Isenwold
A large seaport on the south-easternmost point of the Blacktide Bay, Isenwold serves primarily as a supply hub for the Zapis capital of Geradine, as well as to exert the Zapis Kingdom's control over its settlements in the southern portion of the Susmis Swamps.
Similar in size and ethnic makeup to Basincall, it's sister city in the North, Isenwold is one of the few true cultural hubs in Zapis. Hosting a population tens of thousands strong, a thriving market, and many well known merchants, tradesmen and scholars means the city is growing faster than current its infrastructure can support and is under almost continual construction and expansion.
Isenwold received an unexpected boost in influence 10 years ago when the Trade Guild relocated their center of operations to the port city, as they sought to move out from underneath the watchful gaze of the King and his administrators in Geradine. While beneficial to the cities economy, a consequence of this move means there is currently a power struggle in Isenwold, as the Duke and Duchess who rule the city with backing form the royal court vie with the Trade Guild for dominance.
Isenwold serves as the only Zapis port where trader's from the Kingdom of Tsarleone ever dock.
Locations of Note
Inns
Winds Grace (Expensive - Nobel Quarter) The Abyss's Bounty (Average - Main area) The Kobold's Berries (Cheap, sign is a "pants-less" Kobold - outside the town proper)Stores
The Traveler's Friend (General) Arcane Minded (Magic) The Shadow Vault (Wonderous - Run by a retired one-legged half-orc adventurer with an Ersatz Eye)Defences
One end of the Ocean's Lattice is located here. The city itself is surrounded by 20ft high stone walls, interspersed with crenellated towers.
Industry & Trade
Isenwold is one of two "hub" cities for the Zapis Kingdom. The population is filled with a mix of merchants, laborers, craftsmen, and specialists. A heavy military presence can also be found here.
By far the biggest sources of industry are the Guild Hall, which serves headquarters of the Trade Guild, and the docks of Isenwold, where ships from throughout the Kingdom exchange cargo. This includes ships coming from the southern kingdom of Tsarleone. A new dry-docks was recently constructed, as the Trade Guild spearheads an attempt to build a trading/exploration fleet to rival that of the Tsarvish.
Guilds and Factions
Home to the Trade Guild headquarters.
Architecture
Large wooden towers dot the city at regular intervals. They are topped with small guard houses and large flat platforms that the Blackwing corps use to keep an eye on the city.
Geography
Approaching Isenwold from the inland roads, the land slopes steeply up for the last mile, ending in near sheer cliffs that plummet to the Abyss of the far side of the city. From the city, the land slopes down again, northward toward the Blacktide Bay where the Isenwold docks can be found.
To the south lies some of the more fertile land in the kingdom, as the narrow strip of arable terrain stretches along the coast between the cliffs and the edge of the Susmis Swamps
Founding Date
592 AW
Type
City
Population
20,000
Location under
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
Comments