Stonehaven is a rapidly developing settlement that integrates the remnants of two distinct histories: the eccentric Menagerie garden of a long-dead nobleman and an extensive underground Dwarven port. This port was historically crucial as a supply hub for both the Army of Everwatch and the province of Harmonias. While the settlement was built atop these foundations, its importance to both Everwatch and Harmonias has only grown. Lord Douglas Thantalas, a renowned ranger adventurer, was bestowed control over Stonehaven in recognition of his service to the late Duke Rocco, whose undead status has left a legacy of controversy. Lady Blanchefleur, Lord Douglas's wife, oversees the growth of Stonehaven’s agricultural, infrastructural, and social development.
Stonehaven is strategically placed along the coast with a sheltered harbour cut into the cliff face. This harbour, with its Dwarven warehouses, barracks, and cranes, serves as the backbone of the port's bustling economy. The town itself sits above the dock, on what was once the Menagerie. Aboveground, a walled settlement with robust infrastructure has been rapidly developed, showcasing well-planned streets, fortified walls, and busy trade areas. The town is continually expanding, with new settlements, homes, and businesses cropping up, held together by a network of streets and paths that reflect a dedication to both practicality and long-term sustainability.
Approaching Stonehaven from the surrounding countryside, the newness of the settlement is immediately evident. Freshly constructed buildings of wood and paint give the town a vibrant feel. The area is heavily structured: starting from the farmlands on the outskirts, the area transitions into bustling trade districts, and eventually, to the stronghold at the centre. The fortified stronghold itself features sturdy walls with four key towers flying the banners of Everwatch and Lord Douglas. The regular patrols of the Stonehaven garrison ensure security, reinforcing the town’s defensive infrastructure.
The town is not only a commercial hub but also a fortified military base, housing multiple military units under Lord Douglas's command. The Stonehaven Brigade, a well-disciplined force, consists of the Stonehaven Regiment (heavy infantry), Stonehaven Scouts (longbow and medium infantry), and the Stonehaven Lifeguard (heavy cavalry). Each of these units plays a crucial role in securing both Stonehaven and Everwatch's borders. Douglas’s military prowess is widely recognized, and his troops show immense pride in serving under him. Additionally, Douglas can call upon external forces like the ex-mercenary Free Ludocian Cavalry under Sir Vitomir Loric, and a small but determined unit of Stonehaven Auxiliaries, which consists of humanoids rescued from the Golgortha massacres, now fighting as skirmishers. Although the future of this controversial unit remains uncertain, they have proven themselves in battle.
In an effort to further solidify control over the region, Lord Douglas has invested in a powerful naval fleet, with four War Galleons commissioned for the defence and protection of trade routes. The flagship, Blanchfleur, named after Lady Blanchefleur, is accompanied by the Hammer, Anvil, and Retribution, all three-mast vessels. These ships serve as an extension of Stonehaven’s power over the seas and are instrumental in the economic and strategic stability of the region.
Rulers
Lord Douglas Thantalas is a man of both striking presence and formidable reputation. Originally hailing from Merriport, a prosperous merchant city in the northern part of the Empire, Douglas was once poised to inherit his family’s wealth and business. However, his youthful desire for adventure and excitement led him to abandon the comfort of merchant life and set off to explore the world. His journey took him far and wide, eventually bringing him into the service of Everwatch, where his military career flourished.
Douglas Thantalas is a striking figure, with a rugged handsomeness that reflects both his adventurer past and military prowess. His serious dark brown eyes are intense, often conveying a quiet confidence that demands attention. His strong, chiselled jaw is framed by a hint of stubble, lending him a mature, seasoned look. His long, dark brown curly hair flows naturally, often untamed as though he’s spent far too much time on the road to concern himself with upkeep. His tanned or weathered skin—depending on one’s perspective—bears the marks of a life spent outdoors, braving harsh conditions and leading men in battle. At just shy of six feet tall, he has an athletic build that speaks to strength and agility, honed through years of both physical combat and adventuring. His confidence is palpable, and he carries himself with an air of command that matches his impressive physical presence.
Douglas typically wears a chain shirt, its gleaming links offering protection while allowing for the mobility he requires on the battlefield. His skill with dual-wielding a long sword and a short sword is well known, the swords often seen flashing in combat as he leads from the front. On rare occasions, he carries a composite longbow, a weapon few can draw with the same proficiency. The bow is a reminder of his versatility in battle, able to switch seamlessly between close-range and long-range combat with ease. His appearance alone reflects a man who has lived through many trials and come out stronger for it—his body a map of experience, both in combat and in the world beyond.
Lady Blanchefleur is widely recognized as a resourceful and charismatic woman, known for her remarkable practical skills. She has devoted herself to the growth of Stonehaven, focusing particularly on the essential aspects of farming, housing, and healthcare. Despite her noble birth and upbringing, she is always ready to roll up her sleeves and get her hands dirty when the situation calls for it. Lady Blanchefleur’s hands-on approach to farming has revolutionized local practices, improving crop yields and ensuring that the people of Stonehaven are well-fed and resilient in the face of adversity. Her insights into the building of homes, tailored to both the land and the people, have created a comfortable living environment, while her direction in the realm of healthcare has brought vitality and well-being to the population.
Renowned for her administrative prowess, she manages the development of her husband’s lands with vision and energy, helping make Stonehaven one of the most diverse and peaceful settlements in Harmonias. Her compassion is legendary, especially in her dealings with the half-breed orcs, a group often marginalized and misunderstood. Lady Blanchefleur has shown remarkable care and empathy for these individuals, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect. Her willingness to include them in the community has not only helped to bridge divides but has also strengthened the fabric of Stonehaven itself. In every sense, Lady Blanchefleur is a woman of great substance, wise, dedicated, and compassionate. Through her hard work and support, she has transformed Stonehaven into more than just a settlement; it is a thriving community where people of all walks of life can live together in peace and prosperity under the protection of Lord Douglas.
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Other Dramatis Personae, Stonehaven
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Velt Manor
Velt Manor: Hamlet: Alignment: TN/CN, Population: 365; Mixed (55% human, 45% half-humanoid), Languages: Common & Orcish, Religions: Bocob, Authority figures: Sir Otis Velt (human, male, scholar), Gamadurz (half-orc, male, warrior)
Velt Manor stands as the home of Sir Otis Velt, a household Knight to Lord Douglas, and the youngest son of Jeroen Velt, a wealthy merchant hailing from Aelfshaw. Jeroen, ever the astute businessman, played a crucial role in Lord Douglas's early rise to prominence, offering substantial financial support that proved invaluable during the latter's initial campaigns. Sir Otis, eager to share in the excitement and prestige of warfare, followed in his father’s footsteps, motivated by the glory of battle rather than the pursuit of riches or land. While Sir Otis lacked the extensive martial prowess expected of many knights, his sharp intellect and strategic mind made him an asset to his lord. As a result, Lord Douglas deemed it wise to appoint Otis as a household knight, a title that would grant him both honour and responsibility. With his new position, Sir Otis was granted Velt Manor, a good potential estate located in a fertile region. With his inheritance, Otis quickly set to work on transforming the manor into a grand estate. He oversaw the construction of a sturdy and elegant house surrounded by well-maintained cottages, each of them a symbol of prosperity and stability. For a time, Velt Manor stood as a proud testament to Otis’s ambition and success.
However, with the conclusion of the war and the cessation of hostilities, Sir Otis’s focus began to shift. The thrill of battle and the promise of glory no longer held the same allure for him. Instead, he found himself increasingly drawn to the mysteries of arcane history, an area in which he had long held a quiet but growing interest. The manor, once the centre of his energy and efforts, gradually began to fall into disrepair as Otis withdrew into his studies, devoting his time to ancient texts and forbidden tomes, seeking answers to questions that seemed far more pressing than the upkeep of his estate. In his absence, Sir Otis entrusted the management of Velt Manor to his loyal servant, Gamadurz, a half-orc but while Gamadurz was deeply devoted to his master and genuinely tried to ensure the manor’s prosperity, he lacked the skill and knowledge to effectively steward such a large estate. His natural talents did not lie in the realms of governance, organization, or financial management. As a result, Velt Manor’s once-pristine grounds began to suffer. The cottages, which had once provided ample space for tenants and workers, began to show signs of neglect, with repairs left undone and crops left untended.
Despite Gamadurz’s best efforts, the manor has slowly descended into a state of disrepair. The orchards are withering, the gardens are overgrown, and the once-bustling estate is eerily quiet. The surrounding lands, once rich and bountiful, are now largely unproductive, as Gamadurz struggles to make ends meet without the proper knowledge to manage the manor’s resources. Sir Otis, absorbed in his arcane research, remains indifferent to the plight of his manse. Though he occasionally leaves the manor, his mind is preoccupied with the ancient knowledge he seeks rather than the well-being of his estate. He is more interested in deciphering ancient texts and discovering hidden truths about magic and history than in the daily struggles of managing land or ensuring the welfare of those who depend on him. This negligence has left Velt Manor in a precarious position, and without intervention, it may soon fall into ruin. Gamadurz, despite his unwavering loyalty, may not be enough to reverse the decline. The legacy of Sir Otis is at risk, and only time will tell if he will choose to re-engage with his manor or continue to pursue the arcane mysteries that now consume his attention.
Little Ludoc Borough
Little Ludoc Borough: Alignment: LN, Population: 1,650; Mixed (75% human, 30% half-humanoid), Languages: Common, Religions: Zilchus and Stratis, Authority figures: Sir Vitomir Loric (human, male, fighter)
Little Ludoc Borough was a land grant bestowed by Lord Douglas upon Vitomir Loric, the Captain of the Free Ludocian Company, a renowned mercenary group. Comprised of hedge knights, men-at-arms, and squires, the Free Ludocian Company was known for its formidable heavy cavalry and earned a strong reputation for its disciplined and effective fighting tactics. In exchange for their loyal service to Lord Douglas, the company was granted this tract of land, which they divided up into smaller farms, thorps, and the occasional estate. Sir Vitomir, as Captain, was honoured with the title of household knight to Lord Douglas, while the majority of his men transitioned into yeoman farmers, ready to serve their lord when called upon. The transformation of the mercenary company into a peaceful, farming community was a success. The land was carefully parcelled out, and the former soldiers applied the same discipline to farming that they had once used on the battlefield. Over time, some of the yeoman sold their land to others, expanding their holdings into larger estates, while others ventured into different trades such as smithing or horse rearing, leveraging their skills and resources to thrive in this new life. This balance of agriculture and craftsmanship fostered a thriving, self-sustaining community.
Located to the north and west of Stonehaven, Little Ludoc Borough is a well-organized and structured area. The land is fertile, the roads are well-maintained, and the houses are neatly arranged, reflecting the order and discipline instilled by both Sir Vitomir and Lord Douglas. The yeoman of the borough, having once served as mercenaries, now profess loyalty to Lord Douglas and maintain a strong sense of duty to their community and their lord. They have adapted to their new life with a resilience that speaks to their past experiences.
Under Sir Vitomir's leadership, the borough has flourished, and he serves Lord Douglas with dedication, ensuring that his men-turned-farmers remain ready to defend their land and their lord whenever the need arises. The community of Little Ludoc Borough stands as a testament to the transformation of battled hardened mercenaries into steadfast yeoman, their loyalty and dedication ever strong in service to their noble Lord Douglas.
Stonehaven Fleet
In his ongoing efforts to solidify control over the region and enhance his military power, Lord Douglas constructed a formidable naval fleet not only for warfare but also to protect the vital sea routes that sustain the prosperity of Stonehaven and its surrounding allies. The flagship of Lord Douglas's fleet is the Lady Blanchfleur, a magnificent 4-mast War Galleon. Named in honor of his beloved wife, Blanchfleur, this ship stands as a symbol of Lord Douglas's devotion to both his family and his people. The Lady Blanchfleur is a vessel of great power and elegance, equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and a skilled crew capable of taking on even the most formidable opponents on the open seas. Under her sails, Lord Douglas’s influence stretches beyond the land, asserting control over the waters surrounding Stonehaven and ensuring that no enemy can threaten his coastal holdings without facing fierce retaliation. In addition to the Lady Blanchfleur, the fleet includes three additional 3-mast War Galleons, each with their own formidable capabilities. These ships, Hammer, Anvil, and Retribution, serve as crucial support to the flagship.
The creation of the Stonehaven Fleet, while a testament to Lord Douglas’s strategic foresight and the growing power of his lordship, has also served to deepen the longstanding rivalry and enmity between him and Admiral Amarii of the Western Imperial Squadron. The tension between the two dates back to the war, when Lord Douglas’s actions were believed by Admiral Amarii to have played a significant role in the death of his son, Lazlo, during a crucial battle. This tragedy has fuelled a bitter animosity, with Amarii holding Lord Douglas responsible for the loss of his heir, and their feud now manifests not only in political and military circles but also on the open seas.
The rivalry between Lord Douglas and Admiral Amarii has escalated with the formation of the Stonehaven Fleet, with both leaders now engaging in a potential naval standoff. Though the Stonehaven Fleet, led by the Lady Blanchfleur and her supporting galleons, is formidable in its own right, the two Imperial war galleys pose a distinct and dangerous threat. The Child of Thunder and Bringer of Storms have a reputation that precedes them, and their magical enhancements add an unpredictable element to any potential conflict between the two fleets. The Stonehaven Navy must contend not only with the sheer size and firepower of these ships but also with the personal vendetta that fuels Admiral Amarii’s actions.
This growing tension between Lord Douglas and Admiral Amarii presents a volatile situation, where both sides have much to lose and even more to gain in asserting dominance over the seas. For Lord Douglas, the safety and security of Stonehaven’s trade routes, as well as his own honour, are at stake, while Admiral Amarii seeks nothing less than vengeance. It remains to be seen whether diplomacy can avert an all-out naval conflict or if the seas will become the next battleground in the potential feud between these two powerful leaders.