Gapton

"Ah yes, dwarf designed for certain. You can tell by the way the gatehouse is angled to allow carts easy entrance, but it remains defendable by the guards in the tower. Pre-cataclysm too, but the walls still look sturdy as ever. Still I can't take away from the elves, they found this spot and built the first watchtower. That's true enough. You can see some of the old elven stonework inside the keep. Not bad work at all, and the old dwarves respected it enough to keep it there. All said, it is a solid fortification and well suited as a stop in the supply line."

- Orvos Forkbeard, dwarven sailor aboard The Galloping Domino

Demographics

Gapton's population falls into four separate groups:

• Soldiers manning the fort and guarding the warehouses - Mercenary Guild (MG)
• Dock workers, drovers, general administration - Merchant Sailor's Guild (MSG)
• Scribes, scholars and research - Tutorial Guild (TG)

Government

Gapton is run by the Merchant Sailor's Guild, who handle the administration. An appointed minister (approved by the High Guild Master) serves for five years on the island to ensure it runs smoothly. Typically the Minister meets with representatives of the Mercenary and Tutorial guilds to ensure everyone has a say.

Defences

Gapton is a thick walled city with one main gate, an impressive keep/watchtower and its own fresh water spring accessible to those inside the keep and from the bailey via aqueduct.  All this was designed by dwarves and rumor has it, includes a way of shutting down the aqueduct to keep invaders from accessing the fresh water.

Industry & Trade

Gapton makes most of its income from docking fees, storage costs and selling supplies (water, dried fish, blank books and scrolls). The Tutorial Guild has been known to trade magical lore or historical curiosities. The port is also a center point tea from Ithan and textiles from Open Isle.

• Textiles - 1
• Tea - 1

Infrastructure

Gapton is only reachable by a well designed cart path from the expansive docks to the town itself. Donkey carts can be hired at the docks or near the Gapton gates. Small sailing and row boats can be rented to circle the island and see some of the reef and rock formations (but it is officially frowned upon).

Assets

• Tavern: The Fat Sage
• Garrison Smithy can fix some equipment sell common weapons and armor.
• Store: The Green Ink - Sells paper, ink and blank books. Specialized in an assortment of unusual colored inks.

History

North Isle was unpopulated when the elven diaspora during the rise of The Chaos Elves. The elves built a watch tower between the two mountains on the island, and it served as the first warning system for the elven population in the southern Yenisle.
When the Confederation was formed nearly a century later, dwarves were brought in to design a strong fortress at the site of the old watchtower. Originally called Gaptown, the name was shortened to Gapton. Working together the newly created guilds built an impressive fort, as well as carved out a trail climbing to it usable by carts. The docks were embellished over time, particularly after the Cataclysm. The sturdy storehouses and repair docks turned this into a key stopping point for ships of all flags to arrive and restock, especially Theosian and Dwarven merchants.

Architecture

Nearly all the architecture in Gapton was constructed by dwarves and has their overall aesthetic. Some elven touches can be found in the keep and in some of the family owned shops within the city walls. 
The town is surrounded by thick high walls that extend from the two mountains and surrounding the keep and town within. The keep itself is nestled along the southern mountain, and built over the natural spring at that location.

Alternative Name(s)

Gap Town

Type

Outpost / Base

Location under

North Isle

Owning Organization

Confederation of Ithan