Steppegate

Sometimes called "The Gate to the North", this stoic, stone-carved settlement acts as a waystop for people either moving south from the steppes, or for those moving north from the Great Sand Sea or The Badlands of The Grande Rocc.

Demographics

• 40% Human
• 20% Dwarf
• 10% Halfling or Gnome
• 5% Goblinoid
• 5% Elf or Half-Elf
• 5% Orc or Half-Orc
• 15% Other

Government

Ruled by a group of 10 Guard captains, elected by merit by the people of the city.
Each of these 10 captains may recruit up to 10 sub-captains who act as officiants, councilors, advisors and bodyguards as that captain sees fit.

Defences

• 100 - Volunteer Guard Force (mostly serving as officers for the Conscripts)
• 500 - Conscripted Guard Force (foot troops, archers, etc.)
• 250 - Volunteer Veteran Engineers (opperating and maintaining siege engines)
• 100 - Steppegate Battlemege Corps (Magic artillery and anti-infantry)
• 50 - Steppegate Combat Medic Corps (Clerics and Priests to heal wounded)
• 100 - Armati Devotio (Paladins in service to the spirit of Dedication and Endurance)
• 50 - Onager (40 North-facing, 10 South-facing)
• 100 - Balista (70 North-facing, 30 South-facing)
• The Wall (Large stone fortifications, designed to repel foot troops)

Industry & Trade

Steppegate is located in rough and rocky lands, so farming is sparse and limited. Most food is hunted, or purchased from passing merchants on their way along the North-South Tradeway.

Infrastructure

Marked primarily by the large wall and gate, spanning between two natural Mesas, that act like large watchtower platforms.

Districts

• East Expanse
• East Mesa
• The Gatewall
• The Inner Expanse
• West Mesa
• West Expanse
• The Under-well
• The Siege-break
• Armati Devotio Temple Complex

Guilds and Factions

• Stoneguard Council
• Stonecutters Guild
• City Engineers
• Volunteer Guard Corps
• Conscript Corps
• Battlemege Corps
• Combat Medic Corps
• Farmers Coalition
• Runners and Messengers Guild
• West Mesa Village Charity
• East Mesa Merchants
• The Under-well Water Guild
• Inner Expanse Orphanages
• Armati Devotio

History

Originally a fortified village that dealt with regular attacks from northern invaders and raiders, this city has become something of a cultural hotspot. Known for it's massive fortifications and harsh climate, people from the surrounding areas often visit to see The Wall in its monumental and unwavering splendor.

Geography

Rocky badlands with numerous canyons, valleys, stone spires and mesas.

Climate

Harsh, Cold, and unforgiving Sub-arctic Tundra

Natural Resources

• Quarried stone
• Mined gems
• Mined Iron, Lead, Tin, Silver
• Limited Lumber and Agriculture

Founding Date

12 CE

Alternative Name(s)

North-Gate, The Wall

Population

around 3,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Gater

Location under

Grande Rocc

Owning Organization

Stoneguard Council

Characters in Location

• Czugne Brightflame