisers(15 or 20 members). </li> </ul>    Until three years ago, the king was Rulleran L’lorn III, 45th High-King of Grinlia, Grand Lord of Aberol and Patriarch of House L’lorn. With the king’s unfortunate death and his first born still a minor, the rule of the land fell to Rulleran’s most beloved queen, Baradith.       Baradith is originally a member of the O’Kach family, sister of the current Duke of O’Douhn. She met Rulleran, then a prince, the two fell in love and married before his coronation. She ruled steadily by his side for 15 years prior to his death. Now in her 36th year, Baradith is still a vision of mature beauty with ebony hair (commonly tied back in bright jewels and golden nets beneath her crowns) and bright blue eyes.    Baradith is intelligent, compassionate, just…overall, a very competent ruler. She is quite well-liked by her people and most of her ministers. She is well-respected for her diplomatic skills (as well as her good looks) among the various rulers of other realms, thus keeping a tight grip on her throne and power. She is the first Queen to hold rule of Grinlia (beyond her son’s age of majority) in over 100 years.   <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Temples/Religion:      The dominant religion of Aberol is the worship of the Celestial Sovereign,      Astar. The Astaran church, centered in Sanctum, maintains the largest      worship center, the Basilica Celesta, dedicated to the worship of the      Triad of Light (Astar, Gilea and Celradorn). Within the Basilica, shrines      to all of the gods of good can be found as well as “open” shrines      (undedicated altars) that may be used by visiting priests for any god of      good or neutrality for a nominal fee. </li> </ul>        Following Astar, the most powerful religions within Aberol are those devoted to (in order of number of followers) Gilea, Celradorn, Tyris and Arinane.       <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Notable      NPCs: Arnoald L’Lorn: Duke of West Embrar      and younger brother of the former king. As the senior member of House      L’lorn and Duke of West Embrar, Arnoald makes his home in the royal palace of Aberol. It is rumored that he is      more than a brother-in-law to her majesty. </li> </ul>    Bishop Duncan L’Avernus: Duncan is a priest of Astar, chaplan of her majesty’s court and one of Baradith’s chief advisers. As bishop, Duncan is the highest ranking priest of Astar in Aberol and answers only to the Cleris Suprima in Sanctum (high-priest of the Astaran order)…after her majesty, of course. The L’Avernus family is one of Aberol’s most respected aristocratic houses.      Neribon Embrar: Neribon is Baradith’s royal magician. As his name belies, Neribon comes from one of Grinlia’s royal houses. He is uncle to Duke Batram of East  Embrar. The elderly wizard was very close with the former king (a friend and tutor from his youth) and very protective of the queen and her interests. He may be Baradith’s most trusted adviser. He is on good terms with the Fellowship of Alkari’s magister of the guild’s tower in Aberol, an Aburation specialist from R’Hath named Felton Whiterobes.     Sir Drenel Abertus: Captain of the Queen’s Guard and a high-ranking member of the Queen’s Cavalry, the Starsword Knights. A handsome man of middling age, Sir Drenel’s rank of guard captain keeps him close to the court and her majesty’s person most of the time.      Berflin Sweetplates: a halfling chef much renowned in Aberol for his spectacular cakes and pastries. Berflin is often called upon to create desserts for her majesty’s feasts and holidays.     Felton Whiterobes: the magister (head administrator) of the Aberol tower of the continent-wide R’Hathi-based mage guild, the Fellowship of Alkari. He resides in the guild’s tower within the city and is a good friend and respected colleague of the royal wizard, Neribon. As his surname states, the grey bearded Felton is almost always found in the official white robes and yellow stole of the Abjuration school of magic.     Sir Anton D’Evon: a new-comer to Aberol and the court, Sir Anton is a nephew of the Baron of  D’Evon (one of the D’Ensior Baronies). He has made quite a name for himself in his short time at court for his daring (some would say impudence) and bravery and affable carefree manner. The handsome young Anton was only recently appointed to her majesty’s cavalry, the Starsword Knights, and is thoroughly enjoying his newfound rank and prestige. His blond good looks and good-natured carefree manner have raised some rumors among the courtiers that the young knight must carry some elvin blood.   House L’Avernus: One of Aberol’s most wealthy aristocratic families keep one of the largest and most palatial estates in Aberol. Members of the L’Avernus family have been present in Aberol since its construction and have served the royal house in numerous capacities for generations. House L’Avernus is currently headed by Lady Elerith, the family’s matriarch. Elerith spent years as Queen Baradith’s lady-in-waiting until her marriage to the deceased Lord L’Avernus. She is considered one of the queen’s best friends and confidant. The family also has a tradition of devout religious service to the temple of Astar. Elerith’s son, Duncan, is royal adviser and chaplan to the queen. Her beloved niece, Effraine, is a paladin of Astar and hopes to become a Starsword Knight.       The Starsword Knights: This is the knightly order of cavaliers/mounted fighters whose primary function is the protection of the Grinlian throne. They are rarely found much beyond Aberol’s walls, but sometimes do quest beyond at the behest of the throne or their order.    <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Places of Potential Interest: The Swirling Serpent: A wooden sign shaped like a frilled sea serpent hang outside this dockside tavern. The Serpent is popular with sailors and other questionable denizens of Aberol’s portside. Though thought to be on the seedier side, it is known to be a hotbed for information, tales and rumors from the varied lands who make their way to Aberol’s shore via the Arm of Tyris. Adventurous types and opportunities are frequently found at the Serpent. "One-eyed Pete" is the Serpent's proprietor and bartender, a former "mariner" and "salty dog" of the first rank (eye-patch and all). </li> </ul>    The Gilded Orb: The Gilded Orb is, by far, Aberol’s most posh (and expensive) inn. It often plays temporary residence to the rich and powerful coming to the Grinlian capital. The inn takes up an entire block located near the walls of the royal palace. The amenities, both mundane and magical are exceptional, such as dwarven-engineered running water (heated!) and functional toilets or the in-room phantasmal bards providing city information and entertainment. Security is tight with magical defenses and divinations in constant effect.In western Orea you will not find finer accommodations than the Gilded Orb. The inn also offers some of Aberol’s most luxurious local and exotic cuisine with separate dining halls for inn guests and public patrons. The proprietor of the Gilded Orb is a mysterious and particularly charming human named Ereban. He is rarely seen but is alleged to be a former adventurer. He is, indisputably, one of Aberol’s very wealthy, though the origin or nature of his wealth is unknown.      The Bronzewood Inn & Tavern: This is one of Aberol’s many mid-level (read as average priced) inns and taverns. It is busy nearly all hours of the day and night and plays host to locals and visitors from across the realms. Accommodations are adequate though not necessarily luxurious. There are 2 common rooms, several “double rooms” (2 beds) and a few private suites.     Food and drink is of a high caliber (as most of Aberol’s eateries and taverns are because of the overall quality of foodstuffs to be found). Of particular note, the Bronzewood is one of the few establishments in the city that offers elvish wine and cuisine. For this reason elves, though rare in the city overall, are not an uncommon sight among the Bronzewood patrons.     The Bronzewood is also known as one of the few businesses in Aberol owned by a woman. Darielis Goodvine is a half-elf hailing from the Duchy of O’Douhn. She is a very attractive woman with long dark hair offset with long-lashed pale lavendar eyes. Darielis is also known by the locals to be something of a “sharp-shooter” with the short bow, often taking good-natured part in archery contests at fairs and holiday events. Darielis’ lover, a burly human (former fighter) named Marik is often found behind the bar.     Sweetplates Bakery: While bakers, butchers, and food vendors of all kinds make their home on Aberol’s famed Chef Street, few are better known than the halfling owned and operated bakery called Sweetplates. The proprietor, Beflin Sweetplates, is a halfling nearing his 60th birthday (middling age for halflings). Often found behind the counter is Beflin’s wife, Marta, and daughter, Amartha. Beflin’s two sons (Eleb and Orflin), brother (Gorfin), and Gorfin’s wife (Dalia) also help Beflin in the kitchen and keeping of the shop.     The Basilica Celesta: The Basilica is a massive vaulted cathedral, multiple arched buildings and tended gardens. It houses a large contingent of Astaran priests, healing halls maintained by the Daughters of Gilea, and a small order of Celradorn clerics. Priests and clerics of any of Orea’s gods of good or neutrality can often be found visiting and/or receiving accommodation on the Basilica’s grounds. The Basilica maintains its own guard composed of members of the Celradornian temple’s paladins, the Redstar Knights.</blockquote>

Verification