Costchester (Koh-st-cheh-star)
This small fortress town on the mainland world would be unremarkable, but for the fact it guards a sleeping dragon- or is guarded by a dragon- no-one quite knows which.
It is chilly, perched as it is on the cooler edge of the continent and with whistling winds whipping off the sea along the clifftops it is perched on.
Demographics
50% human, 20% half-elf, 20% dwarf, 10% other
Government
City Council under Count Laidir
Defences
Tall, thick walls encircle the fort-city not once, but three times, and the city is laid out in such a way that in order to reach the central keep you would need to fight through several overlapping levels of defence. In addition, a well appointed City Watch is backed by a large militia, encompassing many of the residents who have mandatory combat training from the ages of 10 to 18.
Industry & Trade
The city's purpose is primarily to provide a safe fortification at the southern end of the mainland territories, so is subsidised to a certain extent by the Long Watch. However, there is a bustling service industry here and money circulates rapidly, keeping the economy afloat.
Infrastructure
Windmills ease the load for farmers and manufacturers here, and the city is well structured with clear districts and an excellent sewer and water system. Bustling markets and plenty of taverns and inns and a thriving shopping district make it a great place to visit, especially if you are planning on visiting the nearby Wooded Isles.
Assets
A dragon. Maybe.
Guilds and Factions
The City Council makes most day to day decisions, but Count Laidir has a major role on the council as well as being commander of the City Watch and Militia, so in effect is de-facto ruler of the city.
The Seamstress Guild and Merchant Alliance also have strong roles in the city, both being represented on the Council.
History
The fortified city overlooking the Wooded Isles was King Meric's personal project, and rumors say that the whole city-fort is riddled with secret passages and hidden buildings.
Tourism
The city gets a fair amount of trade in the Summer from residents of Long looking to have a break somewhere a little cooler, and by the various adventurers and traders stopping at the Wooded Isles who need the benefits of civilisation for whatever reason.
Architecture
Thick stone walls and small windows are the norm for all exterior building walls in the city, along with tall pitched roofs. Most buildings are arranged in small squares or rectangles with a central shared courtyard for socialising and relaxation, and there tend to be larger windows into these areas, but with heavy, well maintained shutters.
The streets are narrow cobblestones with unpredictable twists and turns, giving an innate advantage to defenders. The city is built in tiers, with each fortress wall rising above the streets below and accessed by narrow ramps.
Geography
Set on top of the cliffs, Costchester looks out over the treacherous waters of the Wooded Isles as well as looking towards the southern border and over to the Avilet mountains.
Natural Resources
Fish, Crops, Cattle and Sheep
Founding Date
984
Type
City
Population
1500
Location under
Included Locations
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