¶ Notes
¶ Key Figures:
- King Drum Thornfiddle: The current ruler of Brastlewark, a gnome wizard and alchemist who has aligned himself with House Thrune.
- Master Brewer Trini Spriggle: The head of Academe Alcheme, a key figure in the opposition against King Thornfiddle’s rule, advocating for Brastlewark's independence.
- Zarzu “The Crow” Greenspun: A prominent figure in Brastlewark’s black market and leader of the Midnight Flock, a covert resistance group against Thrune’s influence.
- Snax (Snackleford Giblet): A goblin originally from the outskirts of Brastlewark. Snax gained fame as the lead vocalist of the band Diplomacy Fail, known for its rebellious and anti-authoritarian themes.
- Jex “Flick” Sparkfingers: Synthesizer player and the other founding member of Diplomacy Fail. A knack for tinkering lead to the creation of The Infernal Harmonizer and the formation of Diplomacy Fail.
¶ Overview
Brastlewark, situated near the headwaters of the Brastle River, is renowned as perhaps the largest gnome settlement in the Inner Sea region. The city is characterized by its unmitigated chaos, zest for life, and perpetual change, reflecting the essence of the gnome experience. Its layout is a tangled mess of uncoordinated streets and haphazard, multistory buildings with clashing architectural styles. This ever-changing appearance is a testament to the gnomes' desire for constant experimentation and modification.
¶ Key Features and Districts
- Architecture and Layout: Brastlewark’s unique architectural style is a chaotic blend, where no two buildings look alike. This lack of uniformity is a deliberate choice, embodying the gnome's love for innovation and creativity. The city's streets are a maze, making navigation a delightful challenge for visitors.
- Academic Institutions: Brastlewark is home to several prestigious academies:
- Academe Alcheme: This is the city's foremost alchemy school, overseen by Master Brewer Trini Spriggle.
- Sorcere Laude: A school specializing in sorcery.
- Tinkerer Tech: A renowned institution for clockwork engineering and inventions.
¶ Governance and Political Climate
- Government: Brastlewark operates under an overlord government structure. King Drum Thornfiddle, a gnome wizard and alchemist, rules the city. His allegiance to House Thrune ensures Brastlewark’s relative autonomy in exchange for loyalty and resources to Cheliax. However, his pandering to Thrune has made him a polarizing figure among the gnomes.
- Political Tensions: Master Brewer Trini Spriggle opposes Thornfiddle’s rule and seeks an independent Brastlewark. She has been building a network of loyalists in the city's academic and engineering circles. Zarzu “The Crow” Greenspun, a notable figure in Brastlewark’s black market, also runs an underground anti-Thrune organization known as the Midnight Flock, assisting those fleeing Chelish authorities.
¶ Economy and Trade
- Economic Activities: Brastlewark is famed for its alchemical items, material spell components, and clockwork devices, which are traded throughout the Inner Sea region. King Thornfiddle closely monitors all exports to ensure taxes and tributes to Thrune are paid. Despite this oversight, the city's black markets thrive, largely due to the activities of the Crow.
- Marketplace: The city's marketplace is bustling, with a base value of 2,600 gp and a purchase limit of 15,000 gp. It offers a variety of minor, medium, and major magical items for sale.
¶ Society and Culture
- Population: Brastlewark has a population of approximately 3,500 residents, primarily gnomes, with a small minority of other races. The city’s culture is vibrant and dynamic, marked by a constant buzz of activity and innovation.
- Cultural Aspects: The gnomes' penchant for constant change and experimentation ensures that Brastlewark remains a city in perpetual flux. This cultural trait is reflected in everything from the city's architecture to its social practices and academic pursuits.