Tarke
"They say you can get anything in Tarke, and it's true. I've been stabbed, shot, poisoned, *and* set on fire." -Destain Amblaid, tiefling mercenaryMore than anything, one fact of life defines the Aurandian port city of Tarke: it is the largest city in all of Covenant. In a way, it embodies the kingdom itself as a city of many sides, both with the colorful wolf banners flying majestically overhead, and the seedy underbelly where few dare to tread.
Demographics
Tarke, in addition to being the most populated city in Covenant, is also the most diverse. Most of the population is human, of course, but otherwise there is a great deal of variety in its non-human inhabitants. These people are mostly halflings and gnomes, but practically every other race is represented, as well.
The city is also one of the most popular destinations for adventurers from all across the world, mostly because transportation to other lands is easier due to the city's mercantile importance. Ships from here could conceivably take one anywhere else in the world.
Government
Like any place in the feudal land of Acitern, the city of Tarke is the property of a member of the nobility. Unlike most, it is the holdings of only the ruling king or queen. This monarch comes exclusively from House Lupisene, as they are said to have been gifted stewardship over all of Aurand by the land personified, as symbolized by such artifacts as the sword Caliburn.
On ground-level, the city is under the watchful eyes of the city guard. They have a hierarchy that ultimately answers to the king or queen. They are a presence that covers most of the city, enforcing its laws as laid out by the monarch. Some companies of the guard are known for having far better integrity than others.
Defences
The city of Tarke has two walls, one for the city, itself and another for the castle. This provides great protection for a large portion of the city as well as the Aurandian leadership. These walls are ten feet thick and of layered construction, earthen structures closed in stone brickwork. These are very strong, capable of withstanding sustained assault.
A large contingent of the Aurandian army is always stationed here to protect these walls, and many of the royal knights remain in the castle to protect their charge, the monarch. Between these people, the guardsmen, and the mages patronized by the monarch, it is more than enough to give many attackers pause.
Industry & Trade
As a port city, Tarke is primarily built on trade. Their waterfront brings in trade vessels, mostly from Pasedonis in Polisia, and Puertana in Llanuria. Occasionally, there are also ships all the way from Samaphis in Kemet, Enkidd in Sakkal, or even Ganhuang in Jiayuan. Ships from the latter are rare due to Kemetan and Sakkalan ships being primarily equipped for rivers and the sheer distance from Jiayuan. Most goods from these places come from Pasedonis, instead.
In addition to being a popular destination for traders and adventurers, it is also a place where most journeymen from across Acitern come to perfect their trades. These tradesmen often incorporate techniques of other cultures, although their understanding of such techniques are often imperfect.
Infrastructure
Not unlike the Bjornlander city of Hjalwick, Tarke is built on a bay that rises sharply into hills on either side. The area surrounding the waterfront is generally middle-class with very active markets due to the incoming merchants. There is plenty in this part of town to make merchants and travelers feel welcome, including more inns and taverns than anywhere else.
On the northernmost hill is Castle Kaelin, with a commanding view of the rest of the city. This part of town is also home to numerous mansions that serve as secondary homes for visiting nobles. This part of town also includes the Basilica of St. Torren, one of the grandest cathedrals of the Church of the Light.
A large portion of the city is outside the city walls, mostly to the south and west. Many of these neighborhoods are little more than lawless slums. Others, however, are far more middle-class, much like the waterfront and often serving the overland trade on much the same way.
History
No one knows why or how humans and other races originally came to Acitern, but one of the first places that were settled by them was a bay surrounded by tall hills. These original inhabitants built a village there that they eventually named Tarke.
According to legend, this was a time of great conflict between the houses desiring to control the land. The land, however, had its own champion: Atarin, said to be the son of a she-wolf. They granted him symbols of his authority: a crown, chalice, and the sword Caliburn.
He had won the war, and been declared King Atarin Lupisene, the first king of Aurand. He chose Tarke as his home and constructed his grand castle there. After Castle Kaelin became the seat of royal power, Tarke quickly expanded until it became the largest city on Covenant.
While Tarke has been attacked more than once throughout its history, but no attack was harsher than the invasion of the undead forces of Karad Blackheart. The city was weakened by a plague whose victims were raised, creating chaos in the city. Fortunately, the guard were able to keep the people safe from the inside of the walls.
At first, it seemed like the walls would be breached, but the forces gathered from across Acitern by the hero Vidar Elf-Child were able to lift the siege at a crucial moment. Eventually, the adventurers ended the treat once and for all by destroying the lich's phylactery.
Architecture
The most impressive buildings in Tarke are built of large stone bricks held together with mortar. The castle and cathedral both have multiple towers topped with conical spires covered in clay shingles. These are spectacular sights, clearly visible from almost anywhere else in the city.
Most of the other buildings are plaster walls built around wooden frames. Others are constructed mostly of timber or-- more rarely-- stone. These buildings have slanted roofs due to winter snow. These, too are covered in shingles, mostly made of clay or wood.
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