Noor
The northernmost of the great peninsula cities
One of the 'Satellite Cities' of The Western Peninsula, Noor is situated midway up the northern part of the mountain range which rings the peninsula as a whole, to the north of Warres.
Like the other satellite cities, it acts as a processing hub for bark and sap in it's province. Product is transported there from across the province, where it is processed and packaged appropriately, and distributed throughout Timor.
The city is built on a plateu in the mountain range, although there are still levels of elevation. This gives it a tiered structure.
Demographics
Like much of the peninsula, most inhabitants of Noor are humans who were born and raised in the city. The harsh and inhospitable landscape does not tend to attract immigrants.
There is a fairly significant dwarven population, due to their race's heavy import of bark and sap and their desire to have a hand in the distribution process. Many dwarven blacksmiths settle there to get their bark and sap from the source, rather than wait for trade.
Although the Berstock trade generates tremendous amounts of wealth in Noor and the other Satellite cities, most of the people who make significant wealth from it choose to live in the lavish manors of Warres. High ranking members of the merchants guild, and those in government, tend to live in the middle tiers of the city, where they live in large but modest abodes. The middle tiers are also shared with the church of Reorx.
The highest tiers of the city is where the bark and sap are processed, and where the Government of the town sit. Most notably at the highest level, is the entrance to 'The Great Tunnel', a man made tunnel leading out to a very small harbour on a tiny piece of coastline on the north coast.
Large swaths of the lower tiers are occupied by mining familes, who largely make up the peasantry of the town, although given the considerable wealth poverty and unemployment is very rare.
Government
Leadership of Noor is delegated to the governor, someone appointed directly by the ruling monarch of the peninsula. Current incumbent is Governor Godfrey Parnack, appointed by King Guster Sampala II.
The Governor is responsible for the running of the city, but does consult with a council comprised of representatives of various aspects of life in Noor, most notably a representative from the merchant guild.
Defences
The cities north, west and east sides are surrounded by mountains, making any approach difficult. The southern side of the city is protected by a wall, although the size of the city is such that there is overspill out of its walls.
The only avenue of attack is then, the southern approach, and the road to this is very steep and an army would start at a great disadvantage.
Industry & Trade
All industrial efforts of Noor are directed toward the distribution of Bark and Sap.
Guilds and Factions
The Merchant Guild is the most powerful and influential faction in any of the satellite cities of Noor. The guild is directly accountable to the royal family, rather than the government of their individual cities.
The Guild are exclusively responsible for distribution of bark and sap throughout the world, and are charged with engendering partnerships with with buyers then planning and protecting shipments. They are also charged with collection and distribution of payments.
Although this is a heavy charge, the guild is comprised of diverse representatives across the peninsula, and are subject to regular inspection to minimise corruption and foul play. This task is devolved to The Inquisitors, another royal organisation which act as a secret police force across the continent. The Church of Reorx have a well established and important role in the city. Previously worship of Paladine was most widespread, however under guidance from the King the followers of Reorx have pushed those of Paladine out. Even among the satellite cities, Noor has particularly promoted aggressive expansion of the church.
The Guild are exclusively responsible for distribution of bark and sap throughout the world, and are charged with engendering partnerships with with buyers then planning and protecting shipments. They are also charged with collection and distribution of payments.
Although this is a heavy charge, the guild is comprised of diverse representatives across the peninsula, and are subject to regular inspection to minimise corruption and foul play. This task is devolved to The Inquisitors, another royal organisation which act as a secret police force across the continent. The Church of Reorx have a well established and important role in the city. Previously worship of Paladine was most widespread, however under guidance from the King the followers of Reorx have pushed those of Paladine out. Even among the satellite cities, Noor has particularly promoted aggressive expansion of the church.
History
Noor was established by King Gredan Sampala himself, as part of a concerted effort to ramp up mining and distribution of bark and sap soon after it's discovery. Each satellite city is charged with maximising distribution in their own areas.
The orc tribes in the surrounding area have carried out frequent raids over the years, but these tend to be random and without obvious aim. Otherwise, the city has not undergone much in the way of outward conflict.
Throughout it's history however, corruption and infighting have been rife in the city - necessitating the formation of the inquisitors to keep people in positions of power in check. A strong criminal underworld has taken hold given the narcotic properties of the bark and sap, and conflict between elements of this is common.
The orc tribes in the surrounding area have carried out frequent raids over the years, but these tend to be random and without obvious aim. Otherwise, the city has not undergone much in the way of outward conflict.
Throughout it's history however, corruption and infighting have been rife in the city - necessitating the formation of the inquisitors to keep people in positions of power in check. A strong criminal underworld has taken hold given the narcotic properties of the bark and sap, and conflict between elements of this is common.
Architecture
The city is a harsh behemoth of gothic grey stone buildings and smog from processing plants, built into the grey rock of the mountains which surround it - Noor is not the subject of many poems or artistic endeavours and it has never been accused of being picturesque.
Type
City
Population
~400,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Noori
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
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