Edo (ED-oh)
Known as a Holy City amongst the Deep Gnomes, Edo is the capital and site of the Sapphire Palace, the sacred residence of their beloved TennōHeika.
Demographics
Amongst the foreigners living in and around Edo, the majority are natives to The Underdark, typically Duergar or Drow. On occasion, a delegation of Dwarfs will remain for some time, negotiating a trade deal which can sometimes take months.
Government
Though Edo is the ancestral home of the TennōHeika, this position is mostly ceremonial. There is an appointed Hankō, the majority of the real day-to-day governance is handled by the reigning Taishō, should he be in residence and not on campaign.
Infrastructure
Edo has some of the most developed infrastructure of any city within The Underdark. Nestled along the Ivory Road, Edo's coffers overflow with trade from a multitude of sources, both terrestrial and extra-planar; this income has not been squandered. Edo's road system is well-paved and well-maintained, allowing carts, wagons, and any other device to pass easily.
The Engineering guilds of Edo are highly sought by other cities and races in hopes that their road systems and pathways could also be maintained in this manner. It is said, in the Underdark, that 'All roads lead to Edo', a fact that is almost entirely true.
Edo is also home to a massive ship-building enterprise, which, to a surface-dweller, would seem laughable, except that Edo is built on the banks of the Kiiro River, which flows from the northwest and passes southeasterly to parts unknown, eventually entering The Hive of Pelenor. This river is a vital tradeway from Vurn Todur and Stoneclan, further fattening the coffers of the city.
Unlike many other settlements, Edo continues to pour it's wealth back into the city, improving great works such as bridges, or simple things such as the lanterns which light the streets and walkways.
The Engineering guilds of Edo are highly sought by other cities and races in hopes that their road systems and pathways could also be maintained in this manner. It is said, in the Underdark, that 'All roads lead to Edo', a fact that is almost entirely true.
Edo is also home to a massive ship-building enterprise, which, to a surface-dweller, would seem laughable, except that Edo is built on the banks of the Kiiro River, which flows from the northwest and passes southeasterly to parts unknown, eventually entering The Hive of Pelenor. This river is a vital tradeway from Vurn Todur and Stoneclan, further fattening the coffers of the city.
Unlike many other settlements, Edo continues to pour it's wealth back into the city, improving great works such as bridges, or simple things such as the lanterns which light the streets and walkways.
Districts
The city of Edo is divided into several distinct districts; the majority of which are dedicated to trade in one capacity or another. First, the merchant district which caters not only to the tastes of outsiders and foreigners, but also is designed to accommodate their animals and beasts as part of a massive caravanserai operation. Massive storage yards, stockyards for animals, and a multitude of foreign-catering inns and taverns all exist and thrive within this district, close to the northern gates of the city and far from the view of the Sapphire Palace.
Outside of the merchant district, Edo-kō, the harbor on the Kiiro River, stands as it's own unique district, containing hundreds of merchant ships, four shipyards, and a military dockyard in case the city need defend itself.
The military district itself is off-limits to foreigners, but it contains a number of training facilities for those who practice Hagakure; it is also known to contain a number of workshops and factories dedicated to arms and armor crafting, though the specifics are tightly guarded secrets of the Bushi who reside there.
The city features a large temple and religious district, with several monuments and statues dedicated to various deific figures from the past history of the Rock Gnomes, as well as the massive complex of the Phoenix Temple, one of the only religious sites within the Empire that is completely welcoming of outsiders, foreigners, and any Rock Gnome regardless of social or feudal status.
Outside of the merchant district, Edo-kō, the harbor on the Kiiro River, stands as it's own unique district, containing hundreds of merchant ships, four shipyards, and a military dockyard in case the city need defend itself.
The military district itself is off-limits to foreigners, but it contains a number of training facilities for those who practice Hagakure; it is also known to contain a number of workshops and factories dedicated to arms and armor crafting, though the specifics are tightly guarded secrets of the Bushi who reside there.
The city features a large temple and religious district, with several monuments and statues dedicated to various deific figures from the past history of the Rock Gnomes, as well as the massive complex of the Phoenix Temple, one of the only religious sites within the Empire that is completely welcoming of outsiders, foreigners, and any Rock Gnome regardless of social or feudal status.
Founding Date
Approximately 1350BD, during the Draconic Age
Type
Capital
Population
Approximately 35,000 Rock Gnomes, and 5-7000 others
Location under
Included Locations
Ruling/Owning Rank
Related Tradition (Primary)
Characters in Location
Comments