City of Halvad
The city of Halvad was empty until about two years ago when a party of adventurers destroyed the vampire inhabiting the city freeing it from the oppressive influence. Since then, settlers from the south and local tribes have settled in the city establishing separate enclaves in different parts of the city. There is a truce between the factions but it is uneasy due to the wildly different cultures and established prejudices, the leaders of the factions know that no one faction has enough strength to take over the city so try to calm down the more enthusiastic of their people.
The city itself was not sacked and most of the buildings are intact, the streets are overgrown outside the enclaves and there are still undead in the uninhabited areas but groups from the enclaves are gradually clearing these out. The architecture of the city is northern with flat roofed houses and plenty of fountains in the squares but the true marvels are on the central island where the palaces and temples are situated. The island has a large pool near the centre and a fort at each end, the palaces between the two forts are made from intricately carved stone with open space in them filled with now overgrown plants. This island has not been inhabited but a market occurs every two weeks where people can buy and sell their wares to the separate enclaves.
Southern Settlers
Ruler: Hans Heimsch
Government: Oligarchy
Resources: Agriculture, Trade
Population: 3,000 - 90% Human, 5% Elven, 5% Mixed)
Languages: Common
Major Religions: Pelor, Obad-Hai and Heironious
The Southern Setters are people from the main continent who for varied reasons decided that the chance for a new life in Helltenen was better than staying at home, some are were refugees their homes or farms burnt out in one of the many minor raids across borders in the successor states, some are people who have been forced out of their lands by orcs or other humanoids and some are criminals fleeing justice. The one overriding factor with all of them is that they have found what they were looking for and are not going to run anymore. The area they have inhabited has been cleared or undead and seems safe, the fields outside the city are fertile and they can farm to support themselves.
The military leader of the Southern Settlers is Sir Seigfried Kamback (pictured), he is originally from Kaldar but moved north to try and make a name for himself and gain some land. The leader of the group is Hans Heimsch, an out of favour noble from Ulm, he is charismatic and cautious, which is why the settlers trust him.
Volsci (Dragon Worshipping Savages)
Ruler: Aintza
Government: Limited Democracy
Resources: Agriculture
Population: 2,000 – 95% Human, 5 % Half breeds
Languages: Common, Draconic
Major Religions: Kord, Boccob
Most of the Volsci who have moved to Halvad are believers in the new ways and have rejected the old ways of their people. They know that things have started to change back at home but it is too slow for them and they still fear the Dragon Priests. The tribes who most of them have come from are the Ruddarmanna and the Bronzadur Volk, but there are people from the other tribes. Most of the critical decisions are made by the council of elders but when a quick decision is required they rely on Akaitz (pictured) and Estinne. Akaitz was a mercenary for the Old Empire for 8 years before moving north with his people, a Ruddarmanna he saw what his people had been deprived of by the Dragon Priests and thought they deserved better.
Estinne is the daughter of a chieftain of the Bronzadur Volk, taught to replace him when he died but struggled with keeping the Priests on side so fled to Brennenstadt and so to Halvad with several of her people.
Local Tribes
Ruler: Bayars Rias
Government: Oligarchy
Resources: Agriculture, Trade
Population: 3,500 – 95% Human, 5 % Half Elves
Languages: Common, Heltenic
Major Religions: Pelor, Beory
When the city of Halvad was liberated from the undead, the local tribes were slow to realise, so by the time they sent settlers to the city other groups from the south were already there. They have since sent people to stake a claim which they intend to expand but the varied tribes are still arguing about who and how many. Bayars Rias has put together a contingent from two of the tribal groups and is the acknowledged leader in the city. They have settled peacefully along side with the southerners, the tribes represented are the Aram, Kissir and the Caitiaroi.
North Eastern Savages