BLACKWALL - THE MILITARY CITY

Large City: Nonconventional (military tribunal AL LN; 40,000 gp limit; Assets 42,554,000 gp; Population 21,277; Integrated (45% human, 40% dwarf, 7% halfl ing, 5% gnome; 3% other).

Blackwall stands atop a high mesa, affording it a commanding view of the surrounding terrain. It is one of the greatest military outposts of the kingdom of Kaddas (see Kaddastrei on page 18). The city was built on the site of what was once a simple village, called Blackwell for its dark waters. After Kaddas chose to construct a military fortification here, the name shifted to Blackwall—a title that confuses outsiders, since the city’s imposing defenses are not particularly dark-colored. Blackwall has a small trading bazaar, but its primary purpose is to watch for invading and monstrous forces.

The great city does have a ruling noble—at this time, a duke with blood ties to the king of Kaddas—but his role is largely ceremonial. The true power center is a tribunal of offi cers led by the most senior general of Blackwall’s army. The city functions entirely under martial law, with soldiers acting as both police and protectors.

ARCHITECTURE

Blackwall’s construction emphasizes function over form. The buildings in this military city consist mostly of stone, and the few wooden structures are far away from important edifi ces or tactically signifi cant routes. The roofs of major buildings (and even most homes) are built flat to serve as archery platforms or even, in the case of larger structures, bases for heavy projectile weapons. Most such roofs are crenellated to some degree, providing some cover to citizen-soldiers firing on invaders. Buildings have narrow windows—the better for shooting through without making oneself vulnerable—and heavy doors built to withstand battering. Various buildings contain hidden stockpiles of weapons. Citizens know where to go to arm themselves against attack, but invaders will have a devil of a time locating these caches. In certain districts, corner buildings and houses hold large piles of debris on roofs or in alleys, or structures feature extra outer walls that can be easily collapsed. This rubble is ready to be pushed out or toppled over at a moment’s notice, forming barriers against attackers moving through the streets.

As might be expected, Blackwall displays less variety in visual styles than other cities of its size. This doesn’t mean that its citizens make no attempt at aesthetics, however. The upper classes practice what is best described as “military chic.” Private homes are built to resemble fortifi cations, perhaps far more often than they need to be. Wealthy homeowners prefer to decorate primarily in dark hues, with occasional splashes of color depicting various banners and ensigns.

Even in those districts where foreigners are relatively common, the styles of other nations are largely absent. Many noncitizens, feeling the weight of suspicious eyes, prefer to blend in rather than draw attention to themselves.

LAYOUT

Military cities typically have wide avenues as their main thoroughfares, but very narrow side streets. This layout forms the optimal combination of offensive and defensive capabilities. Wide main streets enable the city government to move large numbers of troops or cavalry swiftly, but they also permit invading forces to do the same. Narrow crossing streets and alleys serve as ambush points, from which defenders can launch swift guerrilla attacks and then retreat to bolt-holes the enemy cannot reach or find.

Some military cities, especially those built as staging grounds, use a simple circular grid pattern. This layout lets marching troops reach the city gates quickly and easily. Others, including Blackwall, are more concerned with defense. The city streets form a twisting web of avenues and alleyways: They turn or even dead-end for no apparent reason, and a given street might not have the same name for its entire length. The locals know how to find their way around. For intruders, though, the bewildering layout is as effective a defense as any curtain wall. Someone standing at the gate might be able to see Blackwall Keep, the city’s administrative center, but would be unable to easily reach it.

Blackwall Map Key

The keyed locations on the Blackwall map indicate various districts of the city. For a general discussion of these features, see City Districts beginning on page 34.

1. Defensive wall
2. Keep
3. Civic district
4. Embassy district
5. Fine shops
6. Magic district
7. Noble estates
8. Wealthy residential district
9. Average residential district
10. Garrison
11. Guildhall district
12. Marketplace
13. Temple district
14. Caravan district
15. Inn/Tavern district
16. Red-light district
17. Shantytown
18. Slum/Tenement district
19. Warehouse district

Even before they reach the city gates, though, enemies must battle their way through two concentric rings of defensive fortifications: an outer layered wall and an inner stone wall, with a spiked moat between the two.

PERSONA

People often assume that Blackwall’s citizens are dour and grim, weighted down by a military life. This is true to an extent. Military service is mandatory for all who come of age in the city, though they are required to serve only a few years. Citizens do take their duties seriously and train hard, ready to defend Blackwall and Kaddas against any invader.

In all other respects, Blackwall’s people are a cheerful, fun-loving folk. They welcome travelers who have proven themselves trustworthy. They shop at the bazaar for foreign goods, they laugh with delight at the antics of traveling entertainers, and they enjoy the camaraderie of a night with friends in a tavern.

Crime in Blackwall is common, but it is made up mostly of petty, mild offenses that draw fines or short prison sentences. The infrequent violent criminal receives harsh punishment, almost always involving exile or execution.