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Tripolis

 
For the past day, the mountain range marking the border between Lydren and Faloura has loomed on the horizon, growing increasingly formidable as you approach. Unlike the barren slopes of Adder Pass, here, the landscape remains verdant and lush. On a clear day, the tropical ocean beyond offers glimpses of distant Hirokita. As you draw closer, a colossal gate carved into the mountain itself comes into view. Its open doors, made of a blend of stone and metal, are edged with golden trim that catches and reflects the sunlight. Anchoring this monumental entrance is a vast fortress, standing guard at the mountain's base, serving as the threshold to the hidden marvels of Tripolis.
  Once the thriving Dwarven city of Duragon, Tripolis's roots are deeply embedded in the stone of the mountains it was carved from. Over 700 years ago, when Duragon's mines were exhausted, the city was abandoned by its original dwellers who sought riches deeper within the earth. An Aasimar family called the Dallo’s having amassed a fortune that spanned continents, sought a secure haven for their wealth. The transformation of Duragon into Tripolis. The Dallos, leveraging their trade networks and financial acumen, turned the abandoned mines and halls into a labyrinth of vaults, securing not only their wealth but that of Faloura and other nations. The reemergence of the Dwarves, who returned to find their ancient home repurposed, led to a unique partnership. In exchange for managing the city's intricate vault systems and ensuring its security, the Dwarves were granted stewardship over parts of the city. Now Tripolis is the central bank for Faloura and is so prestigious that many other nations use the city to store part of their wealth.   The city’s interior streets are lined with black marble, every building while dwarven in architectural style is lined with a golden trim and the boastful flare that is so common within Faloura. The large open streets are lined with tall street lights reflecting on the black floor. These lights are the only ones on Tel’estria powered by electricity, using power drawn from the elemental cores made in Lindum.   Central to the city's layout are the vaults, each a fortress in its own right, guarded by intricate traps, magical wards, and elite guards sworn to protect the wealth within. The grandest of these vaults is located at the city's deepest point, marked by a colossal silver door with gold trim, standing 50 feet tall. This vault guards the Dallo family's fortune and the assets of the Falouran council. Due to the size of the city managing the vaults is a mammoth task, even though Tripolis is one central bank. They have divided the vaults and banks into many different subsections which are run by smaller groups who each look over their sections of vaults and manage the customers who use these.  

People Of Tripolis

The people of Tripolis live lavish lives due to the city's immense wealth, most people who visit here do so to strike it rich and then take their money and settle elsewhere in Faloura. Due to the lack of weapons and most people being here in the pursuit of wealth, they are typically relatively friendly as connections are key. It can be said that there are hierarchies in Tripolis and people can fall into cliques. Outsiders are always of interest to the many investors inside the city as they bring new business opportunities and potential riches.  

Lay of The Land

  • The Front Gate
  • The Halls 
  • TheFinance District 
  • The Vaults 
  • The Central Vault 

The Front Gate

Situated at the foot of the imposing gate that serves as the city's entrance, a compact yet heavily fortified fortress stands vigil. This stronghold is the domain of the Black Company, the elite private army of the Dallo family, distinguishable by their black plate armor and dark grey cloaks, which boast a striking blue underlayer. The fortress itself is strategically placed against the gate and the encircling mountain, ensuring the only passage into the city is through its guarded confines. Upon approach, visitors are ushered through an archway leading into a courtyard, encapsulated by towering walls and with guards stationed above. This space, while secure, is notably marked by an array of small vaults along its periphery, designated for the storage of weapons. The rules here are clear: only members of the Black Company and a few privileged individuals are permitted to carry weapons within the city limits. All visitors are subject to a thorough inspection upon entry. In the event weapons are relinquished, a golden token is provided in exchange. Each token, embossed with the Dallo Family sigil, carries a unique number, a meticulous system designed to ensure the rightful return of possessions upon departure.  

The Halls

Beyond the fortress and through the grand gates, the expansive underground city of Tripolis unfolds. Its streets are paved with polished black marble that mirrors the ambient glow of lamps dotting the area, casting a soft light that illuminates the city's depths. Old dwarven buildings that have been refurbished, line these streets, providing residential quarters and quaint shops for the local populace. Throughout these streets there are multiple larger buildings, these structures, distinguished by their formidable vault doors, house the numerous banking institutions that form the backbone of Tripolis's economy.  

Verdant Hearth

Made of black polished stone this tavern sits on one of the quieter streets inside The Halls. Stepping into the Verdant Hearth, visitors find themselves in a spacious courtyard-style room, a stark contrast to the typical tavern. The air is fresh, filled with the scent of greenery, as plants and vines cascade from walls and hang from the ceiling, creating a canopy of verdure overhead. In the heart of this green sanctuary lies the bar, crafted from aged wood and surrounded by high stools, serving as the centerpiece of the tavern. Around the periphery, tables are nestled among the foliage. Above the main courtyard, the tavern boasts several small rooms, each offering solace and comfort far removed from the bustling city outside. These rooms feature large, plush beds and windows that overlook the indoor garden.  

The Finance District

Aesthetically the same as The Halls, this district is the richest part of the city filled with merchants and investors, many sea captains come here to finance ships for expeditions where investors will pay a percentage share of the cost for a trip and will get money back through the profits.   The district is particularly renowned for its vibrant stock market, where traders, ensconced in grand buildings and armed with the city's array of sending stones, engage in the frenetic buying and selling of stocks tied to the comings and goings of ships throughout Faloura. These traders leverage their extensive networks, communicated through the sending stones, to make split-second decisions that can amass fortunes or spell financial ruin. The district has also cultivated a lively social scene, with an array of taverns and shops catering to the diverse needs and tastes of its affluent visitors.  

Stock Market

A large building which is filled with the sound of many traders buying and selling stock goods all over, cubicles which warehouses names and locations are listed at these cubicles, you can buy goods remotely sending the gold through a slot in the back of the cubicle, once the money is sent you have to wait for the goods to come in a get ready to be sold this can take up to a day for another warehouse to buy the goods for later selling. When the goods are sold any money made is sent back to the cubicle magically with a fee taken by the warehouse on the other side at 10% of the price of the goods.
1 Total Loss plus an additional fee of 20%
2 Total Loss plus an additional fee of 10%
3 Total Loss
4 Total Loss
5 Total Loss
6 Loss of 50%
7 Loss of 40%
8 Loss of 10%
9 Break Even
10 Break Even
11 Break Even
12 Break Even
13 Profit 10%
14 Profit 15%
15 Profit 30%
16 Profit 30%
17 Profit 50%
18 Profit 100%
19 Profit 100%
20 Profit 300%
 

The Gilded Ledger

A façade of polished dark stone and golden accents, the interior has a white marble floor and the room is lit by hanging lanterns, neatly arranged mahogany tables are spread around the room. A lit fire warms the room. A large bar sits at the back of the room with giant kegs behind it which drinks are poured from. The guest rooms are lavish, carpeted floors with thick, soft rugs that mute the tavern below. The centerpiece of each room is a grand, four-poster bed, its frame carved from dark, rich wood. The beds are dressed in the finest linens, topped with plush, fur-lined duvets The rooms feature large, arched windows that offer views of the bustling Finance District, with thick curtains that block out all light. The en suite bathrooms are equally lavish, with marble flooring, gold fixtures, and a large bathtub.  

The Navigator's Nook

This specialized bookstore and map shop is a treasure trove for sea captains and explorers. It sells an assortment of nautical charts, travel journals, and guides to mythical locations. The Nook also offers a service for custom-made maps and rare book procurement, making it a vital resource for those planning their next voyage into the unknown.  

Golden Goblet Winery & Spirits

An upscale winery and spirits shop that boasts an extensive selection of fine wines, aged whiskeys, and exotic liquors from across the world. The Golden Goblet offers tastings in its elegantly appointed sampling room and has become a popular meeting spot for merchants and investors looking to unwind or conduct informal meetings.  

Glint & Gleam Jewelers

Renowned for its breathtaking selection of gemstones and jewelry, Glint & Gleam caters to a clientele that desires the highest quality craftsmanship. The shop offers custom jewelry design services, allowing customers to create one of a kind pieces. With a reputation for quality and exclusivity, Glint & Gleam is the go-to for engagement rings, celebratory gifts, and tokens of power.  

The Vaults

Scattered throughout the city are multiple vaults Managed by various sub-branches of the main Dallo Bank, these vaults are overseen by lesser Dallo family members or dwarves who have been ennobled during restoration of the city. Accessible to anyone for a modest annual fee, these vaults offer a secure haven for treasures and assets.   Behind the imposing circular doors, the transformed old mine shafts reveal corridors fortified with thick, dark iron walls. Along these corridors lie vaults of varying sizes, from compact deposit boxes suitable for small treasures to expansive multi-floor suites designed to house vast riches. Each vault is unique, tailored to the specific needs and desires of its owner. The vaults are equipped with a draconian security measure: a system designed to flood the halls with lava at the slightest hint of a breach, condemning intruders to a grim fate trapping them inside the very vault they were trying to steal from. Beyond the standard security features, patrons are granted the liberty to enhance their vaults with personalized safeguards. The wealthier clients often opt for elaborate magical traps or even enchanted guardians, turning their vaults into veritable fortresses within the fortress that is Tripolis.   The vaults sprawl for miles beneath the city. Navigation through this subterranean labyrinth is facilitated by a modified mine cart system. These carts, outfitted with plush seating, rattle along the tracks, ferrying customers to and from their designated vaults.  

The Central Vault

At the deepest reaches of the city is a vault door standing and 50ft tall towering over the other parts of the city, made of polished silver with a golden trim. This vault is the heart of Tripolis's financial strength, safeguarding not only the vast wealth of the Dallo family but also the massive gold reserves of Faloura and significant portions of the personal wealth belonging to the council members. Access is exceedingly restricted, limited solely to members of the Dallo family and the council. The interior is a labyrinth designed to get would be thieves to get lost inside. It is said that the Dallos have many different security measures in place to protect this vault, rumors even include a dragon inside the vault.   At the base of the vault door there is a small fortress just like the one outside the city gates is filled with members of The Black Company who stand guard at all times watching over this vault door. Directly above the vault door, is a massive mansion, built into the stone above the door with a large ornate marble staircase leading up to it. This is the home of the Dallo family.  

People of Interest

Mirela Thornbrook
A female half-elf with a slender build, her hair is jet black with green highlights. She is a warm woman who while living underground has a love for nature and the outside, causing her to make the verdant oasis that is her tavern The Verdant Hearth.
 
David Davis
A human male in his 50’s, dark brown hair that is heavily receding and a well made tailored suit. He smiles with perfectly white teeth and comes off as a bit of a snake, he's made and lost fortunes in the investment sector. Now Davis watches over new investors and helps around the stock exchange.
 
Thaddeus Karne
A tiefling male, deep red skin and black eyes with yellow pupils, his long silver hair flows down past his neck. Thaddeus is the owner of The Gilded ledger the most prodigious tavern in the city, Thaddesus dresses the part always seen sporting a well tailor suit they are always covered in a loud floral pattern. He is a charismatic man and a bit of a charmer.
Elena Harrow
An elderly female human, with short grey hair and a sea weathered face. Elena is an old sea captain who struck it rich after her years at sea when she started selling well made maps to sea captains and investors who were looking to prepare a voyage.
 
Lucien Vintner
A male elf, long golden hair and bright yellow eyes, Lucien wears a well made purple tunic. He is the owner of the Golden Goblet Winery & Spirits.
 
Isolde Shinebright
A female dwarf, deep bronze hair, kept short and out of the way of her work, Isolde has a short stocky frame, and is often seen wearing an apron while she crafts in the back of her shop. She is the master jeweler behind Glint & Gleam Jewelers.

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