Ravens Keep
 | |
| Location | Southern Bolar. |
| Government | Governed by Baron Josef Sartoris |
| Population | ~5500 |
| Languages –Common |
95% |
| Towns Baronial Seat |
Ravenglass |
| Exports |
Clay, Pottery, Fine Blue Glass |
| Imports |
Cloth, Grain |
This Barony is situated at the headwaters of the River Raven that flows through southern Bolar a county in Southern Aquila.
Historically the Barony has been on the border between Aladar and Aquila, while also bordering Cauldersfield. Since the war the Barony is now part of Aquila and some distance from the Aladar border but the Baron remains war-ready with well trained troops and regularly manned watchtowers in case hostilities break out once again.
The main town Ravenglass is situated on the shore of a fingerlake known officially as Lake Alicia (after the barons Grandmother who died there) and unofficially as Ravensglass by the townsfolk. The town is named for the Motte and Bailey keep that looks out over the town and is the residence of the local Baron and his family.
The city is also distinguished by its use of fine blue glass used in windows for all the town buildings.
Trade
Ravenglass is famed through the Kingdom for its fine light blue glass that is sought after as far afield as MMHS and is a common sight on the tables of nobility through Aquila and Aladar. They also have a fine plate glass that is preferable to leaded glass for small windows however this is fragile and does not travel well except via barge, resticting it's availability to area's close to the River.
The town also exports pottery to the towns and villages further downstream.
The major trade is conducted at the docks which extend into the lake before barges ship the goods down the river. Oxen are used to bring the barges back up to the town.
The town also trades with the Dwarves in the Mountain range to the Northwest.
Religion
Ravenglass was once the home to an Archbishop of the Urielite faith who in 423 funded the construction of a huge cathedral and the founding of a dual abbey. The cathedral can hold the entire population of the Barony and is in the gothic style.
The Cathedral has twin naves separated by a central wall to segregate male and female members of the congregation, only the Altar and Bishops Chair is visible from both sides of the church. Behind the church the separation continues with a segregated monastery with Monks and Nuns separated by the same wall. The wall in the main chapel finishes with a large sarcophagus containing the remains of Archbishop Leonard D'Assini the grandfather of the Barons Priest.
Taking over 150 years to complete the main church is 328 ft long and 131 ft wide making it a truly massive building. The rear of the church houses the buildings for the nuns and monks, all segregated with twin cloisters separated by a 12 foot high wall. The buildings can support up to 60 nuns and a similar number of monks but at this time there are only about 12 of each and 30 orphans being cared for by the church.
Currently the cathedral is without a Bishop as the area is not important enough to warrant one.
People
- Baron Joseph Sartori has three children who are Elfriede (26), Mindy (28), and Madawg (30). He has one brother (Bertha) and two sisters (Bethel and Dania).
- Father Francis D'Assini can be located at the baron's keep and has access/governance of some of town's records (which are in Eldaran).
Magic
Places
Lake Alicia
Known as "Ravensglass" by the locals, Lake Alicia is reasonably shallow and thought to be haunted by many of the townspeople, even though they are right next to it and use it for many of their business activities.
The High Tower
Once a defensive post on the northern border of the realm, this fortified tower has recently been deeded to an Elven gentleman Z'Lesh and his apprentice Steve.
History
Over the last few hundred years Ravenskeep has been attacked a number of times and been part of both Aladar and Aquila. It has also been raided by the discontented from Cauldersfield and placed under siege by the local Dwarves. This has left the Baron's of the region paranoid, and defensive.
Governance
Crime and Punishment
The high troop levels and strong Urielite presence make this a very law abiding town. The guards are very well trained and patrol often through the town, villages and surrounding countryside. The local Urielites provide the judiciary with the Baron only dispensing high justice in the case of appeals or crime involving the church.
Adventures
The following adventures have taken place in Ravens Keep.
- The Redemption of Lord Surturs Bane - Autumn 807 - GM:Mandos
