Esterkeep
| settlement name | duchy | district/province | type | population | founding year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Esterkeep | Barban | Royal District of Kova | village | 3,000 | 4614 |
Esterkeep is a large community in northern Barban, near Michaelwood. It is located along the Royal Road, and is the last port of call for many days for travellers heading to Daern. Conversely, travelling from Daern to Barban, Esterkeep is the first settlement encountered. Because of this strategic location, Esterkeep has a disproportionally large number of stables, inns, hostelries, etc.
The village is managed by council elder Jordyn Shears. Mayor Shears (an astrologer) and first councillor Maximus Stitches (both an expert in mathematics and the visual arts). Notable locals include Braendyn Potts, a harp maker, and Aemy Bowman, a gifted glazier.
Two formidable structures dominate Esterkeep: a High Temple to Qidra, and Ester Keep Castle.
The High Temple was established in 4372, as a contact point between the Qidranians and the Druids, particularly those in Michaelwood. A slow trickle of settlers made their home around the temple, and the village was born.
Later, the impressive Ester Keep Castle was built, by Viscount Abelus Lain. It marks the northern approach to the village. Many of the builders and artificers who worked on the castle eventually settled in Esterkeep. With the presence of both a temple and a castle, Esterkeep was soon experiencing an influx of new residents.
The castle is still in the Lain family today. Lord Kevyn Lain, oldest son of Viscount Yago Lain, holds court here. With Lady Lain and their retinue (see below) the small settlement enjoys a rather upmarket lifestyle, considering its remote location. Lord Lain supervises the specialist production of daggers (and sometimes short swords) and bracers (for archers and blade singers).
Ester Keep is also home to Sir Aaryn Waterman (ranger lord), Lord Mythro Saltman (Master, Guild of Professionals), Lady Aendrea Needleworth (great merchant), Leah Barleywine (great alchemist), Chloe Coppers (artist), and Talya Felterman (guild steward).
The High Temple also flourishes today. The Qidranains maintain a strong presence here, and Esterkeep is an active centre of worship, capably managed by Grand High Priest Caerlotta Shell. The temple’s lower levels extend deep into the earth, to the underground source of the river that flows through the village.
Esterkeep is the judicial capital of this district, overseen by Right Honourable Judge Gayel Reel.
A noted adventurer, Ix the Magus, has a triple-towered home in Esterkeep, although he is rarely seen about town or at the regular social events held by Lord and Lady Lain.
Travelling north along the Royal Road, Esterkeep is the last settlement a traveller will encounter until Blackwinter is reached, two weeks later. From Esterkeep, the Road passes through Michaelwood, then turns west through the Barobur Mountains, passes briefly through the Great Forest of Harl, and then descends into the plains of Daern.