Valin'Cuain

The port city of Valin'Cuain is much like it's sister city Valin'Bhaint , nestled in a small bay and surrounded by forest though Valin'Cuain is considerably smaller and not so much the industrial powerhouse. Located due north of New Loistavas , the city is a popular stop over for ships making their way up to Port Fame and beyond to Amaris and recieves its fair share of merchants offloading wares after traversing the Bairne Straight . Locals and visators alike scoff at the growing edfice that Steward Deònaidh MacCathbharra calls the Aero Mooring ; the steward claims that within the decade ships that ply the air will dock here and bring trade from far off lands to the town.

Demographics

Valin'Cuain is a cosmopolitan city with a strong dwarven foundation, but its location as a major trade and maritime hub has drawn a variety of other races to its shores, creating a diverse community. The city’s demographics reflect a mix of cultural influences, although dwarves remain the dominant group.

• Dwarves (55%): The backbone of the city’s population, dwarves are central to Valin'Cuain’s economy, particularly in areas like craftsmanship, brewing, and masonry. Their influence is felt across all levels of society, from governance to daily life.
• Humans (18%): Human settlers make up a sizable portion of the population. They are heavily involved in trade, fishing, agriculture, and the service industry, contributing significantly to the city’s commerce.
• Halflings (7%): While not as numerous as the other groups, halflings are key players in the city’s food production, hospitality, and trade sectors.
• Elves (6%): Though a smaller percentage, elves have an important presence in Valin'Cuain, with many involved in magic, scholarly pursuits, and managing the city's important lumber trade.
• Catfolk (4%): A smaller but notable population of Catfolk adds a unique flair to the city’s character. Known for their agility and natural charisma, they contribute to the entertainment, mercantile, and artisan sectors.
• Merundine (3%): A small but influential group, Merundine have become part of the coastal life in Valin'Cuain, particularly involved in maritime trade, navigation, and the city’s fishing economy.
• Other Races (7%): The remainder of the population is made up of various other races, including half-orcs, tieflings, and a few rarer creatures. These individuals typically fill specialized roles within the city, adding to the eclectic nature of Valin'Cuain.

Gender Dynamics:

Valin'Cuain is a matriarchal society where dwarven women hold most of the leadership positions. They are particularly influential in trade, guilds, and law enforcement. This cultural structure has shaped much of the city's governance and societal organization.

Population Density:

Valin'Cuain is a densely populated city, with its stone buildings and narrow streets forming a well-organized grid that accommodates the needs of a thriving urban center. Most residents live in close quarters near the harbor and the commercial districts, while areas further inland house artisans, craftsmen, and the wealthy.

Government

Valin'Cuain operates under a nominated council system where prominent officials, guild leaders, and influential figures in the city cast votes to elect the Steward—the highest-ranking position in the city. The Steward is a civil servant responsible for overseeing the city's governance, maintaining order, and guiding its future development. The position, while powerful, is not autocratic. The Steward is essentially the first among equals, and much of the political power is distributed across various sectors, including the Guilds, Craftsmen, and Merchants' Associations.
The Steward's term lasts 10 years, with re-election taking place at the end of each term. The current Steward is nearing the end of her fifth term, which is an indication of her popularity and influence within the city. Her position is less ceremonial and far more operational in nature, ensuring the efficient functioning of the settlement.

Law and Order

The Val Wardens are the city's primary law enforcement force, responsible for maintaining order, enforcing laws, and responding to criminal activity. While their title may suggest military might, the Val Wardens operate more like civil servants, trained in diplomacy, investigation, and peaceful resolutions rather than brute force. They work alongside local guilds, community leaders, and private organizations to ensure the smooth functioning of the city. Their duties range from patrolling the streets and protecting citizens to overseeing the enforcement of trade regulations, managing festivals, and responding to crises.

Taxes and Revenue

Taxes in Valin'Cuain are structured around trade and commerce, with import duties, shipping fees, and guild taxes being the primary sources of income. There are also luxury taxes on high-end goods and services, such as imported Vudran brews or exotic craftsmanship. The city's strategic location along a major waterway ensures a steady flow of goods, with ships passing through the bay, making port fees a significant revenue source.
Taxes are assessed fairly but are notably higher on goods deemed to be of foreign or controversial nature, as the city's leadership tends to keep a close eye on imports that might disrupt local culture or the economy. The tax structure is handled by the Steward’s Office, which works closely with guild leaders and merchant representatives to ensure fair implementation.

Infrastructure

Valin'Cuain’s infrastructure showcases the city’s resilience and maritime prowess, designed to thrive in an unpredictable environment shaped by the Eye.

Eastern Docks and Shipyards

The Eastern Docks are renowned for their stonework, handling both maritime trade and shipbuilding. Impressive wharfs and piers extend into the bay entirely made from worked stone.

Storm-Water Systems

A sophisticated stormwater system channels rainwater through underground canals and drains, preventing flooding and redirecting water to the Bay, protecting the city from heavy rainfall and storm surges.

Watchtowers of the Bay

Watchtowers line the coast, and dot the city monitoring for simple threats like sea drakes and reefclaws or even more serious threats. They are equipped with signal fires and bells to quickly alert the city of any danger as well as ballistae for tackling bold drakes.

The Great Bridge

The Great Bridge, a masterwork of dwarven masonry, spans the river south of the city, connecting Valin'Cuain to the fields beyond and withstanding both storm surges and river currents.

Storm-Walls

Storm-walls along the northern edge protect the city from the fierce winds and surges of the Eye, ensuring the safety and stability of the city during unpredictable weather.

Guilds and Factions

Valin'Cuain’s economy and city structure are influenced by a mix of guilds and factions that play critical roles in everything from construction to trade.

The Stoneward Guild

A prestigious guild of masons, architects, and stoneworkers, the Stoneward Guild is renowned for its intricate stone structures and impressive fortifications. Their expertise ensures the durability of the city's buildings and the resilience of its defenses.

The Shipwrights' Fellowship

The Shipwrights' Fellowship oversees the construction and maintenance of the city's fleet, including the impressive ships at the Eastern Docks. They are key to ensuring safe trade and transport across Valin'Cuain’s waterways.

The Merchants' League

The Merchants' League is an influential organization of traders who regulate commerce in Valin'Cuain. They manage tariffs, shipping, and trade routes, playing a crucial role in the flow of goods between the city and surrounding regions.

The Craftsmen's Assembly

This guild is comprised of blacksmiths, armorers, and artisans who focus on producing both the everyday tools and luxurious works that the city’s economy depends on. The Craftsmen’s Assembly produces finely crafted weapons, armor, and intricate decorative pieces sought by collectors and the nobility alike.

The Bay Rats

A loose group of smugglers, rogue traders, and independent merchants, the Bay Rats work in the shadows of the shipping industry. While they are considered outlaws, they are skilled at getting goods into the city through unregulated routes and avoiding the scrutiny of the law.

The Forged Legacy

Formerly the Forges of Valor, the Forged Legacy is a guild that produces the city's weaponry and armor, as well as some of its most respected metalwork. They balance civil craftsmanship with the need for robust defense, ensuring that Valin'Cuain remains strong in times of conflict.

Geography

Valin'Cuain is nestled along the northern banks of the Tirlon River, which runs south of the city. The city itself is surrounded by the Carreg Mountains to the west, with notable peaks like Mt. Aelwyd and Coedwig creating a natural barrier. To the east, the land gives way to rugged coastline, offering easy access to the sea but also leaving the city vulnerable to occasional storms.
The terrain around Valin'Cuain varies from lush, dense forests to steep, rocky slopes, providing both resources and natural defenses. The river acts as a crucial lifeline for trade, and the Great Stone Bridge, which spans the Tirlon, serves as a gateway for travelers, linking the city to surrounding regions and providing a vital route for the city’s trade and commerce.

Climate

Valin'Cuain experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers and cool winters. The weather is heavily influenced by the presence of Gwenhael's Eye, as it passes over the ocean and islands to the northeast bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and occasional thunderstorms.
The storm is most active during the autumn and spring months, when its influence is strongest, causing fluctuating temperatures and brief periods of intense weather. Though the Eye only veers dangerously close to the city on rare occasions—happening only a handful of times in the last 700 years—its regular passing ensures that the region experiences more frequent storms and higher humidity than other areas.
Outside of the Eye's influence, Valin'Cuain enjoys a relatively mild climate, with overcast skies and periods of gentle rain, particularly in the colder months.

Natural Resources

Valin'Cuain benefits from an abundant supply of stone, particularly prized for its quality and durability, making it ideal for the city’s impressive architecture and stonework. The Carreg Mountains to the north provide access to various minerals, including iron, copper, and precious metals, which are vital for both local industry and trade. The city also has forests nearby, which supply timber for construction and shipbuilding, though strict regulations ensure sustainable use.
The river south of the city is a key resource for transportation and trade, though its more limited role in agriculture and water sourcing is mitigated by the advanced stormwater system in place. The region is rich in fisheries, with a variety of fish, crustaceans, and sea creatures making up a significant part of the local economy, as well as seadrakes, whose scales and hides are sometimes sought after for crafting.
Agriculture is more limited but still present, with small farms growing root vegetables, herbs, and grain, especially in sheltered areas away from the storm's effects. The clay deposits around the area also support the production of pottery and other fired goods, with a long tradition of crafting in the region.

Valin'Cuain Goods Scores

Commodities: 2
Livestock: 2
Exotic: 3
Luxury: 3
Technoarcana: 4

Location under

Tourgase

Owner/Ruler

Deònaidh MacCathbharra

Ruling/Owning Rank

Steward