Oakenshield

The easternmost of the Four Shields, Oakenshield is the largest and richest of the Shield Islands. Ruled by members of House Hewett for countless generations, the island lies near the mouth of the Mander, and has protected the vast river and its lands for thousands of years.

A green and fertile island, numerous settlements and trades can be found on the island, though none as illustrious nor prosperous as the trading port of Lord Hewett's Town, which sits upon the southern shores of the island.

Geography
Like the rest of the Reach, Oakenshield's soil is rich and fertile, giving way to flowery meadows, green hills and verdant forests where foxes, rabbits and weasels make their home.

The north and west of the island's shores are separated by tall, white cliffs that give the smallfolk a vantage over the straits between Oakenshield and the nearby Greenshield, as well as the septry of Elby its famous view. Just off the coast lies the Teeth, a set of jagged rocks situated just underneath the water surface that makes traversion for anything larger than smaller vessels a treacherous and often lethal journey. But the brave man finds refuge in the natural caverns underneath the sparsely populated cliffs, making way to smuggler's coves where outlaws resupply and trade before moving their illicit goods elsewhere. Structures from the age when the cliffs were hollowed for marble sustain the settlements, providing shelter from the frequent rains that plague the island.

Further inland, sheep-herders and horse ranches dominate the north-west, walking their cattle alongside grassy hills that overlook prosperous fields in the valley beneath. There, the smallfolk tend to vineyards and apple & pear orchards, with some miniscule plots set aside for growth of barley, beets and turnips. Oakenshield pear cider is considered a fine, if somewhat strong beverage that on occasion makes it all the way to King's Landing, Gulltown or the westernmost of the Free Cities in Essos.

The east is covered in woods, great oaks, ash, cedars and soldier pines forming the bulk of Swynton's Woods. Once covering the greater part of the island, generations of shipbuilding and craftsmanship has forced the forest to the very eastern third of the island. Here, red foxes, hares, rabbits and stoats are often hunted by the Hewetts and their guests. While the northern portion of the forest is being cut down by lumberjacks for carpenting and shipbuilding, the southern half is restricted to hunting and the picking of herbs and plants.

On the southern lies warm, sandy beaches, though just outside, rocks protect the island from storms and enemies during times of war. Villagers live all along the coast, fishing, crafting and trading, whilst some manses exist for the nobility of the island and, occasionally, beyond. The point of interest, however, is Lord Hewett's Town, situated on the south-eastern end of the island, surrounded by the Claws, providing safe harbour from autumn storms. Here, the town flourishes, with ships passing by daily in and out of the Mander and beyond. A river, the Whitewater, snakes across the town into the inland valley, and is always operated by bargemen who travel up and down the river to peddle their goods.

Lord Hewett's Town
What was once a frequent target of reaving Ironborn has prospered into a bustling trading port under the relative peace of the Targaryen and brief Baratheon kings, allowing Lord Hewett's Town to swell in population and wealth under the liberty of the King's Peace. Twice as large as Lordsport, the population of the busy town numbers in the high thousands. The town is commonly divided into four quarters or districts by its inhabitants; Oakenshield Quarter with its rich merchants and gentry living above the rest of the town atop a high hill, Owenport with its craftsmen, shipyards, clergy and middle-class citizens, the Merling Harbour with its bustling trading quarters, guildhouses, warehouses, winesinks and whorehouses, and finally Goldenhand Quarter, housing the slums and downtrodden businesses of Lord Hewett's Town.

Protecting the smallfolk is the town watch of Hewett's Town, commonly dubbed 'Oakcloaks' or 'Browncloaks' by the locals. Thanks to their martial tradition and active strides by Lord Hewett, the Browncloaks enjoys a reputation of being well-disciplined and trained, comparable to the larger City Watch of Lannisport. They are equipped with mail armour and woolen brown cloaks, wielding iron spears, cudgels, dirks and the occasional longsword or axe.

Notable locations

 * The Merling Harbour - Both a district and a harbour in its own right. A stone quay and pier makes up the majority of the port, allowing dozens of sizeable ships to make anchor there. Lining the docks are numerous warehouses, cheap brothels and winesinks, offering sailors & natives alike quick relief from the toiling of the day. The Harbormaster's Office is located within a square cobble tower overlooking the harbour.
 * The Reaver's Delight - Renowned for being the oldest surviving inn on Oakenshield, the proprietor, Tom Silversmile, promises a meal & lodging so good that 'it is no wonder that Ironborn keep coming back for more.' The aged establishment is located just within the town walls by the Merling Gate, and boasts four stories, allowing a generous view of the surrounding buildings.
 * The Golden Conch - Owned by the Summer Islander Jalabhar, the Golden Conch is a luxurious establishment well-suited for the wealthy and distant traveler. Famed for its Summer Islander aesthetic and cuisine, it is a popular place for experienced captains and even members of the local gentry. Although it does not advertise itself as a brothel, fair ladies and, if rumour is to be believed, men, are available at the Golden Conch for the guests' viewing and, for the right sum, physical pleasure.
 * The Red Sept - The sept of Lord Hewett's Town. Located on the southern end of Oakenshield Quarter, it is famous for its distinct red stone not naturally found on the island. The seventh of its name, the original six buildings were razed and burned by Ironborn reavers centuries ago, and again when supporters of Maegor the Cruel sought out members of the Warrior'S sons taking refuge within. Despite its bloody history, the sept remains a tranquil place where the smallfolk go to pray daily, and the surrounding park is one of natural beauty.
 * Fisherman's Square - Located between Oakenhand Quarter and the Merling Harbour, Fisherman's square is the central market of Lord Hewett's Town, where most of the common goods can be found. Here, fisherfolk go to sell their daily catches, while merchants both near and distant display their products proudly for the interested party.
 * Warrior's Square - The second market of Lord Hewett's Town, the Warrior's square is smaller than its sister, but well-worth a visit if one has the coin. It is here than more expensive works of art and craftsmanship are sold, along with fines and ciders from inland.
 * Warrior's Street - Branching off from the Warrior's Square, this street is home to many of the forges and smiths that provide the fierce warriors of the Shields with their armaments. With a significant number of people from the Free Cities of Pentos and Tyrosh living here, as well as a few from Qohor, the quality is renowned, and tourney armour is frequently commissioned from these smiths.
 * Plowman's Street - Cheekily named for its brothels, Plowman's Street is the primary source of wine and other avenues of carnal entertainment in the town. Arbor wines, fine cuisine, game from the mainland and even whores from more distant lands beyond the Narrow Sea are common sights here.
 * Mermaid's Palace - Not to be confused with the island by the Arbor, the Mermaid's Palace is a brothel catering to those fond of luxury. Run by Master Bates, the Palace prides itself on its singers and food, and the mahogany-laden rooms are useful for sleeping and private conversing in addition to fucking.
 * The White Goose - Owned by the Pentoshi Tonald Drump, the discrete White Goose brothel is sure to have something that'll appease all tastes and appetites, provided one has the coin. Heavily inspired by the pillowhouses of Lys & Volantis, the interior design is extravagant, to say the least. Famous ladies of the night include Ravella Ravensong, Marei, Jeyna, Saera of Lys, Bellegere the Black Beauty, and of course Danelle Storm, more commonly known as Stormy Dany by her patrons.
 * The Guildhouses - Located by Fisherman's square on the southern end, a series of elaborately designed buildings rise above the markets. Here, the various guilds of Lord Hewett's Town gather to discuss trading agreements and charters, often exchanging writs and deals in return for support on petitions and the division of trade. Predominantly established by natives, recent years have seen an increase in merchants from Oldtown, Lannisport and even Volantis establishing themselves in the town to seize the latest node in a worldwide network of business.
 * Moribald's Bend - One of the roads connected to Fisherman's square. Renowned for its decent winesinks.
 * The Beacon - A tall, grey tower seated atop the cliffs overlooking the Claws, whose vibrant light provides safe passage across the dangerous waters of Oakenshield at night.

Oakenshield Castle
Looming high above the harbour atop a high hill sits Oakenshield Castle. Though small, formidable walls protect the sturdy keep, and a great oak gate with iron-bolts separates the castle from the bridge to the town below. Inside sits a small albeit intimate courtyard, housing the kennels and stables next to lush oak trees and a stunted weirwood tree. The castle's green-tiled towers can be seen from leagues away, and it is said that the keep is founded upon the grave of the King of the Selkies, whose spirit can reportedly be heard and seen in the caverns below.

Layout

 * Great Hall - A narrow room with high-arched ceilings that can accommodate over two-hundred guests at a time. Decorated with long trestle tables and benches draped over with blue cloths, banners emblazoned with the Hewett Sigil hang next to narrow windows paned with blue-and-white glass, casting the great hall into hues of cerulean and argent. At the end of the great hall sits the high table atop an elevated dais. The table is carved from oak, and made to depict merlings and selkies holding a great shield up. Behind the high table, a seat designed to imitate the legendary Oakenseat is located, where Lord Hewett will hold court.
 * The Greenspear - The tower that sits above the great hall. Hosts the personal chambers of Lord Hewett and his immediate family, as well as a study that duals as meeting chambers during more private sessions. Richly decorated with myrish carpets and tapestries depicting the sea and the Seven, the Greenspear has an intimate feel to it.
 * The Bucket - Stubbed, fat and round, the Bucket is primarily designed as a holdfast for sieges, with plenty of space for townfolk during Ironborn attacks. Guests chambers can be found here, as well as a small hall fitting half a hundred people. The Master-at-Arms makes his home here, above the armoury.
 * The Barracks - A small square building, connected to the Bucket, hosts the chambers of the captain-of-the-guard, the garrison as well as the gaoler. Narrow chambers lead to the dungeons below.
 * Raymund's Tower - The Southern Tower facing the sea, Raymund's Tower is home to the rookery, library and Maester's Quarters. Numerous guest chambers can be found here as well, offering a view of the sea below.
 * Garrison's Tower - The Northernmost Tower. Bottom floor hosts the kitchens and servant's quarters, whilst the upper levels are reserved for higher court officials such as the steward and Septon.
 * The Sept - A small room by the Great Hall, featuring stained-glass icons of the Seven.
 * The dungeons - Carved into the natural caverns underneath the castle. Small, dark and occasionally damp. A torture chamber lies adjacent to the dungeons, and a hallway connects them to the rest of the caverns and the storage rooms.
 * The Caverns - Located underneath the castle sits winding caverns that stretch on and on, going deeper and deeper. The upper levels house additional guest chambers and storage rooms, whilst the lower ones, only accessible through the Barracks or locked doors, host the dungeons and torture chambers. The caves stretch on further down, and are by large unvisited due to the dangers imposed by the confusing layout and frequent floodings of certain chambers.
 * The Crypts - Located deeper than the dungeons, but unconnected through its more northern location, are also the crypts, where members of House Hewett lay entombed, and more esteemed servants with them. The crypts are next to the King's Chamber, a large, damp room where a series of slabs of oily black stone can be found. They number nine in total, eight surrounding a larger ninth, which is rumoured by the superstitious to be the tomb of the king of the Selkies, whose ghost purportedly haunts the caverns, luring unwary visitors to their deaths in the deep dark with song and whispers.

History
To be written.