Kongo
Kongo is the source of the majority of the wealth of Andros Island. The iron ore that powers the foundries of Andros itself is dug out of the mountains and mines of Kongo, fueling the island's economy. Originally established following the conquest of Andros by the Jakonians, it was a mountain capital of the resistance against imperial forces. The mines continue to be active and highly staffed, although the size of the city is less than a fifth of its population during the years of war against the Jakonians.
Demographics
The town of Kongo is overwhelmingly populated by catfolk, most of whom work in the mines, digging for ore. The handful of humans in the area are either immigrants seeking a life outside of the oppressive atmosphere of Andros itself or Bahami humans seeking to profit out of selling scraps of the wealth of Andros to the catfolk in Kongo, who tend to have at least a bit of money and commerce. Some other races and people have settled in the area, including, surprisingly, a population of kobolds from the mountains who had created a group and enclave of their own during the years of guerilla war.
Government
The settlement is ruled directly by a Prince of House Haxhi, who acts as the direct administrator in charge of all operations of the town. He appoints delegates and representatives, although all of these must be confirmed by the mukarrib of Andros. They have complete authority in decisions made, and there is no other official local governance. The catfolk community possesses committees of their own that help govern their affairs privately, often choosing to handle criminal and other matters on their own rather than bringing their affairs to the attention of the Bahamis.
Defences
Although there used to be a series of formidable walls and bastions that protected Kongo, in addition to an entire tunnel complex to allow travel between the forts and the mines, these have been either deliberately destroyed by the Androsans or fallen into ruin naturally. Today there exist no serious defenses of Kongo, as it is unapproachable by sea, and landings on the island are protected by other fortifications and guard positions. The only defenses that remain are the guard forces which have been assigned here to prevent slave rebellion or uprising. They are mostly focused on defending the Bahamis of the town from unrest, and relish the opportunities to smack around the catfolk inhabitants.
Industry & Trade
Kongo has only one industry of substance: the production of iron ore and its trade to Andros and the foundries therein. A single foundry exists in Kongo itself, mostly out of tradition more than economic need. The items created there go solely to local demand, and rarely leave the city itself. The local catfolk maintain their own hidden foundry, which has begun producing weapons and other illegitimate iron goods for sale and distribution among their people.
Infrastructure
The town of Kongo is reliant upon the long decaying roads and buildings constructed during the period of exile when the people of Andros fled into the mountains to escape Jakonian rule. Most of these were abandoned when the island was reclaimed, and the population began moving back into the northern coastline. The old palaces and forts were left to decay and become derelict, while others were occupied by catfolk slaves dedicated to the mines. There has been little new investment in Kongo, beyond construction of deeper and deeper tunnels into the iron mines. These constructions have been typically the bare minimum work required to keep the iron flowing, and deaths during mining operations are tragically common.
Assets
There is no official marketplace any longer in Kongo. The only exception is the so-called "Slave Market," named for the fact that it is used exclusively by the slave and minority race population to trade what little goods and foods they have for sale. There are only a handful of rundown inns, which offer lodging to the few travelers who have interactions with the catfolk and the other races in town. These places are closely observed by the security forces of the mukarrib, keeping an eye out for dissent or rebellion. Any wealthy Bahamis will instead stay at the Prince's Palace, the old capital building of the kingdom during Jakonian occupation.
Guilds and Factions
In the governance of Kongo there is only a singular important faction: the ongoing requests of House Haxhi for increased quotas and production. These demands and fiats are the main force that controls higher level affairs in the town, but among the catfolk two factions are growing and constantly conflicting for dominance. The first of these groups are advocating for violent revolution and rebellion against the Bahamis, even if a guerilla war is needed to achieve it. The other believes that the catfolk should attempt work stoppages and shutting down production to hold the island economically in blackmail until conditions improve, stating that the Bahamis could not slaughter them all, because then who would do the work? This debate is raging, and while it continues, there is no movement on either front.
Founding Date
549 AF
Type
Town
Population
9,100
Related Ethnicities
Inhabitant Demonym
Kongan
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
Comments