Arend
The city of Arend was built along the banks of a mighty river and upon the lush grasses of the rolling hills. It is truly a majestic city, its grace is matched by the backdrop of mighty mountains from which flow the Aln Channel.
The skyline is dominated by the imposing presence of Castle Arend, an ever growing and evolving status of Arendia's military might. Though there are touches of external cultures they are overwhelmed by the traditional slate gray stonework of the Arendish masons. The city is permeated by the smell of horses - an overwhelming stench in the outer districts of the city, but a gentle reminder within in center. The outer city's stables bustle with grooms, trainers, saddlemakers and farriers. Within the city walls however, the tumult of activity subsides into a less frantic torrent; jewelers carefully set gems into bands of gold and meteoric steel, whilst leatherworkers and tailors create masterpieces. In exclusive shops near the Castle, Arcanists and Apothecaries carefully lay their magic goods upon velvet cushions and pedestals for display.
Nested within protective walls, and a deep moat, Castle Arend rises. Its ancient stone sides have been bleached by the sun, but its balustrades are still manned by attentive soldiers. In the heart of Castle Arend lie the Thone of Arendia, the Seat of power in the country.
Demographics
The overwhelming majority of the city's inhabitants are Human. Of these most are proud Arends, seeking their fortune in the capital. Nobles come from across the county to petition the king, partake, enjoy knightly tourneys or form trade agreements. This focus of the countries nobility brings a surge of wealth into the city, reflected in the city's Street of Artificers and Artisans, where many unique and often bizarre objects may be found or ordered. Arend's working class however are not craftsman, indeed it's largest trade by far is the Horse trade. The lifeblood of Arend resides beyond the stated city limits, stable and pen stretching into the surrounding plain, filled with the some of the finest horses in the world. From Nepthysia to Gilvst the worth of an Arendish Warhorse is well established. Some carefully maintained lineages are worth several times their weight in gold.
The working class of Arend surrounds this equine trade, stableboys, leatherworks, smiths, veterinarians all support the trading of horses, housing them, feeding them, shoeing them, keeping them healthy to be sold at a premium. The road to Mimbre is filled with proud new Owners, their purses significantly lighter.
Estovians and the Povish are not uncommonly seen walking Arends streets however, indeed there is an entire Estovian neighborhood, and several streets where it almost seems as if you were in Poviss itself. Except for the underlying stench of horse that permeates the city. There is also a large dwarven enclave, Uzak Dülan centered around the Street of Artificers and Artisans. In the alehouses of the outer city, rumours circulate about a vast underground network centered on the enclave, though there has never been any proof of its existence. Forest Gnomes from their woodland realm north of Arendia are sometimes seen, though no one gnome stays for longer than a few weeks - too many buildings and not enough trees and underbrush for their liking. The Dara'hoi are often seen in Arend, though most of the inhabitants find them forgettable, despite their exotic appearance. They go about the city on their Master's business, venturing into the Street of Artificers and Artisans, or collecting a new Horse for their lord. Arcanists from the Arcadium are often accompanied by them, and when the Arcanist Primaris makes their annual state visit, the Arcadium's fighting force of Dara'hoi line the parade.
Elves are rare, especially in the outer city. Those that do venture to Arend often complain of it's stench, calling it dirty and primitive. The Embassy from The Ephemeral Union is unusually small for a county of Arend's size. The Tuvali are also a rare sight, few finding the appeal of the horse trade, preferring port cities such as Mimbre or Iseldra. The Dragonborn are almost unheard of, rare scaled individuals entering the city on their journey across the world.
Government
King Laron Varence & his Government
Defences
Large stone walls mark the boundary between the inner city and the outer, pierced by 5 large gates
Industry & Trade
There are several large stables in the outer districts of the city, where Arend's thriving equestrian trade is housed. This is supported by various leatherworkers and blacksmiths elsewhere in the outder distracts. In the upper districts, there are also a number of magical stores, apothecaries and Arcanists.
Infrastructure
Arend has large stables on the outer districts of the city, as well as a large number of leather workers and jewellers. In the temple district, the Panthetic Institute casts a looming shadow over the assorted temples and shrines.
Guilds and Factions
Leatherworker's Guild, Association of Morticians, The Hatter's Guild, The Falcian Consortium, The Steelwork's Union, The Stable Union
Geography
Access to a river, nearby mountains but rests on rolling grasslands
Natural Resources
Wild horses roam across the grasslands near the city
Alternative Name(s)
The Capital of Arendia
Type
Large city
Population
800,000
Location under
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Characters in Location
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