Frostbane
Nestled on the western slopes of Yillan Ridge is the city of Frostbane. Formally a mining town under the Driston Empire it split away and gained independance in 1200. Now reletivly isolated in the world the city has become a mystery to outsiders, though it is noted for its crafters and magical research.
Demographics
Frostbane is known for its Dwarven population which comprises nearly 80% of the residents. The remaining 20% consists of the tougher races; half-orcs, gnomes & goliaths.
Government
The city is ruled by Lord Turmark Struth who acts as 'king' with final say on all matters. Though the responsiblities of this office are numerous, smaller decisions are made by various councils and bodies that govern specific sections of the city and its populace.
Defences
The city is hemmed in by a massive concave wall standing nearly 50ft high lined with guard towers. This bulwark of defence is the primary force against the wild creatures that haunt the mountains including Giant clans and Dragons. In recent years these towers have been reinforced with a new technological marvel: Arcane Cannons.
Infrastructure
Due to its isolated nature the city is filled with workshops housing tradespeople from tanners to fullers, smiths to painters. The city is built around a complex network of paved roads and concourse. The everburning lamps that cut through the freezing fog that soaks the mountainside are accompanied by small white stones in the cobbled streets. Carving its way throught the town is a series of artifical waterways to power watermills, some use these cerulean paths to navigate the crowded space.
In the base of the mountain there is a heavily guarded entrance to a warren of mines that provide abundant resources for the city. This vast iron gate protects one of Frostbane's critical features: Darklight Tunnel.
Districts
Despite numerous efforts to organise the city into seperate districts it remains a mishmash of chaotic streets. Nowhere is this more obvious than at the heart of the city where foundries sit above houses and hospitals have bakeries tucked in the sides.
Assets
Frostbane is one of the few settlements that has access to the percious mineral Loomstone. This is an issue of controversy between the city and its former master the Driston Empire.
Due to its reputation of seclusion many traders and influential figures spread rumors of Frostbane's hidden treasure hordes to rival any kingdom.
Architecture
The cities architecture is brutalistic and cold. Made of dark interlocking stones that fight against the bitter cold the city looks grim at all times of day and throughout the year. Visitors tell stories of how the stones seem to watch you as you pass by at night, as if the city is alive. The roofs are steep and smooth to limit snow buildup and the streets have deep gullies to drain the meltwater in the spring. Many of the homes have pipework that provide heat as needed, this network extends under the main roads to prevent ice from forming.
Geography
As the city is in the foothills it rises towards the mountains creating a vast slope of grey homes and black smoke.
Climate
The city is named Frostbane for a good reason: the cold climate cannot claim it. Though it snows at nearly all times of the year and is often below freezing the weather can be unpredictable. Storms can roll down from the peaks of Yillan Ridge and sweep through the city, battering it with hail and sleet. In the summer the temperature can reach 15c at its maximum, and the residents often complain that it is too warm.
Natural Resources
Yillan Ridge provides a bounty of natural minerals from gemstones, ores and the priceless Loomstone. Though the city has few farms, its markets are filled with game meats and hardy vegetables.
Founding Date
882
Founders
Type
City
Population
Around 9000
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Comments