Old Town District
The Old Town District is the oldest section of the City of Thorahl, and was first settled as a residential neighborhood nearly 900 years ago. This is a busy section of the City, and it is home to more than 2,800 dwarves and their businesses. The streets are often narrow and many are worn into uneven ruts from the centuries of travel that has gone over them. It is also one of the darkest places, since the lime wash walls are often the oldest (and dirtiest) in the City. There is an open area market at the southern entrance to the district, and another at the northern entrance to the district. Here one can find stalls and stands selling all sorts of food and drink. The district is in a vaulted chamber roughly 200 yards wide and 300 yards long. There is a single 18’ wide tunnel leading into the chamber from the south, and a single 12’ wide tunnel leading north out of the chamber. There are three 12’ wide tunnels leading west and east out of the chamber and into adjoining residential areas. There are barracks, bakeries, breweries and baths built into the walls of the chamber, accessed both inside and around the various tunnel entrances. Throughout the district, there are grated openings in the streets that assist in bring fresh air into the heart of the City.
Purpose / Function
A large neighborhood of residential and commercial buildings in the oldest quarter of the City.
Sensory & Appearance
Even given its dark and noisy atmosphere, Old Town abounds in shops and taverns selling some of the best food and drink in the entire city. On any street, at any hour, one can find many places selling hot meals and cold drinks to dozens of residents and travellers alike. Smells of roasting meat, frying sausage, foaming beer and fresh bread are everywhere, at all hours of the day and night.
Denizens
While Old Town is still a vibrant and thriving portion of the City of Thorahl, because of its age and population density, it is considered a less-than-desirable place to live by the wealthier residents of the city. Noise, wood smoke and the near constant traffic make daily life within the district something of a unique experience.
Architecture
This is the oldest continuously inhabited portion of the city, and as such it is a mix of many styles and designs. Buildings are stoutly constructed of either finely cut stone or are carved out of the mountain itself. Any additions or add-ons to the buildings are done in either wood or rough-cut stone. The walls of the cavern are darkened with centuries of dirt, soot and grime and give the district a distinctly dark appearance. Roads are all quite narrow and very heavily rutted with many centuries of traffic. Given the district's location so close to the city's entrance, it is a particularly busy neighborhood. Streets and alleys are crowded day and night, and cart and wagon traffic is carefully and forcefully managed by Legionaries at all the major intersections.
Defenses
Due to the heavy traffic found nearly constantly in Old Town, there is a large Legionaire presence at all times. Along the major roads and intersections several Guards can be found directing traffic and ensuring safe and efficient travel.
History
Continuously inhabited for more than 900 years, Old Town is a busy, noisy area of the city. Roads and alleys are nearly always crowded and almost never adequately lit. Oil lamps abound throughout the district, of course, but light is poorly reflected off the dark and dirty walls and buildings.
Parent Location
Environmental Effects
Dispite the district's great age, it is as well maintained as any other portion of the City of Thorahl. Streets are kept clean of manure and trash at all times, alleys and corners are safe (if dark and narrow) and residents are friendly and generous.
Owning Organization
