Highgate
an ancient city that was repurposed as a shelter during the long night, this metropolis has been a waystation of reffugees since the departure of the Ascendants.
Government
council of powerful guild merchants and criminal lords rule the city.
Defences
Highgate is protected by tall dangerous spires of jagged stone that make large fleets of ships difficult to assault the harbors, and a large mountain cluster to the west protect from the constant threat of the Sea of Storms and potential invaders. as an island it is impossible for land armies to march, though the narrow channel between highgate and Krogar could potentially be ferried across with ease, though spotted from a distance.
Industry & Trade
Highgate operates soley on trade, as an important geographical location and numerous harbors it is impossible to not do buisness with the merchants of Highgate eventually. sailing ships and airships both find their way to Highgate eventualyl to load and unload trade goods, as such Highgate boasts a large harbor network and warehouse storage.
Infrastructure
the city of highgate lays at an important part of the world, making it more a nexus of trade and travel than anything. it remains sheltered from the Sea of Storms more or less by the towering mountains to the southwest. it allows a brief respite before daring the sea of storms or traversing along the coast of Krogar towards Antaeus or perhaps sailing west towards Ravan, and the Crystal Ocean.,
Assets
the high volume of trade and travelers means that the city is well stocked on whatever an adventerure could need, as well as goods that many of the kingdoms and holds of Irindor desire greatly. a constant stream of Mystrium is traded to and through the ports of Highgate.
Guilds and Factions
Scarlet Sails control the Docks and most of the ships, and thus are the most powerful
Wyvernguard control the guards, and are the 2nd most powerful they would most likely control the docks if the Scarlet sails did not have Gang members securing the harbor on their behalf.
Kulthrust operate most of the Taverns, and many of the smaller shops.
the Vigilant are a group of farmers, miners and tradesmen who are the weakest guild on the Ascendants Council, but boast the most members.
also a number of criminal orginizations that operate with the sanction of the ruling guilds(or without in some cases)
The Ravens, who operate with the Scarlet Sails sanction, acting as their muscle and head of the black market for when the council and guidlsmen attempt to block any goods the Scarlet Sails might desire, or other kingdoms might be interested in purchasing without so much publicity. they operate from any Scarlet Sails guildhouse, and all the harbors with the exception of Southdock.
The Drowned Rats, are a number of rennegade sailors, shiprunners, smugglers, soldiers and former slaves who have little else in the world to go to. they freelance to any who pay the highest coin. they operate out of the Warrens, and Southdock
the Voiceless, are a number of Urchins and thieves, loosly banded together to survive under a shifting political system based on greed, while many are not "offical" members, those who steal for survival can often find allies among the Voiceless. they operate out of the sewers.
finally there are the Gladiators , a group of fighters and gladiators who don't do much but fight in the many cages and pits in taverns and warehouses across the city.
all religions of the world find themselves welcom in Highgate, should they pay the propper coin and regulations,or bribe officials with even more coin, a cult has arrisen, a group of heratics who bastardize the teachings of Shar the mistress of loss started the cult but after a decade of silence the Cult of Pain, who worship the mistress of Agony and Pain they often can be found flaggelating themselves publically, engaging in especially reckless bloodsport, or prostlythtizing. the mistress name is Agatha, though few speak it aloud for they think themselves unworthy.
History
Highgates history begins long before the Long Night, to the days of the Thayan war where it was first destroyed. it was founded as an early Human settlement in a budding kingdom aided by Dwarven Craftsmen, carving the palace directly into the mountains base, the stone harbor designed to weather the powerful storms that would occasionally wrack the old territory surrounding Highgate. after it was destroyed by Thayans it laid untouched for centuries, occasionally used by brigands and pirates for shelter. until the day of Long Night, when the Ascendants rallied many of the surviving populace to the massive city, using their powerful magic to repair the ruins. Highgate stands strong eons later, though a shadow of what it could have been. the centuries following the departure of the Ascendants saw the city fall to greed as the powerful preyed on the weak and hopeless. coin is the only true rule of law in Highgate these days, as even the evil cults of Shar, lolth, and Asmodeus are permited within the city walls should they pay the propper fines.
Architecture
the core palace of Highgate has a strong dwarven influence, rigid and stoud built to withstand the weight of ages and military assault. the further one goes from the mountain palace, out towards the docks, the buildings become more random. some haphazardly build from ruined ships, others molded from the earth with powerful magic as one stays closer to the main road towards the stone Harbor of the original design. the expanded area surrounding original Highgate is often struck by heavy storms, leaving them damaged or destroyed. south, where the mountains provide the least defense, rest the Gallows, a grim nickname for the poorest section of Highgate, where most of the buildings have been built from wreckedge and cast away parts.
Geography
the island of Highgate is arid rocky terrain and mountains, with jagged spires jutting from the ocean floor to aid in the proection of Highate from sea raiders. the narrow Channel between Highgates main harbor and the continent of Krogar allows for smaller ferries and rafts to float between the two locations with more ease though rarely with any stealth.
RUINED SETTLEMENT
4689, later rebuilt during the long night
Alternative Name(s)
Harbor of Spires, City of Ports, the Jewel of Irindor
Type
Megalopolis
Population
~500.000
Inhabitant Demonym
Harborians
Location under
Related Tradition (Primary)
Characters in Location
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