Bridgeport

Work in progress!

ORC License

Slightly NSFW!

"Hey you, psst! Yes, you! Do you need things?"
"Things?"
"You know, stuff! Stuff you don't get on the regular market. I got it all, for the right price!"

Bridgeport is a prominent human-founded city and the county seat of Bridgeport County, which encompasses the only land connection between the Western Continent of Boresia and the Central Continent of Qail. If you are looking for something very specific to purchase, Bridgeportal is probably the best place to look.

The climate in the region is mediterranean, with summer temperatures typically around 30 °C and bright skies, with occasional rain. The surrounding area is covered with mixed forests and glassland, while the southern part of the area, towards Qail, is covered with marshes and fallen trees.

Bridgeport by Tillerz using MidJourney

People in Bridgeport are all dealing with their own issues and secrets, yet there are numerous things going on at many levels, from the personal to the global. Official note that can be found at the city gates and everywhere in town during the Festival of the Rusty Pipe:

Public Declaration

Bridgeport City, spring 2865 PB

Be it known unto all who enter this fair town, these laws and ordinances are decreed by the noble council of this land for the preservation of peace and order. Ignorance of these proclamations shall not shield thee from the consequences of thy actions. Take heed, for adherence is thy safeguard. I. Curfew: As the sun doth wane, thou shalt make thy way to thy lodgings and abide there till morn. The ringing of the curfew bell shall be thy signal. II. Arms and Armour: No man-at-arms shall bear weapons within these walls unless in the service of the town guard. Concealed blades are strictly forbidden. III. Public House Conduct: In the taverns and alehouses, comport thyself with decorum. Brawling and disorderly conduct shall be met with swift justice. IV. Theft and Pillage: Stealing the property of another shall bring forth the wrath of the law. Thou shalt be held accountable for any pilfering. V. Fair Market Trade: In the market square, haggle fairly and honestly. False weights and measures shall not be tolerated. VI. Plague Quarantine: Should illness of pestilence strike thee, remain within thine abode until the plague passes, lest it spread to others. VII. Public Decency: Do not engage in lewd or lascivious behavior in the public eye. Maintain modesty and decorum. VIII. Dues and Taxes: Render unto the Empire that which is the Empire's. Payment of taxes and dues is thy civic duty. IX. Town Criers: Attend to the proclamations of the town criers, for they bear news and edicts from the Council of Ten. Disregard of these laws shall incur penalties ranging from fines to corporal punishment, or even banishment from our fair city. Be warned, traveler, and conduct thyself with wisdom and respect for the laws of the land. This proclamation, bearing the seal of the noble council, is set forth for the enlightenment and observance of all who enter our medieval city.

-- Council of Ten, for the Queen and the Farenian Empire

Class Structure

In Bridgeport, much like in most of the Farenian Empire, there exists a complex social structure with distinct classes that shape the lives of its inhabitants. The classes vary from the privileged to the struggling, each with their own unique challenges and dynamics.

Nobility

At the top of the social ladder, we find the nobility and aristocracy, who wield significant wealth, power, and influence. They reside in grand estates (districts Arcadia Honeywell, Nightingale, Rosegarden) and enjoy a life of luxury, surrounded by opulence and privilege, and well protected by the soldiers of the Black Guard. However, their position comes with responsibilities and expectations to uphold their status, as well as the constant scrutiny of their peers.

Merchants

Beneath the nobility, we have the affluent merchants and business owners who have amassed considerable wealth through trade and commerce. These individuals enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with access to fine goods and services (city centre: Brick Hill, Bustling, King's Corner, Pleasant Meadows and north city: Widow's Fall, Locust Point, Riverside, Speedwell, Butterwick). They hold sway over the city's economy and are influential in shaping its development. However, they often face intense competition and the constant need to adapt to ever-changing markets. And the rulings of the Council of Ten don't make it any easier for them.

Working Class

The working class comprises the majority of Bridgeport's population, including skilled craftsmen, labourers, and artisans (east city: Bailey, Hunting Ridge and north city: Upwind, Downwind). They contribute to the city's growth and are the backbone of its industries. However, many face harsh working conditions, long hours, and limited opportunities for upward mobility. They often struggle to make ends meet, with little recourse for improving their circumstances.

Paupers

At the bottom of the social hierarchy, we find the impoverished and destitute. These individuals live in overcrowded slums, grappling with poverty, crime, and social inequality (west city: The Fringes). They often lack access to basic necessities, healthcare, and education. Struggle and the constant search for survival are hallmarks of their lives. Coexistence between these classes is a delicate balance, with occasional tensions and disparities. The wealthier classes have access to better education, healthcare, and opportunities, while the lower classes face systemic challenges and limited resources. The city's governance plays a crucial role in maintaining order and addressing the needs of its diverse population, striving to bridge the gaps between classes and ensure a semblance of social harmony. Despite the challenges, Bridgeport also fosters a sense of community and resilience. People from different classes interact in bustling marketplaces, local taverns, and neighbourhood gatherings, creating connections and shared experiences that transcend social boundaries. The city's vibrant culture and bustling trade provide opportunities for individuals to rise above their circumstances, fostering a sense of hope and aspiration amidst the disparities.

Demographics

Children: 3813
Adults: 14615
Elderly: 2754
Primary Species: Human

Government

The city is being ruled by a council of high ranked guild members and noble families, called Council of Ten.

Defences

Bridgeport's defense relies on its elevated terrain, with fortified gates guarding the main access points. However, Hunting Ridge and Bailey lie beyond this protection, leaving them vulnerable to bandits and wildlife incursions.

Industry & Trade

The city has been on its own for a long time and had no interest in trade with anyone else, but became finally part of the Farenian Empire when the Council of Ten decided that it was in the best interest of all Bridgeport's traders to have access to the Farenian market without the "outsider" taxes. Main export products are spices, cheese, fabric, vegetables, fur, fish and peat.

Infrastructure

Residential Buildings: 1089
Districts: 27
Population Density: high (Avg 19.46 people per residence). Note: many buildings have two or even three floors with several flats on every floor. There are several wells scattered throughout the city, and the Thunder River divides it in half, which is crossed by several wooden bridges. The city has a well-functioning sewage system. The majority of the streets are cobblestone and wide enough for waggons. One of the city's larger projects is a Farenian Empire mandate to build a channel across the land bridge to connect the seas on its north and south sides.

Districts

Government

The Tenner

Security
The Bridgeport administrative district is a stately neighbourhood including a few government buildings and protected by imposing walls. The members of the Council of Ten are housed in a magnificent marble structure at the far end of the neighbourhood. Wooden details abound, and security personnel stand watch at each entrance. The sidewalks are plentiful, and the streets are clean and spacious. Several government employees and authorities in business clothing rush about with files. The streets reverberate with the sounds of rustling papers and clicking heels. People from the community wait outside the buildings throughout the day to get their cases heard.

The Harbour

Security
Prices
Ships come and go from Bridgeport Harbor often, making it a hub for international trade. The harbour is bustling with activity, with fishing boats, transport ships, and even an inn on the water named Artigo. A flock of seagulls flies above, waiting to swoop down on any dropped morsels of food from the passing boats or snacks carried by unsuspecting visitors. There is a wide range of individuals working on the docks, from grizzled veterans of the sea to bright-eyed youngsters learning the ropes. They put in long hours to repair ships, load and unload cargo, and ensure everything functions properly. The air is alive with the sounds of slamming metal, yelling voices, and squeaking ropes. The Fish Market and warehouses may be found behind the docks; some of the warehouses belong to wealthy families and are thus walled off and guarded.

Noble Districts

The noble districts are under vigilant watch by the Black Guard, making it exceedingly difficult to enter or exit unnoticed.

Arcadia

Wealth
Security
Prices

Honeywell

Wealth
Security
Prices

Nightingale

Wealth
Security
Prices

Rosegarden

Wealth
Security
Prices

Middle Class Districts

City Centre

Brick Hill

Wealth
Security
Prices

Bustling

Wealth
Security
Prices

King's Corner

Wealth
Security
Prices

Pleasant Meadows

Wealth
Security
Prices

Widow's Fall

Wealth
Security
Prices
North City

Locust Point

Wealth
Security
Prices

Riverside

Wealth
Security
Prices

Speedwell

Butterwick

Wealth
Security
Prices

Arcane Academy

Woodberry

Wealth
Security
Prices

School of Arcane Arts

Working Class Districts

East City

Bailey

Wealth
Security
Prices

Hunting Ridge

Wealth
Security
Prices
North City

Upwind

Wealth
Security
Prices

Downwind

Wealth
Security
Prices
West City

Slums

The Fringes

Wealth
Security
Prices
A difficult and even harsh existence is possible on The Fringes. The bulk of the buildings inside the area are in disrepair, and the region is constantly threatened by flooding. The narrow, winding alleyways are often bustling with activity as people make their way to and from various destinations. Chemicals used for tanning fill the air, and the sound of the river can be heard softly in the distance. The residents of The Fringes are resilient and creative in the face of adversity. The neighbourhood is full with little shops and artisans since many of the locals make their living from tanning, dyeing, and weaving.

Architecture

Primary Building Style: Stone
Other Building Styles: Thatched, Wooden, and Marble
Avg. Aesthetics: Normal
Avg. Cleanliness: Tidy
Avg. Upkeep: Handsome