Portempest
A city at the edge of a vast ocean. Flanked on either side by massive limestone cliffs Portempest is one the few points of access to the northern continent of Ardland. Once a massive defensive installation which protected the Kastrean Remnant from the forces on the fracturing southern continent it has since become a trading hub with dozens of seafaring vessels traversing its massive port every single day.
Founded as the city of Galefort fourteen generations ago by the explorer king Adriatus II, the city commonly referred to as Portempest after the indigenous settlement on which it stands, is widely regarded as one of the greatest cities on the northern continent of Ardland (Adriatus' land). Nicknamed "The Gate to the North", or Northgate, by those from the mainland, it is the only permanent port on the southern shore of the continent and thus the largest shipping and commerce center in the kingdom. While other ports do exist along the Eastern and Western coasts, their high northern latitude makes them susceptible to freezing during the winter months, and travel to them adds several days to an already lengthy journey.
The city is laid out in a crescent moon shape growing out from the Bay of Mardon to the foothills of the nearby mountains. At the center of the bay lies Guardian Island, a massive fortified rock formation which serves to protect the harbor of Portempest and monitor incoming and outgoing trade ships. The town is crossed by the Three Roads, wide streets which run from the six main docks to the mountain ridges that encircle the area. Smaller side roads split off in a half circle pattern, allowing for easy travel throughout the city. Still smaller are the multitude of sprawling alleys and paths that reach between the towering buildings the city is comprised of. These buildings, massive constructs of metal and stone date back to a time before the conquering of Ardland and are, according to some scholars, older than the kingdom of Magtarius itself.
Nearly 90% of Ardland’s trade flows through the city streets to the Three Gates which take travelers on the Trade Road to the rest of the continent. As such the city has grown powerful and wealthy, rivaling many large mainland cities in terms of population.
The 6 docks, of which 5 are named after the five captains of the Guardians; Atael, Maviel, Kyviel, Avindiel, Carnaxx, jut out into the waters of the bay, branching out from the Costa Road and the Fishmarket. At the end of the Fishmarket stands the Church of Gol Van’s Divining Light, the largest structure in the city by far and a landmark rivaling the Guardian Island.
Due to its unique geography the city spends much of the day shrouded in fog, the mists often obscuring it’s massive towering buildings. As one of the few surviving fortress city from the Age of Myth Portempest boasts architecture rarely seen outside of the northern continent. Drab stone towers rise into the sky, supported by arches and ornate pillars. A green-grey moss has found its home upon many of the city’s less used structures giving a hint of color to the otherwise drab environment.
Ruled by an iron fisted Regent by the name of Elardon von Vastiforth. The city is rapidly expanding and is, with the exception of Magtria Vila, the only semi-industrialized city on the northern continent, boasting a complex network of underground sewers and an aqueduct system. Rumors circulate of a hidden cult which uses the sewers of the city to practice their dark dealings without intervention.
Maps
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Portempest
A map of the city of Portempest, circa 1080.
Alternative Name(s)
The Gate to the North, Northgate, Galeforth,
Type
City
Population
100,000
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Location under
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Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
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