Staven
| settlement name | duchy | district/province | type | population | founding year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staven § | Barban | First Province of Razim | town | 110,000 | 4253 |
Staven is a Royal City, located mid-way between Camfor and Azerel, at the western end of Progul Sound, in a naturally sheltered harbour. It is the naval headquarters of Kalderesh, and also home to the Royal Fleet.
Staven is laid out along a long stretch of the coast, mirrored in the ocean by a complex of sea walls, docks, and other waterfront structures. Elite homes and buildings occupy a sea-side cliff looking down on the harbour.
Staven harbour is divided into three broad regions. There is a civilian harbour, Raven’s Hope, which is capable of handling deep-sea vessels but is optimized for short-range ships and coast-hugging fishing boats. The military harbour, Razor’s Promise, houses three-quarters of the Kalderani fleet, and has a large construction dockyard attached. Finally, the royal dockyards, Red Dawn, houses the Royal fleet as well as the specialist dockyards for constructing ships of the royal line.
The large civilian fishing fleet of Raven’s Hope is controlled by Goshwa Wooden; fish processing and preservation is also under his control. Staven is known for the production of special equipment, mostly related to maritime and military pursuits.
As a strategic military key point, Staven is home to some of the highest-ranking military officers in the realm (see below). Beyond the military significance, however, is Staven’s status as a Royal City.
The city is home to Her Royal Highness Lady Caemila, the King’s niece. She is a devout Saar and an accomplished magic user, with a particular fondness for, and deep knowledge of, animals. She resides in Aalart House in the royal district. Her Highness organizes an annual celebration in honour of her uncle, commemorating the day, according to family tradition, on which he commanded his first ocean-going vessel: a three-man raft he built as a small child and attempted to sail to Cape Striggula. Fortunately, the city patrol noticed his nocturnal high-jinks and he was returned home safely.
The highest-ranking civil authority in Staven is Aedyn Slaughter, Earl of Staven, who administers the First Province of Razim. The Earl’s compound also hosts the meeting hall of the local government (see below).
The most senior military authority stationed in the city is Lord Admiral Josayah Emerick, commander of the Kalderesh naval forces. His extensive military entourage includes Commodore Haesoe Tiller (Order of the Oak), Commodore Gaeus Tate (Knights of the Moon), Combat General Gael Felterman (Order of the Vulture) and Field Cornet Naethyn Greentree (Division Five).
Outside of the Royal and Naval compounds, the city is smoothly run by Lord Mayor Bastyen Wheatley, assisted by the Small Council consisting of Grand Enchanter Mythro Fryman (Health), Grand Wizard Eva Sails (Hall of Records), Senior Sorcerer Haenna Brickhouse (Hospitals), and Supreme Wizard Claira Star (Infrastructure).
Staven is home to the gifted blacksmith David Foxfire, known throughout Kalderesh as the most skilled metal worker. Both sages and handworkers are eager for his council, which he freely shares.
Maintenance and construction of ships is a core function of Staven, and shipwrights and affiliated craftsmen thrive here. In fact, Staven’s activity cycle is regulated by naval tradition. There are large construction docks, dry docks, as well as slipways for beachside manufacturing. Lumber is transported from the Forest of Kova and stored in big timber yards in the harbour district. Royal ships and boats are made exclusively from timber harvested in the Grey Forest, and stored and processed separately.
The Wizard’s Guild, which naturally focusses on maritime magic, is led by Guild Master Aebria Piemaker; the daily running is managed by Grand Enchanter Valentyna Coates. From time to time Archmage Gwyllem Overland is in residence in the Guild. The Grand Arcane Wyaett Starr, one of the most powerful mages in the realm, has a private school in the city, and cooperates closely with HRH Lady Caemila. Mygwell Ax, Holder of the Staff of Light, is based in Staven. The Grand Enchanter and adept mentalist Kaevin Vista is originally from Staven and has returned home.
A massive Grand High Temple of Razim, overseen by Patriarch Maelya Shelley, is located on the coast overlooking the spacious harbour and dockyard. Famous supporters include Lords Aryell Parks and Oscoe Panning. All patrons of the Temple wear a red tunic decorated with patterns of swords and sails.
There are three Temples in Staven – to Sahir, D’Aad, and Qidra – and over 150 other holy sites throughout the city.
Numerous guilds are well-represented in the city. Staven is home to two Great Halls: that of the Royal Guilde of Mariners (Master Anglo Wahl, Steward Alaen Thredd) and the Guild of Fishmongers (Master Gaevyn Hightower, Steward Goshwa Wooden).
Other guilds that have major influence are the Royal Guilde of Map Makers & Surveyors (Warden Arya Panning), Guild of Clerks & Scribes (Warden Santegus Grills), Guild of Wood Workers (Warden Masyn Shipman), and the Guild of Dyers & Weavers (Warden Haesus Seams).
Notable residents include the sage Ami Spicer (fields of expertise: chemistry, astronomy, trees), the gladiator Astinus Neepland, Grand Wizard Geroden, and Archmage Gwyllem Overland.
Isolated some distance from Staven is the Monastery of Razim.