City of Ash

The City of Ash is a relatively small town and mining community that also serves as an outpost for the Kingdom of Praetorius (Aka: The Crimson Kingdom).  The town was not built for entertaining or maintaining a large population, so anyone visiting is met with a fairly sever community.  There are some forms of entertainment to make sure that the soldiers and miners stay pacified, but other than that, no one could say that this place was the capital of culture.  In fact, there are rumors that a revived slave trade exists in the town as the need for extra workers is well-advertised.

Demographics

The city is a fairly diverse population consisting of whoever the city leaders can get to work the mines and man the walls.  The town primarily consists of...

• Humans
• Dwarves
• Half-orcs
• Halflings
• a few gnomes

Government

The settlement is run by the Kurshan Mining Consortium and a branch of the Praetorian military.  Commander Tyrellian oversees the troops that guard the mines and the "special project" that has been ordered by the Crimson King.  In addition, the military is in charge of making sure that all "indentured servants" stay in line.  Finally, the military tribunal is responsible for overseeing day-to-day running of the town that has sprung up around the mines.  There is an elected Margrave (or Lord Mayor), but he is little more than a figurehead.  The real power rests in Tyrellian's hands.
The Kurshan Mining Consortium is a dwarven run operation based out of the lower Vecs Mountains.  The organization generally has a decent reputation, but the ones who run the Ash operations have been uncharacteristically ruthless.  Normally, the consortium specializes in gemstone mining, but lately the Praetorians have them pulling rare metals out of the earth using rare and dangerous solvents with little regard for the workers' wellfare.

Defences

The town boasts a sturdy stone wall for a town its size.  The wall is complete with barbicans, a fortified gate, and crenulated walls.  In addition, around 500 soldiers are stationed in the town at any given time, which are supplemented by militia, at about 100 strong, made up of miners and craftsmen (should the need arise).

Industry & Trade

Mining and speculation are the chief industries in the town.  The town doesn't boast a huge amount of commerce, but there is a healthy gemstone and mineral trade in the town.  In addition, there is a lucrative market for old world relics and magic items, though let the buyer beware as some merchants will try to swindle customers with knock-offs and cheap fakes.  Mainly the local authorities use the taxes to purchase most of the town's food since the local soil is only just recovering from the last cataclysm.

Infrastructure

There isn't much in regards to town culture, but the towns port and mine infrastructure are top notch.  An artificial harbor was constructed to facilitate easy transport and docking, the dwarves and their gnome compatriots have developed an ingenious method to distil clean drinking water from sea water, and the mining operations are the most efficient in the region.  They even have some form of plumbing to pump clean water in and waste out.

Assets

There are vast mineral deposits under the volcanic rock and crust that covers the twin islands.  In addition, the island is a haven for archaeologists and treasure seekers as there are rumors of numerous buried cities and tombs.  The last cataclysm destroyed the islands inhabitants and their cities, and the ruins are just waiting to be found and unearthed.

Guilds and Factions

This town doesn't have a lot of groups and factions operating therein, but there are a few of note:

1. The Kurshan Mining Consortium--a mining group that predominantly operates in the east but has been contracted to work on the Blasted Isles.
2. The Praetorian Guard--A local branch of the Praetorian military entrusted to safeguard the kingdom's operations in the area and oversee the running of the town.
3. The Hidden Legion (rumored)--unconfirmed reports have the placed this thieves' guild in the town and haven started a black market for all manner of illicit goods.  The Kingdom of Praetorius will pay a healthy bounty for any information leading to the capture of the local faction boss.

History

Not having a navy essentially shut Praetorius out of the Dragon Sea.  All of the Islands were claimed by the two dominant naval, trading powers of Gorus and Cilicia, and so despite all of the military prowess of the Crimson Kingdom, the riches of the sea were outside of their grasp.  However, they were able to build a small fleet and land a strike force on the islands.  They easily pushed aside the paltry garrison and established their own garrison.  Praetorius then marched his army through Austrasia and left them camped on the border of Gorus.  Even though Gorus could easily remove the intruders, they did not want to risk open war.  So, they struck a deal; Praetorius limited its territorial gains to the small foothold that they established, and the Principality of Gorus would not enlist its allies to wage open war on Praetorius.  Thus, the balance of power was maintained and the Crimson Kingdom gained a second exclave.
 The "City" of Ash was established by the Kingdom of Praetorius as a relatively safe location to mine minerals as the nearby Vecs Mountains are too chaotic and dangerous to invest in heavily. Moreover, the town was built on top of an old imperial ruin, and the military and mining consortium were hoping to find some magical relics and items in the ruins.

Tourism

No known tourism to speak of.  Outsiders to the town are regarded with suspicion, antipathy, and mistrust.

Architecture

The architecture, such as it is, in this area is designed for function and not aesthetics.  The town that has grown around the mines and the military encampment is divided between two purposes: martial and industrial.  Indeed, many of the buildings are treated with special primers and varnishes to protect the structures from decay and from catching fire.

Geography

The town sits on the edge of a volcanic island that is only recently recovering from the second great cataclysm that cleft the ashen island in twain. The island is mountainous with little vegetation except around the rim of the islands, and the islands are dotted with volcanoes.  In fact, just a few miles from the City of Ash, there is tall fiery mountain that the locals call "The Rift."

Natural Resources

The area is rich in all forms of minerals, volcanic rocks, and rare metals.  The rim of the island that houses the town has some very fertile land, but it is not very large.  What little arable land there is is put to use to feed the town, though it is far from self-sustaining.

Founding Date

725 AE

Alternative Name(s)

The Ash Heap or The Fireplace

Type

Outpost / Base

Population

Between 2,500 and 3,000 (depending on the season)

Inhabitant Demonym

Ashers

Owner/Ruler

Commander Tyrellian

Owning Organization

Kingdom of Praetorius