Riverdown
The most isolated town in all of Alton, Riverdown is a bustling town situated on several islands at the mouth of the Salre River. The islands that Riverdown is built on are several stories tall, they serve as a gateway for all trade moving inland towards the Parvus region. The city's economy thrives on fishing, and deep water mining. Under the islands lies a network of mines under the water, where precious gems and metals lie. Riverdown has developed a hardy folk, due to the constant raids by Helspire vikings from the north.
Demographics
Riverdown has been home to a wide population of hardy folk. A healthy mix of humans, elves and dwarves all call the city home. Due to the nature of the economy, and the regular raids by Vikings from the north, the town has brewed a gruff and straightforward bunch. Most either are fisherman, used to braving the harsh waves of the Northern Ocean, and constant raids by Vikings. The miners dig deep into the ground, always at risk of being flooded by the water above.
The underdark is filled to the brim with all manner of monstrosity, abberation, and beast. Kuo-Toa still linger around the underground lakes and rivers, serving a Dao that gathers wealth. Beasts and abberations lurk around every corner, far from the burning sun on the surface.
Government
The Duke of Riverdown exerts a loose grasp over the city. Her name is Celeste Bechard. They say this is because her men are stretched so thin defending the area from Helspire raiders and their constant attacks. They have very little time to police the populace.
The day-to-day governance is handled by a small council, each representing different interests of the city. As the Crystalhammer mining company has grown, they have bought off positions in the council, and now hold significant political sway over the city. Only a handful of staunch holdouts keep them from completely controlling the city itself.
Guilds and Factions
Crystalhammer Mining Company:
The mining company was established more than 70 years ago. The company was founded by a family of dwarves out of Parvus and have carved out a fortune from mining the deep. They raise the ire of some residents, especially the few elves who call Riverdown home about the rumors of indentured servitude they impose on their miners and hunters. They claim that the rumors are just that, rumors and there is nothing to it. In their defense, the local Alton government has found no evidence of mistreatment. However, some say that the Alton government is spread too thin on the surface protecting the city from attack to conduct a full investigation.
Geography
Almost the entire city of Riverdown has developed on the islands to the river itself. This has been a boon to the city's defense. The islands can reach seven stories tall at the highest, and the people live around the outside of these islands, as well as inside of carved out caves as well. Any ship trying to pass through the mouth of the river must pass through one of the canals winding through the islands. Caves at the base of the islands lead into tunnels plunging deep into the earth. These tunnels dig deep into a network of mines and underground structures that have been around much longer than Riverdown itself. Miners, explorers and treasure hunters all find themselves sifting through the dangerous underdark looking for their big payoff.
The Underdark itself is filled with glittering pools, and streams of their own. Flora down here glow with a natural bioluminescence, giving a natural light to the cave. Winding creeks and rivers flow beneath the surface here, filled with all manner of creatures. Wealth and danger awaits all who venture too far into the deep.