Kambar
Demographics
Government
Like with all cities and towns within the kingdom of Nefis Kambar's laws, taxation and organization is guided by the Beskerm Council.
Defences
Kambar is protected by Nefis' extensive navy. If an invading force is somehow able to get past the Nefis ships, they are forced to go through a narrow choke point that is flanked by two massive towers filled with archers who, if they believe they are about to be overtaken, can lower the massive metal gate that will prevent anyone from passing. If an invading force wants to enter Kambar from its non-oceanic entrance, they have to trek the breadth of Nefis and the Slumbering Highlands itself before reaching passing through the capital city of Beskerm. If they are able to pass through all of that and still want to try getting at Kambar, the invaders will then have to trek through the winding and narrow mining shafts that create a passage between the two cities. Even if they make it through, the sound of their passage will reach the ears of the guards stationed at the ground entrance to Kambar, these guards have the ability to cave in the entrance to Kambar which will them force the invaders to go back the way they came and attempt a sea invasion.
Industry & Trade
Trade is the main source of industry in Kambar with mining, fishing, and whaling being a close second, third and fourth industry. Their main imports are wood, leather, fur, and wool though most of these items they get through intra-kingdom trade as Beskerm and the other cities have plenty of each.
Infrastructure
Most of the walls, roads, bridges, and even a number of buildings are carved out of the cavern rock itself. Some mine shafts that have been exhausted of all valuable material have been converted into homes and shops as well.
Assets
Kambar is where a majority of the Nefisian smith's set up their shop as the source of their ore and ingots is literally feet above, below, and around them. The shipbuilders also call this place home as the cavern the city is built in gives them ample room to work and they have easy access to the underground river and ocean. Some merchants of jewelry and fishmongers also set up shop, though most prefer the Nefisian capital of Beskerm. A large number of glassblowers also call the underground city home as they are the main source of decoration. Also, the salty air that blows in from the opening of the sea cave seems to help make their glass structures shine just that much more.
History
After miners from Beskerm discovered the underground river and followed it to the sea cave that was its source, the Beskerm Council concluded that it would benefit all if a port were built. As the cave was expanded and trade began flowing in, some merchants began partitioning the council to move their shops and homes down into the cavern as that made it easier to move their goods around. The council allowed this as at the same time, a number of sailors and boat builders they had hired from other countries were petitioning them for citizenship with the intention of building homes in the cavern as well. The fledgling town continued to grow as whalers began petitioning for citizenship as the placement of the cavern was ideal for hunting whale as well as fishing for saltwater fish. Additionally, some miners also moved their homes to these caverns as they worked in the lower level mines.
As the small settlement grew into a large town and this growth showed no signs of stopping, the council realized they needed to fortify the city. So, they ordered the construction of two towers right outside the docks that span the entire length from the floor of the cavern to the ceiling. These towers have numerous arrow slits facing along the path of the river and at the top of the towers, a large metal portcullis is suspended between the towers. Additionally, the council Administrators requested that the boat builders within the growing city of Kambar build a number of warships that could be used to patrol the waters in front of the port and purchased a few man-of-war ships both so they could be added to their fleet and so the Nefsian boat builders could examine them and build some of their own. Within the city of Kambar, they had a number of barracks built for city guard and soldiers tasked with patrolling Kambar and its port.
Since then, Kambar has grown into a large thriving city that rivals the kingdom's capital Beskerm in size and population. It is through this city that all trade enters and exits the kingdom of Nefis and the vast amount of precious metals and gems mined daily from the mine shafts literally surrounding the cavern equates to a lot of trade coming through.
Architecture
The main architecture 'style' is cut stone that is either left rough (some businesses and the guard barracks) or smoothed to a fine polish (homes and a few businesses). Decoration comes in the form of colorful tapestries and other adornment attached to walls as well as wooden and glass sculptures. Torches, lanterns, and fire pits provide light and heat throughout the city.
Geography
The city's 'terrain' is rocky and mountainous given that it is located within the mountains of the Slumbering Highlands. The underground river provides fresh water while the ocean outside the city provides the city a water access way.
Natural Resources
Kambar is literally surrounded by rich veins of iron, gold, copper, and silver ore and precious quartz stones which miners work at daily. The oceans outside Kambar's port provide fish, sharks, and whales all of which can be consumed for food. The oil retrieved from the whales is used to light lanterns as well as a lubricant. Whale bones are used for a number of items including clothing, containers, roofing material and decoration items. Shark teeth are used in decoration and jewelry. Every whale and shark killed is wholly consumed, and the Administrator of Fishing maintains strict control over how many whales and sharks may be hunted in a given year. Clams, oysters, and mussels are found on the shoreline and cliff face, providing shells, food, and the occasional pearl. Crabs and lobsters also provide food.
Am I reading this correctly? A coastal city in a cave? Because that is a super cool concept! I love the thought you put into the city's defenses as well! It sounds like a *very* well protected city.
Yes, you are indeed reading this correctly :D.
I second that opinion. What kind of metals do they mine there? Anything in particular that makes the place especially valuable?
Creator of Araea, Megacorpolis, and many others.
They mine iron, gold, silver, and copper and have discovered a number of quartz veins within these mines as well.