Bilanis

"Welcome to Bilanis stranger, what brings you to our fine tow.... the gold? Of course. Yes! There's a reason that there peak is called the Mountain of Gold. What can I do for you then? You be needing supplies? Of course. I've got rations, picks, shovels, tents, everything a new miner needs. Now I know the prices are steep, but I've got a fair repayment scheme, and you won't see better prices elsewhere."

The rocky and inhospitable nature of the coast of the northern continent has largely meant that the Grand Road is the only way through its interior from the entry point at Fienth. Towards the end of this road, only a few hundred kilometres from where it joins the open plains of Hatan, is Bilanis, and the Mountain of Gold.

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Demographics

Like most towns in the north, Bilanis is mostly Imperial in nature, but with a large minority population of Dwellers. A good proportion of the Imperial population are native-born to the north, but have migrated up the Grand Road to join the gold rush currently taking place, with the rest new colonists from the south. The Dwellers who live in the town are also immigrants from further south; the Dweller population local to Bilanis give the towns of the Imperials a wide berth.

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Government

Bilanis lacks a formal central authority, instead local business owners and stakeholders ensure that some semblance of Imperial law is upheld, and the worst violators are dealt with. Occasionally, representatives of the Imperial Colonisation Company will pass through, to ensure that lip service to Imperial interests is acknowledged.

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Industry & Trade

The primary reason for Bilanis' existence is the Mountain of Gold nearby, and the supposed riches held within. Actual wealth from the mountain is limited, and it was only the first few explorations of the site that led to its current reputation. Despite this, gold is still found there, and Bilanis' prosperity comes from the buying of said gold, but also the selling of equipment to mine it.

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History

Founded relatively recently, Bilanis owed its initial existence to being a central location where the Grand Road branches off into the mountains of Nilus, and the prospecting and mines in that region. For most of its existence, locals made a living off selling supplies and equipment to potential miners, and shipping trade goods from further north.

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When gold deposits were discovered in the nearby mountain, it saw a boom in both population and prosperity, with hopeful miners being attracted to the town from not only the north, but also new colonists from the Empire. The actual amount of gold in the area is dubious, but this has not prevented word from spreading.

Founding Date

1752

Type

Town

Population

4,200

Inhabitant Demonym

Bilanisian

Owning Organization

Nilus