Brastlewark

Brastlewark

(City)

Nation

Cheliax

Region

Archduchy of Sirmium

Size

Large town

Population

3,500

Demographics

3,450 Gnomes, 50 other

Government

Overlord

Alignment

Chaotic neutral

Ruler

King Thornfiddle

Images of Brastlewark

Source: Cheliax, The Infernal Empire, pg(s). 13-14

Brastlewark is an almost exclusively gnomish city in eastern Cheliax, located on the western edge of the Aspodell Mountains, at the head of the Brastle River. It is believed to be the largest gnome settlement in the Inner Sea region, perhaps even in the entire world.

Inhabitants

The city has a proportionately large population of bards, wizards, alchemists and artists, and the gnomish need for new experiences guarantees that the look of Brastlewark undergoes constant modification. House Thrune tolerates these architectural changes, although it is rumoured that Chelaxian agents are sent routinely to measure modifications to the town and discover how much influence foreign enemies (specifically Andoran) have exerted over the area. Because of this focus on design and architecture, Brastlewark's architects and engineers are particularly well-known, and often possess a distinct ability to incorporate disparate elements into innovative new designs.

Geography

Brastlewark is easily one of the most architecturally idiosyncratic and unusual settlements in otherwise dour Cheliax. It is a confusing hodge-podge of various styles and design concepts with its crooked streets, unexpected dead ends, and outlandishly shaped public parks. Most of the buildings look like they are on the verge of collapse, with clashing additional floors and annexes stacked next to and on top of one another, but most are actually quite structurally sound. A few times a year, however, an ambitious gnome hoping to outclass his neighbors in building height or extravagance, pushes the boundaries too far, and causes his and neighboring structures to come crashing down.

Defenses

The city provides one of Cheliax's first defenses against any aggression from the east. It is located on the northern edge of the only easy land route between Cheliax and Andoran. To help better protect their country, the gnomes of Brastlewark are helping to build a wall between the Aspodells down to Aspo Bay, the so-called Aspodean Wall.

Commerce

Brastlewark is known as a center of design and industry, focusing specifically on the creation of alchemical items and material spell components, and clockwork. The creation and procurement of spell components is a particular focus of the city's residents, and its traders export them all over Avistan and Garund.

Government

The city is governed by the self-proclaimed King Drum Thornfiddle, who is an open vassal of Queen Abrogail II.