Cumberland

Cumberland is an influential port city in the nation of Nevarra, seated alongside the Waking Sea and straddling the Cumber River. Its location gives it access to trade with the Free Marches and beyond. Over the last century, Cumberland has taken advantage of this to expand into one of the largest cities in Thedas. Cumberland is also where the College of Magi routinely convene and is the seat of the Grand Enchanter. While Cumberland is a major metropolis, it is not the capital of the nation - that honor belongs to Nevarra City.

History

In 1:16 Divine, during the Second Blight, the Orlesian army under the command of Emperor Drakon won a hard-fought victory against the darkspawn horde in the Battle of Cumberland.

Architecture

Cumberland's roads are paved with cobblestones, the streets typically lined with three-story buildings, many of which have ornate facades. In the older portions of the city, the streets are narrow, but most are spacious to accomodate carts and traders. Nevarran veneration of the dead is seen in the city by the skillfully-crafted statues of heroes past that fill the city's many courtyards.
Armed guards stand watch outside of the wealthy districts of the city and inhabitants and visitors are therefore not allowed to walk around armed. Those who appear uncouth or of low standing are looked upon with disdain.

Geography

There are several notable locations within the bounds of the city:

• College of Magi | The college is a massive, elaborately-designed structure featuring a spired golden dome called the Sun Dome. Once the palatial home of a Duchess, it is here that First Enchanters gather to elect the Grand Enchanter, their representative to the Chantry and their chief adviser on all matters magical. The building also features the "red auditorium," a meeting space with a mahogany dome.
  
  
• The Dragons' Den | The city's dwarven trade enclave. A walled-off area several blocks square and adjacent to the wealthy human neighborhoods. All the enclave's buildings are made of stone and designed in the dwarven architectural style.
  
  
• The Diamond Lass | A lavish inn in The Dragons' Den district. Drinks are served in crystal goblets worked with runes to keep the beverages cold.
  
  
• Tournament Grounds | An arena for tests of combat, both magical and melee.
  
  

Type

Large city

Included Locations

• Cumber River

Owner/Ruler

Sandral Anaxas

Owning Organization

Nevarra