Claykeep

Claykeep is a mining town, the second largest city in the Ostberg Valley Chain Administrative District with a population of 3,500, and its nominal political seat. Governor Achim Zeidersee, a staunch Discretionist, is the Elder Consortium’s elected political appointee for the entire District, and the Hearts of Claykeep Mining Corporation works the earth. The town produces clay bricks for building materials, as well as some trace nonprecious metals for shipment back down the road to the central Consortium lands. There’s said to be a Thieves’ Guild that runs illegal operations in town, and those in the know look here to unload stolen goods or look for out-of-the-way purchasing options, though of course the Guild keeps its operations hidden. Waltraud Schwertkind runs the Fighter’s Guild chapter here, which is responsible for hiring caravan guards for shipments. (Marla Harlowe considers Waltraud and his guild chapter her personal rivals, the “group to beat” in establishing her adventurer brokerage service.) Sars Dunpater of the Pick and Swing tavern is in some ways the social center of the town, as most of the miners and other rough customers drink with him, as do, sometimes, political figures. There is a small established church to Ceres here that mostly ministers to the miners. Cider from West Midden (and sometimes from Northwood) flows into town, as do woodcrafts from West Midden to decorate the homes of the well-off in Claykeep society, and there are plenty of outfitters for adventuring provisions, weapons, and armor. There is not, however, a good supply of magic items here, nor are there any schools for wizarding.