Free Imperial City of Besançon (Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire)

As you approach Besançon, you are greeted by the Jura Mountains rising majestically in the distance. The town is situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Doubs and the Ognon, which flow through its narrow streets and historic buildings. The people of Besançon are deeply connected to the natural world, and their religious practices reflect this.

• Coat of arms/Emblem – The coat of arms of the Free Imperial City of Besançon features a red shield with a golden eagle displayed on top, symbolizing the city’s loyalty to the Holy Roman Empire.
• Motto – “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité” (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity)
• Status – Free Imperial City
• General Alignment – Neutral
• Religious affiliation (if any) – The people of Besançon worship a variety of deities, including the goddess Ceres, the god Taranis, and the spirits of the surrounding mountains and forests.
• Settlement size – Medium
• Corruption +; Crime +; Economy +; Law +; Lore +; Society +
• Qualities – Diverse culture, strong trade connections, picturesque architecture, well-defended position
• Danger +
• Demographics – The population of Besançon is diverse, with people of Celtic, Germanic, and Roman ancestry living together in relative harmony.
• Country – Holy Roman Empire
• Government – The Free Imperial City of Besançon is governed by a council of wealthy merchants and landowners, who make decisions through a combination of democratic elections and aristocratic influence.
• Legislature – The council of Besançon is responsible for making laws and regulations for the city.
• Population – Approximately 15,000 people live in Besançon.
• Common languages – The primary language spoken in Besançon is French, but German and Latin are also commonly spoken.
• Notable places – The Citadel, the Cathedral of St. John, the Palace of Granvelle, the Museum of Fine Arts and Archeology
• Current Ruler – The council of Besançon has no single ruler, but the wealthiest and most influential members hold the most power.
• Other Notable residents – The famed mathematician and philosopher René Descartes was born in the nearby town of La Haye, and spent some of his formative years in Besançon.
• Associated deities/saints:
  • Ceres, goddess of agriculture and fertility
  • Taranis, god of thunder and war
  • The spirits of the surrounding mountains and forests
• Influence/Power: As a Free Imperial City, Besançon has significant autonomy within the Holy Roman Empire, and maintains strong trade connections with other cities in the region.
• Notable Alliances/Enemies: Besançon has historically maintained good relations with neighboring cities and regions, but tensions with the nearby Kingdom of Burgundy occasionally flare up into conflicts.
• Quest hooks: A group of travelers has been attacked by a group of bandits in the nearby mountains, and the council of Besançon is offering a reward for their capture or elimination.
• Threats: The surrounding mountains and forests are home to a variety of dangerous creatures, including giant wolves and aggressive bears.
• Treasures/Artifacts: The Museum of Fine Arts and Archeology houses a collection of ancient artifacts from the region, including Roman pottery and Celtic jewelry.
• Legendary creatures/Mythical entities: The people of Besançon tell stories of shape-shifting spirits who inhabit the nearby mountains and forests, as well as fearsome giants who occasionally descend from the mountains to raid the city.
• Marketplace Base Value: 1,000 gp Purchase Limit: 5,000 gp Spellcasting: 5th level spells
• Minor Items: Common herbs and spices, simple weapons and armor, basic magical potions and scrolls Medium Items: Fine clothing, masterwork weapons and armor, powerful magical potions and scrolls Major Items: Rare and exotic spices, enchanted weapons and armor, legendary magical artifacts

The town is home to several temples and shrines dedicated to the local gods and goddesses. The most prominent is the Temple of Sequana, the goddess of the nearby River Seine. It is said that the waters of the river have healing properties, and pilgrims travel from far and wide to seek her blessings. Other notable deities worshiped in Besançon include Cernunnos, the god of the forest and wild animals, and Epona, the goddess of horses and fertility.

Besançon is also home to a variety of mythical and folklore creatures, which are revered as protectors of the town and its people. The most feared among them is the Loup-Garou, a werewolf-like creature that is said to prowl the surrounding forests at night, preying on unsuspecting travelers. The town’s inhabitants take great care to avoid the creature’s territory, but some brave souls venture into the woods in search of its lair, hoping to capture it and harness its powers.

Another creature that is said to inhabit the area is the Gargouille, a dragon-like beast with razor-sharp teeth and a venomous bite. It is said that the Gargouille can only be defeated by a pure-hearted hero wielding a blessed sword, and many knights have traveled to Besançon in search of this elusive creature.

Besançon is a unique and vibrant town, steeped in the rich history and mythology of its people. Its religious practices and cultural traditions have remained largely unchanged for centuries, and it continues to draw visitors from far and wide who come to experience its mystical charm and beauty.