Pivdenny
One of the largest ports on the Northern edge of the Sea of Galt, Pivdenny is a Galtan Stronghold and trade center, acting as a constant foothold for them in the Borderlands. Ruled by Count Aleksander Remus Artigas and overseen by General Enriel Maximo of the Galtan Empire, Pivdenny is a city of equal-parts civilization and corruption.
The Outer Wards are a large collection of small neighborhoods and large farms, all of which lie outside the main wall of Pivdenny. Well over half the population resides here, as it's very difficult to get a cheap room in the city proper. This results in the Wards being very much low-class oriented. Most gates are only open during the day, resulting in the outside being relatively empty during the day, as most folk are in the town working. The Wards still have their appeals, mostly in small markets, plentiful farm work, and a general humble atmosphere.
Harkside is the Western-side of the city-proper, and primarily serves as the mercantile district and center for the members of the 3rd Northern Legion in Pivdenny. With several large market squares and numerous booming businesses, the city sees a constant flow of goods and coin, with most notable businesses in the city being here. Standouts include Libra Street (the cities red-light district, located conveniently close to several large barracks), the Hark (the massive market for which the district is named), and Orthuud's Oddities (a decent-sized antique shop run by a retired Loxodon trader from the south). However, the large amount of people and noise allows many seedier individuals to thrive here, as most of the criminal element within Pivdenny can be found in Harkside.
Fillas is the cities slightly-smaller western district, serving as the behind-wall residential district for those with enough scratch to afford it. With the general condition growing better as one approaches the North-Western side, the denizens of this city come from numerous walks of life, resulting in quaint neighborhoods filled with affable townsfolk and those retired from harsher lifestyles, adventurers included. Major locals include the Red Drake (a well-known inn and tavern and gathering area for local adventurers) and Essa de Menta Academy (a well-known arcane college sponsored by the Tacitan Collective).
The Rocks are located between all these districts, serving as the upper-class and best-defended section of the city. Many wealthy traders, local food barons, and even the Count himself have residences there, with other notable places being Artigas Castle (headquarters of the 3rd Legion) and the Cathedral of the Allgod (large worshiping site of the Eternal Council and only official temple in Pivdenny).
Demographics
60% human, 16% halfling, 14% Galtan, 10% mixed
Government
While the town is technically owned by Count Aleksander Artigas, most administrative duties are run by a town council. The council consists of edillate Hoss Sardin, representative of the Don Mannojo merchants guilds Cossa Elderfin, and Commander-General of the Northern Legion Enriel Maximo. Ask any local though, and they'll inform you of how often edillate Sardin agrees with Maximo, *almost* enough to make him seem irrelevant.
Defences
With a heavily walled inner city, an even more fortified rich district, and an ample supply of Galtan Militates, Pivdenny is generally considered one of the most defensible cities in the Southern Marches.
Guilds and Factions
The Don Mannojo trade guild controls most major trade going through the city, giving many lesser businessman the chance to compete with bigger dogs than they. However, not all members of the guild are interested in the common good, and all major positions are elected, meaning that some bureaucratic shenanigans are always possible.
The 3rd Northern Legion of Galt has a major presence in Pivdenny, as it has served as their primary base for several centuries. While this control has wavered over the years, in modern times much of the city is actually run by the leader of the 3rd Legion, Enriel Maximo.
While a number of small-time gangs are trying to steal a living, none have reached the notoriety of the Skullgrin Gang. Operating mostly in West and outer Pivdenny, the gang has been a constant nuisance to the Galtan guards, with numerous break-ins, murders, and other crimes being constantly pinned on them. The gang's leader, the eponymous Skullgrin, is a mysterious figure who appears to enjoy his anonymity second only to his successful jobs.
Natural Resources
With ample woods less than a week away and immediate access to fresh water from the Padurau River, Pivdenny doesn't lack for natural resources. However, the vast majority of it's commerce comes from it's use as a central hub for trade. Fishing and merchants coming from the Sea of Galt mingle with miners from the Crags and farmers from several counties to garner their commodities and make a profit. This naturally makes it a trade-city first and foremost, likely adding to the importance of the Don Mannojo Trade Guild.
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