Volmire

Benefitting from much of the technological advanced discovered found among the sky cities, Volmire has taken things even further with its many industrial furnaces and workshops that fill the city air with a constant, thick smog. The city drifts over the scattered smaller islands between Kvarris and Draconis. It is the site of many innovations, and is credited with the development of the printing press, as well as many other novelties and advances. It's citizens have had trouble with magic in the past, at various times being subjugated by rulers wielding strong arcane powers. As such while enchanting is still a very prevalent magical discipline, they pride themselves on innovations driven by machinery. The trade-off is the constant state of pollution the city currently finds itself in.The city is run by a Lord Governor and his attending city council, which consists of six premiere members of the local nobility who are tasked with drafting and approving legislation, city ordinances and public works. The city treasury falls directly to the hands of the Lord Governor himself. The current Lord Governor is an aging man named Milkov Vonnerat, who despite his age, still casts quite a long shadow. Volmire is a free city, in that all its citizenry has a say in the election of their officials. In addition the city is open to any that can pay their way or provide material benefit to the city as a whole. As a result it is one of the few places that house large numbers of the member races formerly associated with eh Shadowspear Union.

Demographics

75% human, 10% elven, 5% gnomish, 5% dwarven, 5% mixed other.

Government

Volmire is ruled by a Lord Governor and his appointed Council of Six. The current Lord Governor is an aging general named Milkov Vonnerat. The position of Lord Governor is an elected one, with all citizens participating in the vote which occurs every eight years. There is no term limit that a Lord Governor must adhere to, besides the one imposed by popularity. The laws of the city are interpreted by a series of appointed Magistrates who issue warrants, prosecute trials and pronounce judgements (amongst other duties). Like all cities where money is the name of the game, Volmire has its own share of crime bosses, both organized and otherwise. The largest consortium of criminals comprises the "Lantern Blacks" who are so named for their behind-the-scenes control over much of the arcane magic deemed unpalatable by the citizens of Volmire. It is rumored that the ruling Lantern Black is himself (or herself) a vampire of great power. The Lantern Blacks can be found in an almost eternal struggle for turf with the other significant crime syndicate within the city, the "Dark Walkers" (sometimes known simply as "The Darken"). There are many rumors and much speculation as to the possibly supernatural nature of its leader as well. Some even go so far as to claim the crime boss is a ghost.

Defences

Volmire is defended internally by a force of 1,000 city watchmen known as the "Slick Coats" (due to their signature, rain repellant overcoats). The Slick Coats are led by a series of investigators known simply as The Inspectors, who are assigned to the more violent crimes within the city walls and who also serves as Volmire's constables. The city also maintains a small, private army of roughly 4,000 soldiers often referred to as the "Black Hats" (for their easily identifiable, and somewhat sinister, helms) and 2000 personel sky navy referred to as the crimson sky.

Industry & Trade

Volmire trades heavily with its neighbors in the region and beyond. As its people are consistently on the vanguard of new mechanical inventions, and due to their ability to employ their many plants to mass produce such items, the eyes of the world often turn to Volmire for new products that often ease life or increase productivity. Not surprisingly, the city is known for its high quality (yet extremely expensive) iron golems.

Infrastructure

The city is an odd mishmash of modern technologies (including many forges and industrial plants) chugging alongside a series of arcane towers that provide a constant flow of magical energy to the city. Beyond this, Metal and stone structures reach high into the polluted skies, while sprawling factories belch coal fumes and clouds of smoke as they produce many of the world's most renown mechanical devices. Volmire also features a preeminent center for learning known as "Cardihal University." The university was initially founded to provide training to potential future industrial guild members, however it quickly grew into a well-rounded center for the study of all subjects, and it is highly regarded around the world for the quality of its graduates.

Guilds and Factions

Each of the different industries within the city feature their own professional guilds, with most workers gaining membership based upon either family ties or personal achievements. The most highly regarded guild is the "Ground Breaker Board of Innovations, Inventions and Industry," which requires members to have both achieved a grand master status from another existing guild, as well as at least the proper plans for a some new and unique invention or innovation. There are several prominent "non-industry" guilds as well, including the "Inkers Guild" who are responsible for the publishing and circulation of the city's weekly "sheet," known as "The Volmire Weekly."

Architecture

Metal and stone structures reach high into the polluted skies, while sprawling factories belch coal fumes and clouds of smoke as they produce many of the world's most renown mechanical devices.

Population

125000