Port Saint Rose
the Golden City
The Winter Capital of Marras
Settlements around Santel Bay have existed for millennia. The calm deep water of the bay provided a diverse ecosystem for edible fish to flourish. At the mouth of the bay Rose Island protected its waters from the harsher seas coming in from the ocean beyond. The island, called Fol Sond (Red Island) by the Somon natives, was a sacred place. The rocky island stands twenty feet above sea level and was covered in crape myrtle that early Lakortha mistook for giant rose bushes, hence the modern name of the island.
On an overcast spring morning in 5065sc a fleet of Normon ships sailed into the bay claiming it for Lakorth. The local tribes welcomed the newcomers with open arms and trade. The Lakortha first built a settlement at the mouth of the Silver River. Raids from seafaring enemies, however, caused the inhabitants of this early town to abandon their homes, moving out to the defendable island. Despite native protests, this new stronghold became Lakorth's primary military post for much of its dealing with Southern Jerain during their occupation. The town outgrown the island, spreading back across the waters to the old settlement's location at the mouth of the Silver River. For generations barge crossed the banks from one part of the city to the other, but in 6400sc a bridge was finally built crossing the divide.
Port Saint Rose often called 'the Golden City.' This is due to the fact that many of the large structure's roofs are lined with Copper and brass. This gives the illusion of gold to those viewing from a distance. Sailors can see the reflecting sun off these shinning roofs as far as the horizon. Inland, many travels say they can see the bright glow of this reflecting light over hills and through trees. Bards describe it as a warm light drawing them in.
The streets are tight and ancient, a maze of crisscrossing thoroughfare among tall buildings. The wealthier and more cosmopolitan boroughs of the city have structures constructed of stone and marble, while the poor districts often have a stone first floor, with upper levels being of wood.
On the banks of the Santel Bay mouth is Pundit Borough. A home for the middling class and wealthy non-nobles. The borough is well maintained with many parks and public gardens in between large private homes lining the streets. Many expensive shops maintain business in the borough as well. Fine jewelry, tailors, and the finest foods can be purchased here. The School of the Savants is located here, a high-quality learning center for the nobility of the realm, and any who can afford the high costs of tuition.
The city between Pundit and the Silver River holds the largest population of the town and is split into two boroughs, Ceol Borough and the Silver Borough. These two boroughs are often simple called Old Rose Town. Silver Borough is the location of the city docks on the mouth of the Silver River. This is the district where much of the cities merchants and workers dwell and do business. By day, this area is alive with crowded streets of activities off all kind. Nights find the streets dark and lonely, with only the shadier individuals and drunk sailor wondering about. On the west bank of the Silver River one can find Red Borough, a district of the poorest citizens, and infamous for brothels and gambling houses.
On Rose Island is divided between the civic buildings on the south side of the island, and Sond Borough to its north. The island as a whole is the government distract of Port Saint Rose and the Kingdom of Marras. This is the most impressive area of the city, with massive structures such as such as the Dama la Denda Cathedral.
Sond Borough is the royal estates and apartments estates of the high nobility of Marras. Ancient law, still upheld, holds that only the royal family can dwell permanently on the Rose, or in the city for that matter. While there is no law preventing nobles from coming and going from the larger city of Port Saint Rose, there are laws in place forcing all nobility to request permission from the royal estate to cross onto or depart Rose Island. This may sound stringent, in practice it is little more of a formality in the modern day. The nobility comes and goes from the island continually, with only a required request to the man-at-arms on the bridge offered and accepted.
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