Difference between revisions of "Borderpoint"

Revision as of 22:17, 5 December 2014

History

The area known as Battle Coast occupies a rather small expanse of land at the western most point of the border between the Onyx Cryptocracy and the Scapolite Theocracy. With a rather treacherous geography consisting of moors, marshes, monster-filled forests and hills (not to mention shallows by the shore that can easily wreck a boat) it doesn't seem like much. Yet, at least a dozen wars have been fought over the area. The membership of both nations in the Amethistian Empire has kept them from going to war over Battle Coast in the last several Ages but, to this day, mapmakers from each nation continue to draw the area differently. Onyxish mapmakers place the border firmly to the north, putting Battle Coast firmly within the domain of the Onyx Cryptocracy while Scapolitan mapmakers draw the border further south to mark Battle Coast as territory of the Scapolite Theocracy. Mapmakers from other nations split the difference and draw the border between those two points.

Before the Great Invasion, Battle was lightly settled with a few small communities ringing two military forts, one representing the Cryptocracy and one representing the Theocracy. When the Empire called for troops to repel Tiamat's slave-armies, these two forts were left dangerously undermanned. As a result, Battle Coast fell victim to one of the strangest events of the Invasion.

In the year 212 of the Age of the Expanding Empire a sailing vessel crammed to the bursting point with goblins crashed into Battle Coast near one of the settlements. The goblins poured out by the hundreds and quickly overwhelmed the community, setting it ablaze and slaughtering everyone. From there, the goblins spread out and wiped out other communities as well as the Onyx and Scapolite forts. Within nothing left to loot, pillage or slaughter, the goblins broke apart and scattered, taking refuge in the nearby bogs, forests and moors.

After the Great Invasion ended there was much rebuilding to do, even in the Amethystian Empire. While very little damage was done to the Empire's infrastructure, the huge number of dead and maimed soldiers led to a shortage in manpower that took decades to recover from. Since the goblins showed little sign of spreading beyond the coastal area and it detouring around the area only cost a day or two's travel time Battle Coast was left alone.

This all changed some thirty years ago when her majesty Queen Aegis, empress of the Amethystian empire somehow granted a settlement contract for Battle Coat to four separate families: the Deverin (an Amethystish family), the Valdemara (an Onyxish family), the Scanetti (a Scapolitan family) and the Kaijitsu (a wealthy family exiled from the Jade Kingdom, newly settled in the Empire). When the four families protested the error to the Queen, she ordered them to work together to tame the region and colonize it. The four families formed the Borderpoint Mercantile League. Together, they founded the town of Borderpoint and began developing the surrounding area.

The next twenty-five years of Borderpoint's history is rather unremarkable. While there were power clashes between the four families and the occasional goblin attack Borderpoint grew remarkably well. All that changed five years ago, however, when what the locals call "the Great Unpleasantness" occurred. First, a series of murders occurred. Twenty-five people were murdered by a serial killer known as "the Chopper". The Chopper turned out to be Jervis Stoot, a local eccentric who lived on a tidal island to the north of the town. Stoot was known as something of an artist who enjoyed carving incredibly detailed and life-like birds into the sides of fence posts, buildings and ships. Second, only a few short months after Stoot's death ended the Chopper's murder spree, a great fire ripped through the northern section of town, burning down many buildings, including the town Temple. The local priest and his daughter died int he incident.

Uptown Locations

1. Borderpoint Temple:The largest and newest building in Borderpoint. The temple isn't dedicated to the worship of any single Totem but, instead, has twenty-five separate shrines dedicated to each of the Totems. Even Obsidian, the destroyed Totem, is represented, though that shrine is dark and empty. The strangest and most interesting thing about the Borderpoint Temple is the open-air courtyard at the center. The courtyard holds seven smoothly cut standing stones surrounding a stone altar. Superficially, the stones resemble a Druid monument but there is no reason for one to be there. No ley line passes under the temple. The stones are ancient and were here before Battle Coast was settled by either Onyx or Scapolite. They are yet another example of the ruins that dot the Onyxish landscape.

• Important NPCs: Brother Absalar Zantus (human), Cleric of Diamond.

2. Borderpoint Boneyard: An expansive cemetery that overlooks the Savrano river. There are tombs for the affluent members of the community as well as a number of burial plots marked by simple headstones.

• Important NPCs: Naffer Vosk (human), cemetery keeper.

3. The White Deer: A rather grand affair of an inn, the White Deer was rebuilt after fire burned it to the ground during the Recent Unpleasantness. The White Deer is three stories tall. The entrance is flanked by a pair of life-sized, exquisitely carved wooden deer. The prices here are surprisingly low considering the quality of the rooms, probably so the White Deer can compete with the Rusty Dragon.

• Important NPCs: Rough Runner the Innkeeper of the Firebringer Tribe (human), Inkeeper.

4. The Way North: This small and rather cramped building is filled near to bursting with maps and charts. Maps of the local region can be purchased here for prices ranging from 5 to 100 gp depending upon the size and level of detail.

• Important NPCs: Veznutt (gnome), map maker.

5. Jeweler: A squat, stone building, this is the only jeweler in town. It is regularly guarded by at least two well-armed locals, though rumor has it that the strange owner often forgets to lock the door.

• Important NPCs: 1.61803398875 (modron), jeweler.

6. Junker's Edge: Garbage from the town is regularly gathered and then dumped off this cliff edge to a beach below. While druids and those who venerate Sapphire protest this practice it is so cost-effective that the town council is reluctant to seek alternatives. When the tides come in, much of the trash is washed out to sea, preventing the pile from growing too high.
7. Sea Cow's Shack: This dilapidated shack is home to a darfellan named simple Sea Cow. While it seems like a rather ugly little shack, Sea Cow has the market cornered on junking. He employs roughly two dozen thugs and vagrants to collect trash and then dump it off Junker's Edge. The town pays him nicely for this service.

• Important NPCs: Sea Cow (darfellan), junker.

8. Sage: This unassuming little building is where people can go for research assistance or historical facts. Brodert Quink will, for a price, research any topic desired. His work is meticulous but there isn't much call for it in Borderpoint.

• Important NPCs: Brodert Quink (human), sage.

9. Locksmith: Most of the town's locks were built in this quaint little shop. The owner will also open locks once he is assured that the lock being opened wasn't stolen.

• Important NPCs: Silune the Honest ibn Aziza Al-Pazad (kobold), locksmith.

10. Borderpoint Garrison: Built of stone, the Borderpoint Garrison serves as barracks for the militia and the town's jail. A small contingent of Amethystian military are stationed here under the command of the town's sheriff, Iron Spine the Sheriff of Borderpoint.

• Important NPCs: Iron Spine the Sheriff of Borderpoint (human), Sheriff / Crusher the Jailer of the Firebringer Tribe (human), jailer.

11. Borderpoint Town Hall: Most of the first floor of the town hall is a meeting space large enough to house the majority of Borderpoint's adults. The second floor contains offices and storerooms. There is a vault in the basement that serves as the town's bank.

• Important NPCs: Kendra Deverin (human), mayor of Borderpoint.

12. Savah's Armory: The northeast corner of the armory is scarred from the fire of five years ago. Savah's sells armor and weapons including some masterwork and exotic pieces.

• Important NPCs: Savah Bevaniky (human), weaponsmith.

Downtown Locations

13. Risa's Place: Thirty years ago, this tavern was owned and operated by a wizardess of some small skill. Now, her children run the tavern while she entertains with her stories. Risa's is popular with locals because it is out of the way and unlikely to be visited by strangers.

• Important NPCs: Risa Magravi (human), wizardess & storyteller / Besk, Lanalee and Vodger Magravi (humans), tavern keepers.

14. Ravonky Tannery: A tannery with a reputation for perfection. Every few years, the owner fires all his employees because they don't live up to his impossible standards.

• Important NPCs: Larz Rovanky (human), tanner.

15. Red Dog Smithy: This business is named for the large, crimson mastiff dogs which are often lounging around the shop. The owner has a temper and little patience but everyone admits there's no better blacksmith.

• Important NPCs: Das Korvut (human), blacksmith.

16. The Pillbug's Pantry: Tucked behind some old tenements is Pillbug's Pantry, a tiny shop that sells medicines and potions.

• Important NPCs: Oliver "Pillbug" Palos (human), alchemist.

17. Bottled Solutions: A cluttered shop filled with flasks, bottles and bags. Potions can be purchased here.

• Important NPCs: Nisko Toto (human), alchemist.

18. Cracktooth's Tavern: The favorite tavern of patrons of the Borderpoint Theater, Cracktooth's is always full after a performance. There's a large stage here and anyone so inclined may step up to perform. The owner is rather ugly to look at but famous for his humor and wit when he's on stage himself.

• Important NPCs: Jesk "Cracktooth" Berinni (human), tavern keeper.

19. House of Blue Stones: Most of this building consists of a single chamber. The floor of the chamber is decorated with polished blue stones set into a winding mandala. The House of Blue Stones is a one monk monastery. Both the meditation chamber and the large collection of books and scrolls in the building's basement are open to anyone who impresses the monk with their sincerity.

• Important NPCs: Sabyl Treewhispers (elf), monk

20. Borderpoint Glassworks: The oldest industry in town, the Glassworks is the central business of the Kaijitsu family. The family has practiced the trade for decades and their techniques, originally perfected in the Jade Kingdom, create impressive works that fetch top price throughout the Empire.
21. Borderpoint Savories: Every morning, the smells of this shop battle against the salty sea air. This bakery sells breads and pastries.

• Important NPCs: Alma Avelino (human), baker / Arika and Aneka Avelino (bakers).

22. The Curious Goblin: This surprisingly complete bookstore might seem out of place in Borderpoint. The high prices mean very little is sold but that doesn't seem to bother the owner. More intellectually inclined locals can often be found here, reading in overstuffed arm chairs or engaging in spirited debate.

• Important NPCs: Chask Haro (human), bookshop owner.

23. Borderpoint Theater: Another out of place structure, the Borderpoint Theater is expansive and surprisingly modern. It does showcase local talent but twice a month there are performances of shows brought from Vesicule, Onyx's capital.

• Important NPCs: Cyrdak Dorado (human), playwright, director and theater owner.

24. Carpenter's Guild: Most of the buildings in town were built by the members of the town's Carpenter's Guild. The Guild is in constant conflict with the Shipyard over who gets the best cuts of wood from the lumber mill.

• Important NPCs: Aserick Pagesh Mason (dwarf), carpenter guildmaster.

25. Borderpoint Lumber Mill: The mill is owned by the Scarnetti family but operated by their agents. While neighbors complain about the mill operating day and night to keep up with demand from the town and beyond, the Scarnetti family ensures that any such complaints are ignored by the town council.

• Important NPCs: Banny Harker (human) and Ibor Thorn (human), mill managers.

26. General Store: Borderpoint's oldest and best stocked general store has a little bit of everything from farm equipment and furniture to homemade pies. There's also a rather nice supply of alcohol for sale in the basement/

• Important NPCs: Ven Vindernini (human), shopkeeper / Solsta Vindernini (human), shopkeeper / Katrine and Shayliss Vindernini (human), shopkeeper's daughters.

27. Sovrano Academy: The Academy has two functions. First, it educates many of the town's children, fulfilling the imperial mandate that all citizens of the Empire be literate. Second, the Academy cares for orphans. The Academy headmaster is a talented wizard and there are many rumors about what lurks in the building's basement.

• Important NPCs: Isolari Gandethus (human), schoolmaster.

28. Madame Mvashti's House: When the Borderpoint Mercantile League arrived at the site that would one day be Borderpoint they found it already had a resident, an elder druidess named Niska Mvashti. To placate Mvashti and prevent a possible challenge to their claim, the League built her a small manor where the lives to this day. She is regularly visited by druids from out of town who help her take long walks in the countryside.

• Important NPCs: Niska Mvashti (human), crotchety old druid.

29. Grocer's Hall: During the day, trays and tables are heaped with produce from the local farms. At the back of the store are farming tools, seed, feed, tack and fertilizer. The rest of the building holds living quarters, a meeting room, a file room and storage.

• Important NPCs: Olmur Del la Rosa (human), guildmaster.

30. Vernah's Fine Clothing: The finest clothing store in Borderpoint and home to a small guild of local weavers, seamstresses, quilters, tailors and crafters.

• Important NPCs: Rynshinn Povalli (half-elf), seamstress and shop keeper.

31. Wheen's Wagons: A shop where one have wagons or carts built or repaired.

• Important NPCs: Vorah Wheen (human), craftswoman.

32. Scarnetti Mill: Another mill owned by the Scarnetti family, this produces flour and feed instead of lumber. Almost all the other mills in the area have been claimed by fire, making some suspicious but the Scarnetti Mill's manager has countered rumors by lowering the prices to record lows until the other mills can be rebuilt.

• Important NPCs: Courrin Whesterwill (human), mill manager.

33. The Hagfish: A popular tavern, especially among fishermen and gamblers. It is also the best place to get a seafood meal. The game tables are well attended and have games ranging from checkers to dice to dragonchess. The favorite game of Hagfish patrons, however, is "yarning", in which someone strings together an impromptu and outlandish fable for as long as they can without contradicting themselves. The tavern gets its name from the quartz aquarium that sits behind the bar which holds a hagfish, lovingly named Norah. Hanging next to Norah's tank is a leather pouch bulging with coins. For a single silver, a patron can order a single tankard of the foul, slimy and thick water from Norah's aquarium. Anyone who keeps it down gets to keep the pouch full of coins and their name is carved in the ceiling beam above the tank. There are only 28 names on the beam and the Hagfish has been open for 10 years.

• Important NPCs: Jargie Quinn (human), tavern owner.

34. Valdemar Fishmarket: An open air market across from the grocer's guild where locals can buy fresh catch the fishermen bring in each day.

• Important NPCs: Turch Sterglus (human), fishmarket manager.

35. Borderpoint Market: On most days, this area is empty except for children who play games here. Four times a month, however, the market fills with vendors. Twice a month it becomes a farmer's market, selling produce, eggs, milk, honey and meat. The other two times it becomes a merchant's market with traveling vendors setting up stalls.
36. Borderpoint Meat Market: Half the building is a butcher and the other half a slaughterhouse where local livestock and hunter's game are prepared for sale.

• Important NPCs: Chod Bobo (human), butcher.

37. The Rusty Wyvern: The Rusty Wyvern is Borderpoint's oldest inn and well known for the rusting, giant sculpture of a wyvern that sits on the building's roof (acting as both lightning rod and decoration). The food served here is a blend of Scapolitan, Onyxish and Jadenese cuisines and very popular with both locals and visitors. The Wyvern's owner is known for discounting rooms for anyone who can tell a thrilling (and at least somewhat real) story of their adventures and a "Help Wanted" board near the bar promises rewards for small adventuring tasks that need doing in the region.

• Important NPCs: Kaijitsu Ameiko (human), tavern owner.

38. Goblin Squash Stables: While these are the best stables in town, some are put off by the garish display inside. A collection of goblin ears are preserved and nailed in lines on the rafters with names branded into the flesh of each one. Even that is nothing compared to the large glass bottle filled with brine and the preserved corpse of Chief Whartus of the now-extinct Bonegrinder Tribe.

• Important NPCs: Jubrayl Vhiski (human), stable keeper.

39. Two Knight Brewery: Every tavern in town makes it a point to offer Two Knight ale and rum. The brewery was founded by two halfling brothers. Townfolk whisper that spirits from the brewery just haven't been as good since Wade, the younger of the two brothers, was killed during the Chopper murders five years ago.

• Important NPCs: Gaven Flagon Burrfoot (halfling), brewer.

40. Borderpoint Mercantile League: This is the headquarters of the Borderpoint Mercantile League, the organization that holds the charter on the town and surrounding area. Any person who wishes to book passage on a ship, hire a courier, inquire into land ownership, building construction or opening a business must visit the League.

• Important NPCs: Sir Jasper Korvaski (human), manager.

41. Borderpoint Boutique: A large boutique that sells all manner of clothing, weapons, toys and other good imported from all over the world.

• Important NPCs: Hayliss Korvaski (human), store owner.

42. Fatman's Feedbag: The favorite tavern of Borderpoint's seedier crowd, nights at the Feedbag are often loud and violent.

• Important NPCs: Gressel O'Reilly (human), barkeep / Jubrayl Cruickshank (human), customer.

43. The Pixie's Kitten: The locals sometimes call the Kitten by a different name but the truth is the town's largest brothel is also the cleanest and safest.

• Important NPCs: Kaye Tesarani (human), madame.

44. The Feathered Serpent: A cramped and cluttered shop smelling of incense and spice. The owner is excited about every customer but cagey about which items are actually for sale and which are part of his collection. Many of the relics here are Obsidanu. Adventurers looking for magic items might do well to come here.

• Important NPCs: Kigeni Makumbusho Uhamishoni (human), shopkeeper.

45. Hannah's: While Brother Zantus at the temple does his best to heal the truly sick and needy, he can't help everyone. Most of Sandpoint's citizens visit Hannah Velerin for help with aches, pains and illnesses. The shop is generally open during the afternoon and evening as Hannah spends her mornings collecting herbs for alchemical workings. She also acts as midwife for many of the town's women.

• Important NPCs: Hannah Velerin (elf), healer.

46. Borderpoint Shipyard: A small army of crafters work to create and repair sailing vessels at the town's four dry docks.

• Important NPCs: Belven Valdemara (human), shipyard manager.

The Manors

1. Valdemar Manor:
2. Scarnetti Manor:
3. Kaijitsu Manor:
4. Deverin Manor:

The Hinterlands

1. Ashen Rise:
2. Biston's Pond:
3. Brinestump Marsh:
4. Giant's Punchbowl:
5. Egan's Wood:
6. Farmlands:
7. Foxglove Manor:
8. Grubber's Hermitage:
9. Habe's Sanatorium:
10. Hag's Plummet:
11. The Moors:
12. Monster's Platter:
13. Mosswood:
14. Nettlewood:
15. Pauper's Graves:
16. The Pit:
17. The Pyre:
18. Ravenroost:
19. Shank's Wood:
20. Sog's Bay:
21. Thistletop:
22. The Three Cormorants:
23. Tickwood:
24. Whisperwood:
25. Wisher's Well: