Kreevs

I. Origin: The Landing (Y25)

The village did not begin as a settlement; it began as a beachhead.

In Year 25, Captain Larya Kreev made her initial landing here, 10 miles south of Astra. It was established as "Kreev's Camp," the logistical staging ground for her Aasimar battalion.

In Year 31, Captain Kreev marched to her doom in the Demesne. She never returned. The supply clerks and wounded who were left behind stayed, building permanent shacks over the tent sites. Over time, "Kreev's Camp" became "Kreevs." Today, the villagers have no idea their home is named after a disgraced commander; they just know it's the name of the mud they live on.

II. The "Doormat" of Astra (Y182)

Today, Kreevs is a grim, muddy farming village of about 400 people. It exists solely to feed itself, but it has a fatal flaw: it has no garrison to protect itself from the horrors of the Forsaken Demesne, 90 miles south.

Because it is only 10 miles from the city, it falls under Astra's shadow. Every month, wagons of grain and produce leave Kreevs for the city—not as a trade, but as payment. Every month, the villagers are left with just enough to survive.

The Lord's Patrol: The village falls under the jurisdiction of Lord Aedan Illykur. Though Aedan himself is a "Redeemed" hero, he operates out of his own fort in the Plains District of Astra. His militia is tasked with keeping order in Kreevs. The presence of Aedan's troops—tough, disciplined soldiers—keeps the brigands away, but it also ensures the taxes are paid on time. It is a safe village, but a joyless one.

The Varhill Tragedy: The village's most famous (and infamous) resident is the bard Angus Varhill. Once a man of talent, he is now the town drunk, haunting the local tavern. He is the father of Lorelei Varhill. Years ago, in a drunken stupor, he mistook his own daughter for the goddess Kayleth (Lorelei's mother). Terrified and heartbroken, Lorelei fled the village at age 16. Angus remains, drinking to forget his mistake, unaware that his daughter is now a powerful Mystic wandering the world.