Grundlewood

The city of Grundlewood is one of the major population centers on the western continent. It's primarily known for its affluence and for the production of magical items. Due to its location above a source of magical energy, it has been a hotspot of conflict and intrigue for centuries.

Grundlewood is a city that has seen a large number of turnovers. It has been attacked by warring neighbors, invaded by swarms of animals, eaten alive by zombies, demented by demons, burned down, blown up, torn to shreds, consumed by darkness, and flooded.

Everytime, though, the city rebuilds. No matter what.

The people there are resilient. They are used to tragedy, that thrive on it. The only thing that keeps Grundlewood going is the idea that maybe, this time, it won't be destroyed.

It is a place of high adventure.

-Alastor Quintos, An Annotated History of the Realm

Geography

Grundlewood lies in the center of what is generally considered to be the "civilized" area of the western continent. The kingdom of Albright lies to the north, Dredhaven to the south, and Grundleport to the east.

The city was built on a hill, with plains and small hills surrounding it. This provides the city and its inhabitants with a clear view of any invasion force or marauding beast. At the same time, it has little to no geographical benefit that could add to its defense besides its slight elevation. This makes sieging the city relatively simple and is a common strategy for an attacking army.

An elaborate and vast system of catacombs has been formed from the bedrock beneath the city. Natural tunnels that previously existed were incorporated into the system during its creation. Additional tunnels have been found in the years hence.

Structure

After being partially destroyed by goblins under the command of Caltor, the wealthiest merchants in Grundlewood commissioned a team of Dwarven architects to rebuild and renovate the city. Its walls and most of its building are carved from stone, making the city less susceptible to fire and most conventional forms of attack. The outer walls stand over one hundred feet high, which gives the city a degree of safety from most known creatures.

A complex series of crypts and tunnels exists beneath the city and can be accessed from a number of different areas. A number of great heroes have been laid to rest within the crypts. This has led to a large number of graverobbing attempts. Unfortunately for would-be robbers, a number of foul creatures lurk the crypts. Many of them never return. Wizards and other magic users have made ventures into the crypt system in order to learn more of the energy source beneath the city, but these groups either disappear or turn back when the journey becomes too dangerous.

Politics

Unlike most of the locations in the realm, Grundlewood is a democracy, led by a popularly elected mayor. Until recently, the mayor was Lina Silverbrook. After her murder by Caltor, the position is currently unfilled.

Grundlewood is on good terms with most of the cities and kingdoms in the realm, due to its prominence as the main supplier for magical items. Grundlewood's closest relationship is with Albright. In exchange for money, manufactured goods, and the occasional enchanted item, Albright provides Grundlewood with food supplies and protection when needed.

Representatives of Grundlewood have also made a deal with Karnak, the black dragon that dwells in one of the chambers beneath the city. Karnak has agreed to give defensive aid Grundlewood in times of attack, in exchange for gold, treasures, and magic items.

Culture

Due to a thriving economy and increased stability in the region, Grundlewood is the most affluent city in the realm. Nearly all of its inhabitants, even its laborers, are considered to be middle-class.

Humans, Dwarves, and Halflings are the most represented races within the city. In addition, Grundlewood has a higher population ratio of Elves and Eladrin than most locations on the western continent. Other races also dwell in the city, but in much smaller numbers.

History

• Grundlewood was first built over a thousand years ago. The site for the city was chosen based on its location over the magical energy source.
• One of the original architects of the city, and the catacombs beneath, was Caltor.
• One hundred years ago, during the Second Undead Siege of Grundlewood, a group of adventurers known as the Grundlewood Nine helped to evacuate much of the city into the underground tunnels. Unfortunately, the Nine became lost in the tunnels and came upon Karnak's lair. Only two members ultimately survived the trip.
• Ten years ago, the Knights of Albright first came together in order to help the people of Grundlewood evacuate during the goblin invasion orchestrated by Caltor. Not knowing his role in the attack, the group accepts a task from Caltor to journey into the catacombs to retrieve the Burnt Sienna stone, which he planted beneath the city. His motivation for planting the stone and then enlisting the group to receive it are unknown, illogical, and perhaps, insane.
• In the present, the reformed Knights of Albright journeyed to Grundlewood after hearing a report of Caltor and a group of necromancers operating in the city. After arriving, the group found a trap waiting for them. Caltor created a small undead attack in order to keep them distracted and planted the rumor of another stone lying beneath the city in order to draw them into the catacombs. To bait them further, he kidnapped the mayor's daughter along with Callie and Tory. Cazio remained aboveground to command the defense of the city while everyone else went down to confront Caltor.
• Caltor and three necromancers had captured Karnak and were preparing him for some sort of ritual. After taunting the group, Caltor vanished, leaving Argol, Artium, Ponder, Quarion, and Sal to fight his necromancers. They were victorious, freeing their friends along with Karnak.

Notable Locations

• Spindle's Folly

Small tavern near the city gates.

• Church of Bahamut

One of the larger churches in the city.

• Library

Impressively stocked with books on many subjects.

• Magicke Shoppe

Decent supply of minor enchanted items.

Notable Inhabitants

• Caltor, the Mad Wizard
• Lina Silverbrook, former mayor (deceased)
• Karnak, Black Dragon
• Bruno Bearpuncher, Dwarven merchant, former Armwrestling Champion of Grundlewood
• Tarki, Dwarven barkeep, current Armwrestling Champion of Grundlewood