Glacierport
Introduction:
On the Southeastern shores of Lochmond Isle lies a developing city known as Glacierport. It falls under the rulership of the Myrvan Dynasty, and is fairly young in comparison to the other settlements spread across the archipelago. Those that live here are hardened by the freezing sea breezes and the storms that come with them. Most of it's inhabitants are loyal to the Dynasty and trust in their decisions. Yet an ancient and malevolent power serves this royal family, and with that comes an immense amount of corruption. Those that are most loyal are given a sliver of this power and become ever more dangerous. So, it is rare for any amount of opposition to occur within the populace. The weather-beaten sailors, loggers, and fisherman generally keep to themselves while The Blood Guard keep a close eye on any and all, regarldess of your affiliation. Strangers that come to Glacierport's shores are met with a cold shoulder and even colder stares. Only the elders remember truly of the events that led to the Dynasty's claim to these isles, and it's best if such knowledge stays hidden.Demographics
Species | Population |
---|---|
Human | 46% (2188) |
Dwarves | 23% (1093) |
High Elves | 15% (714) |
Dragonborn | 8% (380) |
Lythari | 6% (285) |
OtherĀ | 4% (190) |
Government
Glacierport is part of the overall royal family of the Myrvan Dynasty, and thus is ruled by a hierarchy of Wasali (vassals), Burmistrz (mayors), Damas (Lord or Lady) or Wysoka Damas (High Lord or Lady). Thus, the Burmistrz that rules Glacierport is Serafin Qiang. Most of the Dynasty's policy and commandments are sent to her, and it is her job to make sure that all follow the laws of the land and sea within it's borders. Serafin has been the Burmistrz for over 50 years, yet she never seems to age. She has looked like her youthful self since even the oldest human sailors can remember. However, this is not a strange occurance (at least for those that have ancestral ties to the Dynasty). Outsiders may look on in wonder as they question the mortality of this nation's rulers. Yet for most of the common folk, it is known that the Family is blessed with slowed aging in some form, though it's debatable as to the source. Regardless, the installed local leadership is judge, jury, and executioner, yet they do have many advisors that attempt to sway various matters of state in various favors.
Districts
Rhayon's Quarter
This district was set aside by the Dynasty during the town's founding specifically for Worship. The main diety that one will see while walking the streets is temples to Rhayon, the Watcher of the Arcane. However, several other temples and places of worship have been allowed to be built over time. The other divine beings that are venerated here in one form or another are; The Lady of Winter; and Dramera, the Goddess of Chaos. The streets of this district are generally lined with buildings constructed for their associated dieties, some more grand than others. However, one may also find that the there are statues to other "holy" figures throughout the Dynasty's history, as if the citizens that made them are venerating to some level of divinity these individuals from the past. Many a story and legend come with these constructions for those that know them, and it's yet another representation of the attempt to ensure that all that live in the Dynasty, worship it.Sunshimmer Market
This district is where most of the common, everyday trade occurs. Here, in the sight of the Castle Ward, lies the protruding obsidian formation in the center of the square. The shopping stalls that are set up around it form a sort of spiral, starting at the stone and working their way around it. Legends speak of something that still lives within it, but has yet to break free. No one knows why, but at certain angles and with the right light, a sort of humanoid shape can be seen. Many in the early days of the city have attempted to break into the volcanic formation, but to no avail. Thus, it has been left to speculation, myth, and legend.The Cloud Steps
This district is generally where the richest and the royal family members or close affiliations live and reside, as well as several high-end taverns and bars. Those that arrive on the Fallshire Road will first see the various mansion-like buildings and the A-framed multi-storied structures that overlook most of the city below. The high cliffs that drop down to the sea are a glorious sight to behold, and many of this district's inhabitants are protected by the reinforced, menacing walls of the city and the sheer precipice of the rock face.Ravenshade
This district is home to a variety of peoples that make up most of the city's inhabitants. Most that live here are citizens that could afford to construct homes within the protection of the great exterior walls. This is also where one will find the Wyvern's Guild and the Shadowmantles. Most of the commonfolk (even those that trust the royal family) generally stay away from those two structures. Travelers that ask questions about their aspects usually change the conversation rather quickly, and the veil-covered individuals exiting and entering those strange places are generally left alone, for the wellbeing of allThe Castle Ward
The Zamekia Castle is the centerpoint of this district. An inner wall protects it's inhabitants, and most of the dealings of matters of city and state take place here. Most in the city will see the impressive battlements and bastions before they see the actual castle within. Zamekia Castle is also home to a specific Task Force of Blood Guard that are the private protection and enforcement of the BurmistrzThe Timber Hook
This district is where a majority of the commonfolk, serfs, and workers live and conduct their affairs. Since this isle lies so far south, winter generally keeps a hold on the city. Thus, not much of farming takes place. Rather, many of the hunting huts, lumber yards, and warehouses are located here. Along with these more "industrial" buildings, one will also find a few small taverns built for the general commoner here.The Dock Ward
Many a dock, shipyard, and warehouse can be found in this district. Not only do they operate on sea, but scattered across the city are also various private or industrial docks that serve up the Silaron River as well. Surrounded by a low, inner wall lies the Blood Guard's private shipyard, where many of the military-based vessels and personel work and live. Various travelers and merchant ships will find their way here, and this is also where one will find a single, solitary airship tower to accomidate the rise in Magic-Techonolgy.Northgate
This District holds some of the same kinds of "industrial" buildings, but also holds most of the Barraks and military buildings for the Blood Guard. The actual gate itself is what gives this district it's name. It is comprised of a iron-casted portcullis and, more impressively, a solid black metaled gate that holds a greenish sheen to it. Those trained in metallergy or the alchemical arts will know that it is made of solid adamantine, thus making it extremely difficult to damage or destroy. This construction was complete by a dwarven clan that was brought to the isles by the Dynasty in the early years of settlement. The material was harvested from the Dorhaan Mountains after an explorer from the dynasty had led an expedition into the range.Points of interest
The Hunter and Flagon:
Location: The Timber Hook District, on the way to Southgate.
Description: The inn is a simple wooden shack, with several shuttered windows and only a few crude tables and benches. Accomodations consist of woolen blankets near the hearth. The inn was rebuilt recently after a devastating fire.
Innkeeper: The innkeeper is a thin male dwarf named Biorni Greyhide
Menu:
Dish | Cost |
---|---|
Chestnut Bread and Bitter Cheese | 2 CP |
Rye Biscuits and Curd Cheese | 4 CP |
Pottage, Mug of Mead | 3 CP |
Wheat Porridge, Mug of Ale | 5 CP |
Boiled Shellfish, Tankard of Cider | 4 CP |
Smoked deer and Barley Biscuits, Tankard of Cider | 1 SP |
Architecture
The general look and feel of the buildings and construction is a mix of eastern Shindren-Zukuri designed buildings with the added effect of steeper curves for practicality. Most display sweeping roofs, detailed wooden grids, and occasional overhanging balconies. All of these designs stem from the civilzation that the dynasty originally comes from; The Grand Republic of Eadrera on the main land of Uulek'Dorr. The 'slums' of the city are designed similarly, but with less flare and more purpose. Sliding doors are generally the main mode of entry and exit, and most of the streets are lit with lanterns that have continual flame cast upon them.
Founding Date
1256 AW
Population
4755
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
Comments