Vasselheim

Vasselheim is the capital of human civilization on the continent of Issylra. It is predominantly a religious city with several districts, each dedicated to a patron deity. Vasselheim is sometimes called the Dawn City or the Cradle of Faith, as it is considered the origin of civilization and various religions.

Appearance and Location
Vasselheim takes some influence from real-world Norse culture. Located in the region of Othanzia, the city itself is built around a massive mountain called the Heaven's Stair approximately 20–30 miles inland from the Ozmit Sea. Vasselheim has many walls, varying in age and composition, armed with dragon-headed ballistae. The streets are unpaved and made mostly of packed mud. The only conventional way to enter the city is by foot, as the journey to Vasselheim is considered a religious pilgrimage. In the case of an emergency, a haphazard airship platform has been constructed on top of a mill.

Vasselheim has a large mining operation for cobalt in the mountain. Many of the stores tend to sell supplies for miners and workers that operate in the mountain.

Inhabitants
The people of Vasselheim are generally rugged and stern. Many wear patchwork furs and have unkempt hair. The pious lifestyles and brutal environment of the Northwest make for hard living. Vasselheim has many guards, collectively called "the Bastion", that consist of volunteers from the various religions. The Bastions primarily operate within their respective districts but also serve as the militia if the city were to be attacked.

Notable Locations

 * Silver Talon's Reach:  A district dedicated to the worship of Bahamut.
 * The Braving Grounds District:  The district dedicated to the worship of Kord. The Glasswalk Road leads into the Braving Grounds. It runs north from the city into the Vesper Timberlands.
 * The Quadroads District:  A district dedicated to the veneration of Erathis.  The Slayer's Take Guild is located here.
 * The Birthheart:  The agricultural district, dedicated to the worship of Melora, goddess of the wilderness and the sea.
 * The Dusk Meadow District:  The district dedicated to the worship of the goddess of death, Raven Queen.
 * Temple to Sarenrae:  A recently discovered ancient temple of Sarenrae within the Braving Grounds. Pike led this temple's restoration efforts after arriving at Vasselheim and before returning to Emon.

Society
Arcane Magic is largely frowned upon in Vasselheim. Mages aren't trusted, due to the fallout after the Age of Arcanum, so any public display of semi-powerful magic that isn't divine in nature will draw attention and require an explanation by the keepers of order. Small fines and minor jail time may ensue.

The city's government is a theocracy. Each district of the city (and more importantly, the gods they represent) have equal status. As one Bastion put it, "Vasselheim is a divided and united city, as one." Each district is self-governed by the highest lord of its priesthood: the "Dawn Marshal". In matters concerning the city as a whole, the Dawn Marshals meet in council to debate and decide on the matter (i.e. when the representatives of the various priesthoods met in the Platinum Sanctuary when Vecna threatened Vasselheim).

The current Dawn Marshals of Vasselheim are: The Maidens of the Raven Queen are technically leaderless (as is the way of their order), but two nameless twins speak on behalf of the goddess. Thus, they are considered to jointly be the de facto Dawn Marshal.
 * Vord the Silver-Touched: Highbearer of the Scalebearers (Bahamut)
 * Groon: Earthbreaker of the Dawn Fist (Kord)
 * Curtis Uleas: Holy Curator of the Paramours (Erathis)
 * Ophera: High Hierophant of the Gladekeepers (Melora)
 * Pike Trickfoot: Chosen of Sarenrae