Sikafor
| settlement name | duchy | district/province | type | population | founding year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sikafor | Kirvan | — | town | 56,234 | 4420 |
Sikafor lies on the northern edge of Maidenwood, on the banks of the Stony River.
It is a major centre along the Royal Road. Travellers regularly lay over for long periods. The town has many markets and traveller’s accommodations.
Many structures and keeps in Sikafor are melded with the trees of Maidenwood. The town is famous for its central square: all its structures are made from a single living tree. During the annual Festival of Whispers, the tree sprouts multi-coloured flowers, creating a splendid, psychedelic display.
A spectacular sight, unique to Sikafor, is the occasional visits of giants. Locals are used to their visits, but they always cause a stir amongst out-of-towners. The giants live in Maidenwood and accompany the Qidranians on their journeys. Centuries ago, the Qidranian high priest Jaecoby Bowman settled in Maidenwood and befriended the giants. The continued friendship with the giants is the legacy of Bowman’s life. When the high priest died of old age and was Eternally Rested, the giants built a memorial grave to him, deep in the forest, on the spot where they first encountered him. Today, Qidranians and even a few druids undertake pilgrimages to the site.
Sikafor is overseen by Baron Wulurich Alderan, a devoted Aadite. The Baron is an accomplished choralist and singer. He is the third-generation Alderan to rule the town.
Mayor Emilyan Shearer is the civic ruler of Sikafor. Master Sorcerer Valea Fields is responsible for security in the town and surrounds. The Sikafor Courthouse is benched by the Aadite Arch Priest Jordyn Shipman.
Plants and roots grown and gathered in secret places within the forest are used to produce beautiful dyes with a wide number of applications: food colouring, hair colouring, pigment for shading structures, and more. Other major export trade items are precious wood and livestock (goats, pigs, and rabbits).
A military force of 250 infantry and three sky helms are commanded by a Field Cornet; their keep guards the bridge over the Stony.
A focus of the town is the Grand Temple to Salaah, which enjoys the support of the baron and his people. Holiness Davyd Burg, Grand High Priest of Salaah, is an expert in alternate magics, monster lore and pharmacology.
Somewhere nearby, within Maidenwood, is a Grand Temple of Qidra. The Arch Priest of Qidra, Jaeden Cottonseed, is sometimes seen in town, usually accompanied by a giant.
The settlement is home to temples to Oohm, Razim, and Sahir. Ariella Salt oversees the Temple of Sahir; she is an expert archer. Lord Graysus Coppers is the defender of the Temple of Razim, and is said to be over 250 years old.
The Small Hall of the Guild of Dyers & Weavers is located in the town, and is managed by Warden Leonyrdo Dice.
The Guild of Wizards of Sikafor, headed by Master Lion Guimond, has an associated fane which is overseen by the Conjurer Mainnet Florivet, said to be a delicate young girl, who was once a wolf.
Two other major guilds in the town are the Guild of Merchants and the Guild of Music & Performers.
The mercenary group Smoke Claw is headquartered in the city. The mysterious hero known as Killblade is often seen in Sikafor and is known to frequent the fane of Razim although he is often in the company of an Aadite priest. The hunter and tracker Haenna Salt visits Sikafor from time to time.