Outlook
Many are impressed with the City of Outlook, and for good reason. It is a city that has withstood the dissolution of the empire, the ensuing dark age, and environmental calamities. Its people are hardy, weathered, and steadfast while their leaders have become skilled diplomats and politicians. Outlook tries its best to always take the middle approach, but that might be difficult as the Goblin city nestled in the mountains to the northwest has become restless, the Kingdom to the North has stabilized and become expansionist, and the swamps to the South have become filled with foul creatures of all sorts.
Structure
Outlook began as a simple outpost, grew into a powerful city state, and then it reached out and brought several surrounding communities into its fold. While not a powerful empire by any stretch, the leadership of Outlook is organized and effective at governing, and its armed forces do their best to protect their communities from dangers. In addition, the government leaders have been shrewd about forming alliances with any powers who could give them an advantage: merchant caravas, druid circles, neighboring city-states, etc.
Culture
Element of the original military nature of the settlement can be seen in various aspects of the city's culture. The military focuses on reconnaissance and scouting rather than organized legions, and they prefer to avoid conflict with their neighbors by using negotiation and diplomacy. In addition, much of the architecture in the city, from the walls and common homes to the grand council chambers, are of a wooden design. Indeed, much of the design motifs in the city and surrounding countryside ar based more on functionality and longevity rather than pure aesthetics. This sentiment bleeds into fashion as well, as even the well-to-do have clothing stylings that are more substance than style and because of this, many visitors see Outlook as a cultural backwater. Common custom also favors being direct and to the point, and if people sense subterfuge, they are likely to shut down. Too many times has the city needed to quash an untrustworthy deal or a backstabbing neighbor who believes Outlook to be easy pickings.
Public Agenda
They maintain order in their corner of the world. They will accomplish this mainly through trade and diplomacy, but if threatened, the Scouts of Outlook will respond with deadly force.
History
Just before the slow decline of the Asturian Empire, a radical group of druids called the "Circle of Restoration" gathered a large following amongst the displaced denizens of the Sea of Trees. They preached about the restoration of balance, which mean the destruction of organized civilizations and, principally, the Asturian Empire. Their support grew, and when they had enough of a following, they organized them into a motley army and rampaged through the empire. Their forces tore through the empire as the imperial forces were too surprised to respond quickly enough. They even managed to infiltrate the heart of the empire and attack the capital. The Emperor at the time, Andronicus I, flew into a rage. He organized the largest force seen before or since, 30 legions, and attacked the fledging empire in the Sea of Trees from all angles. Whatever was inflicted on imperial lands was visited upon the rebels 100 fold. Entire communities were burned, looted, and/or virtually enslaved, and their leader was cursed and imprisoned in the Dark Wood.
To ensure that the empire was never taken off guard like this again, the garrison of Outlook was created. It kept a watch on the forest, and it maintained order. Eventually, as the military threat waned, the garrison took on the look of a fortified city. When the Empire eventually collapsed, the local communities looked to Outlook for leadership, and the High Council has done its best to ensure that their people are safe, secure, and provided for.
Demography and Population
The population of Outlook is one of the more diverse in the Westlands. Since it is one of the few fairly powerful, stable states in the area, peoples of all kinds flock to the city to share in its prosperity and security. The most common races are humans, elves, and dwarves, but can also find a smattering of gnomes and halflings as well. Half-orcs, dragonborn and goliaths sometimes make appearances, but they are rare.
Territories
Outlook claimed around 100 square miles that cover the city itself and the surrounding lands. In addition, several smaller towns, forts, and villages have allied themselves with Outlook, which further expands its sphere of influence up river and up some of the smaller tributaries that join the Vosoc River. Outlook's leaders know that expanding too far will make them vulnerable, so they try to keep their territory as compact as possible.
Vigilance is Eternal
Founding Date
1500 IE
Type
Geopolitical, City-state
Alternative Names
The Eternal Outpost
Demonym
Outlookers; Scouts
Leader
Leader Title
Head of Government
Government System
Democracy, Parliamentary
Power Structure
Federation
Economic System
Traditional
Currency
Outlook does not bother minting its own coinage, but rather collects what coin and goods it can since it sits a major river and inland trade network.
Legislative Body
The Outlook Parliament--Representatives from every district within the city and every town under their rule gather in the grand council chambers to discuss laws and policies. Since Outlook is not a particularly large country, the parliament is able to dictate laws for all citizens, and indeed, the common folk are allowed to address the assembly as designated gatherings, or if they specifically petition to be heard.
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Neighboring Nations
Peaceful; trading partners
The City off Outlook serves as a hub for the guild's activities, so it would behoove both of them to work together well.
Comments