Castigor
Castigor is a medium sized town located within The Unresting Wilds of Ugren. Castigor is known primarily for two things; the heat, and the ever present sound of a hammer slamming on anvil. Blacksmiths from all over the world have traveled to Castigor to show off their craft and share tips with their fellow smiths. Perhaps the crowning jewel of Castigor smithery is the Forgemaster guildhall, located near the center of the town.
The Forgemasters have a reputation for being some of the best smiths in all of Valentia, and gaining entry to their ranks is not an easy task. Many aspiring smiths in Castigor work night and day to become a one of their respected members.
Being a depository for so many well crafted items, Castigor is subject to a fair amount of bandit attacks, all looking to score off the latest departing caravan. As a result, you'll find an added layer of security here, with several imperial guards stationed on departing merchant caravans to dissuade any would be bandits from looking for another score.
Demographics
Castigor has a large dwarven population, as well as a few loxodon sprinkled in for good measure. About 1000 or so of the residents are human, with the remainder being the aforementioned races. Castigor is also home to approximately one half-elf.
Government
Due to Castigor's emphasis on smithery, the local government is mainly run by The Forgemasters. They in turn provide items for the residents of Castigor to purchase (for a reduced price no less). Taxes in Castigor are minimal, with residents instead being allowed to use the many forges that line the streets to pay off their debts.
Zal The Inscrutable, the Half-Orc in charge of Castigor, is more concerned with the tidy profit he makes selling forgemaster equipment than with the overall infrastructure of the city. As a result, Castigor has a somewhat unorganized feeling to it. There are no official laws, but most residents obey the ones laid out by the Forgemasters.
Defences
Castigor has several mounted turrets on the outskirts of the city, manned by guards keeping a close eye out for any incoming desert raiders or bandits. The settlement itself has large constructed iron walls surrounding it, with a central gate allowing entrance and exit from the town.
If necessary, many of the citizens of castigor would be well armed for a fight (given that most spend their time producing weapons, armor, etc.)
Industry & Trade
Castigor's primary industry is smithery. Perhaps every other shop their is a blacksmith's shop or some variation of it. Their proximity to natural mineral deposits gives Castigor easy access to all of the building supplies they might need.
Most of the town's income comes from the trade that occurs at the Bazaar with the merchants traveling along the Red Road. Castigor is, after all, well known for the expert items forged their (perhaps only rivaled by the legendary dwarven masters of Asterok). Many caravans are loaded up with large amounts of exported swords, shields, and even the occasional magical item. All of which were hand crafted in Castigor. Any item that bears the Forgemaster symbol of approval is known to be worth considerably more in value.
Infrastructure
In Castigor, you'll find tons of blacksmith shops, anvils, blast furnaces, and refineries. There is also a large pipe network that transports in precious water from more fertile places, though consumption is always limited and controlled by Zal (who uses most of the water for himself). The roads of Castigor are extremely well made, being constructed of extremely refined stone and polished well beyond what is necessary.
Castigor also has a relatively large center for incoming caravans, as trade is one of the sustaining lifeblood of the settlement. Their location directly on The Red Road (Ugren's primary trading road) gives them quick access to all merchants headed to the capital of Ordillac.
Assets
Lots of raw minerals, smithing equipment, crafted items, and even a few crafted magic items (stored in the Forgemaster's Guildhall). In Castigor, water is considered an asset, and so most of the town's water supply is stored in a very large metal tank (which is of course, right next to Zal's mansion).
Guilds and Factions
The only Guild of note in Castigor is The Forgemaster's Guild. Their reputation is well known throughout all of Valentia, and even some parts of Ogros and Epax. With Castigor acting as their headquarters, they extend their influence and smithing techiniques across much of the continent.
The Forgemaster's Guild is the de facto group of the town, though many would consider them to be fair in their ways.
Tourism
Many come to Castigor to inspect and purchase their fine crafts. Furthermore, any that wish to become a Forgemaster must do so at their guildhall. It is not uncommon for aspiring blacksmiths to make the long treck to the guildhall. Because of this, Castigor has a few Inns to accomadate these travelers.
Architecture
Much of Castigor is constructed of metals cobbled together to make make-shift looking homes. Most residents put their time into their craft, and care little for how their dwelling or shop appears. Some of the most refined and wondrous items forged here are done so out of lean-to shacks.
The two notable exceptions to this are Zal's mansion and The Forgemaster's Guildhall. Both exist in stark opposition to the other buildings here. Zal lives in a pearly white mansion constructed like a Victorian-Era home, where as the Forgemaster's Guildhall towers over the rest of the settlement and stands as a shining beacon for all would-be smiths.
Geography
Castigor is located in the The Unresting Wilds, a hot and unforgiving desert. All water in Castigor comes through pipes and merchants, so the town itself has no natural supply.
Castigor is a very flat settlement, with almost no change in elevation throughout it.
Natural Resources
A few farm animals, and lots of metals and stone located in the nearby Panworks Mines.
Alternative Name(s)
Smithtown, The Iron Jewel
Population
4,734
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
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