Astonwick (Agrabash)
Large Town: Alignment: TN (NE), Population: 4,200 (60% human, 38% half-humanoid, 2% other). Languages: Orcish and Common, Religions: Pelor and Gruumsh (secretly), Authority figure: Lady Agnes Renfrew (human female, fighter) , Father Filton Pyre of Pelor (Human, male cleric), Varrik "Silk" Morn (half-hobgoblin male, rogue /Expert).
Astonwick, once the second city of the province, was utterly sacked by the orcish invaders and fell under the brutal rule of the fanatically devout followers of the Orcish god Gruumsh. The subjugated humans endured a horrific existence, their lives marked by relentless suffering. The priests of Gruumsh would ceremoniously sacrifice and torture their slaves, causing massive loss of life and stripping the captives of their humanity over many years of torment. Now, 6 months, after the city’s liberation, the freed slaves remain scarred by their experiences, with many still bearing the psychological wounds of their brutal past. Their behaviors, often selfish and violent, reflect the harshness of their servitude. The settlement is now under the rule of Agnes Renfrew (pictured), the Baron’s daughter, with the help of Father Filton Pyre of Pelor, who brought a congregation of devoted followers to aid in the city’s recovery. While Lady Agnes restored law and order to Astonwick, Father Filton provided healing, food, and clothing to the ex-slaves, offering them a chance at recovery.
The Old Keep, once a temple to Gruumsh, was exorcised and repurposed as a barracks. A new temple to Pelor was re-consecrated, and from the ruins of the city, Astonwick slowly began to rebuild. The former slaves were taught 'proper behavior' by the Pelorians, while Lady Agnes relied on her soldiers to act as the town watch, maintaining strict order and discipline. Astonwick had been a savage and uncivilized place even by humanoid standards, and many speculate that this is why it was left for Agnes to develop, while her father, Baron Rufus, took charge of the less troubled Howedin.
Despite its brutal history, the land surrounding Astonwick is fertile, and large plantations were established, offering good working conditions and reasonable pay for those who chose to work there. Surprisingly, these plantations have become popular among the ex-slaves, providing them with purpose and a steady livelihood. They have flourished, marking a notable success in the rehabilitation of Astonwick and its people. Astonwick’s garrison includes two hundred mercenaries from the Crimson Auxiliaries, led by the seasoned warrior Ulf Bjarne. These mercenaries are veterans from the Blood Isles and the Crimson Coast, accustomed to violence and skilled in fighting in smaller, more agile groups. Their willingness to use force when necessary occasionally puts them at odds with the more idealistic Pelorians, who prefer peaceful solutions. In addition to the Crimson Auxiliaries, there are almost four hundred warriors of the Ducal Scouts stationed in the town. Their primary role is to patrol the surrounding lands and hunt down the remaining hostile humanoid stragglers, ensuring the safety of the settlement and the wider region. Astonwick seems poised for growth due to its inclusive policy of allowing anyone and everyone to settle in the town. The Pelorians, along with the mercenaries, set an example by working tirelessly alongside the former slaves to rebuild the town and help its people heal. Though the physical health of Astonwick’s inhabitants has greatly improved, they are well-fed, clothed, and strong, the psychological toll of years under humanoid tyranny remains heavy. The stress and trauma of their past still linger, casting a shadow over the town as its people struggle to overcome their painful history and build a hopeful future.
There have long been rumours regarding the nature of the relationship between Lady Agnes and Father Filton, for the two were once celebrated adventuring companions who travelled together for years in their youth. Their obvious affection, unwavering loyalty to one another, and remarkable closeness have given rise to endless gossip, particularly amongst those who struggle to believe that such a friendship could exist without romance. Those who know them well dismiss such speculation entirely. Lady Agnes and Father Filton share a friendship forged through hardship, danger, and years of shared experience. Father Filton, whilst never seeking to hide his preference for the company of men, has little interest in courtly gossip or defending himself against idle rumours. Lady Agnes herself simply finds the stories amusing, remarking only that people often see what they expect to see. Father Filton comes from a wealthy mercantile family in Leosandria, one of the Successor States' oldest colonies. Before arriving in Harmonias he was virtually unknown in the region, having spent much of his earlier life travelling as both priest and adventurer. Unlike many influential clerics, he has shown almost no interest in politics or noble intrigue. Instead, he has devoted himself almost entirely to the restoration of Astonwick, overseeing the rebuilding of its temples, hospitals, schools, and charitable institutions. His tireless work amongst the townsfolk has earned him widespread affection and respect. Whether blessing the foundations of new buildings, tending the wounded, or helping organise relief for those displaced by the recent wars, Father Filton is rarely seen far from the people he serves. Many quietly joke that he spends more time with stonemasons and carpenters than with priests. His friendship with Lady Agnes remains one of the strongest influences upon the governance of Astonwick. Whilst she concerns herself with the security and administration of the Barony, Father Filton provides trusted counsel on matters of conscience, charity, and the welfare of the common people. Together they are widely regarded as balancing one another's strengths, and few decisions of great importance are made without the two first seeking each other's advice.
Varrik "Silk" Morn
Few people in Astonwick would recognise the name Varrik Morn, and fewer still would consider him important. A middle-aged half-hobgoblin of unremarkable appearance, he is publicly known as the proprietor of several disreputable alehouses and lodging houses in the poorer quarters of the town. He is commonly called "Silk", supposedly because of the fine scarves he affects despite otherwise dressing like a prosperous rogue. In truth, Varrik is one of the most dangerous men in Astonwick. Silk survived the years of humanoid occupation not through strength, but through an instinctive understanding of power. Under the orcs he served variously as a fence, procurer, informer and intermediary, always useful enough to protect and never important enough to attract attention. When Astonwick was liberated, many of the old criminal leaders fled or were killed. Varrik simply changed masters, changed clothes and carried on. Today, his influence reaches through much of Astonwick's emerging underworld. He has interests in several slum taverns, brothels, gambling rooms and lodging houses, while his associates deal in stolen property, illicit moneylending, protection and smuggling. Varrik is particularly interested in information. Innkeepers, prostitutes, beggars, thieves and street children are paid for anything they overhear concerning wealthy visitors, merchants, soldiers or officials. Very few of these people realise that they work for the same man.
Silk deliberately keeps several layers between himself and serious criminal activity. Orders pass through trusted lieutenants, who deal with local bosses, who in turn employ the thieves and thugs who actually commit the crimes. Even those arrested by Lady Agnes's soldiers are therefore unlikely to know anything that leads directly to him. A Survivor Above All, Varrik has no desire to overthrow Lady Agnes Renfrew. Indeed, he privately considers most of those plotting against the new regime to be fools. Agnes has soldiers, money and powerful allies, while Astonwick desperately needs stability if there is to be anything worth stealing. Instead, Silk intends to survive her.
He has quietly imposed strict rules upon those under his influence. Lady Agnes's soldiers are not to be robbed. Pelorian priests are to be left alone. Ducal Scouts are not to be interfered with. Arson, indiscriminate murder and anything likely to bring soldiers into the poorer districts are strongly discouraged. Slaving is absolutely forbidden. This last prohibition has nothing to do with morality. Varrik remembers perfectly well what Astonwick was like under the orcs and knows that even the rumour of renewed slave trading would bring Lady Agnes, Father Filton and half the garrison down upon the underworld. Anyone attempting to establish such a trade therefore tends to disappear remarkably quickly.
Silk's philosophy is simple: "Lady Agnes can have Astonwick. I only need the parts she doesn't see."
Despite his caution, Varrik is thoroughly unpleasant. He is vindictive, greedy and entirely without compassion when his interests are threatened. Those who owe him money are given opportunities to pay. Those who cannot may find themselves working in one of his establishments until the debt is settled. Those who steal from him are beaten or mutilated. Those who betray him simply disappear. Varrik nevertheless dislikes unnecessary killing. Bodies attract guards, priests ask awkward questions and frightened witnesses sometimes become surprisingly talkative. He prefers threats, debt, blackmail and carefully demonstrated violence. A merchant who refuses to pay protection might first find his warehouse burgled. The second warning might involve a broken hand. There is seldom need for a third. He is particularly skilled at discovering what people want or what they fear others discovering.
Varrik is lean with angular features, pointed ears and narrow yellow-brown eyes that reveal his hobgoblin ancestry. His black hair is beginning to grey and is usually swept back from his face. He wears a short beard and maintains the permanently amused expression of a man who knows something everyone else does not. Silk is unfailingly polite when circumstances permit. He enjoys good ale, expensive food and gambling, and habitually carries a tankard when conducting business in his establishments. He rarely raises his voice. When Varrik becomes quiet, his associates know someone is in serious trouble. Unknown to Lady Agnes, Varrik occasionally acts in ways that benefit her rule. Violent gangs that threaten his businesses are eliminated. Dangerous fugitives sometimes find their whereabouts anonymously reported to the watch. Attempts by outsiders to establish competing criminal organisations are ruthlessly suppressed. Silk therefore provides a crude form of order within districts where Lady Agnes's authority remains weakest. This does not make him an ally.
Should Agnes ever discover the true extent of his activities, Varrik knows perfectly well what would happen. He therefore cultivates respectable intermediaries, keeps careful records only in his head and makes certain that no single captured lieutenant can reveal enough to destroy him. For the moment, Lady Agnes is rebuilding Astonwick above ground. Varrik Morn is quietly rebuilding something beneath it.