Åbenhamn
Orrian Capital of Trade
Åbenhamn is a city in the country-continent of Orri. It is the capital of Prata Clan's territory, and its jarl resides there.
The city is more densely populated and draws more visitors than does any other settlement in Orri, largely because of its central location and accessible harbour. This easy flow of foreign traffic, as well as Prata Clan's central location between the other clans, has turned Åbenhamn into the bustling hub for all trade and commerce on Orri. Even the other Orrian clans often choose to sell or trade their wares to Prata knowing full-well that the goods will be resold at a mark-up; Orrian merchants typically consider it a worthwhile trade-off for shaving days or weeks off of their travel time.
Foreigners often mistakenly assume Åbenhamn to be the capital of the entire country because of its size and busy atmosphere, but the Pratan jarl holds no more power than do any of the other clan's leaders.
Demographics
- Humans, Orrian: 50%
- Humans, foreign: 20%
- Dwarves: 7%
- Half-Elves: 6%
- Half-Orcs: 5%
- Elves: 3%
- Gnomes: 3%
- Halflings: 2%
- Dragonborn: 2%
- Tieflings: 2%
Government
As the capital of Prata Clan's territory, Åbenhamn hosts the jarl's seat of power. The jarl rules over the clan as a whole, delegating leadership of smaller towns and villages to lendmenn.
A jarl rules until they die, or until they abdicate their throne voluntarily. The latter scenario typically occurs if a jarl grows too old to lead, or if the the masses deem a jarl unfit to rule, resulting in riots, threats of violence, and in some cases, assassination.
When a new jarl must be chosen, any Orrian may put their name forward as a candidate, but they must be able to amass supporters to back them. The candidate who can convince the greatest number of people to support them wins the throne, by what was traditionally a threat of force. Candidates can plead their worth in any number of fields; in Prata Clan, most jarls seem to win favour by being well-spoken and money-savvy.
Defences
Åbenhamn's position at the point of a peninsula in the Gulf of Mjor makes it very accessible to visiting ships, and it would also make it easy to invade by boat if it weren't for the numerous Pratan settlements that line the Gulf of Mjor all along its edge. Entering the Gulf of Mjor requires passage through a choke-point only a few miles wide, forcing any hostile invaders to be funnelled narrowly into the gulf where all of Prata's vessels wait at the ready.
In addition, nearly every Orrian is a competent sailor and warrior. Attacking Åbenhamn would muster a militia thousands-strong almost immediately.
Industry & Trade
Åbenhamn's economy is among the healthiest on the continent, at least financially. The city is Orri's leader in trade, both domestic and foreign, by a landslide. Åbenhamn makes use of both international currency exchange and Orri's traditional barter system, as needed.
All manner of goods move through Åbenhamn, from Orrian lumber, crops, fish, alcohol and metalworks, to foreign silks, fabrics, spices, jewelry and art.
Infrastructure
Åbenhamn is a tightly-packed city, with houses rising two or even three stories above the ground in its most congested districts. The reason for this is the huge amounts of traffic that come from neighbouring nations to trade with the Orrians, necessitating the construction of many inns, stables and other lodging solutions. Åbenhamn's roads are nearly all paved with stone to ease wagon travel.
Åbenhamn's most visually impressive structures are its many, many docks that surround the city in the Gulf of Mjor. Its harbours can easily house dozens, if not hundreds of vessels at a time, allowing for a steady stream of commercial business to supplement Orri's economy.
Assets
Åbenhamn is, in most ways, Orri's wealthiest city. Gold flows freely as domestic and foreign merchants alike peddle their wares, although it should be noted that the some other Orrian clans do not place much value in foreign currency.
In addition to international trade, Åbenhamn's central location makes it a convenient middleman to deal with Dyrke, Hurrikaani and Skapa Clans. It typically works out in each of their favour to sell their respective goods to Prata Clan rather than travel all the way to the distant territories. As a result, Åbenhamn is well stocked with food, supplies and equipment.
Guilds and Factions
As the centre of trade in the country, a number of international guilds have set up outposts or offices in Åbenhamn. These range from merchant organizations, to monster and bounty hunting guilds, to illegal smuggling operations.
Architecture
Like most Orrian architecture, Åbenhamn makes heavy use of lumber and thatch roofing in the construction of its establishments. It also makes significant use of stone and brick, giving Åbenhamn a slightly more modern and integrated feel than the rest of the country.
It's harbours boast strong, wooden docks capable of receiving several dozen, even hundreds of vessels at once.
Geography
Åbenhamn rests at the very point of a peninsula that extends into the Gulf of Mjor, positioning it just above sea level. To the southwest, on the opposite side of the city from the gulf, the ground raises on a slight incline that continues all around the gulf's perimeter, such that the other Prata villages are raised a short distance above the water.
Natural Resources
Åbenhamn's central location allows it to benefit moderately from a variety of natural resources instead of excelling at just one or two. Most of Prata's villages have access to the Gulf of Mjor, allowing them to fish freely for marine game. Nearby forests allow a moderate source of lumber, though not nearly as much as is imported from Skapa Clan. The same is true for agriculture; Pratan soil is fine enough for farming, but the clan gets as many crops from Dyrke Clan as it grows on its own.
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