Lakehaven

Lakehaven is a city in northern Valouria, on the southern shores of the Inner Sea, with a good portion of the city actually spilling over the water atop large wooden piers.

History


Lakehaven is one of the larger settlements in Valouria, but because of its location in the north, it is much younger than the settlements in the south. It was not settled until 760, in the years after manifest destiny gripped Valouria and King Raymond Lasko authorized settlers to expand the nation. The city itself was founded by members of the Red Company, a mercenary company that fought off pirates on the shores of the Inner Sea on the site of where the city would grow, giving rise to Lakehaven’s three great noble families: House Redshield, House Redbow, and House Redrose.

Because of its location on the shores of the Inner Sea and near the Blue River, the settlement quickly grew. After emissaries from Valouria crossed the Inner Sea and established diplomatic relations with the Hedgelands, the city grew even faster. While the rampant growth turned the city into an economic powerhouse, periodic tragedies befell it, such as the Spotted Plague of 960 and the great harbor fire of 1033.

Following the Great Harbor Fire of 1033, House Redbow rose to become the unquestioned powerbrokers in the city. In the years that followed, crime began rising in the city and the Redbows were instrumental in stopping it- though many claim that the leaders of the house were corrupt and brokered deals with criminals and underworld organizations to simply offer a façade of security rather than actually clean up.

Because of its location, Lakehaven was the major hub of activity the Ironwood War. Much closer to the Valourian-Parleran border than Sandpiper’s Bluff, King Branden Lasko actually temporarily moved to the city during the conflict to better monitor the situation. This was, once again, a major coup for House Redbow, whose legitimacy as powerbrokers in the city was now directly supported by the royal family.

The Garrison Treaty of 1046 was signed in Lakehaven, and as such, the Garrison States can be said to have been born there. 

Life and Society
Located on Valuria’s border with the Hedgelands, Lakehaven is a bustling center of commerce. Fishermen fish the Inner Sea and their catches are floated down the Blue River to the southern reaches of the country, while merchants from the south navigate up the river to sell their wares to Hedgelanders who cross the sea to trade.

Because the underworld in the city is so powerful and reaches into so many businesses and industries, many consider the people of Lakehaven to be untrustworthy and dishonest. While in most cases this is not true, there is some truth to the idea that greasing palms is a much more effective way to get things done in the city than it is in other places.

Major Geographic Features
Lakehaven is split into four informal districts: the Planks, the Trade Ward, the Diamond District, and the Outer City.

The northern edge of the city is known as the Planks, built partially on the waters of the Inner Sea. The area has developed into the city's business and industrial hub, with taverns, fisheries, docks, and other businesses. Buildings in the area are all wooden, giving the area a somewhat ramshackle look in places where upkeep is not a priority. It is generally seen as a rough-and-tumble area, and during the day, members of the city guard can regularly be found on patrol to keep the peace.

The central district of the city is known as the Trade Ward. It is main shopping district of the city and home to many of the city's guildhalls. The Trade Ward is well constructed and well patrolled. The streets are lined with cobblestone, and buildings are generally rows of well-maintained stone and wood buildings.

The Diamond District is home to the richest families. Redbow Estate, the home of House Redbow, can be found here, as well as the homes of the other noble families that make their residence in the city. In addition, a handful of the city’s guildhalls and businesses can be found in the Diamond District. The area is always well patrolled by the city guard and the general riff-raff from the Outer City, Trade Ward, and Planks are generally kept out.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Outer City is home to the majority of the city’s population. Only the main thoroughfares of the Outer City are paved with cobblestones; most alleyways are simply well-packed dirt roads.

<p class="MsoNormal">Because the city is built on- or in some cases, over- the shores of the Inner Sea, Lakehaven has an extensive sewer system beneath its streets to deal with overflow from the lake when rains raise its water level are high. When the water level rises, the sewers fill, but during dry times, the tunnels are empty- though very dingy and dirty. The sewer systems are most extensive in the Trade Ward and Diamond District; the Planks and Outer City have sewer systems, but only in certain sections, such as beneath main thoroughfares and in necessary spots prone to flooding.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">

Important Sites
<p class="MsoNormal">Redbow Estate

<p class="MsoNormal">The seat of power of House Redbow, and thus, Lakehaven itself, the Redbow Estate is located in the city’s Diamond District. An imposing structure made of stone and marble, the estate is protected by large stone walls, a garrison of city guards right outside of the estate, and the Redbow’s personal militiamen, who maintain a presence within its walls.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Seatower

<p class="MsoNormal">The Seatower is a lighthouse located just outside the city of Lakehaven, in the Inner Sea. Built shortly after the Great Harbor Fire of 1033, the Seatower was erected on an artificial island near the city to guide incoming vessels to the city and help them avoid the nearby Ship Graveyard. The position of lighthouse keeper is considered a prestigious position, and has been held by a Redbow since the light was constructed.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Ship Graveyard

<p class="MsoNormal">The Ship Graveyard was created during the Great Harbor Fire of 1033, when the old docks on the shores of the Inner Sea burned down. In addition to the docks, all ships moored to them and buildings built on them were destroyed in the flames. Rather than tear everything down and rebuild, the leaders of Lakehaven opted to rebuild the dock district elsewhere. Intentionally and unintentionally, other ships began getting run around in the vicinity, turning the area into a nautical hazard that necessitated the Seatower to prevent further accidents. Over the years, the shifting landscape of the ruins has born a thriving criminal underground.

Major Organizations
House Redbow

Shadow Knives