Longstone is an old city, and the source of much of the Empire's mineral resources. The Rego family have long since gained control of the area along the Dragon Peaks, and founded the city to make trading the products of their mines easier. Raka Rego has a reputation for being generous, but then again, she can afford to be. Her family is likely the wealthiest in the Empire, and has been going back centuries.
The Rego Guard are some of the most disciplined and battle-hardened troops around. They are tasked with defending mines against trolls, ogres, giants, dragonborn, and occasionally even a real dragon. The Rego family currently provides the Emperor with an elite guard in lieu of taxes. There is no question that no more skilled bodyguards exist, but some wonder where the troops' real loyalties lie. Luckily, it has yet to become an issue.
The Rego family has occupied a series of castles and palaces over time, which remain scattered in and around the city. The first is the Old Keep, a square, ugly tower of black and gray stone. It is cold, dark, and imposing, and has long since been converted into a prison for the condemned and for political enemies. Oddly, Raka Rego insisted on having apartments installed, and sometimes stays here rather than the family's Crystal Palace in the countryside. Rumors persist that she is taking a personal interest in the torture of prisoners.
Whatever the Lord's tastes, the Crystal Palace is beautiful. It is built of grey stone, but every possible inch set with enormous cut glass windows. These sheets were made by master mages, cut by skilled artists, and fracture light into countless rays and splinters. The palace is shaped like an H, with a huge lawn out front and front extensive gardens out back, all carefully tended by a small army of halfling gardeners and groundskeepers.
Facing the palace is Longstone University. The buildings are mirror images of each other, although the University lacks the dramatic windows and replaces the gardens with dormitories. The Rego family generously endows the University, and expects mages to serve in the Rego Guard for two years on graduation. The wizards are noted for talents in Abjuration and in Necromancy. Sorcerers of all types are welcome here. The token is a thigh bone crossed with a pick.
The name of the city actually comes from the Rego Necropolis, carved into the rock around the city. Grey stone is exposed in long, twisting formations resembling snakes or waves. Centuries of Rego remains are laid to rest within this stone, and most other families have created similar tombs.
The easy availability of this Greystone makes it the preferred building material in the city. Even the wooden buildings have solid, stone foundations. The streets are paved with crushed Greystone from the mines, and any statues and monuments are also made of Greystone. The necropolis has influenced the city's aesthetic, and skull or bone motifs are popular. The overall effect can be creepy and oppressive, especially at night when the streets are lit by pale magic lights, rather than torches.
This obsession culminates in a huge, citywide festival every year worshiping the death goddess Elyse. At the beginning of winter, as crops and trees begin to die, the population builds huge bonfires and burns any refuse. They wear disguises, often in bright colors, to confuse the Pale Harvester in case she comes for them; the most popular disguise being of the goddess herself. Drinking to excess is encouraged, the thought being if you can't remember who you are, neither will the goddess. Symbols of death and time are used as decorations everywhere, in an attempt to make Elyse feel more comfortable, and avoid angering her with trickery. This festival, called Frazi, lasts three days and ironically always results in several deaths among the revelry.
Halflings in Longstone are treated exceptionally well, with generous contract terms and respectful relationships with the big folk. They live mostly in the wooded areas around the necropolis, and this seems to have affected them. They are pale and quiet, with large eyes. They seem able to communicate with only a glance, and lack the typical Burrowman boisterousness. Several work closely with members of the Rego guard, which some humans find extremely distasteful. However, the guard has found that they make incomparable spies and assassins.
Type: City
Parent: The Empire of Stars