Here is a detailed breakdown of **New Stetven**, the capital of Brevoy: --- ### **Basic Information** - **Name:** New Stetven - **Type:** Capital City - **Region:** Brevoy, located in northern Avistan - **Scale & Population:** Bustling metropolis, the largest city in Brevoy, home to thousands - **Primary Inhabitants:** Humans (mostly Issian descent), noble houses, mercenary groups, spies, and traders - **Climate & Terrain:** Cold temperate climate, with long, harsh winters and short, humid summers; located along the shores of Lake Reykal --- ### **Geography & Layout** - **Key Features & Landmarks:** - **The Ruby Fortress:** Seat of House Surtova, a foreboding citadel at the heart of the city. - **Lake Reykal:** The vast, frigid lake that dominates the city’s landscape and serves as a major trade hub. - **The Grand Markets:** A sprawling area where Brevoy’s merchants trade in exotic goods, furs, and weapons. - **The Cathedral of Abadar:** The center of banking and law, highly influential among the city's elite. - **The Black Docks:** A hub for smuggling, illicit deals, and political espionage. - **Surtova Manor:** The personal residence of King-Regent Noleski Surtova, a heavily fortified estate. - **Notable Districts/Areas:** - **Noble Quarter:** Home to Brevoy’s aristocracy, filled with manors, private guards, and high-end establishments. - **Merchant's Ward:** A bustling commercial hub where caravans, blacksmiths, and jewelers ply their trade. - **The Dockside:** A rougher part of town dominated by sailors, smugglers, and mercenaries. - **The Shadow Alleys:** A collection of winding streets where criminals, spies, and informants operate. - **Connections & Accessibility:** - Major roads link New Stetven to **Restov** and other Brevic settlements. - **Lake Reykal** provides naval access, crucial for both trade and military positioning. - House Surtova maintains a **strong fleet**, allowing it to exert dominance over the waterways. - The city lacks teleportation circles but is rumored to have hidden escape routes and secret tunnels. --- ### **Culture & Society** - **Local Governance:** - [[House Surtova]] rules as the **de facto royal house**, though their authority is contested by other noble families. - The city is under a **strict feudal system**, with noble families vying for influence. - **Economy & Trade:** - Known for **weapons, armor, and naval trade**. - Heavy importation of **food and agricultural goods**, as the city is not self-sufficient. - Mercenary companies thrive here due to constant political tension. - **Religion & Beliefs:** - **Abadar (God of Cities, Wealth, and Law)** is widely worshiped by merchants and rulers. - **Gorum (God of War)** is favored by soldiers and mercenaries. - **Pharasma (Goddess of Fate & Death)** holds sway over the common folk. - **Laws & Customs:** - **Highly stratified society**, where nobles wield vast power over commoners. - **Dueling is common**, especially over matters of honor and political disputes. - **Spying and intrigue are rampant**, with nearly every noble having informants and secret alliances. - **Languages Spoken:** - **Common** is the main tongue, but **Draconic** (a remnant of old ties to the dragons of Brevoy) and **Skald** (traded with the Lands of the Linnorm Kings) are spoken among select groups. --- ### **History & Lore** - **Origins & Founding:** - Built as a fortified city centuries ago, originally under **House Rogarvia**, the vanished royal family. - Became the de facto capital after **House Surtova took control**, though it remains unstable. - **Major Historical Events:** - **The Vanishing (4699 AR):** House Rogarvia mysteriously disappeared overnight, leaving a power vacuum. - **Surtova's Takeover:** House Surtova seized control, claiming regency over Brevoy. - **Tensions with Restov:** The Aldori Swordlords of Restov frequently challenge Surtova’s rule. - **Current Conflicts or Issues:** - **Noble House Feuding:** Various houses ([[House Orlovsky]], [[House Lebeda]], [[House Medvyed]]) scheme against Surtova’s rule. - **Potential Civil War:** The south, led by Restov, resents Surtova's control and may seek independence. - **House Surtova's Dilemma:** Lacks widespread support but maintains power through intimidation and alliances. - **Rumors & Mysteries:** - **Rogarvia’s Return?** Some claim the missing royals may yet live. - **Secret Tunnels:** Smugglers and spies whisper of passages beneath the city. - **A Hidden Power Struggle:** King-Regent Noleski Surtova may not be the true ruler—some say his sister Natala is the real power behind the throne. --- ### **Notable NPCs & Factions** - **Key Figures:** - **King-Regent [[Noleski Surtova]]:** The ruler of Brevoy, politically cunning but widely distrusted. - **Lady [[Natala Surtova]]:** The king-regent’s sister, rumored to be the true mastermind behind House Surtova’s schemes. - **Lord [[Poul Orlovsky]]:** Head of House Orlovsky, a noble openly opposing Surtova’s rule. - **Swordlord Dame [[Liso Aldori]]:** A secret envoy in the city, working to undermine Surtova’s control. - **Factions or Power Groups:** - **[[House Surtova]]:** The ruling family, clinging to power through strategic alliances and brute force. - **The [[Aldori Swordlords]]:** Seeking to reclaim Restov’s independence, working in the shadows. - **The Smugglers’ Cartel:** An underground organization that thrives in New Stetven’s corruption. - **The King’s Hounds:** A secretive group of spies and assassins working for House Surtova. - **Major Monsters or Threats:** - Political assassinations, power struggles, and hidden magical threats. - House Surtova’s growing paranoia may lead to **mass arrests and purges**. --- ### **Additional Notes** - **Vibe & Inspirations:** - A **Game of Thrones-style** capital, filled with intrigue, shifting alliances, and betrayal. - **Venice meets Moscow**, with its frozen lake, corrupt nobility, and underworld dealings. - A **high-stakes city** where one wrong move can cost a noble their life. - **Adventure Hooks:** - **Political Negotiations:** Rivermarch could send an envoy (Tybalt?) to seek noble alliances. - **A Missing Heir:** A rumored descendant of House Rogarvia could destabilize Surtova’s rule. - **Espionage:** A secret mission to uncover Surtova’s plans or sabotage their rule. - **The Duel of Nobles:** A rival house issues a challenge, seeking to settle disputes through combat. - **A Merchant Conspiracy:** Corrupt traders manipulating the economy for personal gain.