Ashbourne

Ashbourne is a marvel of gnomish ingenuity and determination, nestled within the fiery heart of Ashen Peak, one of Astrium’s last remaining active volcanoes. Founded in Year . by the renowned gnomish inventor Thistlebright Fizzlegem, the city represents the gnomes' resolve to adapt to and harness nature’s power for their own advancements. By channeling the volcano’s energy, they have created a self-sustaining, thriving metropolis that powers their forges, workshops, and alchemical laboratories. Today, Ashbourne stands as a hub of magical innovation, industry, and trade, where new inventions and alchemical discoveries continuously emerge, shaping the future of Astrium.

Demographics

Gnomes (85%) Dwarves (8%) Humans (4%) Other Races (3%)

Government

Ashbourne is governed by a Council of Tinkerers, a group of elected gnome leaders who represent the city's different districts and industries. Each council member is chosen for their expertise in a specific field—whether it be magical research, alchemy, engineering, or trade. The Chief Inventor holds the highest position within the council, overseeing the city's development and guiding its future. Laws are primarily focused on regulating the use of volatile materials like black powder, magical experimentation, and the protection of the volcano’s delicate ecosystem.

Defences

Ashbourne’s primary defense is its natural environment—few would dare approach the city due to the perilous landscape of Ashen Peak. However, the gnomes have developed powerful magical wards and mechanical defense systems, including elemental cannons mounted at strategic points around the city and an automated sentry golem network that patrols the borders. Additionally, the Council of Tinkerers maintains a small, elite gnome military force trained in the use of experimental weaponry, including black powder explosives.

Industry & Trade

• Magical Artifacts and Weapons: Known for crafting some of the finest enchanted items in Astrium, particularly those with fire or heat-based properties.
• Alchemy: Ashbourne’s alchemists produce a wide range of potions, tonics, and explosives, most notably their newly developed black powder.
• Metalwork and Engineering: Utilizing volcanic minerals, the gnomes of Ashbourne create intricate mechanical devices and tools that are highly sought after throughout Astrium.
• Trade in Rare Materials: Ashbourne exports volcanic minerals, enchanted items, and alchemical concoctions, importing rare herbs, gemstones, and magical components.

Infrastructure

The city’s infrastructure is a blend of advanced engineering and magical augmentation. Heat-resistant tunnels and reinforced caverns extend deep into the volcano, where gnomes have built their homes, workshops, and markets. The Volcanic Energy Network (VEN) channels the volcano’s geothermal energy to power the city’s machinery and magical forges.

• Heat Conduits transport molten lava for industrial use, while steam generators power various mechanisms throughout the city.
• Water is sourced from underground aquifers cooled by the volcano’s natural springs, purified by gnome technology.

Districts

• Forgeward: The industrial heart of Ashbourne, where gnome engineers and blacksmiths work tirelessly to craft enchanted weapons, armor, and machinery using volcanic minerals. This district is also where the Volcanic Forges are located, utilizing the lava flows to melt and shape rare ores.

• Glitterlight Heights: A district perched on a series of cliffs within the volcano’s caldera, where the wealthiest gnomes and magical researchers reside. Glitterlight Heights is home to the Grand Arcane Academy, a prestigious institution for magical and technological research, as well as opulent homes and private laboratories.

• Cinderbottom Market: The bustling market district where traders from across Astrium come to buy and sell magical items, rare alchemical ingredients, and Ashbourne's signature black powder. The district is renowned for its many alchemist shops, potion vendors, and mechanical curiosities.

• Moltenrun: This lower district houses the city’s workforce, including miners, craftsmen, and alchemists. It’s known for its simple, functional architecture and proximity to the underground lava conduits that power the forges and workshops.

Assets

• Apothecaries and Alchemy Labs: Specializing in rare volcanic herbs and minerals, Ashbourne's apothecaries sell potions for every ailment and enhancement.
• Blacksmiths and Armories: Renowned for crafting enchanted weapons and armor, especially items imbued with fire-based properties from the volcanic forges.
• General Stores: Offering everything from enchanted tools to daily necessities, these shops cater to the needs of the gnomish population and visitors alike.
• Magic Item Vendors: Selling artifacts created during and after the Pandora War, these shops are a favorite for adventurers seeking rare and powerful items.

Guilds and Factions

• The Pyreforged Brotherhood: A guild of blacksmiths and artificers dedicated to crafting the finest enchanted weapons and armor in Astrium. They control the forges of Forgeward.
• The Alchemical Consortium: A powerful faction of alchemists who regulate the production and sale of potions and black powder. They are responsible for ensuring the safe handling of volatile materials.
• The Arcane Collective: Based in the Grand Arcane Academy, this guild is focused on magical research and development, constantly pushing the boundaries of arcane knowledge.

Points of interest

• The Grand Arcane Academy: A prestigious institution for magical research and innovation, known for its experiments in arcane engineering and enchantment.
• Volcanic Forges: Located in Forgeward, these magical forges harness the volcano’s lava flows to create enchanted weapons and armor.
• The Pyreglass Tower: A towering observatory built into the volcano’s caldera, where gnome scholars study the stars and predict volcanic activity.
• Cinderbottom Market: The bustling heart of trade, where adventurers and merchants alike seek rare items, alchemical supplies, and black powder.
• The Lava Gardens: A carefully cultivated area within the city where rare volcanic plants, used in alchemy, are grown and harvested.

Tourism

Tourists are drawn to Ashbourne’s Cinderbottom Market, where they can purchase rare and powerful magical items. The city’s Volcanic Tours offer a glimpse of the inner workings of the volcano and the innovative technologies that keep the city running. Visitors can also attend public demonstrations at the Grand Arcane Academy, where gnomish scholars showcase their latest magical discoveries.
Celebration Infernoglow - 14th Lumisara
Overview: The Infernoglow Festival is an annual celebration in Ashbourne, commemorating the survival and ingenuity of the gnome people as they built their city within the dangerous heart of Ashen Peak. Held during the hottest part of the year, the festival symbolizes the gnomes' triumph over the volatile volcanic environment and their mastery of fire, engineering, and alchemy. The festival spans three days and is marked by grand displays of magical innovation, fiery performances, and alchemical demonstrations that light up the entire city.
Traditions and Festivities:

• The Molten March: On the first day, the entire city participates in a grand parade known as the Molten March, where gnomes don heat-resistant ceremonial outfits made from shimmering metallic fabrics that reflect the firelight. The parade winds through the streets of Ashbourne, starting at Cinderbottom Market and ending at the foot of Pyreglass Tower, where a ceremonial bonfire is lit using lava from the volcano.

• Fireworks of the Forge: At night, the forges of Forgeward become the stage for a grand display of magical fireworks. Crafted by gnomish artificers and alchemists, these enchanted fireworks explode into dazzling shapes and colors high above Ashen Peak, creating a glowing spectacle visible from miles away. Each year, new innovations are introduced to outdo the previous year's display, with fireworks taking on intricate shapes, such as dragons, airships, or even moving mechanical constructs.

• Lava Carving Competition: Gnomes participate in a Lava Carving contest, where they use tools and magic to shape molten lava into sculptures that harden as the lava cools. These fiery creations are judged on both artistic merit and technical complexity. The winner’s sculpture is displayed at the Volcanic Forges for the rest of the year.

• Black Powder Dueling: On the second day, the most daring gnomes engage in Black Powder Duels, a traditional but controlled form of combat using small alchemical explosives. Held in an arena in Moltenrun, these duels are a showcase of skill and precision, with participants trying to create elaborate explosions that do not harm their opponents but dazzle the audience with their complexity.

• The Ashen Feast: A grand banquet is held on the final evening, where volcanic cuisine is served, featuring dishes cooked using the heat from the molten lava. Signature dishes include lava-roasted meats, ember-baked bread, and magma-infused stews. Alchemists also create special pyro-flavored drinks that bubble and fizzle, changing color as they’re consumed.

• The Glow of Invention: As the festival comes to a close, the gnomes gather in the Glitterlight Heights district to honor the greatest innovations of the year. Inventors present their latest creations—ranging from enchanted items to groundbreaking alchemical formulas—in a grand exhibition known as the Glow of Invention. The brightest and most creative invention is awarded the Inferno Spark, a prestigious title that brings fame and fortune to the inventor.

Cultural Significance: The Infernoglow Festival is more than just a celebration of fire and innovation; it is a symbol of the gnome people’s resilience and ability to thrive in the face of adversity. It reminds them of their ancestors' bravery in choosing to build their home within the dangerous confines of Ashen Peak and honors their continuous drive to push the boundaries of magic and technology.
During the festival, all gnomes in Ashbourne—from the youngest tinkerers to the eldest artificers—are encouraged to dream big, take risks, and challenge themselves to invent something new and extraordinary. The festival also brings in visitors from across Astrium, including adventurers and merchants eager to witness the spectacle, purchase rare magical items, or commission gnomish inventions.

Architecture

Ashbourne's architecture is a unique blend of functionality and beauty, designed to withstand the extreme heat of Ashen Peak while showcasing gnome craftsmanship. Many buildings are made from volcanic stone and reinforced metals, with intricate clockwork mechanisms integrated into their structures. The upper districts, such as Glitterlight Heights, feature ornate buildings adorned with glowing crystals and magical wards, while the lower districts are more utilitarian in design.

Geography

Built within and around the Ashen Peak, Ashbourne’s geography is dominated by jagged volcanic slopes, molten rivers, and geothermal springs. The city extends deep into the volcanic caverns, where underground tunnels connect the various districts. The extreme environment creates a natural barrier that protects the city from external threats.

Climate

The climate in Ashbourne is harsh, with high temperatures due to the volcanic activity. The air is often thick with ash and smoke, but the gnomes have developed air-purifying devices to keep the atmosphere breathable. Winters are mild due to the constant heat of the volcano, though ash storms are common during eruptions.

Natural Resources

Volcanic Minerals: Rich deposits of rare metals and minerals, such as obsidian, magma shards, and igneous gemstones, are mined from the volcanic depths. Geothermal Energy: The volcano provides a virtually unlimited source of heat and energy, powering the city's forges, workshops, and industries.

Founding Date

661 - BD

Founders

• Thistlebright Fizzlegem

Type

City

Population

45,000

Location under

Ashen Peak

Characters in Location

• Enidda Pebblecraft
• High Tinkerer Rissa Gleamstone