Govvanath

City Description

Population: ~100

Founded: 2000 (390 years ago)

Once Core Vandal began being settled by humans in abundance, there existed a noticeable rift between them and the citizens of Galdarion Forest. In an effort to bridge that rift, Govvanath was established. Originally, it was meant as a place where the elves of Othrund and the humans of Queen's Meet and other settlements could treat with one another without having to venture too far into either domain. A community grew up around Govvanath (meaning "meeting place" in Elven) where elves and humans exchanged their culture. It was the first impression many had of the other. Goods were sold, ideas exchanged, and bonds were made. The undead of Galdarion Forest were noticeably absent from Govvanath at the request of the humans who could not accept that part of the elven culture. Eve Galdarion was overheard often saying that if she were to ever strike at Core Vandal, she would start by burning Govvanath for not allowing her "children." 

The finger understandably pointed to her then when Govvanath burned in 2020. She denied responsibility in as much as she cared to give an answer at all, which made most believe her since admitting to the travesty would not have bothered her in the slightest. While the fires burned much of the town, the structures built from the deadwood of Galdarion survived. Thousands died trapped inside deadwood homes that turned into furnaces. To this day, it was never discovered how the blaze began.

The spirits of those who died in the burning of Govvanath never truly left. Whether due to unfinished business or anger and sadness over their demise, the haunting of Govvanath is well documented. This lead to many abandoning the town for lost. However, an elven man by the name of Elm'Orth Kilnae made it his mission to embrace Govvanath for what it is and build upon its foundations.

Elm'Orth spent his life restoring the city until it could once again be a place where human and elven peoples could find common ground. Recently, he has hired the help of druids to make Govvanath a beautiful memorial of overflowing gardens, sculpted trees, and fountain-works that defy the imagination. The burned deadwood and spirits of the lost mingle with a rainbow of colors and the scents of vibrant life. Elm'Orth continues his work to bring people back to Govvanath, but the "meeting place" is now more between the living and the dead, and that stops most from even considering it.

City Landmarks

Hovvaneth: the great hall in the common tongue, this place would put most northern mead halls to shame. Rows and rows of benches and tables sit vacant awaiting the next grand party or meeting of nations. 

Kindred Spirit: a restaurant where coastal delicacies are served to elves interested in food from outside the forest. The seafood is caught in the kindred sea and carted to Govvanath daily. The owner and chef is a peculiar sort who could make a killing in many other locations but chooses Govvanath for reasons no one understands. 

Hal'doro Fountain: meaning "fountain fountain" this fountain is meant to symbolize cooperation between humans and elves with gorgeous elven architecture and ingenious human engineering. The fountain sends water a hundred feet into the air and forms gorgeous patterns. It was the only non-deadwood structure to survive the Burning

Lifeless Gardens: Elm'Orth's prized endeavor is a flower shop set in the heart of the town. It is here that all manner of flowers are grown, from crimson roses found near Noxious Falls, to dusk lilies found in the Duskmaker Plains, to death petals found in Galdarion Forest. Every manner of flower can be found in the lifeless gardens in an effort to show the beauty of Core Vandal.

People of Note

Elm'Orth Kilnae: Male Elf, incredibly old druid who works tirelessly to restore Govvanath to what it once stood for

Hardbark Oats: Female Human, a powerful druid with a talent for crafting trees and an interest in deadwood

Olivier Gardenie: Male Human, the owner of Kindred Spirits and lover of fine seafood cuisine

Ur Donchak: Male Firbolg, a medium who spends his days communing with the spirits of the dead, a recluse

Zanda: Female Firbolg, a guide through Galdarion Forest