Ruhn

The city of Ruhn lies on top of a hill which is divided by a large river. Both sides of the city are connected over several bridges and by several ferries. The most notable bridge is the Iron Bridge which connects the Rust Palace with the rest of the town. Ruhn has established itself as the biggest military-industrial complex of the Andric Empire. The dark grey walls of the city are thick and the heat and smell of forged metal is in the air. The buildings are covered in black grime from the coal used to melt the various ores. Some of the finer folk moved the residency to the nearby city of Elderby, where the air is fresher. The massive forges produce magic infused high-quality gear for the legions of the Empire. Besides armour and weapons the craftsmen of Ruhn also produce luxury goods like jewellery and other stuff the nobility needs to feel important. Their exceptional craftsmanship made Ruhn a very wealthy city.

Demographics

As in most cities the human population makes up the vast majority and can be found in every social setting. The Nobility consists strictly out of humans, while in the lowest social classes the Half-Elves create the large majority. The half-elven population isn't allowed to work as craftsmen in the workshops. There is a small population of halfling merchants, who got rich by establishing trade guilds and associations. The Halfling population has also established a great network of taverns and other inns.

Government

Ruhn is run by a deputy of the senate member Lordregent Thargent, who has to spend most of his time in the glorious capital city of the empire. The Deputy is free to raise and lower taxes and to pass laws. The Deputy is also allowed to create task forces to deal with specific problems.

Defences

Massive grey walls surround the hill of Ruhn and two more large walls protect the upper parts of the city. There are some golems and gargoyles that protect the outer wall but most of them are located at the palace. Some golems are bird-like and used as reconnaissance by scouting parties. The main gate in the west of the city is made out of the finest steel infused with magic by the best artificers of the empire.

Districts

The Forges and Workshop are the backbone of Ruhns wealth and economy. In this part of town the air is hotter than in any other part of the town. The roads and buildings are covered in thick black layers of grime. The pounding sound of hammers, the crackling noise of fire and the sizzling sound of hot iron cooling in water can be heard until late in the deep night. The forges never rest even after the closing hours, ambitious craftsmen try to perfect their work and skills. The forges are located south at the bottom of the hill near the river, where they cast the trash into the water. The more successful business owners have settled around the workshops close enough to their ventures but far enough from the smell produced by the workshops. Some settled to the northern side to catch the incoming trade ships which sail across the river, bringing ores and other goods from the mountain. The goods are often stored here for inspection before they are send further down the river, into the works. The palace area, located on the eastern part of the hill, goes with the rest of the city, maybe a bit less covered in grime. It is connected by the Iron Bridge to the other areas. It is the only place in Ruhn where one might find gardens, but these are small and often have the vibe of a dark shady forest. The whole area is filled with statues of saints, heroes, former lords and ladys and mythical creatures that once lived in the area. The Palace itself is made of dark granite and many red towers overshadow the city. All along the walls of the palace are statues of knights and mythical creatures like gargoyles or griffons. In case of an emergency the statues act like golems and can be activated on command. The typical half-elven slums can be found at the bottom around the hill, but the heart is located in the north where they can get work as dock workers or be part of a crew. While most of the slum is on the inside of the wall a fairly large portion extends outside of the wall. Massive grey walls surround the hill of Ruhn and two more large walls protect the upper parts of the city. There are some golems and gargoyles that protect the outer wall but most of them are located at the palace.

Type

Large city

Population

300 000