Shadekeep
The entirety of this skyward city exists inside of a massive domed tower to protect its inhabitants from the frequently occurring wild magic storms and terrifying wildlife. Many students of abjuration often have an easy time finding employment in this city, especially due to its proximity to the Altus Academy within The Well. The Shadekeep Dome is one of the oldest, post-Breaking mortal made structures in the continent.
Demographics
The majority (~70%) of the population of Shadekeep consists of humans, half elves, wood elves, high elves, and mountain dwarves. The remainder of the population consists of smaller populations of tieflings, half orcs, earth genasi, water genasi, gnomes, and halflings.
Government
Currently, the city of Shadekeep operates as a demarchy, where eligible citizens are chosen at random to serve in public office for five-year terms. Citizens may become eligible for this draft once over the age of 25 and have completed a formal education on one or more civic areas (medicine, agriculture, magecraft, architecture, law, and/or peace keeping). During each election period, 10 representatives from each of the 4 city districts are selected in order to not have all power held by any one individual, profession, district, or social class. Although officials are selected randomly, most of the city's proposed laws must be approved by the public through votes before they can be put into effect. City laws are enforced by Knights of the Peace, an order dedicated to the well-being of Shadekeep's people through the will of the people.
The only exception to Shadekeep's system of voting for each law is the law of Beget Neh Avea'mor (from the elvish - allow none to suffer), also known as The First Law. The First Law was passed in 1490 AB and forbids one from causing intentional pain, suffering, or hardship to another; to do so is punishable by swift death. This law stemmed from the high degree of suffering imposed by the previous government, which often made examples of dissidents through public tortures and executions, and exiled petty criminals to fend for themselves outside of the city's dome.
Infrastructure
While Shadekeep was self sufficient for the large part of its history, the city's population began to outpace its production in the late 1640s. In order to meet the needs of its people, the government of Shadekeep began to seek resources from other nearby settlements. In exchange, Shadekeep would also allow trade between regions as well as provide protection across southern Estrata.
Districts
Feedtown - Despite its size relative to other skyland districts, Feedtown is one of the more populated districts of Shadekeep. This name comes from the high population of above-ground agriculturalists who live here. Feedtown is responsible for over 60% of the domestic food products that sustain the city. Over the years, many wealthier families have moved into Feedtown as production struggled to keep up with Shadekeep's growing population. Owning land in Feedtown may guarantee a family's financial and nutritional security for generations.
The Slate - This district is the largest, most diverse surface district on the skyland. When Shadekeep began allowing outsiders to move into the city in the late 1600s, the majority of these peoples were only allowed to purchase land in the Slate. Due to this, many of the city's multicultural areas can be found here. Many of those who live in this district own or work at import shops who specialize in selling goods from other districts of the city or tarriffed goods from outside Shadekeep. The majority of people in this district commute to other city districts for work.
Philosopher's Keep - What started as a series of mage towers, expanded into a full city district of large towers and skyscrapers. Although many of the city's schools, libraries, and government offices can be found in the Philosopher's keep, many of the towers in this district act as multiple (or sometimes single) family residences. Several of the towers in this district have been converted into massive hydroponic vertical gardens in order to address the city's food shortages.
Shadekeep Depths - The entirety of this district exists in the lower levels of the Shadekeep Dome and beneath the main skyland. This district is important for supplying Shadekeep with stone, metals, minerals, and crops that only flourish underground. Although not a popular place to live due to the low light and low security, many settlers from outside the city made their homes here due to the low cost and low density.
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