Kertos

The Green City of Kertos sits in the center of Vicisi, bounded by the Camie'el River to the north and the Nessie'el River to the south. The two rivers run into the Fasalshudon River in The Kevlorn, the largest forest in the Free Cities, which encloses this remotest city against the central mountain range. The lightly populated city—more populous only than Isinroth—sprawls within its valley, with twin large outposts half a days ride to the north and south along the river. A large, well-traveled highway leads through the Kevlorn to Tyrose, while docks along the rivers facilitate trade with Syr. The temple of Kevalth sits at the center of the city, magically fashioned out of huge trees grown together.

History

From its inception, Kertos has been surrounded on all sides by nature and those that already found a calling to the forests. From the start, there has always been a heavy presence of those that wished to keep the natural wonder of the forest safe. Where other cities may decide to clear an area of land to build upon, Kertos took great care in attempting to preserve the forest whenever possible and grew up among the trees instead of clearing all of them.

Geography

Kertos is found within the Kevlorn forest, the forest itself is comprised of ancient thick-trunked oak, elm, and fir trees that often keep the ground level darkened by the massive canopy they offer. When it came to building Kertos the forest was thinned in the location the city was built upon, so the ground level wouldn't be completely without light, though even on the brightest day it is heavily shaded. The ancient oaks, in particular, were preserved in reverence of their age and for use of their strength. Kertos became a two-tiered city with structures upon the ground level and others high among the branches of the trees within the canopy.

Guard towers can be found at each of the entrances to the city, with extra outposts to the North and South of Kertos that overlook the Camie'el and Nessie'el rivers.

Important Places

The Roots

As noted above the ground and upper layers of Kertos are separated, the ground level of the city is often referred to as 'The Roots' by the locals. The Roots house many businesses and those places where travelers would be most interested in visiting as well as an entire road made up of various crafting halls and other businesses that would commonly use fires in their day to day work.

Inns

The Drunken Badger

A tavern fit for adventurers, the Drunken Badger serves quick meals and street food.

The Green Man

A more homey, high class inn where nobles and more affluent folk spend their nights.

Clayhall

Robert Clayhall, the owner of the Red Ridge Logging Company, has built himself a compound in The Roots wherein he and his logging company make their homes. The compound is often disparagingly referred to as "The Mound" by locals, who are none too fond of the man and his business practices.

The Canopy

The Canopy is mainly made of housing for the inhabitants of Kertos, for the locals, in many cases, one isn't considered a full member of the community until they find a home among the Canopy.

Inns

The Dragonfly

A well-appointed inn built organically into the tree. Glassteel windows line several levels of the building from nearly floor to ceiling, providing a spectacular view of the city below.

Guild Halls

Adventurers' Guild

The Adventurers' Guild in Kertos makes their home in The Canopy.

The Shadowed Way

A simple road cutting through the Kevlorn Forest, this path directly connects Kertos to Haling Cove. Lacking any official guard, as it is rarely used for official business due to trade restrictions, the road is often plagued by bandits.

Noteworthy NPCs

Ruling Guild

Main Article: Ruling Guild#Kertos

Name	Role	Description
Name	Role	Description.
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Sort by importance of role.

Guild Leaders

Main Article: Guilds of the Free Cities

Name	Organization	Titles	Description
Morgan LaCroix	The Adventurers' Guild	Guildmaster	A fiery red-headed warrior, she is well known for her assertive frank disposition.
Olivia Haust	The Black	Guild Chapter Lead, Ambassador	A noble native to Syr, and also a high-ranking member of The Black, Olivia serves in a number of ways as a liaison between Syr and Kertos.
Taelon Skythorn	The Grey Order	Commander	The half-wood elf, half-human Commander of the Grey Order. He serves from his position as the Captain of the Cerberus Unit.
Name	Organization	Title	Description.
Name	Organization	Title	Description.
Name	Organization	Title	Description.
Name	Organization	Title	Description.

Alphabetize by Organization, then by Last Name.

Significant Citizens

Name	Role	Description
Name	Role	Description.
Name	Role	Description.
Name	Role	Description.
Name	Role	Description.
Name	Role	Description.

Alphabetize by Role (shopkeep, patron, Guard member, etc.) and then Last Name.