Stormhold

Once a military outpost built during the Age of Expansion, Stormhold has grown into a formidable city perched atop towering mountain peaks. It serves as both a center of military strength and a hub for trade between the eastern and western realms of Arion. Stormhold’s strategic importance has made it the subject of numerous battles throughout history, with its most notable defender being General Caldar Stormwatch, who became a legendary figure after leading the city during the Elemental Wars.

Stormhold is also home to The Forge of the Tempest, a legendary smithy known for producing some of the most powerful magical weapons and armor in the world. The smiths of The Forge are considered the finest in the land, and their craftsmanship is sought after by warriors, kings, and adventurers alike.

Current Struggles

• Siege of Stormhold: Multiple factions have surrounded the city, drawn by rumors that a fragment of the Aegis Veil lies hidden within Stormhold’s walls. Cults, mercenaries, and rogue armies batter the city’s defenses, leaving the once-impregnable fortress on the brink of collapse. Despite the city’s powerful military, the relentless attacks have put a strain on Stormhold's resources.

• Noble Power Struggles: The noble families that govern Stormhold are locked in bitter conflict over control of the city. Some seek to profit by selling the Aegis Veil fragment to the highest bidder, while others, driven by honor and duty, are determined to defend the city at all costs. The internal division has weakened the city’s defense, making it vulnerable to outside forces.

• Supplies Running Low: The ongoing siege has cut off all supply lines to Stormhold, leaving its people starving and desperate. The military has imposed strict rationing, but the black market thrives as merchants exploit the city's suffering. Tensions are rising between the city's civilian population and its military leadership, threatening to plunge Stormhold into chaos from within.

Important Figures

1. General Caldar Stormwatch – The Hero of the Elemental Wars

   • General Caldar Stormwatch is a legendary figure whose leadership during the Elemental Wars saved Arion from annihilation. Though long dead, his legacy lives on in the hearts of Stormhold’s people, and his descendants still hold positions of power within the city. Caldar’s strategies and tactics are studied by Stormhold’s military, and his name is invoked in times of crisis to inspire courage.

2. Lady Eveline Stormwatch – Leader of the Stormwatch Family

   • A direct descendant of General Caldar, Lady Eveline is fiercely committed to defending Stormhold. She believes that the fragment of the Aegis Veil must be protected at all costs and opposes any efforts to sell it.

   • Eveline commands the loyalty of much of Stormhold’s military, and her influence is considerable. However, her unyielding stance has made her enemies among the other noble families, who view her as an obstacle to peace and profit.

3. Lord Cassian Vaelor – Noble of the Vaelor Family

   • Lord Cassian represents the Vaelor family, a powerful noble house with vast mercantile interests.

   • He believes the fragment of the Aegis Veil is too dangerous to remain in Stormhold and seeks to sell it to one of the highest bidders in order to save the city and line his family’s coffers.

   • Cassian is a pragmatic and cunning diplomat, always seeking to strengthen his own position, even at the expense of others.

4. Master Tovek Ironbrand – Head Smith of The Forge of the Tempest

   • Master Tovek is a master blacksmith and the head of The Forge of the Tempest, where the greatest magical weapons are forged.

   • Tovek is a grizzled veteran of many wars, and his loyalty lies with the city and its people. He works tirelessly to outfit Stormhold’s soldiers with the best gear possible, but even he fears that the siege may be too much for the city to withstand.

Factions of Stormhold

1. The Stormwatch Family (Defenders of Tradition)

   • The Stormwatch family, descended from General Caldar, believes in upholding Stormhold’s ancient traditions of honor and defense.

   • They are the staunchest defenders of the Aegis Veil fragment, believing that it must be protected at all costs. Their soldiers are the backbone of Stormhold’s military, and they are fiercely loyal to Lady Eveline.

2. The Vaelor Family (Merchants and Power Seekers)

   • The Vaelor family controls much of Stormhold’s trade and merchant networks. They are pragmatic and believe that Stormhold’s survival depends on selling the fragment to the highest bidder.

   • Led by Lord Cassian, the Vaelor family has many connections within the city’s merchant and black market circles, and they are not above using underhanded tactics to achieve their goals.

3. The Forge of the Tempest (Master Smiths)

   • The Forge is one of Stormhold’s greatest assets, renowned for producing legendary magical weapons and armor.

   • Led by Master Tovek Ironbrand, the smiths of the Forge are loyal to the city but are growing increasingly concerned about the city’s dwindling resources. They have begun to secretly barter weapons in exchange for food and supplies, operating in the shadows to ensure Stormhold's survival.

4. The Blackveil Cult (Rogue Magic Users)

   • A shadowy group of mages who believe the fragment of the Aegis Veil holds immense, untapped power.

   • The Blackveil Cult seeks to claim the fragment for themselves, using forbidden magic to break Stormhold’s defenses from within.

   • They have infiltrated various noble houses and military units, sowing discord and chaos as they work towards their ultimate goal of seizing the fragment.

Notable Locations

1. The Grand Citadel: The heart of Stormhold’s military power, the Grand Citadel is an imposing fortress that has withstood countless sieges. It serves as the command center for the city’s defenses and is also the residence of Lady Eveline Stormwatch.

2. The Forge of the Tempest: A legendary smithy known for crafting magical weapons and armor. The Forge is a source of pride for Stormhold and one of its most important assets in times of war. Only the most skilled smiths are allowed to work here, and their creations are highly sought after across Arion.

3. The Veiled Vault: A secret chamber deep within the city, rumored to house the fragment of the Aegis Veil. Few know its exact location, and even fewer have access to its inner sanctum. Guarded by powerful magic and the city’s most elite warriors, it is the target of many factions.