Ujen
If you can't find it in Ujen, wait for the next boat.The second largest city in the kingdom, Ujen [yü-jen] is Korinthia's gateway to the seas. Although many other villages and town dot the coastline, with Port Evrie and Port Luce notably among them, nothing approaches the size of Ujen or it's shipyards. With access to both the Anvarian ocean and the Lower Auriven River, trade by water is constant. Overland trade is also quite plentiful as it is a main stop on the old highway from Dalestone to both Calthas and Salindral. The limestone cliffs of the Northern shore ease down to sea level several miles before the city walls. An outer city has grown up over the last hundred years both of fishermen and farmers and, on the South-Eastern side, poorer folk. The inner city is completely enclosed by patrolled walls. Three gates exist, a North, South, and South-Eastern gate. The docks and shipyards are divided into two basic sections, one for ocean-going ships, and one for the river traffic. These facilities exist between the shores and an inner wall, protected from the land outside Ujen but with ease of access to the water. Ujen isn't afraid to let its seedier side show and it has a well earned reputation for this. Some rumours go as far as to say Kin Ghulrys runs the thieves guild himself, while others suggest he's simply happy to tax it informally. Whatever the case, vice is but a whisper away, and if you can't find what you want in a shop window, well, everything is for sale in the Serpentine Market.
Wards
Seaward
Nestled into the Northwestern corner of the wall and inner-wall is Ujen Castle. South of here is the Seaward, on a natural rise overlooking the Shipyards. Here the wealthiest of Ujen reside with shops and businesses to suit their needs. Sites of note include:Rosewood Park
A large city park that was a project of the King's mother. It is said there the right entrance to the sewers will bring one straight beneath the castle.The Enchanters Guild House
Where the rich have their magical needs served.Carrigorm's Auction House
Where all sorts of relics and rarities hit the auction block. Perhaps even the magical from time to time?Shipyards
The Shipyards are the lifesblood of the city. They serve not only the immense amount of oceanic and river trade, but also include graving docks, ship building yards, and reserved naval docks, as well as warehouses, taverns and inns, odoriferous businesses and a mix of cheaper and slum residences. Ships built in Ujen have been sold to the Cymrún freeholds, elven lands, and kingdoms across the waters. A fortified gate, usually kept open, separates the ocean going areas from the riverside areas.Serpentine Market
This makeshift market winds itself through back alleys and crowded streets near Skinners Row. Incense tends hang dense in the air to mask the terrible scents coming from tanners not far away. A variety of traders and riverfolk setup stalls and mats of goods, while others proffer services from darkened doorways. Names are rarely exchanged, unless names are what one is buying.The Tempest Tavern
A favoured tavern among longshoremen and sailors alike, the taps flow as quickly as the gossip at the Tempest. Vako Dharvain, a shrewd half-orc, is the proprietor.The Fiddle & Bow
A favourite of the riverfolk, there's always someone with a ready song at the Fiddle & Bow.Southshore
Not truly against the shore, the Southshore district runs along the southern part of the inner wall. A mix of mid to lower class residences and businesses can be found here. It abuts the Parade Grounds and the Arkeana is found within its borders.Arkeana
The Akreana is a gladiatorial arena where career warriors come to prove their skills in honour of the goddesses Arké and Thestia. Current reigning champion is a minotaur named Tarvv.Parade Grounds
This military district includes the actual parade grounds, the military gate, and barracks for royal military and town guards (the Sidero). Seen as an are of discipline, several colleges of sprung up here as well.Military Barracks and Parade Grounds
Places for traveling military to sleep and those employed by the city to live. The parade grounds are used for tournaments of course but also work for horse sales, military displays, and other events as needed.Royal College of Voice and Musicality
The college of Voice and Musicality is a jewel in the Parade Grounds, elevating its culture in the minds of many. The current headmaster is Juniper Collingwood, a half-elven bard of great renown.The Hunter's Mark
Run by Gaelen of house Vyshon, the Hunter's Mark has been part of Ujen as long as anyone can remember.Everlight District
The North gate opens to the Everlight District. This district contains the great cathedral to Oun, a multi-spired wonder of glass that towers above the city. A large square in front of the cathedral is used for public events, especially the summer faire. The upper middle and lower upper classes reside here.Cathedral of Oun
A shining glass exterior rises skyward above the city in seven spires. The methods of its construction have been kept secret by the church, many believing it was a divine gift.Vizari & Graves Auction House
This high end auction house is renowned for its antiquities and hard to find items.The Ruby Cup
A well to do tavern and front for gambling. Ask for the Lucky Drink.Defences
The city is walled on three sides, with an interior wall separating the docks from the rest of the city. Ballista are mounted at several key points on the walls, as well as along the harbour front. The city has a standing arm ready to defend it.
Guilds and Factions
A large number of guilds vie for power within Ujen. Over 100 professions are represented, from basketmakers to wainwrights, from fletchers to fishmongers. An enchanters guild serves the very well to do, while the teamsters guild serves nearly everyone. Some of the more notable guilds include:
Lamplighters
An extension of the Church of Oun, the Lamplighter's Guild comes forth each evening to spread the light of Oun throughout the city. The church has found employment for many of the poor and disenfranchised within the guild, using it as an outreach mission. Payment is funded through city taxes, with the guild cut directly benefitting the church. Lamplighters can be identified by their grey hooded cloaks with starbrand insignia.Brewers
The King's father was a fan of dwarven ale, and passed this love on to his son, but his son had a mind either creative or cunning, depending on who one asks. Depending on the story he either inspired or irritated a rivalry between brewers in the near by environs, drawing them into the city, eventually creating a community known for its beers. Supporting the brewers guild is a hobby of the king. A festival in the later half of Bodaim is now common, with several breweries creating special brews.Shipwrights
Aquatic access is the power behind the city, and the shipbuilders are key to maintaining this access. It is here that Korinthia's naval vessels are built and launched, and many ships of trade are serviced. The shipbuilders have seized all business within the docks and shipyards, so that any tradesmen wishing to work in sea or river related business must also be members of the Shipwrights. This control has allowed them to become a powerful guild indeed.Enchanters
The enchanters guild serves the upper crust of Ujen society. Well known and respected throughout Korinthia, it brokers jobs for clients throughout the kingdom and further afield due to the trade routes issuing from the city. Many practitioners of the arcane pay dues to the guild for the contacts and contracts it can provide. The guild offices are in the Seaward.Cathedral Gate
The North gate is closest to the Everlight Cathedral, dedicated to Oun, and so has become known as the Cathedral gate.Military Gate
The Southeast gate nears the parade grounds and original military barracks. On the outside a shanty town has arisen, mostly of river folk who transport goods up and down the Auriven. Many a sailor no longer fit for sea has found their way here.King's Gate
The Southern Gate nears the castle.
Type
Large city
Population
110,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Ujians, Ujenians
Location under
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Characters in Location
Comments