Pottersteel (pɒtərstiːl)
A Beating Heart of Commerce and Culture
Pottersteel is a large city located on the southern end of the Glainian continent, built into the steep hillside of the Stethurst Highland mountain range. The city was originally a major mining spot, exporting iron and steel, but as the mines depleted, it transformed into a bustling trading and merchant hub.
Pottersteel has a rich history, having seen a large influx of people after the battle with Nethrass, a void Dragon, in 1656 FW. Many soldiers and survivors of the battle found refuge in Pottersteel, contributing to its growth as a city and the diversification of its population.
Pottersteel hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Winter Hearth Festival, where locals and visitors gather to celebrate the winter solstice by lighting fires and sharing food and drink. Other events include the Harvest Festival and the Dragonfall Festival.
In recent years, Pottersteel has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over FateRealms. The city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and commerce, making it an ideal location for those seeking adventure, relaxation, or both.
Pottersteel's Old City is a maze of tunnels and caverns beneath the city's modern streets, originally built by the city's founders to shelter from the harsh mountain winters. As the city grew and developed, the Old City was largely forgotten and abandoned, becoming a haven for criminals and outcasts.
In recent years, however, there has been renewed interest in the Old City, as adventurers and treasure hunters seek to explore its depths and uncover its secrets.
As you approach the outskirts of Pottersteel, the air is thick with the scent of smoke and coal from the nearby mines. But as you continue into the city, the smell of fresh bread and roasted meats fills your nose, making your stomach rumble with hunger. The sights are equally varied and vibrant. You pass by a bustling market square, filled with colorful stalls selling everything from exotic spices to handcrafted jewelry. The city's architecture is a mix of old and new, with ancient stone buildings nestled next to modern brick constructions. As you walk deeper into the city, you can't help but notice the towering mountain looming above, a constant reminder of the mining history that shaped the city. The sounds of Pottersteel are a symphony of activity. Horses neigh as they pull carts filled with goods, while vendors hawk their wares to potential customers. The laughter of children echoes through the streets as they play games and chase each other, and the chatter of townsfolk fills your ears as they go about their daily business.
Government
The Iron Watch is the local guard and police service in Pottersteel. They are known for their strict enforcement of the law and their well-armed presence in the city. Citizens are required to carry identification papers, travel permits, and licenses to use magic. The Iron Watch is responsible for maintaining law and order in the city, and they do so with an iron fist.
Brutality is commonplace in the enforcement of the law, and those who break the law can expect severe punishments, including hard labor, fines, and public execution in extreme cases. Crime is not tolerated in Pottersteel, and The Iron Watch is always on the lookout for any sign of unlawful behavior. Visitors to the city are required to obtain a valid travel permit, while magic users need a magopermit, which is valid for their stay and can be obtained for a fee.
Infrastructure
Pottersteel has a well-developed infrastructure, owing to its long history as a mining city and now a thriving hub for trade and commerce. The city has a network of paved roads that connect the different districts. The roads are well-maintained and are regularly patrolled by the city guard to ensure the safety of travelers and goods.
Water is supplied to the city through a system of aqueducts that bring water from nearby rivers and lakes. The water is then distributed through a network of pipes that run under the streets. The city also has a sewage system that collects wastewater and transports it out of the city.
One of the most notable infrastructure features of Pottersteel is the blast furnace, located in the Old City. The furnace is used to smelt iron and steel, a tradition that dates back to the city's early days as a mining city. The furnace is still in operation today, producing high-quality steel that is sold throughout the continent.
Other notable infrastructure features of Pottersteel include several watermills and windmills, used for grinding grains and other agricultural products. The city also has a large shipyard, where ships are built and repaired.
Overall, the infrastructure of Pottersteel is a testament to the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of its residents. The city has adapted and evolved over time to meet the changing needs of its population, and continues to be an important center of trade and commerce in the region.
Districts
Pottersteel is a city divided into 6 districts, each with its own unique character and history. Tharnhold is home to the palace and nobility, boasting grand and imposing architecture. Brekhall is an artistic and lively district with an outdoor theater and upper-middle-class housing. Skarnsdown is a rough and tumble area with cramped housing for the poor. Ironspire is a bustling commercial district with markets and shops, reflecting the city's history as a metalworking center. Stoneguard is a martial district with an arena and the main barracks of The Iron Watch. The Old City is divided into several layers, with the upper levels reserved for the wealthy and influential citizens of Pottersteel. Together, these districts make up the diverse and thriving city of Pottersteel.
Guilds and Factions
The city is also home to a famous guild of blacksmiths, known as the Ironheart Guild. The guild is responsible for crafting some of the finest weapons and armor in the land, and its members are highly respected throughout the continent. Many aspiring blacksmiths travel to Pottersteel to train under the Ironheart Guild's master smiths.
Geography
Pottersteel is built on the side of a steep hill on the Stethurst Highland mountain range, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The terrain is a mixture of rocky outcroppings and rolling hills, with forests and meadows stretching out in all directions. The hill that the city is built on provides a natural defensive advantage, as well as a unique and picturesque setting.
The river that runs through Pottersteel is called the Silverflow River. It starts at the top of the Stethurst Highland mountain range and flows down into the city, providing a source of fresh water for the residents. The river has been a key factor in the city's development, providing a means of transportation for goods and supplies. The beauty of the river and surrounding landscape has also attracted many visitors over the years, making it a popular spot for fishing and hiking. The city's founders recognized the importance of the river and built many of their structures around it, including watermills and bridges. Today, the Silverflow River remains a vital part of the city's infrastructure and a beloved feature of the community.
Maps
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Pottersteel
Founding Date
120 FW
Alternative Name(s)
Ironmount Town, Silverflow City, The Iron City
Type
Large city
Population
~11,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Potterites
Location under
Included Locations
Ruling/Owning Rank
Related Traditions
Characters in Location
Related Reports (Primary)
Related Reports (Secondary)
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