Hapros
Hapros is known as the City of Bells, and sits on the western coast of Great Forbin. It is the second largest city in the Realm of Forbin.
The city is a key gateway for trade between Forbin and the Kingdom of Remon to the northwest.
Yallin works closely with the city council, composed of influential figures including merchants, shipwrights, and representatives of key guilds such as the Merchant’s Guild and the Dockworkers’ Brotherhood. While she often wields decisive authority, her practical approach ensures collaboration with these powerful entities to keep the city’s economy and defences strong.
Numerous mercantile and trade groups operate within the city. The most powerful of these is the Hapros Mercantile Society, specialising in olive oil, grain, and woven fabrics. Its leader, Welna Waddunar, is a warm and engaging merchant whose charm hides a sharp business mind. Other groups represents workers; the Dockworkers’ Brotherhood is a force to be reckoned with, ensuring fair treatment and wages for the labourers who handle the lifeblood of the city’s maritime economy.
The Black Glarens, a secretive organisation dedicated to the eradication of magic, is directed from within the city by its leader Belitha Maggansan.
History
Hapros, known as the “City of Bells,” has been a beacon of maritime power and trade on the western coast of Great Forbin for centuries. Its deep natural harbour, sheltered by the prominence of White Hill, made it an ideal location for early settlers and a vital gateway for trade with the Kingdom of Remon and the Free Peoples of the Seynan Islands. By the early 900s, Hapros had grown into a thriving commercial hub, its economy sustained by agriculture, shipbuilding, and the export of olive oil, wool, and wine. In 1669, the city became the focal point of a pivotal conflict in Forbin's history, the Battle of Hapros, when a Remoneen fleet invaded the city during a period of heightened tension between the two kingdoms. The battle saw the death of Flandris III of Remon, though his forces ultimately triumphed. Hapros fell under Remoni control, and Commander Ferron assumed the role of regent for the infant queen, Messindath. During Remon’s occupation, Ferron fortified the city further, turning it into a powerful outpost and cementing its role as a key trading and military hub in the region. Hapros returned to Forbin’s control in the following century, its importance as a naval and trade centre only increasing with time. During the War of Salvation (2264–2265), Hapros played a critical role as the stronghold of Forbin's Western Fleet. Its shipyards produced warships that proved essential to securing victory, while the fleet launched decisive counterattacks against Terosian incursions.Power and politics
Government
Hapros is part of the region of Gilrim. The city is governed by Trissa Yallin, a Human noble and former soldier who holds the title of Governor. Appointed following her distinguished service leading a battalion in the War of Salvation, Yallin is a formidable leader in her early fifties, celebrated for her sharp tactical mind and unyielding resolve. Though ultimate authority over the region of Gilrim lies with Lord Guardian Seras Halfmoon, who resides at Darkstone to the south, and the Golden King, Trybon Fane, in Holdras, Yallin enjoys significant autonomy in her rule of the city. Her governance is marked by a strong focus on maintaining Hapros's strategic importance as a naval base and trade hub, as well as ensuring the safety and prosperity of its citizens.
Defence
Hapros’s coastal location and its role as the base for Forbin’s Western Fleet make its defence a top priority. The city’s fortifications include the towering harbour wall, which protects the harbour from both storms and naval attacks. Hapros Fort, located in the Southfield district, serves as the headquarters for Forbin's Western Fleet and houses barracks, armouries, and naval officers who oversee the fleet’s operations. The city guard, under the direct command of Governor Yallin, patrols the streets and walls. These troops work in concert with the navy to deter threats from pirates and foreign invaders. Hapros’s strategic importance as a gateway to Forbin ensures it remains heavily fortified and well-guarded, making it a cornerstone of the realm’s defences.Other powers
Though Governor Yallin wields considerable authority, a number of other important groups hold significant power and influence. Religious institutions, especially the Temple of Jires, also play a notable role in Hapros’s politics. Tharandeen Jeress is the temple's new High Priest.
Geography and environment
Local geography
Hapros is situated on the western coast of Great Forbin, where the rocky prominence of White Hill rises above the otherwise flat and fertile lands surrounding the city. White Hill serves as the city's heart, both geographically and symbolically, offering commanding views of the coastline, the River Dura to the north, and the farmlands to the east and south. This strategic elevation has long provided Hapros with both natural defence and a striking aesthetic, as its white stone architecture contrasts with the green of its abundant trees and the blue waters of the Straits of Jaltra. The coastline near Hapros is defined by gently sloping shingle beaches interspersed with rocky outcroppings. The surrounding hinterland is characterised by rolling fields and patches of woodland, which give way to scattered settlements and isolated farmsteads. Fertile soils, nourished by the temperate climate and the frequent rains of spring and summer, support thriving agriculture. Olive groves, vineyards, and fields of grain dominate the landscape, forming the backbone of the local economy. To the north, the River Dura flows westward into the Strait of Jaltra, offering a vital secondary route for trade and transportation. Its banks are lined with reeds and home to aquatic species that sustain the fishing villages along its course. The river also irrigates the surrounding farmland, ensuring bountiful harvests even during dry spells. The region of Gilrim, to which Hapros belongs, stretches southward along the coast, encompassing the rugged Cape Gilia and extending eastward to the Misdorn River. Inland, the terrain gently rises and is dotted with forests and small streams, creating a patchwork of natural beauty and agricultural productivity.Design and architecture
City Districts
City Districts Hapros is a city that harmonises its coastal heritage with the striking natural landscape of White Hill. Its districts radiate outward from the iconic hill, showcasing a blend of white stone buildings, verdant tree-lined avenues, and bustling urban centres. While the city’s maritime legacy is evident throughout, each district offers its own unique purpose and character. At the heart of the city is White Hill, the most prestigious district, dominated by the towering Tower of Pellonda, whose bell chimes resonate across Hapros and out to sea. This district is home to Hapros’s administrative and spiritual elites, with elegant villas, shaded courtyards, and public squares surrounded by cypress and olive groves. White Hill’s elevated position provides commanding views of the city, the River Dura, and the surrounding coastline, lending it an air of exclusivity and importance. South of White Hill is Highcliff, a district perched atop a steep escarpment at the hill’s southern end. Known for its exclusive residences, Highcliff is characterised by narrow streets, terraced gardens, and private courtyards adorned with flowering vines. A pathway descends from Highcliff to the harbour below, while the Highcliff Tunnel provides a wide, subterranean route linking Eastside with the harbour, facilitating the movement of goods and people. The Harbour district serves as the city’s maritime hub, bustling with ships, traders, and sailors. Framed by the colossal statues of Jires and Treca, which guard the harbour entrance, this district is alive with activity. Warehouses, shipyards, and vibrant taverns line the quays, while the Temple of Jires, a spiritual landmark extending into the water, blesses voyages and serves as a beacon for arriving ships. South of the main harbour lies the Southfield district with its broad streets, stables, inns, and caravanserai catering to merchants and travellers. Here stands Hapros Fort, its dock housing Forbin’s Western Fleet, ensuring Hapros’s strategic and defensive significance along the western coast. The Market District, situated at the southern base of White Hill near the Lady’s Gate, is the city’s bustling commercial heart. Its sprawling, colonnaded plaza hosts traders selling goods from local produce and fabrics to exotic items from across Helerin. Shaded by trees and fountains, the market is a lively space that draws merchants, residents, and visitors alike. To the north of White Hill, Northwalk stretches along the River Dura. Primarily residential, the district is home to labourers, fishers, and boatbuilders. Its narrow streets lead to small docks and workshops, while neighbourhood markets and modest temples reflect the close-knit spirit of its communities. The Tombs district lies to the east of White Hill, along the River Dura. Named for the Temple of Frenar and its extensive cemetery, Tombs is a densely populated area that houses many of the city’s poorer residents. Despite its crowded alleys and simple homes, the temple and its grounds offer a place of solace and reflection for the district’s inhabitants. Along the northern coastline, Longshore functions as a secondary maritime hub, focusing on fishing and local trade. Small docks, fish markets, and modest homes define this working-class district, while the Merchant’s Guildhall stands at its southern edge as a symbol of Hapros’s importance as a centre of commerce.City Infrastructure
Hapros’s infrastructure reflects both its geographical constraints and its role as a major port city. The towering harbour wall protects against storms and naval threats, while the wide quays accommodate a steady flow of goods and passengers. The tunnel beneath Highcliff is a critical route for trade, connecting the Harbour to Eastside and beyond. The River Dura provides a secondary trade route and an essential water source for Hapros. While Northwalk and Longshore feature small docks to support local trade, most goods pass through the Harbour and Market District. Rainwater cisterns and underground reservoirs supplement the city’s water supply, particularly in the higher districts of White Hill and Highcliff. The city’s outer wall encircles Southfield, Eastside, and Tombs, with the Lady’s Gate as its primary entry point. Smaller gates provide access to farmland and trade routes, ensuring smooth transport between Hapros and its hinterlands. The fortified ruins of Fort Sarda, a short distance to the southwest, remain a notable landmark despite their current use as a bandit hideout.Architectural Style
Hapros’s architecture is a blend of white stone and greenery, reflecting its coastal identity and the natural beauty of White Hill. Buildings across the city use local sandstone and limestone, their whitewashed walls glowing in the sunlight. Terracotta roofs and decorative carvings depicting waves, bells, and stars adorn public and religious buildings, while trellised vines and shaded courtyards add bursts of green throughout the city. On White Hill and Highcliff, elegant villas with colonnaded courtyards and private gardens showcase the wealth of Hapros’s elite. In contrast, the crowded alleys of Tombs and Eastside feature modest homes and workshops built from simpler materials. Public spaces like the market plaza in the Market District and the tree-lined avenues of White Hill create a sense of balance between grandeur and functionality.Landmarks and key locations
- Tower of Pellonda: Standing proudly atop White Hill, the Tower of Pellonda is the tallest structure in Hapros and home to the city’s largest and deepest bell. Its chime can be heard across the city and even out to sea, serving as both a timekeeper and a symbol of Hapros’s identity as the “City of Bells.” The tower is surrounded by groves of cypress and olive trees, adding to its serene and commanding presence.
- Hapros Fort: Situated in Southfield near the city's southern wall, Hapros Fort serves as the headquarters for Forbin’s Western Fleet, almost half of the realm’s naval power. This robust fortification, built of white stone and designed for both defence and naval coordination, includes barracks, armouries, and watchtowers overlooking the naval dock. The adjacent dock, reserved exclusively for the fleet, features reinforced piers and slipways capable of accommodating Forbin’s largest warships.
- The Temple of Jires: Jutting out into the harbour on a stone promontory, the Temple of Jires is one of Hapros’s most prominent landmarks. Dedicated to the god of the sea, it features open colonnades and a towering spire adorned with carvings of waves and ships. Sailors often visit the temple before embarking on voyages, and its position in the harbour ensures it is one of the first sights for those arriving by sea.
- The Statues of Jires and Treca: Guarding the entrance to the harbour, these colossal statues stand over 100 feet tall. Carved from white stone, they depict Jires, god of the sea, and Treca, goddess of storms, holding their respective symbols of protection and power. These statues are both a spiritual monument and a testament to the city’s craftsmanship, visible to sailors long before they reach Hapros.
- The Lady’s Gate: Situated in the Southfield district, the Lady’s Gate is the main southern entry to Hapros. Its imposing archway is carved with motifs of stars and bells, a nod to the city’s maritime and spiritual heritage. Flanked by bastions and watchtowers, the gate serves as a hub for caravans and traders entering the city from inland routes.
- Market Plaza: Located at the southern base of White Hill, this vast colonnaded plaza is the commercial heart of Hapros. Lined with colourful stalls, permanent shops, and shaded by trees, the plaza is a bustling hub of activity where merchants sell goods ranging from local produce and fabrics to exotic wares from distant lands. Fountains and statues adorn the square, offering respite and visual splendour.
- The Temple of Frenar: Nestled in the Tombs district near the banks of the River Dura, this temple is a solemn and striking structure dedicated to the god of death and stars. Its star-shaped carvings and dark stone façade contrast with the surrounding cemetery, where generations of Hapros’s dead are interred. The temple serves both as a place of worship and a beacon of hope for the city’s poorer residents.
- The Harbour Wall: Encircling the harbour, this mighty structure protects Hapros from storms and seaborne attacks. It is crowned by parapets and lined with defensive towers, offering a vital safeguard for the city’s trade and maritime activities. The wall seamlessly blends into the natural cliffs at Highcliff, further enhancing the city’s defences.
- Highcliff Tunnel: A marvel of engineering, this wide tunnel passes beneath Highcliff, connecting Eastside to the Harbour. Traders, dockworkers, and merchants rely on this vital route for transporting goods between the harbour and the eastern districts of the city. Its vaulted ceiling and decorative reliefs depicting waves and bells make it both functional and aesthetically impressive.
- The Merchant’s Guildhall: Situated in the Longshore district, this grand structure symbolises Hapros’s status as a trade hub. Built of white stone with gilded accents, the guildhall is both a centre of commerce and a place for negotiating trade agreements. Its halls are adorned with murals depicting the city’s maritime history and its role as a gateway to Remon.
- The Statue of Elaras: Situated in the Market Plaza, this broken statue once depicted Elaras, a legendary figure who guided early settlers to the safety of Hapros’s natural harbour. Though weathered by time and partially collapsed, the statue remains an important symbol of the city’s resilience and its bond with the sea.
- The Ruins of Fort Sarda: Located just outside the city, these ruins are a stark reminder of Hapros’s turbulent past. Once a key defensive structure, Fort Sarda was destroyed during the Battle of Hapros in 1669. Now a haunt for bandits, the crumbling walls and moss-covered stones evoke a sense of history and danger, drawing curious travellers and adventurous souls.
- The Longshore Docks: Stretching along the northern coastline of Hapros, the Longshore Docks are the city’s primary hub for fishing and local trade. Smaller than the main harbour, the docks are lined with fish markets, modest taverns, and small workshops, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the city’s working class.
Transport
Only one road leads out of the city. This passes south before turning eastward before splitting, with routes south to Cape Gilia, southeast to Manath and northeast Misdorn. Ships arrive from Jaltra and Harsann in the Kingdom of Remon, and (less frequently) from the Seynan Islands. The Dura is generally navigable for small boats at least as far as Hesphrana.Demographics
Population
Hapros has a total population of approximately 64,000.Wealth and class
Economy
Key industries
Hapros produces the following goods:Trade
The city is Forbin's main port for trade with the Kingdom of Remon.Culture
Notable people
Vena of Hapros - a noblewoman who was engaged to be married to Flandris III of Remon, but in 1665 he broke off the engagement to marry Lirris of Jaltra instead. Friy Tarlon was a Kazlaa famed for his great strength. In 1022 he performed three great feats of strength: dragging a millstone, lifting a marble sculpture, and carrying a huge bell.
Type
City
Population
64100
Location under
Included Locations
Owning Organization
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