Haven

Haven is the capital and largest city of the Commonwealth, boasting a population of over 500,000 inhabitants. Standing on an expanse of flat grasslands on the coast of the Opal Sea, Haven is considered by some to be the oldest city on the planet, although there are others who dispute this claim.
As newcomers to the city of Haven walk the streets, they may encounter the sounds and smells of the Harbor District, the crackling energy and chugging machines of the Artificer's District, the glittering towers and high fashion of the Imperial District, and even the strange sights and otherworld oddities of the Magician's District. It's easy to see how the city of Haven gained the nickname of 'The City that Never Slumbers.'

Demographics

Due to it's location, age, and importance as a commercial port, Haven's population is the most diverse of all cities in the Commonwealth. Dwarves and gnomes are commonplace in the Artificers District, and many elves and halflings can be found working in the businesses in the Imperial District. Races of every size and shape can be found at the docks and railway stations, and even half-orcs can be found working in the farms and warehouses of the city.

History

The early history of the city is somewhat in dispute among various historical scholars. There are some who point to a great upheaval of an ancient tribe of mountain people, which led to a migration to the coast to found the city. Others refer to the people as pilgrims, who originally settled the village as an encampment for people making the trek to the White Mountain. Still others raise evidence that Haven was a congregation of traders and merchants who settled the area as a center of commerce. Whatever the actual origins of the city, it is generally agreed that the city is ancient; almost 10,000 years old, by most accounts.
The city experienced almost constant growth after the era of the Chain. This rapid and steady expansion directly influenced Chancellor Morag's lust for power, which led to the rise of the Empire in 686. The expansion of the Empire in later years slowed the expansion of the city itself, and as the Empire settled into its borders after the Final Expansion, the resources of the city began to be distributed throughout the Empire and, while the city was still prosperous, the city's growth ground to a halt.
During the Centurion War, the city of Haven became a major objective for many nations due to it's status as the previous seat of the Empire. Although many nations attempted to lay siege to the city in an attempt to gain the throne, the city's size and wealth, as well as the near-constant fighting among all nations, allowed the city to defend itself and maintain its independence up to the signing of the Commonwealth Accord.
After the founding of the Commonwealth, it was decided that the Imperial Capital would maintain its status as the new capital of the Commonwealth. The people of Haven, along with the rest of the Commonwealth Nations, began to rebuild.
With the focus of the people turned inward towards their own devices, the Artificers District began to slowly expand, up until the first steam engine was installed in a Harbor District warehouse. As the people marveled at this new feat of engineering, the idea of technological advancement spread like a wildfire throughout the city and the Artificers District saw an explosion of growth. The pinnacle of growth in the Artificers District came in 1450, when Lysander Tristan created the Tristan Generator and founded Tristan Enterprises.
Today, the Artificers District is still the largest district in the city, though it does not see the same technological leaps as it did in years past.

Alternative Name(s)

The City that Never Slumbers, The Imperial Capital

Type

Capital

Characters in Location

• Cosmo Bliven
• Lysander Tristan
• Mismo Crooms