Duchnov is House Blackharbour's most wealthy and influential city. What sets apart Duchnov is the craftsmanship of their cities. While their Human Wizards have crafted trinkets and babbles of arcane wonder, Duchnov Dwarves forged the backbone of the city. Home to predestine carved cathedrals, the towering Hexeth Academy, and fortress like workshops, Duchnov is an architectural marvel dedicated to the Conjuration wizards' Magisterium. As for goods and services, if you want it, chances are you can find it here.
Humans make up the primary race within the city, but the Dwarves are highly respected and prized masons. The City also host a number of elves that once existed as slaves to the Magisters. Most of these unfortunates live in the slums known as the Elven Alienage to the North (far away from the main gate and the docks)
The legitimate government of Duchnov is the Magisterium of Wizards. Duchess Sybil Allenby of house Allenby rules as House Blackharbour appointed noble. The Senate is led by Senior Enchanter Theodore Pembroke. However, it is widely known that there is a disreputable and criminal element among the many merchants that pull strings from the shadows (Both from the Congregation of Merchants and the Night Guild).
At any time, there are soldiers at least a Legion strong stationed in Duchnov. The outer Wall of Duchnov is incredibly thick and guarded by the soldiers and demons summoned by the various Wizards. While not crafted by Wardstone, it is a truly impressive feat of engineering that has served Duchnov well over the centuries. Windsor Castle is guarded by an interior wall and said to be enchanted by dark magics of fiendish design.
Trade of magical items and bound demons are what has contributed to Blackharbour's (and the city's) success. All of Halruaal has prospered due to the inventions of the Blackharbours, though the noble houses of Villiers and York more so given their business practices. Though as a whole the common items in abundance in Duchnov are small furs, wines, and Elephants that are raised in the western reaches of the city.
The Wonder of the East is the second most wealthy city under Blackharbour rule (outdone only by Castle Black Hold) Players can easily find any common magic items within the market at the various stalls.
Uncommon or Rare magic item are trickier. The House Pembroke and Magisterium keep a close eye on who is buying what and apply heavy taxes. Those seeking uncommon items have a 50% chance of locating the specific items within one of the shops listed below. Word will eventually reach the guard (within two days) of an attempted inquiry or purchase. If the store doesn't have it, most shopkeepers will advertise they can order it for a 15% increase as a fee.
Rare items or greater will quickly raise suspicion - especially if purchased by a non-wizard or one from a different Noble House (within a day, or hour if the purchaser is a non-wizard). Rare items in stock are listed under the Individual stores, if not listed, the store doesn't have it, but can order it for a 20% increase as a fee.
Aside from that the stonework and blacksmiths of the dwarves have raised the bar in terms of quality goods. At the same time, the crops farmed in the outer outposts have fed the city and the country (seeing as how the city lies beyond the frozen lands to the north).
Duchnov is a large city, nearly rivaling the Floating Metropolis of Castle Black Hold. Much of it's power resides in the crafting of magic items and the foremost instruction on Conjuration through the Hexeth Academy. The many warehouses and laboratories that dot the city make use of the Dwarvish craftsmanship to hold and bind the planar creatures that are summoned by the Wizards of Blackharbour.
The Congregation of Merchants run most (yet not all) of the trade in the city. The current Merchant Prince seems to be set on raising the standard of living for most of the residents of Duchnov. Her actions have mitigated some of the darker policies instituted by Duchess Pembroke and the other factions in Duchnov.
The Night Guild maintains a healthy (if not otherwise known as a choke hold) on the poorer and more influenced residents. Most of them are shadowy thugs and assassins, feeding information to the higher ups to gain more political power.
The Church of the Seven has a Temple within the walls of Duchnov and host a number of the faithful. Bishop Maxwell Elliott serves as the head of the church and has an army of priests and acolytes. Though politically, He has been held in check by a vigorous senate.
The Order of the White Oak have a guild hall within the city limits and serve as a check against the rampant summoning and binding of demons and other outsiders. Although largely ignored by the more powerful members in the Magisterium, and sworn to apolitical ideals, they have prevented countless tragedies among the poorer population.
The Gothic style of building is reinforced with Dwarven accents.
Duchnov is just south of a minor mountain range on the eastern tip of Halruaal. The Keilden Forest lies to the northwest and Duchnov ports lead right into the ocean.
Iron Ore, small land animals, and wood (both normal and ironwood) all serve as the backbone of Duchnov's thriving industry.
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