Karneid, located at the northern tip of Earlsdale, sits majestically at the foothills of the Watles Mountains, a testament to both natural beauty and architectural prowess. This city, once the mightiest citadel in Earlsdale, is renowned for its natural defenses and formidable fortifications. The northern edge of Karneid is protected by sheer cliffs and a rugged mountainside, while the southern end boasts heavy fortifications, including bastions and keeps that have withstood countless sieges. Several streams weave through the city, carving deep gorges and creating spectacular waterfalls that shimmer in the sunlight, adding a touch of ethereal beauty to the city’s austere grandeur.
Castle Karneid dominates the highest point, perched precariously on a tooth-shaped crag in the northwestern part of the city. Its stone walls, now weathered by time and conflict, still exude an aura of unyielding strength. To the east stands the Ancient Keep, now known as the Old Guard Tower, its silhouette a stark reminder of the city’s storied past. To the south lies the Citadel, renamed the Lion's Bastion, which houses the city barracks and serves as the main line of defense against invaders. Various other fortifications dot the city, including the Shield Keep, which doubles as a temple to Kortis, the God of Protection and Honor. Within the city also stands a prominent Seydis church, accompanied by numerous smaller shrines dedicated to various deities, their spires reaching skyward in silent reverence.
Today, many of these fortifications and temples lie in ruins. The destruction came very recently when an army of giants from the north, believed to be commanded by Darkgnome, attacked Karneid and nearly razed the entire city. This invasion followed the assassination of Adalbert, Duke of Karneid, who was the leader of the Northern Alliance. Duke Adalbert had previously dealt a significant blow to the Glurnser Forces at the Ahnenfields, a victory that had bolstered Karneid's reputation. His untimely death left the city vulnerable, and the giant invasion capitalized on this weakness, forcing most inhabitants to flee and leaving behind a ghostly remnant of the once-thriving metropolis.
Karneid was a hub for coin minting and metalworks, home to powerful guilds that once flourished here. The Falcon League maintained a major foothold in one of the city's palaces near the town square, their influence felt in every corner of the city. The city also served as the sole connection for trade goods from the north, including Dunstone, The Borgaswald, and beyond. Traders and merchants from distant lands would converge here, their goods and tales enriching the cultural tapestry of Karneid.
A respected dwarven community, known for their exceptional building skills, used to reside within Karneid. Their craftsmanship can still be seen in the enduring strength of the surviving structures. Outside the city, several hot springs bubble up, heating the city's bathhouses and inns, adding a touch of luxury and comfort to the otherwise harsh environment. The soothing warmth of these springs provided a stark contrast to the cold, unforgiving climate of the northern reaches.
Despite the ruins and the scars of battle, Karneid retains a haunting beauty. The waterfalls, the hot springs, and the remnants of grand fortifications tell the story of a city that once stood as a beacon of strength and prosperity in Earlsdale. The air is thick with the whispers of its glorious past, inviting those who visit to imagine the splendor that once was.
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