Keserel

settlement name	duchy	district/province	type	population	founding year
Keserel	Kirvan	—	town	27,098	4457

The symbol of Salaah at the entrance to a newly-completed shrine in Keserel.

An early sketch of Keserel, showing the old part of the settlement built on the plateau.

Keserel is a beautiful city on a high-altitude plateau in the Black Saw Mountains. It lies in a gap between the peaks, giving access to the east to the coast, and west to the farmlands and Big Valley beyond.

The city is built partially on a plateau and up into the soaring cliffs. It is noted for the detailed murals depicting the history of Kalderesh. It is also the hometown of the mysterious Sharp Mask, the best archer in the realm.

Keserel is the mountainous strong-hold of Baron Aldun Droart, a peer of the realm. Lord Droart is a dedicated servant of Salaah, and manages the extensive mines, which are the main source of wealth for the region. Much of the actual mining is carried out in deep mines at Nomden and Shadowcastle.

Major export trade items are general equipment and armour, as well as pottery and some textiles. Ellya Stairs is the Guild Master of the Guild of Forgers & Smiths.

Within the city is a temple to D’Aad, while outside, perched on a jagged peak, is a temple to Qidra.

The gifted scholar Master Elyas Pynes runs the Small Hall of the Guild of Scholastics. The Hall’s primary function is to maintain the historic murals, and act as a research centre for Kalderani history and lore.

Several mercenary companies operate from within Keserel, the most famous being The Group of Seven, headed by the flamboyant swordsman Gabrael Oars. The Order of the Blue Harp is represented by John and Gwenfir Grimm; their chapter house stands at the southern entrance to the settlement.

A small military contingent is stationed in the city, the headquarters of which has a Razimite fane. Lord Robett Bayes, a noted warrior and high priest, is the patron of the fane.

Other prominent citizens include the gifted jeweller Oscoe Byrch and the independent scholar Conjurer Evyn Gardner.

Black Eagle Peak, some 10 km away, is believed to be a favourite breeding point of hippogriffs. From time to time, sky helms are seen in the area.

An ancient ruined castle stands 4 km outside the city. It was built, and abandoned, before Keserel was founded.