Bouldercrest
This mostly subterranean dwarven city is well known for its productive mines and dwarven majority. Three-quarters of the city lies beneath a large mountain quixotically named Hemmarc Hill. The other quarter stretches east from the towering stone arches. The entire city is carved from white granite. Buildings inside the mountain are topped with clay roof tiles while some outside prefer thatch. Bouldercrest was founded and ruled by Galmand Brighthammer until 427 YGP. The city's largest and most imposing gateway arch bears his name. Shortly before Galmand's death in 427 YGP, he declared that the city would be ruled democratically henceforth. Some believe he was trying to avoid a succession crisis between his twelve sons while others believe the decision was forced on Galmand by a racist King Arkan. Regardless, the city's transformation into a democracy was smooth and relatively uneventful.
The city is unique for many reasons, one of which is the near absence of humans. Bouldercrest's architecture reflects the shorter stature of its citizens, making traversal somewhat difficult for humans and other humanoids at times.
Demographics
Ancestry | % |
---|---|
Dwarf | 63% |
Halfling | 16% |
Gnome | 9% |
Goblin | 8% |
Human | 1% |
Other | 3% |
Government
Bouldercrest is a fragile democratic city. The mayoral elections and free and fair, but only dwarves vote even though other ancestries are technically permitted. Dwarves outnumber all other ancestries, dooming non-dwarf candidacies before they start.
The mayor governs the city alongside a small, nine-person city council that drafts and passes legislation along. The mayor signs and enforces these laws in most circumstances.
Industry & Trade
Stone, masonry, precious gems and metals, professional craftsmen.
Infrastructure
None surpass stonemason dwarves in their ability to create lasting infrastructure. Bouldercrest is no exception. Massive stone pillars 130 ft in diameter carved from solid rock hold the city's enormous roof aloft. Bouldercrest's streets, sewers, transportation, and other utilities are fully functioning and well-managed.
Districts
- North Town: Bouldercrest's largest district is home to most of its citizens and many of its businesses. Jewelers, masons, carpenters, bankers, and others work here each day. The residential areas inside the district are primarily well-tended stone structures roofed with clay tiles. The streets are carved to have the appearance of cobblestone. This district lies below the peak of Hemmarc Hill.
- Sky District: This is the only district of the city that lies outside the massive internal cavern. Originally built to house non-dwarf visitors, most non-dwarfs reside here. Many of Bouldercrest's transportation agencies can be found here as well given its close proximity to the city gates. The Sky District overlooks the vast Eastvale Plain, which stretches from The Rakes to The Witch Tides.
- Tunnel District: Here the real work is done. A steadfast dwarven community lives and works here. The tunnels, for which this district is named, stretch miles into the earth. The Brewbeard Cart Company is the only livery company permitted to operate in the area and it exclusively caters to dwarves. Brewbeard Carts careen down the gently sloping tunnels at frightening speeds, often carrying whooping and hollering dwarves armed with picks and recently filled with ale. It is no surprise that 90% of the city's domestic disturbances occur in the Tunnel District.
- Beermile: True to its name, Beermile is the center of Bouldercrest's prodigious drinking scene. There are perhaps more pubs, alehouses, and bars per square foot here than in any other location on the planet. The last census counted 113 separate drinking establishments. The most famous of these is the Paydirt Pub & Inn.
- High Chapel: Named for this district's vaulted ceilings, High Chapel is home to the largest Temple of Udëvar outside of Korolevia. Its enormous belfries tower high above the faithful dwarven parishioners below. Surrounding the Temple are several large mansions: the homes of Bouldercrest's wealthiest citizens.
- Arch District: Though it is Bouldercrest's smallest borough, the Arch District probably sees more traffic than any other area. The Arches of Bouldercrest are legendary for their craftsmanship and size. The largest arch--Galmand's Arch--is over 100 ft tall and 50 ft wide. There are seven arches in total and all of them can be found here.
- Stone Hall: The area just inside the mountain of the arches is named Stone Hall and it features many of Bouldercrest's most impressive works. Tall statues carved from white and red granite raise axes, hammers, and shields high over the heads of passersby. Flowing tapestries of gold, green, red, and bronze hang from 12 ft iron rods hammered into the solid rock 80 ft above. Stone Hall is one of Argea's artisan wonders.
- Dimgrove Park: Unique among city parks in Argea, Dimgrove is mostly comprised of giant mushrooms with caps up to 25 ft wide and stems 12-15 ft tall. Various other toadstools dot the mossy park. Those that glow illuminate the area in pastel greens and blues.
Guilds and Factions
Noble Houses
- House Brighthammer: the descendants of Galmand Brighthammer, the founder of Bouldercrest; they fill no ceremonial or official duties
- Skysail Taxi Co.: the largest livery company in the city and the only one capable of transporting people outside the city bounds
- Clover Carriages: the smallest, but fastest, livery company in the city
- Âgelund Quarry: an enormously successful gem quarry run by Tolek Keenhold that produces three-quarters of Bouldercrest's precious gems.
- The Vaultcrackers: a radical faction of The Stone Communion headquartered in Bouldercrest's Temple of Udëvar.
- The Wicked Pick: the largest mining emporium in the city, serving hundreds of miners daily just outside the western entrance to the mines.
- The Dawnhammer Guild: a cartel of stonemasons who fix the prices of various stones and gems and extort local vendors to ensure their cooperation.
Points of interest
- Clover Carriages Headquarters: the central offices of Clover Carriages
- Skysail Taxi Company Headquarters: the central offices of Skysail Taxi Co.
- Paydirt Pub & Inn: both a microbrewery and an inn, the Paydirt Pub & Inn serves themed drinks in themed areas
- Mithril's Gate Inn: a small inn famous for its enchanted mithril arch entrance
- The Temple of Udëvar: the largest temple dedicated to Udëvar outside of Korolevia. Home of the controversial Vaultcrackers
- Brewbeard Cart Company Headquarters: the central offices of Brewbeard Cart Co.
- Galmand's Gate: the largest gate in town, Harland's Gate towers 100 ft over the stone floor below and stretches 50 ft across
Architecture
Steadfastly dwarven with sharp isometric lines and pentagonal arches.
Level 5
LN City Government Mayor, elected Languages Arkann, Common, Dwarven
Religions The Church of Ilíos, Luminicism, The Stone Communion Threats The resurgence of anti-democratic forces.
Subterranean Most of Bouldercrest lies beneath Hemmarc Hill. The comparatively small entrance to the city lies in a small cove on the eastern edge of town.
LN City Government Mayor, elected Languages Arkann, Common, Dwarven
Religions The Church of Ilíos, Luminicism, The Stone Communion Threats The resurgence of anti-democratic forces.
Subterranean Most of Bouldercrest lies beneath Hemmarc Hill. The comparatively small entrance to the city lies in a small cove on the eastern edge of town.
Founding Date
112 YGP
Founders
Type
City
Population
1,800
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
Comments