Vebronia – Eye of the North

A final gleaming bastion of civilization, the sprawling city of Verbronia guards ever watchful the vast frontier. Its splendor and role as first guard against barbarian envasion and the more feared emminent invasion by the forces of the Demon Lord has earned it the nickname, The Eye of the North.

Despite its location on the edge of civilization, the capital city of the Kingdom of Eirbron shelters more of the fruits of culture than many like sized cities more centrally located. In addition to its status as the seat of government to a powerful and expanding colonial power, Verbronia also distinguishes itself as the home of the high temple of Lilnana. Merrik the Ard Righ not only rules Eirbron but heads the church of Lilnana as patriarch.

The incessant clamor of hammer striking anvil and watchman announcing the arrival of a new ship to port are the most common sounds heard in Verbronia. The city boasts the finest armoures and weaponsmiths in all the civilized West. Ships of all nations call at this port, the last major stopping point on the Great North Coast.

Temples to all the major dieties and many minor divine beings are represented in Verbronia, the noteable exception - there are no temples erected to evil dieties. The life of many Verbronians revolves around reverence and duty to some god or goddess. Some of the larger temples include: Lilnana (five temples), Erus, St. Hubert, St. Cuthbert, the Sea Gods, Solus, Isla, Thirna, Freshis, Ferro (two temples), and Fharlangn.

Nearly 60,000 people live in Verbronia year round. In the summer and during the feasts of High Winter this number swells to nearly 100,000. Most of the population consists of Arrakian and Juads humans. The largest group of demi-humans living within the city are the gnomes who live mostly in the merchant quarter. Some dwarves and halflings dwell in Verbronia, not more than 500 of each. Elves and humanoids are very rare.

The city feels safe. Very little open criminal activity is apparent, but an active thieves guild does exist and carrys on a profitable business, albeit discretely.

Points of Interest:

Crystal Palace - The palace of the Ard Righ reigns in splendor atop Mount Arnoth overlooking the spires and roadways of the city. Ornate carvings decorate the parapets and buildings of the palace covering the royal buildings in an inspiring Baroque style. The gates of the palace open into a large parade field and barraks for many of the royal troops. The main palace has over 150 rooms and serves as a fortress in itself.

Gate Square - The gate square has traditionally served as a meeting place for the citizenery. All forms of debate, protest and praise are tolerated here, even words that might otherwise be considered treason. Many of the city's more radical citizens spend their day preaching unpopular politics or debating philosophical issues in the Gate Square.

A fountain lit by permanent faerie fire shares the square with the free speaking citizenery. It features Lord Jaram Arnoth I, first king of Eirbron, holding the head of a large serpant in one hand a blood streaked sword raised high over his head in the other. Four singing cherubs surrond him.

The Golden Eagle Hotel - The wealthy traveler could not ask to stay in a more luxiorious place than the Golden Eagle. No other hotel in the city even comes close to the grandeur for sale here. The hotel's motto, "Like home or a far cry better," sums up the type of service to be expected.

The 32 royal suites in the hotel run 250 gp per night. Meals cost about 35 gp without drinks.

Tax Office - Several tax offices are scattered throughout the more appropriate areas of the city, including one at each gate. All visiting foreigners are required to purchase a city pass if planning to spend the night in the city. The cost is 1 sp and it remains in force for one month. The penalty for not having this pass is a 10 gp fine. Trade items imported into the city are taxed one percent of their total value with the exception of arms and armor which are taxed 20 percent. A ten percent adventurers' treasure tax will also be charged on all treasure brought into the city gained through explorations of ruins or other such activities. Adventuring companies may also purchase royal charters for adventuring for the price of 1,000 gp at any tax office.

Bellman's Guild - The Bellman's Guild seves the city as a center for translation and scribing and as a messenger service. Messages can be sent within the city for 1 gp.