Porthca
Nestled high in the cold crags of the Northern Mountains, Porthca remains a city of deep tradition, mystical light, and Fey devotion. It is the last and most devout bastion of worship for The Lantern King, one of the Eldest—divine fey trickster, weaver of mischief, and unpredictable protector. The city is infused with his chaotic will, yet endures through ritual, isolation, and a strict cultural rite of passage. Despite the appearance of the New Gods, the people of Porthca have not strayed from their faith—if anything, their worship has grown more reverent as their city stands as a relic of older divine pacts.
Demographics
Porthca is home to a modest population of approximately 2,000 residents. The majority are humans and dwarves, though over the past twenty years, a few halflings, elves, and goliaths have found their way into the city—most of whom are pilgrims or hermits seeking refuge in the city. Ethnic identity is considered secondary to one’s proven devotion to the mountains and the city itself. Wealth is not a marker of status here; instead, those who have survived the Promise of the Mountains—the rite of passage required for permanent citizenship—are held in the highest regard. The town operates mostly through barter and favors, though a modest coin economy persists, especially for traders and tourists.
Defences
Porthca’s remote location already acts as a natural deterrent, but it's true defenses lie in both physical structures and supernatural guardians. The Far Tower district houses the city’s martial force and armory. Defensive walls are built from dense mountain stone, and snowmelt moats can be diverted in emergencies. At night, the area is patrolled by translucent remnants of the Lantern King—undead, eyeless guardians that hunt by sound.
Industry & Trade
The heart of Porthca’s economy is craftsmanship and religious pilgrimage. Rainbow metal weapons and dragon relics are highly sought after and exported to distant lands. Traders bring in fresh produce, luxury goods, and spell components in exchange. At times due to weather constraints, trade occurs through teleportation routes established with other major cities like Khatharbund .
Infrastructure
The infrastructure of Porthca is considered the pinnacle of dwarven engineering. The entire city is sloped slightly downward, allowing runoff to flow naturally through a series of reinforced stone gutters and troughs. Four enormous lanterns, one in each of the city’s major districts, radiate magical heat during the day and fade to a cool, purple glow at night, allowing natural cold and snowfall to return. These lanterns are embedded with glyphwork and fueled by ancient Fey rituals. The waterworks and sewage systems are efficient, and many rooftops are fitted with snow-catchers that direct meltwater into underground reservoirs. Outskirts like Meat Village rely on traditional cool climate methods, while the rest of the city enjoys mild, regulated temperatures.
Districts
Porthca is divided into five primary districts: Minlops Hills, Sunlane, the Central Plaza, Far Tower, and Meat Village. Minlops Hills serves as the residential zone, housing most of the permanent citizens. Sunlane is where trade and alchemy flourish, boasting potion shops, smithies, and food vendors. The Central Plaza is the heart of the town, home to the temple, market square, and communal gathering sites. Far Tower is the defensive and martial center, where guards are trained and the forges burn hot. Finally, Meat Village sits on the periphery, outside the magical warmth of the lanterns; it hosts the city’s ironworks, meat markets, and chilling houses, where low temperatures aid in food and metal preservation.
Assets
Porthca boasts several unique assets. The Rainbow Metal forged in town is renowned for its shifting colors and enchanted nature—its appearance the result of a special heating and cooling technique. The Dragon's Armory produce rare items from the bones, claws, and souls of dragons, crafting relics found nowhere else. The lanterns themselves are magical artifacts beyond replication. The tavern known as the Axe of Lightning contains powerful enchantments and serves as a local hub for adventurers and wandering wizards alike. Magical Springwater from the reservoirs is bottled and sold as a luxury to traders.
Architecture
Porthca’s architecture is rugged and beautiful—homes are built from dark stone quarried nearby, with iron-braced beams and wind-resistant design. Roofs are sloped and paneled with snow-slickened slate. Buildings are often adorned with spirals and glyphs honoring the Lantern King. Inside, most dwellings are filled with thick woolen blankets, carved wooden furniture, and old tapestries. Doors and shutters feature whimsical asymmetry, a nod to the god of trickery. No two homes are exactly alike, as design is often influenced by fey dreams.
Geography
Porthca lies within a natural mountain basin surrounded on all sides by jagged peaks. Snow drapes the landscape year-round, though within the lantern-warmed boundary, the city enjoys a springlike climate most days. Meltwater from the surrounding peaks feeds into troughs and underground rivers. The surrounding terrain is treacherous, filled with steep climbs, sudden drop-offs, and blizzard-prone passes.
Climate
Naturally, the region is bitterly cold and beset by snow, wind, and blizzards. Within the lantern boundary, however, Porthca remains temperate. During the day, it feels like a cool spring with flowing water and birdsong. At night, the temperature drops dramatically, allowing snow and frost to accumulate before the lanterns flare again in the morning. The climate outside the lanterns is dangerous and unpredictable. Only the hardiest survive the deep snows.
Natural Resources
The mountains around Porthca are rich in minerals, particularly those required for the forging of Rainbow Metal. Glacial melt provides pure drinking water, and pockets of rare herbs and alchemical plants grow in crevices warmed by sun and spring. Though isolated, the settlement has everything it needs to remain self-sufficient—so long as the lanterns continue to burn.
Maps
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Grenias: Porthca - City of the Last Lantern
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