Mendoza - The Abandoned City

Government

Though not a large city, Mendoza was home to three separate noble families. Delegates from each of these families, two representatives from the lower, middle, and upper class, and three elected politicians made up the council that governed the city. Each of these leaders had appointed Secondaries who were in charge of overseeing the three separate districts of the city. New representatives, leaders, and delegates were chosen every five years. Commanders, leaders of the city guard and garrison, were also welcome at the council meetings and often looked to for reports on the city's well-being and opinions on policies.

Defences

While Mendoza did not have any fueds with any of the Sky Kingdoms and did not have any neighboring cities, it was close to one thing - the caves of the mountains. Such caves are filled with all kinds of dangerous magical creatures - especially Darkhounds. Watchtowers were constructed in the city so that an alarm could be raised should there be an attack - and yes, there were attacks. Several sections of the city were encompassed by walls. Fires burned on the watchtowers at night. The people there, though refined and sophisticated no matter the social class, were extremely superstitious and had many legends and myths about the creatures of the cave. They would often place wards around the city, and a single spear was kept in each house near the door frame for good luck.

Industry & Trade

One of the most important resources in the sky is wood. However, the only trees found in the city of Mendoza are those planted with the aid of the special cave-moss. Lumber is their most important import, and in return, they traded many of their precious metals to the Kingdoms of the Sky. Although Mendoza was a prosperous city, there were different classes. Lower classmen often worked in the mines of the mountain and construction of the buildings, as well as goat ranching. The middle class were usually smiths or artisans, the upper classmen were merchants, scientists or politicians. A few noble families owned chains of the lush caves and built their businesses on those.

Infrastructure

The city of Mendoza sprawls across the side of a mountain, and as such there is not much rhyme or reason, but it still has a certain sense of organization and charm to the chaos. Watchtowers are posted around and across the city, burning at night with fires. Bridges and boardwalks have been built to cross chasms and level out the steep slope of the land. Some of the buildings have been carved directly into the mountainside.

History

Founded early in the first age of the Skydwellers, the city of Mendoza quickly became prominent and prosperous. Similar to the dragon tribes outside the borders of the kingdoms, the city was composed entirely of humans, something that many of the other Skydwellers frowned upon. However, their easy access to metal and stone made them a highly influential trading metropolis. One day, merchants arrived to the city to find it abandoned - not a soul in sight. The once-great city is now spoken of in whispers, referred to as the Dead City or the City of Haunts.

Architecture

A building in the city of Mendoza is almost surely made of stone. Either carved into the mountain itself or made of the rock hewn from it, the buildings were always stone, though the stone varied in color, pattern, and smoothness. Roofs were always slanted and checked almost weekly for cracks or leaks, as the people were very vulnerable to the weather. Often the sides of the buildings were curved slightly against the almost constant easterly wind, and every single building had some form of insulation from the cold. Foundations are also extremely important, and the residents of the city pride themselves on their sturdy buildings.

Geography

Mendoza is located on the peak of a mountain, sprawling across the slopes. Sometimes it is on flat ground, sometimes the steepest of hills, always on rock or moss or snow. The occasional flower or grass field is a rare but delightful treat, and the Mendozians plant as many trees as possible in the city to add the charm of little splashes of green. Often, even the houses of the richest people have compact gardens in their yards, nourished by the moss found in the lush caves of the mountain. It is one of the city's most valuable resources, and although it is quite expensive almost every family has bought at least a patch of it. Of course, the caves that are the city's livelihood are just as much a part of it. Mines, life-filled caverns, even dark and secret passages are all seen as an extension of Mendoza. A few of house Albarin's cloud farms that extend off the mountain are also included in the city boundaries.

Climate

Mendoza definitely has a harsh climate, and this has led to the people being tough and practical. During the winter, harsh winds blow through the city. Fall is the thunderstorm season. Although the people have, of course, adjusted to the cold temperatures, it is still important to wear warm clothing. However, spring and summer are actually quite pleasant, and no matter how harsh the weather gets, Mendozians always found a way to cope, and several of their journals profess a deep love for the weather of their home.

Natural Resources

The City of Mendoza was once known for one of the most precious and valuable resources - rock and metal. Many of the lower class worked as miners in the mountain, producing coal, gold, silver, and copper, as well as a few rare veins of gemstones. Also found in the mountain are caves with lakes and glowing crystals that support small ecosystems of fish, vines that bear fruit, mushrooms, and moss that can be used to grow crops in the hostile environment of the mountain. Herds of mountain goats and nests of birds were found in the surrounding slopes of the city.

As she sat down to study, she found herself completely immersed in the book about what she originally thought would be a boring old city - this was fascinating!
It was the story of a great and prosperous city that managed to become wealthy despite a harsh and unforgiving climate. Though the people were not without their quirks and flaws, she found the idea of a mountain city so enthralling. It would undoubtedly be in the Outer Realm if it still existed today. And it must've been so dangerous - back when creatures like the Darkhounds would live so close to the city!
And it was empty. Completely and totally abandoned. Not a trace of anyone - just empty houses, empty buildings, and empty caverns.
And no one knew why.

RUINED SETTLEMENT
Midwinter, Second Age

Founding Date

Early First Age

Alternative Name(s)

The Dead City, City of the Haunts, Mountaintown

Type

Large city

Population

50,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Mountain-Dweller

Characters in Location

• The Cartographer

Oh, mountaintown, with blissful caves
And mine shafts rich with gold
Where venture workers strong and brave
To seek the wealth untold

Oh, mountaintown with watchtowers bright
And fires that blaze forever
To chase away the shadows of night
Where guards stand - sleeping never!

Oh, mountaintown, I hear your song
Of rain, and wind, and sky
A hardy group, but a friendly throng
That dwells on mountains nigh