Hurest

Hurest is the largest port town under House Blackharbour and host the largest amount of sea trade in the region.  While it is not as large as Duchnov is, it host a vibrant population of trade and industry (particularly around beast of burden and seafood).  People of all kinds walk the streets of Hurest and it has garnered a reputation of being fairly tolerant under Blackharbour standards.  Though notably, human wizards of the magisterium rely on the vast library that Hurest has cultivated over the last century.  Many use it as a starting point for deep sea excursions and a repository of unique items found by the local Nauts (of which there are many in the city).

Demographics

As with much of House Blackharbour, humans and dwarves make up the primary races in the city.  Notably however, there is also a large population of orcs and half-orcs.  Other races are not unheard of here, but few of the "beast-folk" (as the locals call them) are seen walking the city streets. 

Government

The legitimate government of Hurest is the Magisterium of Wizards. Duke Arle Churchill of house Churchill rules as House Blackharbour appointed noble.  The Senate of Hurest is governed by Senior Enchanter Hugh Clarke.  Still there is rumors that Clarke is nothing but a glorified puppet of the Congregation of Merchants and the Nauts as much of the Senate's reforms have favour the two faction's trade empire. 

Defences

The soldiers of House Blackharbour, directly made up of it's vassal house of house Churchill, number a thousand strong within the city.  The garrison here is then again supplemented by the Naut's sea power, and a few mercenary groups hired by the Congregation.  The main castle of house Churchill is well defended on the cliffs above the beach and multiple reinforced walls.  Few attacking forces could overwhelm them by sea or land.  

Industry & Trade

Nearly any item can be found within the markets of Hurest given the nature of it's dedication to sea trade.  Despite being on the coast beast of burden (namely ox) are widely bred here and shipped out to other lands.  Otherwise food livestock such as rabbits and fish are highly populous and are a staple of Hurestian diet and trade.

Infrastructure

While Hurest is not as large as Duchnov, it is still a bustling city of innovation.  Sea trade is paramount within the city, and the large natural landscape favours the many docks and inlets for ships.  Where as the Duchnov is the home of House Blackharbour's premiere academy, Hurest is the foundation of House Blackharbour's greatest library.  Still, because of the focus on sea trade, many factions call Hurest home and move various products in and out. 

Guilds and Factions

In Duchnov, the nobles and the senate have managed to carve out the more important powers from the various factions, but for the most part the same cannot be said for Hurest.  Here, the Congregation of Merchants run most nearly all of the trade in the city.  The current Merchant Prince appears to be more concerned with profits and dealing with the Nauts than the benefits of the residents of Duchnov.

The Nauts in turn have near complete control of the docks and the sea ways outside of the city.  Their actions at present seem to benefit the security of the city and it laborers (at least in the docks).

Architecture

The Gothic style of building within Hurest is a key derivative of Duchnov and dwarven features. 

Geography

Hurest is built on a bluff over looking the inner sea of Halruaal.  The city itself starts at the highest peak descending downward to the docks below almost as if it is stacked on each other one layer at a time. with the ocean to the south, and the Keilden Forest to the North, Hurest is a combination of a mountain, valley, and ocean city.

Natural Resources

Fish from the sea serves as the most readily available commodity for Hurest's people.  But with the city carved into the bluff and a forest to the north, stone and wood are easily harvestable to make materials. 

Founding Date

1150

Alternative Name(s)

The City of Peaks and beaches

Type

Large city

Population

15k

Inhabitant Demonym

Hurestians

Location under

The Northeast Region

Ruling/Owning Rank

Duke or Duchess

Owning Organization

House Blackharbour