Elderholm

The fortified settlement of Elderholm has been constructed on a small island just off the Blackcoast Isle, just southeast of Vanadis. The town is connected to the island by a narrow causeway that is only traversable during low tide. The Pilgrim Knights have built a monastery here, and eventually the town was fortified into the stronghold it is today.

The Elderholm coat of arms is a field divided horizontally blue and black with a golden sun. The field evokes the sky and black volcanic soil that characterizes the island. Banners with the coat of arms hang from the gatehouses and towers of the town.

The Blackcoast Isle

Blackcoast Isle is named for its signature black volcanic soil, spewed out from the volcano in the middle of it. The volcano erupts occasionally, making permanent settlements on the island a risky proposition, despite the very rich soil. The island is none-the-less in a very strategically important position for the defense of Vanadis.

Landmarks

Almost all buildings are made from black volcanic stones taken from the adjoining island and hewn into shape. A sea-wall surrounds the island, which slopes upward towards the monastery in its center.

Below the surface, a maze-like network of catacombs provide a quick way of getting around the island, if one knows how to navigate them. Most catacomb entrances are guarded or locked, but the network sprawls deep and far, with many hidden entrances. The monastery have several facilities in the catacombs that the monks use for storage, study and sleep.

Blackwatch Monastery

In the center of the island, on a steep hill, lies the Blackwatch Monastery, which dominates the island when seen from afar. Monks are trained here in the Way of Mercy for service as Charitors of the Pilgrim Knights. The way of mercy focuses on understanding the body in order to manipulate its life energies, in both positive and negative ways. The monastery also trains clerics of the Light Domain. The mercy monks trained here wear a navy blue robe, and a layered blue-and-white habit that covers their hair.

The monastery was a seat of the Pilgrims long before they acquired the rest of Vanadis. Its founder and first abbess was Sigrid Goldenmane, a dwarf monk who was one of the first recruits to the Pilgrim Knights at its founding. She is buried under the altar in the central chantry, along with all the other abbesses that have been in charge here.

The monastery is a sprawling complex of buildings, temples and alchemical gardens. Those who live in the town come here for Charitor services, which are freely given.

The central hub of the monastery is the Chantry of Charity, whose large circular amber-and-stained-glass window are famous. On the equinoxes, the sunrise refracts and lights up the entire chapel with an unreplicable orange glow. The chantry has a tall tower with a spire in the shape of a large sun. This is the islands highest point, and the spire is a point of navigation for sailors.

Abbess Leah Whiteridge

(human mercy monk, LN, 41): The abbess of the monastery, and Healer of the Charitors. She leads the ceremonies at the main temple during special occasions, such as during solstice or equinox.

Mageblood Tower

Over a low stone bridge by the water's edge on the south side of Elderholm lies a lone, slender tower that tapers as it rises above the waves. This is the home and laboratory of Marietta Mageblood, a powerful wizard. The Pilgrim Knights have long tried to recruit Marietta to their cause, but she keeps rebuffing their advances. She has long been working on some project relating to the volcano, but keeps her research secret.

Marietta Mageblood

(half-elf wizard, TN, 127): A very powerful transmuter who most of all desired a child. Utilizing high-level magic, she made herself pregnant and birthed her daughter, Jenny. Marietta is extremely protective of her daughter, despite Jenny being an able magic-user herself.

Amberpicker's Respite Inn

Modest inn

Elderholm does not get many visitors, but those who come can stay at the Amberpicker's Respite. It is run by the charitors and serves hearty stews for those who have spent a long day on the Blackcoast Isle's wind-pined beaches.

Disciple Silynna nan Vanadis

(elf, NG): The proprietor of the inn. She is a motherly figure who makes sure everyone feels cared for and are well fed.

Harbor

A small harbor provides access by sea to Elderholm, mostly ferrying people to and from Solstice. Occasionally, a trader might also dock here.

Althea Southtide

(human, LG, 49): Seeker of the Pilgrim Knights who serves as Harbormaster. She keeps track of ships coming and going, and levies a tax on non-Pilgrim ships docking here.

Defenses

A 15-foot sea-wall spans the entire island and the causeway is guarded by a gatehouse with a heavy portcullis. A large force of Spears protect the city.

Resources and Trade

The shores of Blackcoast Isle is a rich source of amber. Every day at low tide, many amber foragers go out and search the beaches for the orange stones before coming back when the tides are low again. A good amber-picker covers a vast distance in a day, and could come back nothing or a stone worth several month's salary for an unskilled laborer.

While the land is too rocky to farm, it is well suited to husbandry. Some shepherds live full time on the island, only coming to Elderholm to trade meat and wool. They live in constant fear of the volcano erupting, at which point they must make for Elderholm as fast as they can. During volcano eruptions, the town is packed full with livestock that otherwise grazes on the island.

The rapids that flow from the central volcano are also rich in silphium, a valuable spice herb. Elderholm silphium is considered some of the best there is. Fire Laurel also grows on the slopes of the volcano, occasionally causing a small forest fire.

Adonvar Nilisnetirel

(elven artificer, LN, 159): Master jeweler who makes intricate pieces using the finest amber harvested from the surrounding shores. Makes both enchanted and mundane jewelry, which he sells. His workshop is near the causeway, and he lives on top of it with his wife.

Amos Duskpetal

(halfling gloomstalker ranger, CN, 42): Regarded by many as the best amberpicker in town. He works alone in order to not disclose his methods, which is to fly over the beaches using a Cloak of the Bat.

Leah Northshaw

(human, NG, 24): Herbalist who forages the hills of the Blackcoast Isle for silphium and other rare herbs that thrive in the rich volcanic soil.