Stjordvik

Stjordvik

Government
Monarchy
Organizations
Bruised But Not Broken, Sulla Arena, Strebor's Corsairs, Companions of Elric, Kasarian Embassy, Abjura Dolana, Order of Saint Rabban, Buel Vitta Society, Resa's Rest
Temples
Ancev, Olidammara, Osprem, Pholtus
Merchant Houses
Abraxis Combine, Bowman-Outersea Cereals & Commodities, House Ditta, House Revol, Thal Lithel, Thal Sivale.

The capital of the barony of Svinik in Sormark, it is also considered the unofficial capital of the entire nation. Perhaps due to its history or perhaps due to its trade, it is much more international than the other cities in the country. People from all over the world can be found here enjoying all the ‘Cool Cove’ has to offer.

As someone once remarked: “you can’t throw a lute here without hitting a bard.” The city is home to more musicians than any other city and they play not just in the inns and taverns but on most street corners as well. Be wary of impromptu games of ‘cock hopping’ breaking out; this local sport which was historically played with live poultry can get quite raucous.

Locations

Stjordvik’s districts are all quite distinct though most visitors avoid the poorer ones where ‘swamp folk’ live in their hovels. The most famous is the Miforan District. Located right on the coast the name is something of a misnomer as the architecture nor the culture is particularly Miforan. It is, however, home to more inns, taverns, clubs, and gambling dens than one could ever hope to visit.

Directly to the north is the Harbor District; it holds exactly what you’d expect: docks, warehouses and groghouses filled with rowdy sailors. Shopping is best done in the Forum District; there is little that cannot be acquired here. Make sure to visit the famous Caeles Emporium on Duvius Street.

Yarntown District is known for its verdant parks, theatres, and upscale bordellos. Cyamus District is a formerly poor residential district that has improved a lot during the latest economic boom. Fort Gunnlaeif District is home to most city services, scribes, and moneylenders.

Against the Grain

Sulla Arena’s local fight school and arena hold weekly fights for a prize purse and are always sell out affairs. Sormarkers are notoriously hard to train but the fact Sulla opened up business here speaks to their potential. The Hetman of the Arena is an Otteun of imposing stature known as Herr Galaktik.

The Bank

The city unfortunately has to deal with flooding much too often. But the worst of it was curtailed when a few centuries ago an artificial sandbank was constructed right in front of the town, built in part through forced labor by criminals. These days the upkeep is mostly done by a respectable dwarven firm of engineers and wizards.

The Bright Hold

This white stone temple of Pholtus on the edge of the Miforan District is also home to a chapter of the Order of Saint Rabban. This has led to quite a few clashes with the neighbors, as not every Sormarker is a werewolf. It is fair to say the order is more appreciated in the rest of the country where they often battle actual lycanthropes, hags, and other monsters.

Fort Gunnlaeif

The fortress is built on a hillock at the southeastern edge of the city and is the ancestral home of the ruling baron. Teresa did some research and found out a few things: The current fort was built by the Miforans when they conquered Sormark. It was partly destroyed and rebuilt when they left. It was built atop ancient ruins that were considered cursed by the locals. A number of Miforan mages and local workmen died during construction.

The House of the Awakened

The newly revealed deity Ancev found much of a following under the enthusiastic guidance of Malu Kah, a mysterious figure who has long made the city their home. A former weaver's workshop in the Forum District was quickly converted and now offers daily services to the congregation.

Norbana’s

The city’s most laurelled restaurant, art gallery, and the Buel Vitta Society’s local chapterhouse is a feast for the senses. Dining doesn’t get any finer with a menu that changes weekly (or even more often!) and seating among some of the most exceptional art the region has to offer.

The Pearl

One of Resa's Rest’s most famous brothels is located on Viator Avenue in Yarntown. They pride themselves on being able to cater to every customer’s whim and it’s very rare for one not to leave satisfied.

Relatus Playhouse

While the city might be famous for its music that doesn’t mean the stage goes unloved here. Known for more experimental plays, what we can safely say is that whatever else, the musical accompaniment will be great.

Silverwick Ward

A small ward founded by old veterans and retired medics. They are independent and offer help to those who can't afford it. They took in a number of casualties of the Roadhouse incident. Because they are independent they rely on donations and whatever their patients can afford.

Sunrise Tavern

While there’s nothing wrong with the drinks at this establishment it is most well-known for the quality of the music that is played here. Some of the best bards to ever walk these lands have graced their stage, any visit might be the discovery of new talent. They have a (mostly) friendly rivalry with the Estate Taproom just a few blocks away. Both are more than worth a visit.

Notable People

• Raknar the Crayman (baron)
• Morten Strand (captain of the city watch)
• Ildool Illeon (wizard, magister of Abjura Dolana)
• Uni Atlisson (wizard, dean of Spell Academy)
• Roywyn Meadeeze (gnome sage, nature)
• Crandan Othnull (sage, Sarodin Sea)
• Ulwen Amakiir (half-elf, master musician)

Man falls from three story building, goes back for more. During a late-night festival in Stjordvik’s famous Miforan District many of the visitors witnessed a man balancing on the edge of the roof of the Galenus Inn before falling from it, hitting a balcony on the way down before landing on the street. He then got up, dusted himself off and returned back inside. According to onlookers the man was ‘nine sheets to the wind’ and mumbled something about ‘wanting to try that once more’. He was not observed on the roof again, however. Staff at establishment would only comment the man accessed a part of the premises not open to guests. - Excerpt from an article in the Midtal Reformer