Vinheim

"The gleaming of it's white walls and towers are as grand as it's people; a melting pot of culture and enlightenment. A greater city you'll not find beneath the shining of the sun". - Gladias Font, Magical Theory Professor, AoR 584
Vinheim, also known as the "City of Slate" or "Stonehold", was the largest and most powerful city in Astora and likely the entirety of Naneth. It was the first settlement founded by the early citizens of Astora, and has grew exponentially on the west coast of Royal's Bay in the 339 years since. The city itself sits on a massive peninsula of white limestone, situated in the western landmass of Naneth. From the very same stone the city sits upon, are the city walls and roads made from. Vinheim gleams bright white in the direct sun, and on particularly full moons, can be seen as a shimmering beacon for a hundred miles across Royal's Bay. Built together with the dark oak timber of the Ironwood Forest and the white limestone, Vinheim is a beautiful city of stark contrasts. Vinheim stands as the hub of all trade in the north of Naneth, dwarfing even Aramoor and Daytower in this regard. Exports flowed from the cities ports, goods collected from all across Astora. From the tributaries of the Glade River, Vinheim pushed it's commodities and influence, spreading out across to the rest of Naneth.

Geography

A City of Stone

The ground of which Vinheim is built upon is made up of naturally bleached, limestone rock. The stone sits like slate upon the surface, giving most of the surrounding area a smooth setting, interrupted only by patches of arid grass and the splitting of the Glade River. It is not uncommon to hear the rumble or feel the slight shift of large rock pallets below the earth, a mildly unsettling notion for those unfamiliar with the city and it's quirks. Additionally, this type of environment makes mining, one of Vinheim's main type of industry, quite dangerous to undertake. Cave-ins and rockslides are quite common in the mined tunnels beneath the city.
Vinheim itself is partly named after it's location. Vinheim, meaning Stone Grip or Stone Hold in ancient human dialect, was the name given to the city by the founders of Astora. In part it was meant to convey the settlement's physical setting, while also conveying their hardy, or "rock-like", resolve to Atmora, the nation from which they had self-exiled from.

Government

The Council of Nine

Vinheim, as the Capital City of Astora, served as the seat of power for the The Council of Nine. This Council was a democratically elected party of officials, whom together oversaw the policies, laws and strategies of Vinheim and Astora as a whole. The Pale Palace in Vinheim stands above the rest of the city, sitting on a raised plateau. This is the palace of the Council, from where they debate and hand down rulings of law. The identities of the Council were public knowledge, as each official was voted into their seat by the public.

Laws & Punishments

With the Council of Nine seated in the city, Vinheim did not posses a Townmaster, like many of Astora's other settlements. The Council itself oversaw the direction of the city, likely due to it's grand importance in Naneth's overall politics and relations. Because of this, The Council would decide on the day to day issues emerging in Vinheim. Once each calendar month, the Council would convene in the Principal Chambers of the Pale Palace, where they would hear pre-reviewed cases from the general public, handing down direction or commands in response. High crimes trials were included during this time, mostly cases of treason or murder.

Crime

While home to many common pickpockets and petty criminals, Vinheim also holds the unfortunate distinction as home to the The Silver Fox Guild. The Silver Fox Guild is a major crime organization, named after it's founder; the infamous The Silver Fox. The guild operates in the shady back alleys of Vinheim's many districts and controls the black market in Astora. The Silver Fox Guild is responsible for the creation of Vinheim's, and Astora's as a whole, criminal underworld. This guild has been implicated in matters of illegal substance trade, blackmail, murder plots, and even cases of treason against the government. Hunting down the guild is one of the main interests of the city watch, though this task will prove difficult, as the guild has grown to a vast size over the many years of operation.

Trade

The Hub of the North

Vinheim was the largest city in Naneth, and as such, was also it's largest trading hub in the north. Most goods en route in Royal's Bay passed through Vinheim's ports, regardless of if that was their final destination. Even shipments from Meridian to Atmora would come through Astora's Capital, with many ships looking to avoid the warmer southern waters near to the The Quaan Empire. In-country, almost all goods were sent to Vinheim for exporting, as it's position on the bay's coast and the Glade River was invaluable. The Merchant's Guild of Naneth had a headquarters in Vinheim's port district, The Moors, though it's main branch was located in Myre.

Exports & Imports

Vinheim's main exports sat far beneath the city itself; the stone, minerals, and valuable ores. Building materials like bricks or clay often originated from Vinheim and were shipped off across the bay to settlements looking to expand infrastructure. Perhaps the greatest strength in Vinheim was it's sheer number of craftsman and artisans. Finished goods and products flowed from this city, fetching high prices from around Naneth. Magical items forged from the The Spell Forge and finished in Veth Monra, smelted high quality weapons from metals stripped beneath the city, cloth and other fabrics spun in Vinheim's residential districts, all of these goods could be ordered from the City of Slate. Because of Astora's size, many resources could be sent to Vinheim from within, rather than ordering from other countries. This fact is one of the reasons why Vinheim is quite wealthy as a whole. Most of it's imports are of exotic goods, procured from Meridian or Chult.

Districts

As Vinheim quickly grew, the city was split up into districts. Each district had a general purpose or style, though some overlap in similarities in such a large settlement were unavoidable for early city planners.

The Pale District

The Pale District is Vinheim's highest district, in terms of importance and altitude. Almost the entirety of the district sat upon a limestone plateau which was raised higher above the rest of the city. This district was punctuated by The Pale Palace, Vinheim's Capital building and home of The Council of Nine. Also present in this district was the The Emery Sanctum; the headquarters for the Astoran branch of the Order of the Loyal Fury. Temples to Torm and Sune are also present here. A towering statue to Dathmere Sindain stands here beside the Emery Sanctum, honoring the hero of old.

The Shrine District

The Shrine District was Vinheim's temple and hospital ward. Eldath, Silvanus and Oghma had temples in the Shrine District, with the temple to Eldath also serving as a hospital; Guardian's Memorial, for those with less wealth than Vinheim's higher class citizens. Though the main temples to Torm and Sune resided in the Pale District, these gods had smaller shrines included here. Perhaps the most interesting portion of the Shrine District was Vinheim's massive graveyard situated within. This cemetery included several hundred feet of rolling grassy knolls, in which the bodies of Astora's middle to high class citizens were buried. Below the ground laid many intersecting tunnels of catacombs, many of them ending in large family tombs for the wealthy. The temples in the Shrine District were responsible the "Hills of the Dead", as many Vinheim residents called it. Even Kelemvor sees recognition here with a Temple of The Void sat deep within the Hills. Finally, splitting the line between the White Rock Plaza and Shrine District was Vinheim's College. This institute is renowned world-wide for it's education. Though locally, it is very much overshadowed by Veth Monra.

The Moors

The Moors was one of Vinheim's larger districts, as it lined up and down the banks of the Glade River. The Moors was Vinheim's port and docks district, with the vast majority of the inland area being warehouse storage areas. Here, goods would be held until benefactors shipped them out to their final destinations. The docks in Vinheim were quite vast, with the Glade River being wide and deep enough to support even the largest ships heading into port. Additionally, many ships themselves were built in The Moors. The Moors is one of the most crime ridden areas of the city, with warehouses often becoming the targets for petty theft, or even drawing the attention of Silver Fox members. Clashes between the city watch and guild members are quite common in this district. The Sweet Siren Tavern sits along the shoreline in The Moors, a popular hangout for sailors preparing for long voyages, or shadier characters looking for work. Perhaps Vinheim's greatest city planning failure lays in this district, as the children's public school, The Commons, is present here.

White Rock Plaza

White Rock Plaza is famous world-wide for it's shops, inns, and entertainment. Found inside White Rock are several installations and organizations of note, including the Torchwood Theatre Company. Vinheim's largest marketplace can also be located here, renowned for the amount of artisans that sell product here. If it exists, it can likely be found for sale in White Rock Plaza. Lining the main square is The Limestone Inn; Vinheim's largest establishment of that nature. Taking most of the districts southern area is the Grand Arena. Vinheim holds many ceremonies and events here, including the annual Great Games.

Stonehold

Stonehold was the name given to Vinheim's largest residential area. Easily Vinheim's largest district, the vast majority of citizens resided in Stonehold. Typically Vinheim's wealthiest families lived on the fringes of White Rock Plaza, but for the other 90% of citizens, Stonehold was home. Stonehold is named as such because most residences are built or sculpted out of the limestone floor itself. The streets inside Stonehold are narrow and maze-like, yet still well kept. Vinheim places great importance on keeping the city respectable, and Stonehold is no exception. Under the streets of Stonehold lays an intricate sewer system, robust enough to serve the city's massive population. These sewers are also rumored to be a stronghold for the Silver Fox Guild. Unofficially, a temple to Shar has been erected in the depths of Stonehold, built by those who rely on the Mother of the Downtrodden.

The Delve District

Large enough to warrant it's own district is the work of the White Rock Mining Company. For the Delve District is almost entirely comprised a giant chasm in Vinheim's limestone base. This was dug by the dwarves of the company, and from within, provide the city with all the building materials, minerals, and precious ores they could need. The Delve District sits on the southwest corner of the city and has begun to intersect with Stonehold. So much so that residents have begun building homes clasped to, or within, the mined chasm itself. Of course, the ever industrious dwarves of White Rock charge residents for this inescapable privilege. Vinheim's only temple to Armok resides in this district, a given, considering The Delve's mostly dwarven population. Sitting outside the walls of the district is Vinheim's only prison; The Rift. Puncuated by a small building on top, The Rift spans deep into the mines of The Delve District. Much of the prison is hewn out of the rock itself.

The High Narrows

The High Narrows sat across the Glade River, on the western banks of Vinheim. These narrow cliffs and banks proved sturdy enough for infrastructure, leading to the creation of another residential sector of the city. The High Narrows is a popular residential area for non-humans in particular, the local population skewing mostly towards Elves and Halflings. Because of this, the district typically see's more diverse decoration in it's buildings; the living world combined with the stoic materials of Vinheim. It was true that The Narrows outshined the rather glum streets of Stonehold. The residents tend to be just as colorful, often throwing parties and bonfires just for the sake of celebration. Additionally, many lifetime sailors called this area home while landlocked. Vinheim's Temple to Sandrum resides in this district. While technically outside the walls, The High Narrows were protected by the very same high cliffs they resided on, keeping bandits, that would rather not scale the sheer drops, on the other side of the plateau.

Veldheim

Vinheim's ever-growing residential district, Veldheim resides entirely outside of the main city walls. The City of Slate grows ever more popular as a place to live, leading to many packing up and traveling to the city for a new start. Without room inside the dwarven-made walls, many families decide to construct residences on the outlaying perimeter. Though unprotected from outside threats, living outside the walls does come with perks. Most notably, the residences here can be more expansive, in comparison to the tight living quarters of Stonehold. Closer to the Glade River, many of the inhabitants have begun tend fields and farms, nourished by the nearby water supply and free from the inner city's limestone floor. Most notable of these farms is the popular Red Brick Brewing Hops and Grape Farm. With a successful operation of wine and ale, this company supplies even the Limestone Inn with product.

Defenses

Perimeter of Rock

Vinheim as a whole was surrounded by colossal walls and towers of white limestone. The only exceptions being some minor farmland and Veth Monra. A garrison of the Astoran military lines the walls here, though because of Vinheim's relative safety, the military presence is not quite as prominent as other settlements such as Vinguard. For to access Vinheim, one would need to navigate the land-bridges near Bywater and Lannisbridge, each area tight with military checkpoints. From the water, invading forces would need to navigate the Glade River, likely taking fire from both shores before arriving at Vinheim's ports. Any large scale attack on the city would be easily scouted, giving Vinheim more than enough time to muster a greater force for defense.

The City Watch

Vinheim contained a City Watch, a smaller tangent of the Astoran military that answered to the Pale Palace. The main purpose of the City Watch was the prevention of petty crimes, while reporting any higher crimes to The Vigil. Due to Silver Fox Guild activities taking priority, and the sheer size of Vinheim, many areas of the city go unobserved by the law, the City Watch physically unable to cover that much ground.

The Vigil

The Vigil is an elite unit of the Astoran military, containing some of the best warriors in the country. They are tasked with the defense of The Pale Palace and of the The Council of Nine. For members of the Council that choose to live outside the walls of the palace, a Vigil detachment would be assigned to their homes. Outgoing Council members were entitled to continued Vigil support, if they so choose.

History

Founding of a Nation

Vinheim was founded in AoR 268, and with it the birth of Astora as a sovereign nation, far from the laws and wars of Atmora. Vinheim would become one of the largest human settlements in Naneth, exploding in population over the next 100 years. Though Vinheim would not reach it's full glory without the support of the Marklund dwarves.

The White City

AoR 318 was an immensely important year for the young country of Astora and Vinheim. The dwarves of Marklund, an independent settlement situated in the mountains to the west, agreed to join with Astora proper. This was especially important for Vinheim, for the dwarves of Marklund were among the most talented architects and craftsmen in Naneth. As a city on the rise, many dwarves made the trip to Vinheim's markets, selling superiors goods and stoking Vinheim's economy. Many dwarves found life here so profitable that they settled roots of their own in the city.
However, the most important aspect of this new found alliance was the work done to Vinheim's infrastructure. The dwarves of Marklund took charge of building Vinheim's grand limestone walls and buildings, including The Pale Palace and many of Vinheim's temples. This was also the birth of the White Rock Mining Company, it's founders being the minds behind most of Vinheim's architectural decisions. By AoR 400, most of Vinheim's defenses and government buildings had been completed.

Unbreakable

Vinheim was nearing the height of it's power by AoR 398, with Astora as a whole now expanding coast to coast. Tensions with the Ironwood Kingdom had risen to a boiling point, and in that year, the Elven Kingdom launched a pre-emptive assault on Astora's Capital. The elves amassed a huge force and broke upon the white walls of Vinheim, taking the city by surprise. However, so great were the city defenses and design, that Vinheim saw minimal casualties during the initial siege. With most of Astora's military situated in Vinguard, a minimal force of soldiers would need to hold back the tide. After a continues siege over 4 days, reinforcements arrived from Vinguard and found that they city had not been properly breached. The elves were drove back into the Ironwood, and the dwarves of Marklund were heralded as heroes for the proven strength of Vinheim's walls.

Inhabitants

Guilds and Organizations

Order of the Loyal Fury: The Order of the Loyal Fury expanded operations from Atmora in AoR 361, founding a second branch of the Paladin order in Vinheim. They operate out of the Emery Sanctum, a beautiful temple to Torm located in the Pale District.
White Rock Mining Company: The White Rock Mining Company is Vinheim's largest organization, in terms of manpower and wealth. The company operates a massive mine in the Delve District of Vinheim. The Company's founders are largely responsible for the construction of Vinheim's walls and temples.
Merchant's Guild of Naneth: Another of Vinheim's wealthiest companies, "The Guild" managed a large headquarters in The Moors. Though it's main branch was located far to the south in Myre. As a hub of trade, Vinheim was far too prosperous for the The Guild not get involved.
Torchwood Theatre Company: Vinheim's premium provider of entertainment; the Torchwood Theatre Company made it's home in the city, though they are active over much of Astora and Meridian. Performances by the TTC are heralded as unmissable shows, often selling out establishments like the The Limestone Inn.
Veth Monra: Though not within the walls on Vinheim, Veth Monra still counts itself among the city's institutions. The academies' main grounds are located about a half day's journey to the north, overlooking the waters of Royal's Bay.
The Silver Fox Guild: The Silver Fox Guild is Astora's and Naneth's largest known crime syndicate. The black-market and criminal underworld of Vinheim is run completely by the Silver Fox Guild. Unfortunately, Vinheim is the guild's epicenter and largest base of operations.

Nobility

Vinheim was home to many powerful families, many who made their fortune in Astora, or traveled to the city in hopes of joining it's prosperous reign. The majority of these nobles found themselves in the White Rock Plaza District, a step above the crowed residences of Stonehold. Members of these families were often the individuals running for election to the Council of Nine.

Merchants

Truly the lifeblood of Vinheim itself was it's merchants. Without the sheer number and quality of these citizens, Vinheim would not be the metropolis it is now. The White Rock Plaza is home to one of Naneth's largest marketplaces, a fact that continues to be true due to the work of Vinheim's craftsmen, artists and merchants.

Culture

A City For All

Given its massive size and influence, Vinheim was a metropolitan city with a very diverse population of citizens. Humans comprised the majority of the population, though Vinheim was home to a large number of high elves, or wood elves, dwarves, halflings, half-elves and many others, including dragonborn and tiefling. Vinheim's people tended to be social, outspoken, and stubborn when it came to liberties and freedom. Most inhabitants displayed a open minded perspective of other cultures throughout Naneth, so many of which were practiced and displayed in Vinheim itself. Vinheimians are proud of Astora's history, particularly the notion of leaving behind Atmora's outdated laws and policies.
Vinheim was certainly a city of industry, as it's citizens sought improvement over their own lives, usually through the gain of wealth or localized power. Indeed many of the impressive citizens of Vinheim were sent out to other settlements, becoming Townmasters of those areas. However, life in Vinheim was not without problems. Crime is an ever present issue, always growing with the rising population. With Vinheim's massive population, even Stonehold finds itself on the edge of overpopulation, with some of the district now beginning to spill into the Delve District. Racial tensions, though underlaying, are still present here. Particularly between elf and human, as memories of the past Ironwood War still remain.

Religion

Vinheim had a variety of faiths and religions present in the city. If worshippers and followers existed for a particular deity in Naneth, there was a good chance that it was worshiped in the City of Slate. The largest temples in the city were dedicated to Torm and Sune, situated high up in the Pale District. Eldath, Silvanus, Armok, Sandrum and Oghma also had temples spread out amongst the city. Even Shar was recognized in Vinheim, with a small temple to the Shadow Mother erected in the heart of Stonehold. Only worship of the The Dead Three was outlawed in Vinheim, as it was in much of the civilized areas of Naneth. Those caught worshipping or practicing the arts of these gods were tried for treason or conspiracy against Astora.
Held in almost as high regard as the gods themselves are the Heroes of Orphans Peak. Though rather than worshipping them, Vinheim's people strive to meet the same ideals as the heroes of old. In Vinheim, Delwind Greeneve, Eregoth Dragonsbane and Dathmere Sindain are all recognized and honored with massive statues. Halkor's and Eregoth's statues stand at the opening of The Moors, welcoming ships as they sail beneath the powerful rock figures, Delwind's statue lies beside the Eldathian temple, while Dathmere's statue inhabits a place beside the Emery Sanctum.

Festivals and Holidays

The Great Games: Each year Vinheim holds The Great Games within it's walls. This is a series of competitions created to test strength, speed, agility, coordination, and much more. All races of Astora are welcome to take part.
Festival of Mending: An annual event, the Festival of Mending is a time of celebration and reconciliation for those in Astora. The largest gathering of this sort happens in Vinheim, though smaller celebrations happen throughout the entire country during this time. The festival's purpose is to remember the conflict of the past, primarily the Ironwood War, and look forwards to the future.

Basic Information

Alias/s: The City of Slate, Stonehold
Type: Metropolis
Region: East Astora
Population: 1,889,674 in AoR 607

Society

Demonym: Vinheimian
Races: Humans (38%), Elves (24%), Dwarves (18%), Halfling (6%), Other (14%)
Religions: Torm, Eldath, Armok, Silvanus, Sune, Sandrum, Shar, Oghma

Commerce

Imports: Livestock, Dry Foods, Spices, Timber, Exotic Goods
Exports: Arms, Alcohol, Minerals, Refined Metals, Building Materials, Finished Goods

Politics

Ruling Type: Democratic Council
Rulers: The Council of Nine