Novadom
 | |
| Status | Disputed Principality / Barony of Carzala. |
| Location | In the swamplands south of Brastor. |
| Area | |
| Geography | A wide river valley dominated by swamp low land area and a slow moving river. |
| Population
Dwarves |
~3,400 |
| Languages –Common |
100% |
| Exports |
Broken dreams, hardship, loot. |
| Imports |
Hopes, Food, tools, labour. |
Novadom is situated on the south coast of Carzala (and appears on the Frontiers of Alusia Map). The town is situated in a large river valley with high mountains to the east and high hill range running south to north in the west. Within the river valley is the large by swampy River Mirimar. Novadom is a small town, built on even smaller 'solid ground' within the delta of the River at its southern end. To the north of the town is a large and mostly wild swamp called the Mucklands. On the largest island within the swamp, called Insel Garsi live a group of Lizard men who have recently returned to the area. Gryphon Valley dominates the northern end of the valley.
The two roads from Novadom lead east thru the Tarn of Sarsh to a set of small fishing village on the coast, and edge of the Gatar Depression. The other road leads west of Avoca a small Keep Settlement in the west. The road to Avoca also turns north and heads thru the low hills avoiding large parts of the Mucklands to Brastor Holdings via Gryphon Pass.
South of Novadom is Nova Bay which has Caeli Island out in the bay before heading out to deeper sea.
Novadom
Novadom is a town under construction but thriving. Most of the buildings are in various states of disrepair but the streets are busy, trade is flourishing and the citizenry are working hard to repair the damage.
The port has been rebuilt and it and the local markets are a hive of activity.
Trade
Trade is almost entirely seaborne with only a single road heading north to Brastor via Gryphon Pass. The docks have been rebuilt and are able to cater for large ocean going vessels required for trade with the Southern Lands like Raniterre and Ebola.
Religion
The Unified Church of the Western Kingdom is here in force and despite some internal bickering is a significant force within the city.
Outside the city the northern lands are patrolled by a band known as The Heretics. Impressed by the exploits of Sabrina and the obvious favour bestowed on her by the Aesir these former church knights have decided that they too should follow the 'Old Gods'. Based at a camp at the ford north of Novadom they patrol the area and keep it safe for travellers if not church knights. The church hierarchy has ordered the local forces to persuade them back to the fold but has met with little success (abysmal failure is a better term). On very good terms with adventurers and are able to help out with non fatal healing and smithing. Can be easily persuaded to go smack things round too.
In Summer 807WK, Duke Leto DeWinter granted two large sections of land to the Unified Western Church. The Church was gifted 5 million silver pennies by members of the Seagate Adventures Guild to establish and run two large Chapter Houses to support the locals as well as Church activities, teachings, in the areas of; Brastor Holdings and Novadom City. (GM: Jon McSpadden)
Magic
Places
- Novadom Keep
As of Winter 807 the Keep is under construction and is a hive of activity and a constant ding of hammers, saws, hoists and workmen rebuilding the keep make it hard to be heard in the place.
- Lennys Emporium
Base of operations of Lenny the Squid. Patronised by two hulking 'perpetual customers'. Shady deals a speciality.
- Novadom Cathedral
Also under renovations and headquarters of the Church forces. Particularly full those Reapsdays when Brother Empty Mind is speaking.
- Avoca settlement.
A small stone tower keep set in farm land far to the west of Novadom. The keep's local guard of 22 men are lead by 'Richard of Newhaven', a skilled Fire mage, and fighter.
- Garmut's Warehouse
Base of Operations for the Seagate Friendly Merchant Society. With trade booming in the area this is also a din of activity. However, adventurers short on a little cash might want to show up and offer to 'sort something out'.
- Abraham's Finest Ales
Because making yourself heard is a losing propostion in most of the city a wily merchant and magus have set up a tavern where one can hear oneself think. While the prices are steep, many value the privacy and ability to have a conversation without losing your voice.
- Temple of the Eternal Flame
Home to the Black Monks of the Searing Flame.
This is a floating hulk moored on the edge of Novadom harbour limits. It is 650 ft long and 100 ft wide and still retains most of its structure and its imposing sense of dread.
Governance
Who runs Novadom
As at Spring 807WK
Duke Leto of Carzala has appointed the merchant Prince Rainer as the new Baron of Novadom. He has placed his support behind both Count Engalton OM of Newhaven and Baron Rainer to restore the city to its former glory as part of Carzala. Novadom is now a protectorate of the County of Newhaven.
- Local Lords
The Council of Lords, including The Princes Keys, The Keeper of the Horses, Admiral, Sheriff and Officer of the Watch insist that they really rule Novadom. In the best interests of the Baron Rainer of course.
- Forge Thy Blade in the Body of an Enemy
Claims that he is in control of Novadom. After all, it is Alliance patrols that keep the streets and surrounds safe. It is Alliance shipping that's feeding everyone and supplying the effort against the Masadans.
Ex-leaders of Novadom
- Prince Rainer
- Prince of Novadom since its founding in 791wk. Forced to flee into exile in 803wk. Is reported to have abdicated in favour of Count Engalton OM in 806wk because he did not favour re-capturing Novadom from the Dark Forces.
A black dragon who used to rule Novadom by force of his claw. He was forced to leave in Autumn 806. He has not been seen since.
- Lord Kurash of the Traveller (deceased)
A smelly Horse Nomad who says his tribe has ancestral claim to the lands. This is quite serious and his tribes kinda big now.
People of Note/Importance
- Sir Giles du Hartford
Novadom Keep's Master of Horse. A 'new man' of Novadom, he has a sharp grasp of politics and is a fair commander. Sir Giles comes from a minor Aquilan family and distinguished himself during the War against the Dark Circle. His duties involve patrolling and scouting the surrounds. A follower of the United Church.
- Gareth
Sir Gile's squire and second in command. Young and keen Gareth is typical of Novadom's surviving population. He's a little pale and doesn't really speak of what happened before the liberation by alliance forces but definitely is working for a brighter future where your blood stays your own. Is enamoured of Lady Tarash and is currently garrisoning Griffon Pass.
- Sherrif Christopher Reynard
A tough veteran from the War of the Western Kingdom this man is the Sheriff and oversees security of the keep and also at the moment it's construction. Has the habit of keeping scars (rather than healing them totally). Originally of common birth he has risen to his position by being a truly mean bastard and good survivor. A staunch Urielite, he thinks unification weakens the church (as they should be competing against one another). Not to be confused with Sir Christopher Reynard, another scarred Urielite with similar opinions on the Church.
- Lady Tarash de Xiombarg
As castellean of Novadom Keep, Tarash is charged with keeping it supplied and provisioned as well as maintaining the household staff. An Illamalari and alumni of the Southhaven Academy for Girls she has somewhat 'unorthodox' methods. It's best not to enquire to deeply about what you're eating at the Keep. Like most Illamalari her skeletal features and tendency to laugh after each sentence can be unnerving. Also Lady in waiting to Liessa Varden (when in residence).
- Knight Commander Forge Thy Blade in the Body of an Enemy (Cmdr Forge)
Michaeline Church Knight in command of the church forces in novadom and the surrounding areas. Cmdr Forges main duties at the moment is in supplying the Alliance forces in the Frontiers. While very good at this job, Forge would prefer to be out in the field smiting the enemy and the fact that no love is lost between him and Engalton can make state occasions tense and potentially explosive affairs.
- Brother An Empty Mind breeds Heresy (Empty Mind)
Every organisation needs a 'face' man and for the Church forces this is filled by Empty Mind. A spectacularly handsome Michaeline knight with a keen mind and silver tongue he is often the Church Force's liason. Often accompanied by the Witchsniffer Pursuavant.
- The Witchsniffer Pursuavant
An appallingly ugly man and odd match to the angelic Empty Mind the Witchsniffer is a lay member of the Church and a namer of small skill. While not nasty was definitely behind the door when social niceties, personal grooming and looks were being handed out. The Witchsniffer is clever enough to let his companion do most of the talking.
- Lenny the Squid
A fence and well connected man in Novadom's developing underworld. Can trade goods for cash and may have a thing or two of use for a small fee or 'job'. While not the sharpest knife in the drawer lenny is definitely one of the shrewdest. His sobriquet is just an unfortunate choice of words. Honest.
- Brothers of the Searing Flame
A Samaelite chapter, the Black monks are very scary fellows indeed. Very helpful and quite a bit more understanding of mages than other factions, they nevertheless are not comfortable to be around. Of course a society of Fire Mages with odd rituals and secretive ways would make anyone nervous.
- The New Seagate Friendly Trading Company
An association of merchants and businessmen. Wealthy, connected and somewhat ruthless they seem to be doing very well and adventurers looking for mundane goods or a little extra cash would do well to look them up at their main warehouse in Nether street. Do not accept any offers of 'little old lady, one careful husband'.
- The Heretics
Impressed by the exploits of Sabrina and the obvious favour bestowed on her by the Aesir these former church knights have decided that they too should follow the 'Old Gods'. Based at a camp at the ford north of Novadom they patrol the area and keep it safe for travellers if not church knights. The church hierarchy has ordered the local forces to persuade them back to the fold but has met with little success (abysmal failure is a better term). On very good terms with adventurers and are able to help out with non fatal healing and smithing. Can be easily persuaded to go smack things round too.
- Pytor Theobald, the Harbour-master
Crime and Punishment
History
Once led by Prince Rainer. The delta and lower swamp has been settled since 781. A lightly populated area on the coast at the head of the River Mirimar that can be found south of Brastor Holdings. The small settlement of Novadom (which was founded by a fleet of 8 ships passengers and crew, that were searching for a new home) was abandoned in late 803 because of the Dark Circle. They have fled to Newhaven. In mid 806 Novadom city was captured by forces from Newhaven. Also assisting in the attack was a huge force of a few thousand Church Knights.
Novadom used to house the headquarters of the Gentlefolks Exploratory Society but they abandoned the area when the Dark Circle arrived.
In Summer 807WK, Duke Leto DeWinter granted two large sections of land to the Unified Western Church. The Church was gifted 5 million silver pennies by members of the Seagate Adventures Guild to establish and run two large Chapter Houses to support the locals as well as Church activities, teachings, in the areas of; Brastor Holdings and Novadom City. (GM: Jon McSpadden)
Scribe Notes
Some of the adventures and scribe notes involving this area:
- The Fate of Queen Aleksandra Summer 807WK
- Safely Underfoot Winter 807
- The Siege of Novadom Autumn 806
- Eclipse
- How to Win Friends
Older Scribe notes: here * Summer '91 - Do You Take This Frog * Spring '92 - Dwarves of Near NovaDom * Spring '93 - Romance in the South Seas * Spring '96 - Scroll of Himcules * Winter '97 - Eclipse
