Kowloon
The Five Families of Kowloon rose to power when the Rhaegon monarchy collapsed under the onslaught of Lilith's Rising Darkness. The resident faction of thieves and assassins, Malphas, had already infiltrated and positioned spies in the governing body long ago. When the king and small council failed to protect the outer walls, they staged a coup and took control of the city's defenses. With the assistance of the Raigor family's slave-warrior brute strength and skill, the citizens were able to secure the inner walls and eventually retake the outer.
The Rhaegon monarchy did not allow alcohol, and when something is banned, there is always someone who makes it their business. The Gerhardt family's business of crafting perfect drink did not equip them well to participate in the battle but they had the most extensive smuggling tunnel and safehouse system in the city. They funnelled the women, children, and elders into these spaces in case the city fell. Thankfully, it did not.
This strange alliance of criminals had proven stronger than the outside evil threatening their way of life. When the dust eventually settled, a council and rough government began to form, not with one, but all families leading. Eventually, two more families, the Leshrac and Winchesters, joined Kowloon to the benefit of everyone. The Leshrac, who were driven from their forest hideaway, specialized in uncommon and sometimes magical plants and fungi used to treat disease, enhance the sentient experience, or poison. The Winchesters were the least experienced in illegal activity, but having brought with them their talent for growing food, several years' seed, and true survivors' grit, they assimilated into Kowloon quickly as well.
Today, the Five Families each govern their own sector of the city. Every sector has all necessary infrastructure in place and is capable of independent operation, but thrives with the trade and specialties available in the others. Each area has its own resource management, import/export organization, retail establishments, craftsmen, inns, taverns, even religious sects. In fact, all five sectors are quite crowded, and have built over, above, around and under exisiting structures. This has created a great maze of a city, with multiple layers of buildings, messy waterways, smokestacks, and airvents, through which the alleys and roads twist and turn.
Residents of Kowloon primarily live and work in one sector as passing through to others may involve security hassles and of course, less family support. Occasional trips to other sectors may be necessary for the specialties that may only be offered there. For example, common medicine is available in every area, but if you are unfortunate enough to suffer from a rarer malady, you must travel to the Leshrac's Atheneum for a possible cure. The larger (but coarser) selection of prostitutes may be available in Raigor's brothels, but some may prefer the discreet luxury of those run by Malphas. To slake the thirst and refuel after such a night, there is no better lager than in a Gerhardt tavern or as delicious and fragrant dishes as in the inns of Winchester.
The laws of Kowloon are universal throughout all sectors as they are designed and enforced by the heads of The Five Families together. There are very few laws, which results in the side-effect of squabbling residents and fights breaking out every night. However, if citizens are either unable to settle themselves, or are found guilty of one of the few mandates, they are taken into Malphas' Bastille, where silence is rarer and more terrifying than the screams. Of course, the very nature of criminal families has one foot set firmly in greed, so Kowloon's controlling forces are constantly but subtly jostling for more power or profit. There will be a day when the name changes to accommodate a different number, but for now, The Five Families and their city survives.
The Rhaegon monarchy did not allow alcohol, and when something is banned, there is always someone who makes it their business. The Gerhardt family's business of crafting perfect drink did not equip them well to participate in the battle but they had the most extensive smuggling tunnel and safehouse system in the city. They funnelled the women, children, and elders into these spaces in case the city fell. Thankfully, it did not.
This strange alliance of criminals had proven stronger than the outside evil threatening their way of life. When the dust eventually settled, a council and rough government began to form, not with one, but all families leading. Eventually, two more families, the Leshrac and Winchesters, joined Kowloon to the benefit of everyone. The Leshrac, who were driven from their forest hideaway, specialized in uncommon and sometimes magical plants and fungi used to treat disease, enhance the sentient experience, or poison. The Winchesters were the least experienced in illegal activity, but having brought with them their talent for growing food, several years' seed, and true survivors' grit, they assimilated into Kowloon quickly as well.
Today, the Five Families each govern their own sector of the city. Every sector has all necessary infrastructure in place and is capable of independent operation, but thrives with the trade and specialties available in the others. Each area has its own resource management, import/export organization, retail establishments, craftsmen, inns, taverns, even religious sects. In fact, all five sectors are quite crowded, and have built over, above, around and under exisiting structures. This has created a great maze of a city, with multiple layers of buildings, messy waterways, smokestacks, and airvents, through which the alleys and roads twist and turn.
Residents of Kowloon primarily live and work in one sector as passing through to others may involve security hassles and of course, less family support. Occasional trips to other sectors may be necessary for the specialties that may only be offered there. For example, common medicine is available in every area, but if you are unfortunate enough to suffer from a rarer malady, you must travel to the Leshrac's Atheneum for a possible cure. The larger (but coarser) selection of prostitutes may be available in Raigor's brothels, but some may prefer the discreet luxury of those run by Malphas. To slake the thirst and refuel after such a night, there is no better lager than in a Gerhardt tavern or as delicious and fragrant dishes as in the inns of Winchester.
The laws of Kowloon are universal throughout all sectors as they are designed and enforced by the heads of The Five Families together. There are very few laws, which results in the side-effect of squabbling residents and fights breaking out every night. However, if citizens are either unable to settle themselves, or are found guilty of one of the few mandates, they are taken into Malphas' Bastille, where silence is rarer and more terrifying than the screams. Of course, the very nature of criminal families has one foot set firmly in greed, so Kowloon's controlling forces are constantly but subtly jostling for more power or profit. There will be a day when the name changes to accommodate a different number, but for now, The Five Families and their city survives.
Demographics
All sentient races, ethnicities, wealth classes, professions live together in extreme density in all five districts. Each district has "specialties" and so, may employ more refined individuals in these industries.
Government
Kleptocracy. Five Lords of crime families govern their own sector but work together to run the city. Each of The Five Families houses a general population in neighborhoods. Aldermen of these neighborhoods report directly to the Lord of their sector, who then convene in council. Heavy taxes are levied on the wealthy across all five wards. Laws, though very few, are also heavily enforced.
Defences
The outer walls are stone with multiple gates, 30 feet high and six feet wide with guard patrol. Movement in and out of the outer gates to the farming/ranching land is only moderately regulated. The inner walls are 60 feet high and ten feet wide, also with patrol. Only two main gates allow access to the city and are heavily guarded.
Assets
Civilzation and all its resources are easily found here, protected from Lilith's destruction.
Alternative Name(s)
The Walled City
Type
Metropolis
Population
100,004
Inhabitant Demonym
Kowloons
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