Denerim
Denerim is the capitol of Ferelden. It also serves as one of the arlings, the usual place of gathering for a Landsmeet, and the city where the king resides.
It is built at the base of Dragon's Peak. The Drakon River cuts straight through the city from West to East and flows into the Amaranthine Ocean.
To those Fereldens who are followers of the Maker, Denerim is more than just a capitol city. To them, the city is also the supposed birthplace of the prophet Andraste.
Background
During the Orlesian occupation of Ferelden, some prominent forts and castles grew to become proper cities. Buildings started cropping up outside these fortifications at an increasing rate, particularly as the dangers of constant war became a thing of the past. When the Ferelden Rebellions took the country by storm, much of the nation was upheaved but when the dust settled many of these cities still remained. Denerim was one such case, with Fort Drakon serving as a center while a city grew rapidly around it. It is noticeable in both naming conventions and in some of the architecture that Orlesians heavily impacted the growth of the city. For instance, Fort Drakon is named after the first Orlesian emperor, Kordilius Drakon I. Somewhat foolishly, the Orlesians had assumed that they were going to be able to annex Ferelden's land much like they did the Dales. In doing so they built impressive docks fit for warships, used stone-masonry techniques known only to their kind, and created aqueduct systems that provided fresh water to the city's denizens. Following the unification of Ferelden and the retreat of the Orlesians, many Fereldens felt a great disdain for these cities as they served as reminders of their enemies. Once he returned back to Denerim from the fighting, the newly appointed King Calenhad won great appreciation amongst his fellow Fereldens by tearing down some of the more noble districts and replacing them with dirt roads, war memorials, and homes for this with little wealth. Today, some old buildings have been laid down and thus streets and alleys have been better formed though somewhat haphazardly and according to no common plan. At best, buildings are arranged according to their function but even that isn't mandatory. One's social standing can be measured by how close one lives to Fort Drakon, the oldest and highest edifice in Denerim. Near the fortress can be found the Royal palace, noble estates, beautiful chantries, and gorgeous parks. Almost all nobles who would attend a Landsmeet have some estate within the city, even if they use it only when a Landsmeet is called. By civilized standards Ferelden cities are anarchic and Denerim is no exception. The Ferelden ideals of personal freedom pervades even into the law enforcement and public behavior. The King's Patrol is intended more to defend the city and keep order rather than to enforce laws, though the prior has been all but unnecessary for the past three decades. Commerce is largely unregulated as long as taxes are paid.Alienage
The poorest, most ransacked part of the city has been turned into a makeshift alienage for city elves. The alienage is found in the lower edges of the city, completely walled off from all other parts. It's a filthy place due to both the mud in the roads and the lack of a proper sewage system. The streets zig-zag in all sorts of ways and to those not acclimated to the area it could feel like a labyrinth. A massive problem facing the alienage right now is overpopulation. Riots have occurred and purges have happened as a result. As can be expected, the Dalish and their city kin are kept as far away from the affairs of others as possible. Thus, it's no surprise, that the entire alienage is walled in as well.History
Denerim, was originally an ancient Tevinter Imperium outpost. Its mages erected a large, dark tower from the side of a mountain. The tower loomed over the lands and served as a symbol of the Imperium's power. Today, that tower still stands as Fort Drakon, though it is heavily modified by Orlesians and Fereldens alike. The city of Denerim used to host the local Circle of Magi in the tower. However, during city riots leaders began to fear that mages could potentially be very dangerous if they were to get out. As well, if a riot was to occur and the Circle tower stormed, the mages would be attacked since many fear their existence. It was eventually moved to Lake Calenhad. Denerim used to belong to King Calenhad's biggest rival in the bid for kingship during Ferelden's unification.Events during the Ferelden Civil War
During the two years in which the Ferelden Civil War took place, much occurred in the streets of Denerim. While many had fled to the city, fearing the effects the civil war would have on their nation, chaos managed to creep its way in.The Arishok
Prior to the civil war even beginning, a Qunari dreadnought ship had crashed off the north-eastern coast of Ferelden and was forced to dock in Denerim. The then-king, Calenhad, didn't want to draw the ire of the Qunari against his people and allowed them to reside in his city while they fixed their ship. The Qunari expanded and strong-armed the locals until eventually taking over the entire Ivy Harbour district. Despite these new residents aggravating those who had lived and made business there, no one was willing to provoke the Qunari. Eventually, walls were erected and very few went into or out of the district. This anger began boiling over as the Qunari continued to stay with no sign of leaving, despite originally having claimed to only stay while their dreadnought was repaired. Eventually a Rivaini Warden provoked the local Qunari into attacking the city. This leader, known as the Arishok, responded by having his people attempt to raze Denerim. While the Qunari began rampaging about in the streets, murdering countless innocents in what can only be described as blind rage, the Arishok went to King Calenhad's manor in the city. In its main hall, the Arishok slaughtered the king and decapitated him. The Arishok was greeted by a dragonborn who had been seen working with the Wardens for the past months. This dragonborn, Dematrigon Enginn, began a duel with the Arishok in an attempt to bring justice for the Arishok's actions. The two were so closely matched that it eventually came down to a single strike from each of them that hit simultaneously, mortally wounding the both of them. Though Dematrigon died, he ultimately had defeated the Arishok more than he would ever live to realize. Outside of the King's manor, the skies began to grow blindingly bright as if there had been two suns. While the duel was happening, Dematrigon summoned forth several of his allies. These fellow dragonborn somehow used magic, or perhaps divine intervention, to kill all the Qunari in the city instantly. Those that had been fighting instantly turned to ash. The dreadnought that had been off the coast exploded into ten-thousand pieces. Though ultimately the Arishok and his fellow Qunari had been defeated, the death of the king would leave the nation open to turmoil for a time.The Danforth Incident
Full article: The Danforth Incident After the end of the Ferelden Civil War, the country began to heal its wounds. Not even a month after its end, a rogue dalish used magic to blow up Denerim's Chantry. The resulting blast scattered rock, debris, and dust all over the city and instantly killed many more than even those who were in the Chantry. The most significant death was that of the Revered Mother Elthina. This action led Knight-Divine Therminn Danforth to call for Thedas' second Right of Annullment, or a proclamation that every mage within the city must be executed immediately. Those Templars found in the city rose to the call. The result was that mages began turning to blood magic, raising demons in Denerim's streets and turning themselves into abominations. The entire city became the battleground for several hours as this absurdly bloody feud took place, until eventually Danforth was killed by the nation's newly crowned king, Gregory Flume.Infrastructure
1) Bard’s Alley
This district is absolutely huge, with one of the highest population densities in all of Denerim, aside from the Alienage. Its construction was heavily funded by those nobles of the Golden Court district, as they wanted a place where the performing arts could be found to entertain them. Middle-class Alamarri took their place here amongst the arts and began constructing homes, too,. It’s a really bustling place where lives are built, games are played, and fun is had. Nevertheless, a massive Templar headquarters was erected in the middle of it and can be seen from any point in the district.2) Westgate
Westgate is no more than a makeshift district of hastily built shacks, tents, and open field. The district only recently cropped up as those displaced by the Jrid have had to flee north. The city, already full as is, did not have the necessary resources to accommodate so many people. Here those refugees wait, hoping to get let inside.4) Market District
This part of Denerim is the traditional home of the city’s artisan shops: shoemakers, locksmiths, tailors, stonemasons, book makers, carpenters. The only kind of artisan you won’t find are those metalworkers who are instead found in Port Town.5) Andraste’s Golden Court
During the time of Andraste, only a small Alamarri settlement existed where Denerim now is. Supposedly, she was born and raised here. This district is that original settlement and it’s only been built upon further and further as time passes. It’s home to the most magnificent cathedral to dedicated to the Maker, as well as the King’s Botanical Gardens. The wealthier nobles mostly keep to this district.6) Southern Pass
These large warehouses line the edge of the ocean and are often packed full of mercenaries. If anyone ever needs a job done for a bit of coin, this is where to go.7) Ivy Harbour
Ivy Harbour was given the name since on the edges of the waterline, an ivy can be found that makes people itch for days if come into contact with. It was a gathering place for many events between regional leaders, the king, and other organizations. However, goliaths have now formed a compound here and quickly everyone else has left the district. Some educational facilities can be found here.8) Summertown
Summertown increased in size over and over as more and more people began moving to Denerim upon Ferelden’s unification. It’s now a primary source of housing for many of the city’s denizens. The closer to the castle, the nicer homes you’ll find. The closer to the Alienage or Market District, the cheaper options you’ll find. To those unfamiliar, it can feel like a strange series of alleyways that just lead to dead-ends. To those living there, it’s a very efficient way to move through the city.9) The Brooks
A wide swath of rubble and waste, dotted by charred trees and leafless shrubbery, the Brooks are not a pleasant place. The disastrous zone, littered with craters, was clearly the work of magic (possibly even dating back to the days of Tevinter). There was a petition, a few years back, to try to beautify the area, send in Circle mages to make the land more hospitable. In the end, the strange undoing unto the land has been unfixable even by them, for reasons unknown. Some poor outsiders place their huts and tents out here.10) Port Town
The smell of this district is pretty potent. The further towards the ocean you go, the more you’ll get a whiff of the fish, salt, and the regular sea breeze. Port Town is the center for maritime industry and trade. Sea bound traders come and go every day, bringing in goods from nations such as the Free Marches, Antiva, and Nevarra. Smaller fishing craft crowd the waters in the mornings and evenings as they leave and return from their daily fishing. More inland you’ll get the smell of sweat, metal, and smoke. Large warehouses exist that are often shared between fishers and smiths, where their goods are stored. It’s not hard to find thugs wandering the areas around the warehouses, as they’ve usually been paid off to protect someone’s merchandise. Those who dare trespass are seldom heard from again.11) Night Lodge
Travelers from the north often reside in one of these lodges for the evenings they’re visiting the city, since almost no inns exist within the city.12) Chicken Borough
Travelers from the south often reside in one of these inns for the evenings they’re visiting the city, since almost no inns exist within the city.13) Royal Castle
The castle where the king of Ferelden reigns from. It was designed to overlook the city and farmlands, so the king never forgets where they came from and the people they rule over.14) Oldreach
Oldreach is a small community of individuals who fought in the Ferelden Rebellions, but are far too old to be active members of society anymore. They asked King Calenhad for homes outside the city (so they wouldn’t be obstructing all the commotion) that had easy access to fields and forests. He obliged and made Oldreach for them.15) Chalkmill
Paints are a necessary thing for many artisans and officials. This district cropped up after people in the Market District began making the paint, but it began to permeate out this awful odor that you could smell across the entire district. The king moved those efforts to outside the city gate to protects everyone’s noses.16) Alienage
This district is entirely walled off from the rest of Denerim. It is an impoverished home of Denerim’s city elves. It is overflowing with city elves. The buildings here are hovels crammed close together and on top of one another. It’s a haphazard pile of tenements and dirty shops, washing lines strewn across the street sometimes going up two or even three stories high. The street are mostly mud. The worn paths fill with stale water and the smell of dung.17) Fort Drakon
For Drakon is an ancient fortress that predates the city of Denerim and is both the oldest and the tallest structure in the city. It was once an outpost of the Tevinter Imperium. The magisters likely architected the tower to be so tall as a symbol of power, rising up from the ashes of humanity. The tower now houses many of the King’s knights and other military units. Its below ground levels are also where criminals are held.18) Lostrow
Lostrow is one of the poorest areas of Denerim, only beaten out by the Alienage. Beggars and ragpickers make their homes here, among social outcasts and the mentally-ill. This is a slum among slums. These poor folk exist along the walls of the city, with not but stone to make their beds, and the sun rarely reaches the cobbled streets (often the wall blocks it). If inquires are made, you’re sure to find a strange marketplace for goods not carried by more well-respected merchants. City officials would warn you that you’re only going to suffer for it (and likely get played).19) Hayarch
Neighboring a large open field right next to the river, this district is regularly visited by many of Denerim’s families. They come out to these open fields to partake in whatever festivities, sports, or other events are transpiring in the area on an almost weekly basis.20) Cattle Gate
Located at the edge of the city, ranchers and farmers can be found here selling goods from handcarts. What was once only a few small stalls has grown to be a massive operation. Prices may be higher than buying straight from a farm, but still cheaper than almost everywhere else in the city. Aside from the common fare like melons, apples, bread, and carrots, there's hardly a better place to get smoked rat-skewers, fried pig hooves, pigeon soup, grilled mushroom skewers, or stir-fried gizzard and liver. Overall, the whole street carries the savory scent of food being fried, grilled, and steamed. However, be warned that public washrooms here are few and far between, and filthy to boot. Avoid stepping into puddles - regardless of how they may have first formed, they quickly turn into impromptu public bathrooms. Additionally, it is best to avoid dressing as though you are wealthy, unless you wish to be hounded by beggars, orphans, pickpockets and conmen. Put on your poorest clothes and you may even be able to haggle the prices down.Location: Eastern Ferelden
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