Erages

On the north western edge of Mistledale lies Erages, a town populated almost exclusively by half-elves. Originally a small logging village, Erages was quietly used by the aristocratic elves of the Elven Court as a place of exile for any shameful half-blooded children they procured via relations with non-elven guests or visits to the human city of Ashabenford.  While this practice is still prevalent (as evidenced by the numerous orphanages to be found in Erages), the village has since blossomed into a small town.  While most elves leave in the Retreat, Erages is populated and maintained almost solely by the mostly content half-elves who flock to the city

from all parts of the Moonsea. Half-elves from as far as Thar and Rashemon make pilgrimages to Erages, either to simply see the unusual city for themselves or in hopes of making a new life among people just like them.

Though Erages is often regarded as a sanctuary for half-elves who are unwelcome in the less tolerant realms around the Moonsea, the rights of its people are still subject to whatever elven overlords remain in the Elven Court who previously controlled the city. Citizens live mostly as they please, but still adhere to the laws of Mistledale and consider themselves more Mistledalesman than subjects of Cormanthor.

Erages was known for its criminal element, notably smuggling rings that specialize in getting humans into Myth Drannor and elven artifacts out of the country - for the right price. Most believe the infamous half-elf thief and smuggler Bienia Santritia to be master of these rings, but few know where to find the elusive criminal mastermind. Some 7 years ago, the Riders of Mistledale came in and cleaned up most of the bad element of town.  Zhents have been trying to fill the vacuum left by the smugglers but have so far had only mixed success. 

Erages is built among ruins far older than the half-elves living today - Remnants of an ancient elven town lying beneath the surface draws archaeologists of all stripes to study them and the dangerous subterranean passages under the town. The esteemed Erages Academy was founded in 1325 DR to support this influx of scholars, both half-elven and otherwise, addressing their needs and interests. The school specializes in elven archaeology and history, though many students also attend in hopes of learning from the school’s adventurers wing.

The Blackash Training Grounds, named after the famed half-elven hero who fought in the battle against Moander, has training for rogues, warriors and wizards.  Warriors learn many martial tactics and skills here and several Riders of Mistledale spend at least 6 months honing their abilities in Erages.  There is also a bard school for novice bards and a small mage tower facility for apprentice wizards. 

The Academy is currently run by Headmaster Sarouna Lei, a half-elven archaeologist and talented fighter/mage; beloved among the townspeople for her generosity and wise counsel.

CN small town

Corruption +0; crime +2;Economy +2;Law -1; Lore +1; Society +0

Qualities academic, notorious, prosperous, tourist attraction

Danger+5

DEMOGRAPHICS

Government As Mistledale

Population 750 (480 half-elves, 120 humans, 90 elves, 60 other)

Notable NPCs

Headmaster Sarouna Lei (female half-elf)

Mayor Mayor Uptal (male half-elf)

MARKETPLACE

Base Value 500 gp; Purchase Limit 5,000 gp;

Places of Interest

The following are some of the more important buildings in Erages. If the PCs grew up in this town, they should have a home, located somewhere near the town’s edge.

1. Seven Silvers: Most visitors to Erages end up at this comfortable two-story inn and tavern. Run by Trelvar Silvers, this inn features modest prices (4 sp/night), decent food (3 sp/day), and a lively taproom. Trelvar is assisted by his daughter, Asina, and the overly friendly Jimes “Short Change” Iggins, who is known for giving himself generous tips.

2. Greathall: Typically used for meetings, weddings, and other celebrations, the Greathall is a tall, three-story wooden structure near the center of town. Inside is one grand space with a number of smaller rooms on each floor.

3. Orphanage (overloaded)

4. Temple of Meilikki: The only stone building in town is home to Erages’s only temple. While the church is officially dedicated to Meilikki, there are a number of shrines housed here, including Silvanus, Chauntea, Rillfane, and Solonor.  Father Prasst is the only priest, but most in town refer to him as the “High Priest.”

5. Town Watch Headquarters: This, usually empty building is the “garrison” of the Riders of Mistledale.  Any member may use the building as a temporary base and many riders passing through the town use the building at various times, holding prisoners, resting or restocking.

6. Renet’s Steel: While Renet’s shop services much of the town’s needs when it comes to metalworks, his quality is nowhere near that of Braggar’s. Most metal items can be found here for the standard prices, but there are no masterwork items to be found at Renet’s Steel.  Most weapons or armor from the equipment lists of 300 gp or less can be found here.  The mark up of items here is only 10%.

7. Holly’s Home: This is the home of Holly Huldane, one of the few human rangers who lives in Erages.  Mayor Uptal, who trusts the ranger’s instincts implicitly, frequently calls Holly to the town council to report and advise.

8. Sir Dramott’s Home: This is the home of Sir Dramott, a retired knight from Cormyr.  He retired here some 5 years ago and has a high standing in town.

9. Braggar’s Shop: This is the workshop and home of Braggar Ironhame, a dwarven blacksmith. Braggar’s works exceed those of Renet’s Steel, but he works much slower and charges a higher price. Braggar can forge nearly any weapon or armor item on the equipment list as well as custom items and armor etching.  His prices are high (+25%) but the quality of his work grants +5 hp to items and +1 to saves if applicable to items he forges.  Any rare or odd items from the equipment lists can be found here 10-60% of the time.

10. Orphanage (good quality)

11. Holgast’s Tower: Holgast’s slightly crooked tower stands at the edge of town.

12. Mayor Uptal’s Home: This modest building along the water is the home of Mayor Uptal, who can frequently be found in the Greathall holding meetings or on his small boat in the river, fishing.

13. Vargidan Estate: This is the home of the eccentric Vargidan family, and has a bit of a spooky reputation in town.