Commutation (Comm-u-tate-chun)

Nestled amid rolling sand stone outcroppings and sprawling grasslands, the border city of Commutation stands as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the people of Esmund. As the first line of defense against any potential threats from the east, this bustling metropolis has long served as a beacon of hope and prosperity for the nation. Winding sandstone and mud roads twist and turn through the countryside, leading the way to the city's gates. Here, merchants and traders from all corners of Seerth come to barter and exchange their wares, while soldiers and adventurers gather to hone their skills and plan their next excursion into the eastern wastes.
But despite its vibrant atmosphere, Commutation is also a city of history and mystery. The ancient fortresses that dot its landscape speak to a time long past, when the city was built by a bygone people to protect the nation of Esmund from harm. And as the Mercantile army works tirelessly to restore these crumbling structures, they hope to once again establish Commutation as a stronghold against any eastern threat and the violent dust storms that tear through the realm
Yet for all its grandeur and might, Commutation remains a city of the people, a place where anyone can find a sense of belonging and purpose. And as the sun sets on another day, the city's citizens gather to share stories and songs, their laughter echoing through the streets as they look towards the future with hope and determination.

Demographics

The city is home to a diverse population of humans, dwarves, elves, and other humanoid races, as well as smaller communities of halflings, gnomes, and other small races. There may also be a presence of more exotic races at times such as dragonborn, tieflings, and races from the Southern Jungles or Eastern wastes.  Commutation serves as a hub for trade and military training, and is a popular base of operations for adventurers seeking to hunt dangerous but lucrative prey in the eastern wastes. The city is home to a significant number of soldiers and military personnel, as well as merchants, artisans, and other citizens.

Government

The local government of Commutation falls under the rulership of Mercantile Army, and a local custodian. The Mercantile Army wields a great deal of influence over the city's policies and decisions, including control over its military and defense, economic and trade policies, and laws and regulations. The local government also includes other branches or branches of government, such as a judiciary or legislative branch, but these would be subordinated to the authority of the Mercantile Army.

Defences

The Walls: The walls of Commutation are made of a combination of sandstone, mud, and manufactured building supplies. They are designed to be sturdy and durable, withstanding attacks from external threats. The walls are topped with battlements and other defensive structures, such as archer's platforms and gates.
The Guards: Commutation has a dedicated force of guards who patrol the walls and gates of the city. These guards are armed with weapons such as swords, spears, and bows and arrows, and they are trained to defend the city from any potential threats.
The Watchtowers: Along the walls of Commutation, there are watchtowers that allow guards to keep a lookout for potential threats. The watchtowers are equipped with telescopes and other devices that allow guards to see over long distances.
The Gates: The city has gates at regular intervals along the walls, which can be opened or closed to allow people or goods to pass through. The gates are guarded by guards and are also equipped with defensive features inclusive of burning pitch and large stones for portcullis defence.

Industry & Trade

Commutation, trade and industry are vital components of the city's economy. The city has a strong focus on trade, particularly the trade of exotic goods. Merchants and traders from all over the region come to Commutation to buy and sell these goods in the city's bustling Trade District, which is home to markets, warehouses, and merchants' guilds. The city also has a robust industrial sector, which processes raw materials and manufactures finished goods in the Industrial District's factories and workshops. The city's infrastructure including water treatment facilities, and large stables, supports the industrial sector's growth and development. Trade and industry generate income and employment opportunities for the city's residents, contributing to the city's economic development.

Infrastructure

Unfortunately, despite its important role in the region, the infrastructure of Commutation is in a poor state. The city's ancient fortresses and other buildings are in disrepair, and many of the roads and streets are in need of maintenance. The city's main thoroughfare, known as the East-West Road, is a busy and bustling artery that connects Commutation to the rest of Esmund, but it is plagued by potholes and cracks that make travel difficult and hazardous. To address these issues, the Mercantile army has made efforts to repair and improve the city's infrastructure. This has included the construction of new bridges to span the city's waterways and the rebuilding of crumbling walls and fortresses. In addition, the city's citizens have taken matters into their own hands, banding together to repair and maintain the city's roads and streets on their own.
Despite these efforts, the task of improving the city's infrastructure remains a daunting one. The city's location on the border of Esmund and the eastern region known as Red Lawn makes it vulnerable to attack, and the constant threat of danger has strained the city's resources. Nevertheless, the people of Commutation remain determined to rebuild and improve their city, and work tirelessly to ensure its continued prosperity and safety.

Districts

Commutation as a whole is littered full of small guardhouses, minor keeps and residential district. The main gate and surrounding city is considered the hub, as one moves North or South, fewer districts can be found.
The Wall District: This district is home to the massive walls that protect the city from external threats. It is heavily fortified and guarded, with watchtowers and gates at regular intervals. The Wall District is also home to the barracks for the city's guards and the headquarters for the city's defense forces. This spans the full breath of the Esmund and Red Lawn border, North to South.
The Trade Districts: This is the hub of commerce in Commutation, where traders from all over the desert come to buy and sell exotic goods. The district is filled with bustling markets, warehouses, and merchants' guilds. It is also home to the city's main trade center, where merchants can negotiate deals and arrange shipments.
The Residential Districts: This is where most of the city's residents live. It is made up of rows of houses and apartments, as well as community centers and underground springs. The Residential District is a relatively quiet and peaceful place, mainly comprised of workers, traders and retired adventurers, with a strong sense of community.
The Industrial District: This is the part of the city where raw materials are processed and manufactured into finished goods. It is a busy and bustling place, with factories and workshops working around the clock to produce materials essential to the repair and function of Commutation. The Industrial District is also home to the city's main source of water, a large underground spring.

Guilds and Factions

The Mercantile Army: This powerful and influential organization is made up of merchants, traders, and other wealthy individuals who seek to protect their interests and expand their power and influence. The Mercantile Army is known for using its wealth and influence to bribe officials, hire mercenaries and adventurers, and manipulate markets and economies.
The Arcane Collective: This is the world's foremost magical academic institution, with agents in most cities. It is dedicated to the study and advancement of magical knowledge, and its members are highly skilled and respected in the field of magic.
The Order of the Explorer: This guild is made up of brave and daring adventurers who take on quests and missions for pay. The Order helps to connect adventurers with clients and provides support and resources for their missions.
The Brotherhood of Blades: This guild is made up of professional soldiers who are hired to fight in wars or to protect individuals or organizations. The Brotherhood helps to connect clients with mercenaries and provides support and resources for their assignments.
The Artisanal Alliance: This guild is made up of skilled artisans and craftsmen who create high-quality goods such as furniture, jewelry, and artwork. The Alliance promotes the work of its members and helps to connect them with clients.

History

The sprawling border wall city of Commutation was founded by a powerful civilization known as the Horse Lords, who ruled over the sprawling grasslands of Esmund. The Horse Lords were a proud and noble people, renowned for their equestrian skills and fierce battle tactics. They built Commutation as a fortress to protect their nation from the dangers of the east, and for many years, it served as a beacon of hope and prosperity. However, as the Horse Lords' civilization began to decline, the city fell into disarray. It was taken over by those in society who had penance to pay, whether for crimes they had committed or for the shame they bore. The city became a place of exile, a place where the outcasts and the disgraced could start anew.
Legends say that there was once a great war between the Horse Lords, who claimed the grasslands, and the eastern human folk, who were driven to commit genocide against the western nation. The Horse Lords were said to have been aided by powerful magic, while the eastern humans relied on their sheer numbers and cunning. In the end, both societies fell into mystery, with only a few remnants remaining.
Today, the city of Commutation is a shadow of its former self. It stands as a testament to the power and the fall of the Horse Lords, a reminder of the dangers that lurk in the eastern wastes. Despite its troubled history, the people of Commutation remain resilient, determined to protect their nation from any and all threats.

Points of interest

The Wall: This massive structure stretches the full length of the gap between Esmund and the Eastern nations, serving as the first line of defense against any potential threats. The Wall is constantly patrolled by soldiers, who watch for any signs of danger.
The Silver Market: Located in the heart of the city, the Silver Market is a bustling hub of commerce and trade. Merchants from all corners of the realm come to barter and exchange their wares, and the streets are filled with the sounds of haggling and laughter.
The Red Road: This winding route stretches from the gates of Commutation to the distant lands of the east, passing through a variety of terrains and climates, including scorching deserts and treacherous sandstorms. The Red Road is a popular destination for adventurers seeking to hunt game in the eastern sands and serves as a valuable reference point in harsh dust storms. 
The Civic Plaza: Located at the center of the city, the Civic Plaza is a popular gathering place for the people of Commutation. It is here that they come to hear news, celebrate festivals, and share stories and songs.
The Tomb of the Great Horse Lord: Located on a hill overlooking the city, this ancient tomb is said to be the final resting place of one of the greatest Horse Lords to have ever lived. It is a place of great reverence, and many people make pilgrimages to pay their respects to this ancient and mysterious lord. A large shrine to the Horse God Lequus overshadows the tomb, and is said to be the watcher that never rests.

Tourism

Tourism in the city of Commutation is varied and diverse, attracting visitors from all corners of the realm. Many people come to hunt game in the eastern deserts, drawn by the challenge and the thrill of the hunt. The Desert Road of Illusion is a popular destination for these adventurers, offering a treacherous but rewarding journey through the sands. Others come to Commutation seeking a change of pace from their mundane lives, looking for excitement and adventure. The city's bustling atmosphere and vibrant culture offer a welcome respite from the monotony of everyday life.
Still others come to Commutation to witness the extensive restoration work being done on the ancient fortresses that dot the landscape. These crumbling structures are a testament to the city's rich history, and the Mercantile army works tirelessly to restore them to their former glory. The restoration work shows no sign of slowing down, making Commutation a popular destination for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts.
Tourism in Commutation is thriving, with visitors coming from far and wide to experience all that the city has to offer. Whether they come for the hunt, the adventure, or the history, there is something for everyone in this bustling metropolis.

Architecture

The architecture of Commutation is a reflection of its tumultuous history and the harsh desert environment in which it is located. The city is built from a mix of sandstone, mud, and other materials that have been used to patch up the crumbling structures over the centuries. The ancient fortresses that dot the landscape are particularly striking, with their towering walls and grand arches. One of the most distinctive features of the city's architecture is the prevalence of unique horse symbols and large sloped walkways. The Horse Lords, who founded Commutation, were renowned for their equestrian skills, and their love of horses is reflected in the city's design. The walkways are sloped to allow horses to traverse them relatively easily, and many of the buildings and fortresses have horse symbols carved into their walls.
However, despite their grandeur, these fortresses are also in a state of disrepair, with many of their walls and roofs showing signs of wear and tear. The Mercantile army works tirelessly to restore them, using a combination of traditional techniques and modern materials to preserve the city's rich history.
The city's walls are also a testament to the enduring spirit of the people of Commutation. Built from a mix of sandstone and mud, they have stood the test of time, protecting the city from the dangers of the eastern deserts. Despite their crumbling appearance, they are still a formidable force, a testament to the resilience of those who built them.
The architecture of Commutation is a blend of old and new, a testament to the city's enduring spirit and the ingenuity of its people. It is a place where the past and the present coexist, and where the future is always bright.

Geography

The city of Commutation is located in a unique geography, situated directly between hilly tundra and desert. To the north, the land is dotted with rolling hills and rocky outcroppings, covered in a blanket of snow and ice in colder months. To the East, the landscape changes dramatically, giving way to the arid sands of the eastern deserts. The city itself is nestled amid these rolling hills, surrounded by sprawling grasslands and sandstone outcroppings. The winding roads that lead to the city's gates twist and turn through the countryside, offering travellers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Despite its location on the border of the nation of Esmund, Commutation is relatively lively, attracting merchants and traders from all corners of the realm. It is also a popular gathering place for soldiers and adventurers, who come to hone their skills and plan their next excursion into the eastern wastes.
The geography of Commutation is diverse and varied, offering something for everyone. From the dry tundra to the scorching desert, this border city offers a lot, although to provide a simple farmers living, one may find it difficult.

Climate

Commutation has a temperate climate, with mild winters and warm summers. The grassland and boreal forest regions receive moderate rainfall, while the tundra and arid regions are drier. The rolling hills and mountainous regions have more varied weather patterns, with some areas experiencing heavy rainfall and the odd snow, and others experiencing drought-like conditions.

Natural Resources

Exotic game: The eastern deserts are home to a wide variety of exotic game, including rare and elusive creatures that are prized by hunters. These animals are often hunted for their valuable pelts or for sport, and they are a major source of income for the people of Commutation. This region is also home to many other fantastical creatures, including giant sandworms, fire-breathing dragons, and other mythical beasts. These creatures are often hunted for their valuable body parts, which are used in potions and other magical items.
Sandstone: The rolling hills and rocky outcroppings surrounding Commutation are rich in sandstone, a hard and durable building material. The city's ancient fortresses are built from sandstone, and it is also used in the construction of the city's walls and other structures.
Mud: The fertile soil surrounding Commutation is rich in mud, which is used in the construction of buildings and other structures. It is also used to make bricks, tiles, and other building materials.
Iron: The hilly tundra to the north of the city is rich in iron ore, which is extracted from the rocky outcroppings and used to make a variety of products, including weapons, tools, and machinery.
Gold: The eastern deserts are rumored to be home to deposits of gold, which are often sought after by adventurers and prospectors. These valuable minerals are often found in the sands, hidden beneath the surface.
Gems: The eastern deserts are also rumored to be home to a variety of rare and precious gems, including diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. These valuable stones are highly prized and are often used to make jewelry and other luxury items.
Coal: The hilly tundra to the north of the city is also home to deposits of coal, which is extracted from the ground and used to generate heat and power steamworks

RUINED SETTLEMENT
1600

Founding Date

1517

Type

Military, Base

Population

28000

Location under

Esmund

Owning Organization

The Mercantile Army

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