21,439 (78% human, 17% halfling, 3% elf, 2% other)

A small and humble city, Answood is a respite for many weary travelers, offering local delights, warm beds, and... interesting entertainment. Founded only very recently, this city has a turbulent history littered with power struggles, deceits, and a series of bad luck. It's predecessor, Oldwood, is a much older city, but now stands abandoned and occupied by horrors never before seen on the Material Plane. Those that once called Oldwood home were forced to pick up their lives and flee to the nearby township of Answood. Over time, Answood has grown to a substantial city, with towering walls and its own hold.

A cloud of secrecy covers much of Answood, as its denizens nary speak about the days of Oldwood, with some theorizing that it's been wiped from their collective memory...

Government

Answood is a hotbed for power struggles in Turia. The current Bishop, Geraldo Ancari, seems to be weak and unwilling to effectively rule over the city. A group known as the Shadewatch has seized this opportunity to make a play to usurp the power of the crown and payoff and strongarm the Luminous. It is an unspoken rule that if you have any real problems, you go to Clarence Stormbrand, the head of the Shadewatch to see it solved.

This constant struggle for power has forced many of the people into picking sides and has fostered animosity towards those of the opposite side. This instability can be felt from the top down, affecting all walks of life, and heavily marring the otherwise solid reputation of the Luminous in Turia.

Commerce

Answood is a place set up to handle travelers and trade. Most of the profit generating businesses are specialized in attracting wanderers and passersby. The local crop, Shade Shrooms, are monopolized by the Shadewatch and beloved by those that are exposed to it. Carrying a reputation of altering one's perspective of time itself, Shade Shrooms can be found mixed into cocktails, baked goods, and sauces, and its effects changing in each medium.

The entertainment industry is also a large piece of the pie in Answood, with many famed Bards travelling through to Answood while on tour and providing excellent shows in the local bars. Answood has become a rather large stop on many circuits, attracting big talent and crowds.

Places of Interest

Glowing Gardens

Surrounded by beautiful flowers and shrubbery, the Glowing Gardens is a favorite spot for many denizens of Answood. Winding paths lined with benches and trees provide a lovely break from the otherwise bustling city streets. The Gardens get their name from the glowing insects and pedals that can be seen year-round when the sun sets. This produces a unique atmosphere and exceptionally beautiful place to behold.

Shadespire

A tower shrouded in mystery and chaos, the Shadespire is the tallest building in Answood and is occupied by an infamous mage, Meryl Skye. Erected out of the old church of Answood, the Shadespire has a reputation of being a "wizard's tower" where experiments on the gentry of Answood are conducted by the crazed and reclusive "witch" of Answood.

Those that have been granted entry claim this tower is living and shifts on a whim, almost as if it has a mind of its own. Whatever you choose to believe, it is undeniable that this tower is definitely unique and attention-grabbing.

Hearthflame Inn

The center of nightlife in Answood, this busy inn and tavern is surrounded by markets and merchants selling artifacts from all over the continent. The Hearthflame Inn is a major attraction for up-and-coming and famous artists alike, drawing in vast crowds and fans. Magically enhanced, this inn offers the some of the best stays this side of the continent and food to boot.

Basilicia Magna

The central Church of the City, the Basilica Magna stands as the second tallest building in Answood and the most recently constructed one. After outgrowing the old church, the Magna was built on the Eastern side of the city with the best materials money could buy. While some were angry to see this money distributed here, those that support the Luminous and church are happy that the nicest building belongs to the church.

Regardless of how one feels, this bastion of religion is headed by the Bishop and the central stronghold in Answood.

Temple of Revery

This "temple" is home to the infamous Shadewatch and their leader Clarence Stormbrand. A dark and gloomy temple, entry is only allowed via invitation as it is heavily guarded by the Shadewatch. Anyone supporting the Luminous is strictly banned from entry.

Presently, a subgroup of Shadewatch members led by Royce Garder are actively rebelling against Clarence, feeling that he is unfit to rule and is secretly stealing from the organization to fuel his own endeavours. This has made the tension in the temple palpable and the risk of violence higher than ever.