Goldier
The thorp of Goldier is a coastline community located south of the city of Khatharbund with a population of around 60 people. Most people in this small town are fishermen or farmers by trade with only a handful of people that deal in adventurers. The local smithy typically deals in chains or horseshoes while the local apothecary deals in healing salves and hair tinctures. The coastal area of the town holds a few small docs where fishermen go out to sea daily to bring back seafood which they take the couple of day journey to Khatharbund to sell.
Founded in 4099, Goldier remained largely unknown until the rise of Joyce Brimdor, an eccentric alchemist whose wildly popular shop, Joyce's Juice, exploded into a global brand by 4219. That same year, a divine upheaval reshaped the world, sending seekers and prophets across the seas. Goldier, with its modest docks and newfound fame, became one of the main launching points for those seeking the new gods.
The city now pulses with restless growth. Districts like Suntown and Pilgrim’s Reach sprawl beyond the original boundaries of the Old Ward, absorbing migrants, merchants, and mystics alike. Goldier’s infrastructure is a fusion of arcane technology and coastal tradition—its port fortified with enchanted seawalls, while its skyline is dotted with glowing sigils of modern enchantment. Yet the heart of the city still beats in the cozy, weathered charm of its old quarter, where Joyce’s original shop still brews potions by hand.
Demographics
Once a sleepy coastal thorp with barely more than a hundred villagers, Goldier has transformed into a bustling port city of over 22,000 permanent residents. Its expansion, driven by commerce, alchemy, and divine pilgrimage, has attracted a wildly diverse population. Humans still make up the majority, but Goldier is now home to a thriving mix of dwarves, halflings, elves, gnomes, tieflings, and even aquatic races like sea elves and tritons. Many immigrants arrived in the boom years following 4219, some seeking opportunity, others chasing prophecy. The city's seasonal population fluctuates due to trade and pilgrimage traffic, swelling to nearly 30,000 during peak seasons. Though cultural tensions occasionally rise in the more cramped quarters, Goldier is widely regarded as one of the more tolerant and open-minded port cities in the region.
Government
Goldier is governed by a Merchant’s Circle, a council made up of influential business owners, trade delegates, and prominent citizens—including, of course, Joyce Brimidor herself, who holds a permanent seat. The Circle’s authority was formalized after the rapid expansion overwhelmed the old village-style mayoral system. Each member oversees a particular aspect of the city: harbor trade, land development, health and sanitation, magical regulation, and so on. While the Circle holds most of the legislative and economic power, day-to-day enforcement is handled by a city guard force. The Merchant’s Circle is not immune to lobbying or corruption, but Joyce’s influence and the collective prosperity keep the worst abuses in check—for now.
Infrastructure
Goldier’s infrastructure is a mix of old charm and modern innovation. The Windbury Agreement brought in clockwork and steam systems, arcane-powered piping, and automated production facilities, creating a strange but effective blend of rustic port town and industrial prototype. Newly paved roads cut through the central city, while older cobblestone paths still dominate the outer districts. Sewer and sanitation systems were expanded in 4220 with enchantment-assisted flow, helping curb disease during the initial population surge. Water purification stations, courtesy of gnome-engineers from Windbury, line the coast and filter seawater for daily use.
The port itself has been rebuilt three times in the past decade. It now features reinforced seawalls. The inland sky rail, a limited-run system that delivers goods to surrounding sections of the town is under construction and expected to open within the next few years.
Districts
Old Ward
This is the heart of historic Goldier. Once the entire village, the Old Ward is now a quiet pocket surrounded by urban chaos. Red-roofed houses, worn docks, and Joyce’s original alchemy shop still stand here. Locals refer to it as “The Core,” and it's mostly residential now, with a few well-kept inns, bakeries, and legacy shops still clinging to their roots.
Suntown
The shining result of Goldier’s recent expansion, Suntown is where the upper-middle class, Windbury engineers, and out-of-town investors built new lives. Wide roads, clean buildings, and artificial lighting keep the district vibrant day and night. This is also where Joyce’s main factory and research center are located, churning out potions in vast quantities. Suntown includes parks, modern housing, and the headquarters of several trade guilds.
Docks Ward
Goldier’s trade engine. What was once a rickety pier for fishing vessels is now a massive shipping center. Dozens of piers and warehouses make up the waterfront. Taverns, shipwrights, sailmakers, and storage houses pack every inch of usable space.
The Spill
An unofficial district born from necessity. Goldier grew too fast, and those who couldn’t afford places in Suntown or the Old Ward settled here. Makeshift homes, shanties, and black market trade define the Spill. Though considered dangerous by outsiders, the community is tight-knit and resourceful. Resistance movements, faith-based missions, and underground alchemy experiments thrive here—some with Joyce Brimidor's silent support.
Pilgrim’s Reach
The easternmost part of the city, built quickly after the divine event of 4219. This is where travelers and seekers of the new gods arrive and rest before heading out to distant continents. Temples, prayer halls, boarding houses, and miracle-chasing cults form the core of this diverse, emotionally charged neighborhood.
History
Goldier was founded in the year 4099 as a humble fishing village on a calm stretch of coastline. For over a century, it remained a quiet place, known only to sailors and nearby traders as a place to refuel and rest. The village experienced its first hint of change in 4207, when Joyce Brimdor, a retired adventurer, opened a small potion shop near the main road. Her unconventional concoctions, paired with a cheerful and erratic charm, gained a reputation that grew faster than anyone could have expected.
In 4219, two massive forces collided: Joyce’s explosive business expansion through a partnership with Windbury, and a divine event that sent people worldwide in search of the prophets of the new gods. Goldier’s sleepy docks became one of the main departure points to reach distant continents as the city of Driftport was being built, especially for pilgrims who lacked the coin to board from the richer cities.
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