Category: Place

ROSENBERG

The city of Rosenberg rests comfortably in the shadow of the Vigil; the Crimson Keep rising above the town with the air of a reserved and dignified gentleman- stern edges alluding to his military history while wisps of muted color in the battlements hit at the ease peaceful times has brought to his soul. Once the Crimson Keep had been a fortress built to protect the Gothic citizens of Rosenberg from Hestrali armies across the Vigil, but in the years of peace that followed the entrance of Hestralia into the Throne Rosenberg has become a bustling city devoted to trade, arts and cultural exchange.

Although a town has always existed in support of the Crimson Keep, Rosenberg’s expansion – and the artistic re-birth of the Crimson Keep- was not seen until after the Hestralian – Throne alliance. In its original incarnation the Crimson Keep acted as a military fortress utilizing the geographic advantage provided by the Vigil. The keep is fortified by in-accessibility, built high on a cliff with panoramic views it reigns as a statement of prowess and beauty, a stone behemoth juxtaposed against an expansive sky. As the keep transitioned from active duty to a life of leisure it underwent renovations to better reflect the artistry of the young cities inhabitants. Through the combined vision of master artisans of all variety the Crimson Keep was re-imagined in the image of heaven itself. One of the most noteworthy additions made to the Keep during the renovation period was the addition of expansive rose gardens; which appear to flow between the Keep and the town below. It is said, that if you position yourself in the center of one of the five major roads which divide Rosenberg and look towards the keep (at the appropriate time of day) the Crimson Keep will appear to be haloed in sunlight, against the open sky, floating in a sea of roses.

The Rose Gardens of the Crimson Keep

To say the gardens are a feat of Herbal Mastery is an understatement- the Rose Gardens of the Keep have no likeness anywhere in the Empire. Part labyrinth, part art exhibit the gardens both bring both beauty and security to the Crimson Keep above. One path leads the way through the impenetrable thorns, which can be well defended were advancing forces to try the maze.

The roses themselves are unique among plants; an abnormally large variety yielding a high volume of bright red blooms without experiencing a period of dormancy. In addition to their size and vibrance, the plants have nearly wood-like stems and thorns more closely resemble large, jagged teeth than typical foliage. Theses ‘eternal blooms’ are said- by some of the more pious of Rosenberg- to be a living reminder of the eternal strength and beauty of souls of man. The origins of the Crimson Keep roses are a topic of debate among residents of the city and visitors alike. Some parties believe that the plants were the work of Master Herbalist Clotilda Huber, who was known for carefully cross-breeding plants for artistry as well as usefulness. Others attest that the roses are mundane in origin, but were transformed by the Earth Mage Renke Saur. It has been said that aside from enchanting the roses to grow to an unnatural size and bloom indefinitely Renke was able to call the brambles to life, rearranging the labyrinth if needed to protect the Keep and its occupants.

The Five Streets of Rosenberg

When the city of Rosenberg was first constructed by Architect Trennan Brügger it was built with artistry in mind. The city is laid out in a unique fan pattern of five major streets: Morgengrauen-Straße, Mittagstraße, Nachmittags Straße , Dämmerung Straße and Nacht Straße. Each of the five streets has its own gate, and visitors to the city may choose to arrive through any of the entrances each of which artistically represents the name of the street, and the people who inhabit it. While the five gates are miles apart at the entrance of the city, they are positioned to move closer to one another the deeper you travel into the city, eventually all arriving at the entrance to the rose gardens of the Crimson Keep.

Trennan’s city layout was inspired by a desire to amplify the Crimson Keep’s divine beauty and as such each street was positioned to work as a enormous sundial. As the sun rises on Imperator Tag, the vantage point allowed by Morgengrauen-Straße makes it appear as though the Keep has a halo of light illuminating it. This effect can be viewed on each subsequent street throughout the day, until fightfall when the first moon of summer will bath the Keep in silverlight as viewed from Nacht-Straße.

From each major thoroughfare, a unique sub district has sprung to life and were a visitor to ask a resident of Rosenberg which district was most ‘authentic’ it is likely that she would receive a different answer every time she asked.

Morgengrauen Straße

Morgengrauen Straße is known as the district of dancers and thespians. A stroll down its pale gravel streets would lead a visitor to encounter numerous performers, dancing nimbly in the morning air or rehearsing stage art on one of the numerous alcoved stages built into the allies and side streets. The stages of Morgengrauen have been the birthplace of some of the most moving pieces of theater in the Empire, and recently dancers from the Vermillion Larks (a well known dance troop) traveled to the imperial court to perform at the Emperor’s midwinter ball.

The buildings of Morgengrauen are delicately painted with soft white designs lending it an airy, cleanly appearance. And residences of this district include dancers, actors, tailors and numerous craftsmens who often lend their skills to the staging of productions. Many of the most successful artisans make their homes in airy lofts above the shops of Morgengrauen and can be seen in the early hours enjoying the sunrise view of the Crimson Keep from their quaint balconette. The less established artisans and artists can be found residing in small houses or even renting rooms in one of the many boarding houses that pepper the allies and culdesacs of the district.

Mittagstraße

To walk the streets of Mittagstraße is to gain a preview into the next great fashions of the Empire. Whether it be new styles of armor, weapons, gowns, or shoes chances are if you catch a glance of it in a softly lit window of the Mittagstrabe it’s only a matter of time until its like will spread across the empire. Taylors, Mechanists, Leather Workers and Smiths alike travel from all corners of the empire- new designs in tow- hoping to gain a window feature or a lucrative commision that will launch their career.

The buildings of Mittagsrabe are built with display in mind, featuring large show windows and wide walkways with the majority of living space built behind the shops- as to not deter from the display of the wondrous creations. Some artisans reveal their Hestrali roots by choosing to make their homes in covered caravans, discreetly sequestered in the side gardens of some of the larger shops. Unlike their Hestrali cousin’s these caravans are typically monochromatic and are only decorated with small illusions to the profession of its inhabitants.

Nachmittags Straße

When walking the allies that connect the five streets of Rosenberg a visitor will smell Nachmittags Strabe before they ever set eyes on it. Full of groceries, butcher shops, cheesemongers, bakers, taverns, brewers and wine merchants this neighborhood is best explored with your tastebuds. Much of the cuisine of this city is born out of Rosenbergs Gothan roots, it has been influenced and shaped by travelers, immigrants and visitors alike.

Unlike most of the city, where the occupants live above or alongside their establishments in a predictable fashion the shopkeepers, artisans and cooks of Nachmittags have built their residences in accordance with the specific needs of their cuisine. Some live in cellars, while others are attic dwellers, others live in back rooms of their shops, while some shops appear to be more home than anything else. Many of the businesses boast small arrangements of benches and tables on their doorsteps, allowing patrons to enjoy their wares while surveying the bustle of the lively streets.

One of the most famous locations within Nachmittags is the Thirsty Thorn, a tavern known as much for its masterful wood carvings as its floral cuisine.

Dämmerung Straße

Dämmerung Straße stands out as the district of the tangible arts. Painters , sculptors, and wood workers flock to this sector Rosenberg, where their labors of passion may be placed on display in one of the numerous galleries or perhaps catch the eye of one of the curators employed by House Sauber, tasked with commissioning the next great masterpiece to adorn the alcoves of the Rose Sea. In addition to the artists themselves, Dämmerung Straße attracts merchants and tradesmen who supply the artists and the width of the Dämmerung Straße is far more substantial than most streets in Rosenberg- to allow for large ox-drawn carts to deliver shipments of marble and wood to the artists who will summon artistry from their depths.

Those living in Dämmerung find themselves nestled in small cottages- built as additions or predecessors (it is impossible to tell now) to the large galleries and show rooms. Some of the larger homes overlook small sculpture gardens or have been built to take advantage of the views of the Crimson Keep in the distance. Some of the more devoted artists and their apprentices can be found living alongside their masterpieces in large (but drafty) lofts and workspaces.

Nacht Straße

The Nacht district is well named, as its occupants can be heard best as the night wind rolls through the allies and courtyards this partially residential district. Compared to its four counterparts the Nacht Strabe district would appear primarily a street of high walled residential buildings clustered around artistic courtyard gardens. By night, Nacht Strabe is alive with music and song- the quiet courtyards transformed into performance space for bards and musicians. Some courtyards are open, to allow passers by to wander between their gates at their leisure while others remain locked and guarded only allowing those invited guests to partake in the night performances.

Many of Rosenbergs citizens reside in the Nacht District. Those with the most lucrative incomes residing in the upper levels – or even occupying entire buildings- while more modest merchants often occupied ground or even basement level dwellings. The musicians of the Nacht straub can be found in all levels of living. Some share converted cellar dwellings with a dozen compatriots, while others live alongside their wealthy patrons in the more extravagant upper buildings. Although frowned upon, it is not uncommon for a traveling musician to make a crude camp in one of the gardens, especially during the summer months when the infamous Nachtstraub night market increase the likelihood of their gaining exposure.

A flat landscape that lies within Sauber lands. It’s encircled by the Wahrheit hill chain, also referred to as the Wahrheit hills. The Laatzen plains are a stunning sea of temperate grass and farmland bisected by the large Weinfluss river.

Although there are also countless independent homesteads a majority of the large population lives in the many villages that dot the plains. The northernmost plain villages are Hugeldorf and Knollenheim, which are known for their brisk farming and strong exchange of goods with the villages that are northerly, in the Laatzen Hills. Hugeldorf is known to be a focal point for the apple trade, with both the fruit and many of its more invigorating end products in high demand by those who visit the village. Rumor has it that some of the sweetest apples in all of Gotha are not actually local: they grow in an orchard owned by the Bergenthal family just outside of Hugeldorf. Supposedly, the local matriarch of the Bergenthal family, Elise Bergenthal, was given the saplings by foreign merchants at the court of House Sauber in Laatzen itself – over two decades ago.

The largest of which is Truedorf, which has been officially named a town. It is located in almost the exact center of the plains. The Truedorf bridge splits the town in two and crosses the Weinfluss river. It is the safest place to cross the treacherous river during the rainy season.

Although vastly smaller, the villages of Ostenweil to the east and Kuhstadt in the south, would compete for second largest population centers.

A long tradition of cattle families live alongside wheat, barley and oat farmers. For the most part it is a peaceful coexistence. Disputes are often settled quickly or decisively.

The Laatzen plains are very peaceful. Bandit attacks or crimes upon the road are so rare as to be almost non existent. Some would say that it the love for, or fear of, House Sauber is the reason. But those familiar with the area suspect that the area’s military history is the actual cause.

The dizzyingly steep, sometimes reaching elevations of up to 1,200 feet, Laatzen Hills are picturesque and beautiful. Locally they are referred to as the Warheit Hill chain. Not only are they part of the area’s defenses, being incredibly difficult to travel without a guide, they also are home to some of Gotha’s finest vineyards. Despite being treacherous to navigate, much less work, the local peasants pride themselves on this centuries old tradition. In some of the more valleyed areas between the hills, several small villages and towns have settled, both working the hills for grapes and local fruit (mostly apples), and grazing animals on hillsides that do not yield any produces. Over the last few decades, at least half a dozen villages and farmsteads have sprung up that are run mostly by offshoots of the extended Bergenthal family, who are running a productive exchange of goods and coin with the town of Laatzen itself, as well as with the lower-lying villages and towns on the Laatzen plains.

Along with the Vineyards, there are many rugged communities of goat herders dotting the hills, although those settlements are less permanent and more likely to move, adapting to the land to settle briefly where their animals will find sustenance, and the nights hold fewer horrors. A hardy and stoic folk, the Warheit people are extremely close-knit communities and suspicious of strangers. Other than times where they take their goats to sale down in the plains, they historically keep to themselves.

There are several small mining communities along the Hill chain. They usually rise and fall quickly. The largest, and oldest, of these communities is Kohleloch. A large coal mine within with a small town of the same name. The majority of the residents work in the mine, the rest are their families and/or support the mine in some way.

It’s a bleak ugly little town that is off of any major trade routes. The people are ill tempered and very few people travel there unless they must.

Blueglass Hill is holy site where St. Joseph Braun was given the legendary pane of blue glass by the Archangel Cyaniel.
The summit is at 600 feet and the hill itself is 1 day ride west of Rosenberg. There is no easy path to the top. Reaching the summit itself requires one to climb, or ride a mule, up a significantly steep hillside with narrow trails.
The trails zig zagging trails are treacherous even during the best times of the year. Guides and mules can be acquired at the base of the hill on the Southern side, in a small village named Blueglass.
Due to the difficulty of reaching the summit travellers are rare. Although, Pilgrims sometimes decide to make the journey. To provide these pilgrims safe lodging, there is a fair sized cottage at the summit that is maintained by members of the Order of the Sacred Glass. The members of the Order will offer hospitality, food and shelter to pilgrims.
A stone statue of St. Joseph Braun in Prayer marks the exact spot where he was gifted the Blue pane by the Archangel Cyaniel.
Another reason that travelers come to the summit is the rare blue flowers known as Cyaniel’s Tears. These flowers only grow atop the summit of the hill. The flowers are said to have restorative and curative powers for the truly faithful. They have also been used to make extremely expensive dyes and paints. There are rumors that using the sacred flowers for dyes will soon be outlawed or controlled by the church.

Praedium Record 441.030330