Carteia (Car- tay- Ah)

Located on the island of Elba, the frozen island in the northeast of Halruaal, Carteia is the second oldest settlement founded under House Aetius. Coincidentally, it is also the second most defended city in Halruaal, surpassed only by Castle Aetius. It's defenses are due in part because of the benefit of a large deposit of Wardstone but also the intervention of wizards of House Aetius.

For centuries, wards and special enchantments have been woven into the cities walls and buildings, making it nigh impenetrable to damage and divination. As such the most of Halruaal's security force and all of House Aetius standing army have trained or been housed behind Carteian walls.

Demographics

Like most of Halruaal, Carteia is predominantly populated with humans. The next largest group are Dwarves. Following that, ironically, are the elves (although most are regulated to the Alienage). Most Carteians are of a middle class, with an above average amount of upperclass merchants and nobles. Indeed, most Halruaal Nobles actually have manors and estates within Carteia's walls.

Government

Carteia is a vassal city under House Aetius' rule. Through them, the Halruaalan Magisterium laws are carried out by Duke Calvus Cotto of house Cotto. The Imperial Senate is lead under Senior Enchanter Paulus Vitoricus. In terms of The Church of the Seven, Bishop Caius Typhoeus leads the faithful and handles issues of moral law.

Defences

Carteia is the second most defensive city in the entire country. It's ancient walls are build directly from Wardstone, a mysterious material that his nearly three times stronger than your average stone, especially when it is laced with powerful wards. And over the last two centuries, it has been further enhanced through the wards of House Aetius' wizards. Many boast that the outer wall could repel a direct attack from the Tarrasque. While not impossible to breach, it would take the combined effort of several Archons to bring down and then several Legions to storm it.  The Local garrison is some of the most veteran defenders in the realm.

Industry & Trade

Because Carteia is located on a frozen island, there is not much in the way of farm capable land.  But what land there is has been cultivated for cherries and certain frost resistance vegetables. Much of the water is harvested from the many frozen lakes and mountain runoff, but in terms of food, Carteia is largely reliant on importation. Advances in magical heating has allowed for much of the city to escape the regions climate and create a small portion of fertile soil, but such crops and cattle services could not support the city alone.

However, the city is fortunate to have large deposit of an extraordinary stone. Believed to be a byproduct of the spellplague that turned Elba into the frozen landscape it is, Wardstone is an extremely durable stone. It is nearly three times as strong as normal stone. Additionally, when properly refined and enchanted by House Aetius' wizards, it can be three times as strong as steel. the mining and refining of Wardstone is a secret that House Aetius closely guards from every other Noble House.

Infrastructure

Carteia is a thriving city built on the backbone of it's mining operation.  Wardstone exist in nearly every building (to some extent) and supports a thriving trade market.  The Carteian docks nearly rival that of Duchnov to the south and host a number of fine ships carrying cargo to Egara, and around the eastern edges to cities in the Isles and the Heartlands.  

Guilds and Factions

The Congregation of Merchants hold a strong presence in Carteia, mostly residing in the Bronze District. Guild leaders also count themselves to have homes in the Silver District - though few actually use them. The Nauts also have a strong presence in the Docks and run the shipment of goods on the misty waters.

There are rumors that the Night Guild has a collection of cells within the walls, but the guard hotly dispute this.

Geography

Carteia sits at the base of a large section of mountains and on top of a huge deposit of Wardstone. The island itself is caught up in the magical frost caused by the spell plague but the wizards have developed means to thaw out the residential areas. Otherwise, the sea to the south has led to a thriving amount of sea trade, although the Mist of the Isole limits the various routes to and from the island.

Maps

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  Carteia

Founding Date

30 AC

Alternative Name(s)

The Fortress

Type

Large town

Population

16k

Inhabitant Demonym

Carteians

Location under

The Northeast Region

Ruling/Owning Rank

Duke or Duchess

Owning Organization

House Aetius