Solrend

Capital City of Solaris - located at Golden Reach (central region)

Description

Known as the Golden City, Solrend is the jewel of Solaris, a radiant metropolis built in a perfect circle to symbolize the sun itself. Golden rooftops and gilded streets shimmer under daylight, masking a realm where prosperity and oppression walk hand in hand. Every layer of the city reflects a stark division of class and power, from the slums of Duskwarren to the glittering halls of Solcrest Palace. Above all, Solrend stands as the throne of King Alistair Malvorn, where his presence and his will shape every corner of life.

Gates of Solrend

  • Downspire Gate (South): The main and most trafficked gate, opening to the roads toward the Sunset Coast.

  • West Gate: Leads into the Whispering Woods, granting access to lumber and hunting grounds.

  • East Gate: Faces the Misty River, controlling river trade and shipping routes.

  • The Forsaken Gate (Northwest): Permanently barred and heavily guarded. Its purpose and history are obscured in silence, fueling countless rumors.

Districts of Solrend

  • Duskwarren: A sprawling slum hidden in the shadow of Solcrest Palace, separated by a massive wall as if the monarchy itself turned its back on its poorest citizens.

  • Crimson Colosseum: Located near the lower eastern quarters, this brutal arena offers endless battles for the entertainment of the masses. Managed by a Half-Orc master of games, it is the rawest form of “bread and circus.”

  • Temples of the Sun: Faith in Solaris revolves around gods tied to the sun and radiance, serving both as spiritual guidance and as tools of control aligned with King Alistair.

    • Temple of the Radiant Justice (Amaunator): A bastion of law and divine order, led by High Justicar Lyrin Dawnbreaker.

    • Temple of the Radiant Dawn (Lathander): A place of hope, renewal, and devotion, overseen by Father Bren Halvor.

  • The Market & Solstice Hollow (Middle Districts): The vibrant mercantile quarter where merchants, artisans, and adventurers gather. Surrounding it lies Solstice Hollow, the main residential area for the middle class.

  • Noble District of Solrend: Elevated above the markets, this district houses the noble families loyal to King Alistair. Mansions, private gardens, and halls of influence dominate the skyline. Notable allies include Ignacius Tirell and Lord Daven Crestwell.

Factions and Organizations

  • Sunsteel Vanguard: The most prestigious warrior guild in Solrend, admired for discipline and martial excellence. Many warriors of renown wear its crest, such as Brynn and Kaelen. Yet its greatest legend is Baldrik Ironstone, the guildmaster himself, whose name commands both respect and fear.

  • The Blackguards: Silent, brutal, and merciless, the Blackguards are the hollow enforcers of King Alistair’s will. Forever clad in black armor, they rarely speak, act without hesitation, and maintain “order” through fear. Bound by dark rites, they exist as soulless extensions of the crown’s power, their presence enough to silence dissent. The faction includes ranks such as the Trainee Blackguard, Blackguard Elite, and the standard Blackguard, all commanded by the feared Ironshadow, whose name alone inspires dread.

  • The Twilight Crown: To the common eye, the Twilight Crown is merely the king’s inner circle, tasked with handling his political and personal affairs. Yet its true purpose remains hidden in shadows. None dare question its influence, for those who pry into its secrets often vanish without a trace.

Central Landmarks

  • Crystal Shade Amphitheater: The cultural heart of the city, where music, theater, and poetry serve as elegant distractions. Its performances rival the brutality of the Crimson Colosseum in drawing the attention of the masses.

  • Central Square of Solrend: A bustling plaza of markets, royal proclamations, and grand ceremonies. It is here that King Alistair occasionally reveals himself to his subjects.

Solcrest Palace

Rising at the northernmost and highest tier of Solrend, the Solcrest Palace embodies both magnificence and unease. Its golden spires pierce the heavens, radiant and resplendent, while the courtyards and floors below are adorned with obsidian statues and details. This interplay of black and gold creates an unsettling impression: shadows intruding upon the sun.

  • Gate of Radiance: The grand entrance of the palace, guarded by Blackguards and their Elite counterparts. These warriors clad in pitch-black armor are silent and strange, resembling empty shells.

  • The Blackguard Commander: Known only as Ironshadow, this towering brute leads the Blackguards with ruthless authority.

  • The Royal Library of Lumina: Once a public treasury of knowledge, it has been sealed away, accessible only to the king.

  • The Royal Court:

    • King Alistair Malvorn rules with charisma, fear, and mystery.

    • At his side often stands Lady Crisalda, a mysterious tiefling of dark beauty and shadowed whispers.

    • Queen Tessalia, reclusive and distant, rarely makes appearances, her presence more rumor than certainty.

    • Ironshadow is the dreaded commander of the Blackguards, a towering figure always encased in pitch-black armor that never reveals his face. His presence radiates oppressive silence. Feared across Solrend, he embodies the ruthless will of King Alistair, enforcing the crown’s rule with brutal efficiency and no trace of mercy.

The palace is as much a fortress of secrets as it is a symbol of radiance, where the authority of the crown shines brightest—and its darkness runs deepest.