Bladehaven

Bladehaven is a city perched on and within the Swordfall Rift. Nestled amidst the perilous cliffs of the Swordfall Rift, it teeters on the brink of disaster and survival, embodying a blend of architectural ingenuity and the relentless spirit of its inhabitants. It draws the supplies needed for life itself from down in the depths, dredging it up to provide food, light, shelter, and more. Each day is a dance of supply and demand, with brave adventurers venturing into the depths to gather these vital resources. Buildings in Bladehaven are a testament to human adaptability. Many are built directly into the sheer cliffs, anchored securely to the stone, though never more than 50 feet down. A vast network of hanging bridges, pulleys, lifts, and gondolas span the city, allowing travel in all three dimensions. Buildings and their bridges loom out of the shifting mists of the forest, cloaking Bladehaven in mystery and damp humidity most days of the year. Citizens traverse the city's multi-layered landscape with a comfort that belies the danger below.
Life in Bladehaven is challenging but communal. The city's residents rely on each other for support and protection. They celebrate their unique way of life with festivals dedicated to craftsmanship, resourcefulness, and the valor of their patron deities, Astrid and Mithralus.
Bladehaven attracts adventurers, scholars, and explorers from far and wide who seek to delve deeper into the Swordfall Rift. Many come to the city to prepare for their perilous journeys into the abyss, forging alliances with the city's skilled craftspeople of Mithralus and learning the art of defense under the guidance of Astrid's faithful.
As guardians of the Rift, Bladehaven's residents are always vigilant. They maintain a watchful eye on the Rift's depths, ready to respond to any sudden shifts, disturbances, or threats that may emerge from within the abyss. Creatures from below sometimes make their way up past the edges of the first level, into Bladehaven itself, where they must be returned to the Rift or dealt with. Bladehaven's guardforce, the Riftwardens, are well trained in this regard.
Bladehaven is a city of contradictions, hanging precariously between danger and opportunity, mystery and discovery. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who call it home, and a symbol of the enduring connection between the mortal realm and the abyssal depths.

Government

The Blade Council is a governing body composed of representatives elected by the citizens of Bladehaven. Each district within the city elects its own representative to ensure local concerns are addressed. These representatives serve as the voice of their districts in the council.  Bladesfolk participate in regular elections to choose their representatives. These elections are open to all residents, and candidates often campaign on platforms related to resource management, security, and the city's prosperity.
In addition to elected representatives, the Blade Council includes advisors who are appointed based on their expertise and merit. These advisors may come from various fields such as craftsmanship, exploration, or military leadership. They provide valuable insights and recommendations to the council.
The Blade Council is responsible for making decisions related to resource allocation, security measures, infrastructure development, and the overall well-being of the city. They work closely with the Riftwardens to ensure the safety of Bladehaven's citizens.

Districts

Abyssal Harvest: This district is primarily responsible for resource extraction from the Swordfall Rift. Miners, gatherers, and adventurers call this district home. It's where raw materials like minerals, rare flora, and exotic creatures are brought to the surface.
Mistweave Quarters: Named after the ever-present mists surrounding Bladehaven, this district is known for its skilled artisans who specialize in crafting clothing, tapestries, and items made from the unique fabrics and materials found in the rift's depths.
Luminar Heights: This district focuses on the cultivation and harnessing of bioluminescent flora and fauna from the rift. They provide Bladehaven with its primary source of light and energy, making it a well-lit and vibrant district even in the darkest of nights.
Gondola Glades: Located near the city's primary transportation hubs, this district specializes in the construction and maintenance of the intricate network of hanging bridges, pulleys, and gondolas that connect Bladehaven's different levels and areas.
Steelheart Bastion: Home to the city's elite guard force, the Riftwardens, this district serves as the primary training and barracks area for the city's protectors. It's known for its discipline and readiness to respond to threats from the Rift.
Quicksilver Quarters: This district houses the city's alchemists and potion-makers, who work with the unique and sometimes volatile substances extracted from the Swordfall Rift. They produce healing elixirs, potions of strength, and other alchemical wonders.
Celestial Foundry: Named after the celestial motifs often associated with Astrid, this district is home to the city's master blacksmiths and weapon-crafters. They use the divine metal harvested from the rift to create legendary weapons and armor.
Riftward Retreat: A residential district for those who have retired from active exploration but still contribute to the city in various capacities, such as mentors, teachers, or advisors.
Sable Bazaar: This bustling marketplace is where Bladesfolk come to trade and barter for goods brought up from the rift's depths. It's known for its vibrant and diverse offerings, from exotic foods to rare artifacts.
Tranquil District: A primarily residential district for the normal Bladesfolk of Bladehaven. The district is family-oriented, with parks and playgrounds for children to enjoy. It's a place where generations live side by side, with grandparents passing down stories of the city's history to their grandchildren.

Points of interest

Biolumen Arcanum: A mysterious shop where the proprietor sells enchanted lanterns fueled by bioluminescent creatures from the rift. These lanterns provide both light and protection and are highly sought after by adventurers preparing for their journeys into the abyss.
The Mistwood Observatory: An observatory perched high in the cliffs, offering unobstructed views of the Swordfall Rift. Astronomers and stargazers gather here to observe celestial phenomena, as well as to study the rift's enigmatic fluctuations and patterns.
The Riftspire Library: A grand library containing an extensive collection of books, scrolls, and lore related to the Swordfall Rift. Scholars and adventurers alike come here to research the rift's history, flora, fauna, and mysteries.
The Forgebound Collegium: A school dedicated to training the next generation of craftsmen and craftswomen. Here, students learn the art of working with divine metals from the rift, constructing steam-powered devices, and mastering the intricacies of the forge.

Alternative Name(s)

Haven, Homebase

Type

City

Population

35,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Bladesfolk