Stonebridge
Stonebridge is the southern Gnomish city on the continent of Starhelm, situated in the Southguard Plane, near the base of the Barrier Guard of Denethen. Formed initially from a joint project between the Elves of Brightbough and the Dwarves of the south, it has since grown into a large city and is the most multicultural place on Starhelm.
Demographics
Stonebridge started off as a small Gnomish village, and the Elves and Dwarves sought to make it a gathering of allies to help with the dangers of the south. At its inception it was mostly Gnomes that lived there, and then Elves and Dwarves made up the majority of the non-Gnomish population. Since then, however, it has grown to be extremely diverse and welcoming. Many lineages make their way to Stonebridge with the dream of being accepted.
Its population fluctuates over the years, but as of the year 1003 PF the breakdown is as follows:
- Gnome (24%)
- Dwarf (15%)
- Human (13%)
- Goliath (13%)
- Genasi (10%)
- Halfling (8%)
- Goblinkind (6%)
- Elf (5%)
- Dragonkin (3%)
- Kenku (2%)
- Eladrin (2%)
- Other (1%)
The remaining 1% make up the other category and consist of a variety of smaller enclaves that do not constitute a sufficient amount of population. The lineages include Aarakocra, Changeling, Krysin, Kenku, Tieflings, and Ulvund. There is a small population of Azer that have 'migrated' from the Scar of Fire. While technically illegal refugees, Stonebridge classifies them as Dwarves and they are included in their census numbers.
Government
The Government of Stonebridge is a Demographic Republic, where the representatives are formed based off of the Lineage demographics of the city. Consisting of a total of 99 Representatives, with each Lineage getting a number of Representatives equal to their percentage of the city population. In order to have a seat you must be an accepted part of a Lineage that forms at least 1% of the population. For example, of the roughly 125,000 citizens, 30, 000 are Gnomes, giving them 24% of the total population. They would be able to send 24 representatives to speak and vote on their behalf. The Dwarves would only get to send 15, and so on.
Citizens of a specific demographic vote on who they want as their Representatives for their demographic, with the popular vote winning their respective seats. Whomever got the highest vote in a specific demographic becomes the head of their demographic and gets a seat on the Stonebridge Council.
The Council is the head of the government, with each member holding equal power as the others. Council members are the only ones able to bring policies to a vote, and they need to have at least 3 council members signing on to the policy. Once the policy is brought to the Council, the remaining Representatives vote on if the policy is approved or not. The Council also act as representatives for the city for diplomatic missions. If a Council member is out of the city for longer than a month, the Representative with the next highest popular vote becomes the interim Council member for any votes and policy decisions. Interim Council members can't propose policies, however, but they can sign on to already proposed policies.
There are currently 11 Council members, consisting of one of each listed demographic - Gnome, Dwarf, Human, Goliath, Genasi, Halfling, Goblinkind, Elf, Dragonkin, Kenku, and Eladrin.
A census is conducted every two years to determine the current demographic breakdown. On the off years of the census, the Representative vote occurs to determine who is a member of the Representatives of Stonebridge. Since the last census there have been many shocking changes, including an influx of Goblins, which gave Goblinkind an additional 3 seats, and the recent appearance of many Eladrin, which garnered them two seats, where they previously had none. The shifting of the city's demographics saw a reduction in the Halfling demographic and they lost a total of five seats. While normally good-natured and carefree, this drastic change in city politics has caused some tension between some Halflings and these newer additions to the city.
Defences
Stonebridge's Defence is not much different than most other cities of its size, the biggest difference is that the equipment they use are more advanced. Usually not for standard guards, but the wall defences, and ballista they use are much more effective than you will find in most places. In addition there is a series of tunnels under the city that can act as bunkers for the citizens.
The city also has a standing militia that can be called upon in a pinch.
The city requires some of the most defence of any capital on Starhelm due to its close proximity to; the Witch Queen's Domain, The Fallen of Exandar, and roaming monsters from the Scar of Fire, because of this Stonebridge rarely sends forces to protect nearby settlements.
Industry & Trade
Stonebridge's is a fairly self sufficient city being able to find or make anything they require. They also get a fairly regular cycle of merchants coming and going from the city being the last or first major city when traveling into or out of the vale in the south, Also thanks to the variety of festivals that the city is having it has many tourists as well making Stonebridge one of the most travelled to places on Starhelm.
Infrastructure
The city of Stonebridge has a very unique infrastructure, owing to the curious and inventive nature of the Gnomes. The buildings are typically made of stone and wood, but throughout the city many scientific additions have been made over the years. This mixture of old Dwarf and Elf design, and some quirky, modern gadgetry has given Stonebridge a more advanced culture of discovery.
The Council Tree, a massive oak tree that has been enchanted and hollowed out, sits in the centre of the city. It is the official seat of government and where the Council of Stonebridge meets.
Districts
There are 8 districts in Stonebridge.
Council Tree
As the name would suggest, the Council Tree itself is situated in this district. It is where the majority of governing happens at a higher level.
The Emporium, a large shopping complex located on the ground level of the Council Tree is a very popular destination as well. It offers a wide variety of goods and foods from cultures all across Starhelm.
Temples to Hix, Lyradell, and Denethen can also be found here.
Posh and upper class housing fetches a high price for those who wish and can afford to live in the centre of the city.
Festival Strip
The Festival Strip is the most southern district in the city. and it is located on the south side of the bridges. .
There are six original Stonebridge houses left in the city, with a few located in the Festival Strip, and the others in the Bridge Front district.
The Mounted Tempest is a famous ride attraction in Stonebridge. This ride is maintained to be in perfect condition, making it available throughout the entire year.
The Military Compound
The Military compound district is in the southwest of the city and it consists of two parts - within the wall, and outside the wall.
Within the wall is the military compound proper, where the Prison, Armoury, and Barracks are located. It is also where the Coin Exchange is located, safely next to the military compound.
Outside the wall is Cheapend, the poorest neighbourhood in the city. While it doesn't have a lot of crime, many ex-criminals live in this district after they are released from prison.
Forestside
Forest side is a large housing district. It houses many standard merchants, tradesfolk, and crafters. There is little of note except for its location, being the closest to the largest parks in Stonebridge - Greenleaf Park, and Mountainshade Park.
Forestside is also where the Twilight Temple to Morthos and Tereale is located. It is run by a Goliath named Farheim who used to be a member of the Order of the Concordant Spire.
Bridge Front
Bridge Front is the wealthiest district in Stonebridge. The people who live here enjoy a beautiful view of the Bertuk river. This is also where the rest of the Historical Homes are located, including the Museum of Haven, and the Museum of Art and Culture.
Emerald Green Market
The Emerald Green Market district is the biggest shopping district in the city. Wall to wall shops, and eateries line the streets, with the biggest attraction being the Carabas Hall of Gambling. This large gambling hall is owned and operated by a Tabaxi woman from Sangor, who got lost in the Beastlands and found herself in Stonebridge.
The Front
The Front is the first district you enter when you arrive though the main gate of the city. Almost anything can be found in the Front, including housing, shops, inns and taverns, and the majority of the shrines of the city. This district is also home to the highest crime rate in the city, which has only increased in the last few years with an influx of Black Talon activity, as well as the increased traffic from the upcoming Road of Opportunity.
Eastside
Eastside is the most eastern district, containing mostly housing (Dwarven), with a few shops as well.
The largest business is the Fokmar's Mining House, a massive general store and trade house with a speciality in minerals and mining equipment. It is rumoured to also have a secret tunnel that leads to the southern tip of the Mantle.
Assets
Stonebridge has a deep and long love of invention and progress, giving a lot of funding to people who want to research advancements in any field. because of this the city has many things that can't be found anywhere else.
- Each city block have timed. controlled self lighting street lamps, thats are able to light the streets without the need of lamp lighters.
- most corners have speakers that connect to the council tree allowing city wide messages to be sent, though the sound quality isn't the best.
- The Festival strip is home to mechanical attractions, The Mounted Tempest, The Lost Cart, and the Free Fall, are three permanently standing attractions that draw a lot of attention especially from outsiders.
Guilds and Factions
The Council of Stonebridge
The council of Stonebridge is the leading governmental body in Stonebridge. There are currently X members sitting on the council.
The Curator's Syndicate
The Curator's Syndicate is the newest big business in Stonebridge, founded in Avandar, the Syndicate helps regulate and control the sale of magic items, thanks to them new laws were passed in Stonebridge to prevent the sale of magic items from sellers who aren't affiliated with the Curator's Syndicate, and prevent buyers who aren't affiliated with the Syndicate. While this has caused some frustration in the city, mostly from magic item inventor's who now have many more regulations they have to follow, most people see why having a level of security and control on magic items is a good thing.
The League of Swords
The League of Swords is the premier mercenary company on Starhelm, one of the biggest branch headquarters they have is found in Stonebridge, and they are often hired by travellers, merchants, and the city itself to help. They are also hired by nearby settlements to help protect themselves.
Brightbough Envoy
The Brightbough Envoy is a diplomatic group that exists in Stonebridge, that acts as ambassador's and advisors from the Brightbough elves to aid Stonebridge.
The Voice of the Beastlands
The voice of the Beastlands is a new faction that has appeared in the city, from the influx of Eladrin that are now in the city, a large migration of Eladrin moved to the city due to the strong connection to the Beastlands found in the parks and River, worried that the city might destroy or abuse this connection they Voice of the Beastlands was formed to make sure that the connection isn't lost and also that it doesn't get out of hand.
History
Stonebridge was a small gnomish settlement, with very little importance, but after the Elves were placed, the elves reached out to the dwarves in hopes of making a strong alliance. Working together the dwarves and elves decided to use Stonebridge to act as their starting point, growing and improving the settlement until is became what it is today.
Because of the Fractioning the city was almost fully destroyed, now only a few houses from before the fractioning remain these homes being called the Historical houses.
Points of interest
- Council Tree (popular tourism place)
- Bertuk River (large river that crosses through the city)
- Festival Strip (district of the city where festivals are held)
- Carabas Gambling Hall (massive, Inn, Restaurant, and gambling hall)
- Stalwart Mule (The most popular Inn and Tavern in the city)
- Stonebridge Museum of Invention (large museum about the advancement of Technology, housed in one of the Historical Houses )
- Museum of Haven History (large museum about Haven Time, housed in one of the Historical Houses )
- Museum of Art and Culture (large museum about art and culture, housed in one of the Historical Houses )
- Lily gardens (popular garden home to Trent the Tree Ent)
Tourism
Stonebridge has a lot of Tourism, due to many factors, the constant festival's they have going on, the many museum's they have, and the strong connection to the beastlands draws many to come to Stonebridge. As well as being either the first or last major city travellers or merchants come to on the south side of the continent.
Architecture
Buildings in Stonebridge are a bit more advanced than in other places in Starhelm, it is much more common to see two and even thee story buildings, they also range in sizes to try and accommodate the different lineages living in the city, from gnomes and halflings, to goliaths and bugbears.
Geography
Stonebridge is located in the Southguard plains close to the Barrierguard and Lutiens Vale, The large Bertuk river flows through the city. Within the city walls many parks and small forests can be found throughout city.
Climate
Being further south Stonebridge encounters a lot of rain and warmer weather, and because of the Bertuk River, it is typically very humid, but the magic of the Council Tree keeps the weather typically consistent.
Natural Resources
The city is easy access to lumber, and fresh water, as well as a very vibrant farming community. while Mining isn't the biggest industry in the city, they are close enough the Mantle that they do have very good access to stone and metals, though rarely do they find gems.
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