Tourlu

The largest northern city, Tourlu is a melting pot of cultures. Originally founded as a small trade port to supply Caen in the ancient era, it has since been used as a northern hub by both Rivell and the Empire of Akoom, and as such sports the architecture of all three cultures. Built in the shadow of an obsidian hill overlooking the harbor,

History

One of the oldest settlements in Rivell, Tourlu's history is vast, though is only a footnote of the eastern continent before the Era of Ages. During the Ancient era it was a trade port for Caen, and though was classifiable as a town, was one of the smallest in Undinia, with few references. This town was abandoned and used as a smuggler's port during the Phervian Era.

Regrowth

Tourlu, though being free for nearly the whole of the Phervian Era, didn't become a major player in Rivell till the late second century Rebel, when Lacertilian trade started pulling money further north. resulting in a decent merchant town springing up around the ancient dock as well as being granted Duchy status, though this was only the west coast north of the Wyvernblood River. It still was the main trade location for the larger duchy of Caen, which still dominated the North.

The Empire of Akoom

In 122 Devine Tourlu's trade fleet repelled an Akoomite invasion by sending the larger ships to crash into and topple the top heavy Akoomite fleet. This gave the whole kingdom a respite until 150 Devine when the Empire attacked from the south. Tourlu was conquered without a fight in 180 Devine, though fighting still ravaged the duchy for another decade. In 210 Devine, the newly appointed Flykir of North Rivell Hrengra made Tourlu his capital, to control everything north of the river Wyvernblood River, spurring another period of growth.
Under the empire, Tourlu became the wealthiest part of Rivell, due to being the most peaceful for the biggest period. This also saw many of the key features of the town built, including its defenses and colonnade market. In 130 Blood, while the rest of Rivell rebelled, Tourlu remained silent, refusing to add its might to either side.

Kingdom of Rivell

Fearing the power of the north, King Jaquin split the duchy in half, while funneling as much trade south as possible. This led to a massive decrease in wealth for Tourlu, however, it was able to remain self-sufficient throughout the period. This would be the state of affairs when the Crisis of the Fey age broke out. While, like most of Rivell, content to stay out of the crisis, not even changing this stance when the Rivell Civil war broke out. This changed in 29 Rapha, 122 Fey when an assassin killed the current Duke, leading Duke Charles to threaten to break away completely from Rivell, though he later joined the Royalists.

Layout

Split into five sections, Tourlu may seem like many other cities, till you notice the vastly different architecture scattered throughout the city.

Port

The ancient draconic obsidian docks still stand as the main port of the city, juxtaposed by the more Rivellian-built warehouses, inns, and taverns that line the dock front. Nestled within these is a Draconic shrine to The wanderer

The old city

Built between the docks and hill, this houses half the total population of Tourlu. Among this packed part of the city are the temples of The Goddess and Akoom. The winding natural streets are masked by the central walkway that leads to the Colonnade Market, a large open rectangle with a fountain in the middle, and a covered podium at one side, with a statue of Flykir Hrengra on it. Lining the majority of the sides are covered walkways with shops built just off of it. This market marks the center of the city.

Obsidian hill

Just off to the north of the old town stands an obsidian hill with a single staircase entrance. Atop this have stood many structures from a military fort in the ancient era to an Akoom citadel during the Empire's reign to the Ducal palace that stands there now. Though this palace is more a castle than a palace, with barracks, armories, blacksmiths, and storehouses built around the residence.

New town

Built by the Empire of Akoom, the outer part of the city more resembles the cities of the west, with planned streets and brick houses. Though it looks wealthier than the old city, this is appearance only, as both sections have the amenities of any true city.

The mud flats

Built on the banks of the Wyvernblood River, the mud flats is the poorest part of the city. Usually home to the homeless, jobless, and exiled. The mudflats are a chaotic mess of shelters. Despite appearances, however, the residents here are fed and tend to only be temporary, many just being down on their luck and able to climb back out, unlike the slums of other cities.

Patrons

The Goddess
Akoom
The Wanderer(Shrine)

Founding Date

Ancient era.

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