Halivar's Haven

"Never before have I seen a place such as this, where monsters and man make a home together without fear of one another. What a miracle this city. What a treasure. A precious gem of equality and fellowship in a land that sees too little of either." -Ozrick the Outlander

Demographics

Any and all races and peoples are welcomed nto the Haven with open arms, provided they aren't evil.
Humans only make up about 25% of the population, goblinoids and kobolds about 10%, 3% dwarves and 7% surface elves (mostly silver), 10% a mix of other monster races, 15% goodly magical creatures, and 30% dark elves, although most live in the subterranean parts of the city.

Government

The city is governed by elected officials who are usually members of one of the various political parties of the Haven. These political parties vary from minor concerns like accessibility for shorter races like gnomes, halflings and goblins, to broad philosophical concepts. The most prominent parties are the Isolationists and the Globalists, the former advocating that the Haven keeps to themselves, and the latter advocating aiding places outside the Haven, and sharing its prosperity with others.

Defences

Halivar's Haven is surrounded by a magical forest that shifts and changes to prevent those with ill intent from ever finding the city. Underground the city is surrounded by one of the deadliest parts of subterrania. All around the city, is geological instability leading to frequent, violent earthquakes. Earthquakes that the city is magically protected from. Then there is the small matter of the Kishakoi, a deadly race of semi-intelligent monsters that seem to love the earthquakes of the region. A small elite and dedicated contingency of warriors, mages, and rogues stand ready at all times to defend the city from would-be attackers, particularly in the subterranean city. It is also a popular stop for adventurers, who unwittingly add to it's defenses just by their presence.

Industry & Trade

"If you need it, it can be found in the Haven."
Such is the popular saying by the city's people. One which is mostly accurate. The Haven's market is a frantic mix of merchants buying and selling just about everything. Elven bowyers, goblin whittlers, kobold locksmiths, dark elf enchanters, and even a few dwarven smiths.
Not to mention the many human traders, and the surplus of magic items brought in by adventurers.

Guilds and Factions

The Wayfarer's Guild has a strong presence in the city, perhaps stronger than their technical base of operations in Lucis

History

Founded by the wayward hero Halivar, who from a young age wished there were a place where all races could get along.
As he grew older, his powers as Talarra's chosen began to manifest, and he worked tirelessly to achieve that goal.
The result is the secret paradise that stands here today.

Architecture

Sometimes called the Ramshackle Township, and for very good reason. The many races have each contributed to the city, from beautiful elven tree-homes, to human manors, to goblin hovels. Sometimes breathtaking, sometimes atrocious. Yet most residents love the variety, believing it adds character to their beloved town.
In the subterranean portion of the town, it is much more uniform, since most of the buildings there were built by dark elves.

Natural Resources

Gems and ores are plentiful from the mines down below the city. They have easy access to wood, but its collection is heavily controlled since that same wood comes from the magic forest that protects the city.

Alternative Name(s)

The Haven, Talarra's City, the Ramshackle Township

Type

City

Population

940,000

Location under

Southlands

Owner/Ruler

Thrand Duskraven

Characters in Location

• Ozrick the Outlander