Catun

The provincial capital of the Wormwood, Catun serves as an industry center for the Kingdom of Eredhen. The mines of Catun run deep and its caste system reigns supreme. In my time roaming the strange city, along its many floors and cramped corridors never was I not in awe. The entire city is a marvel to behold and shows how even nature can be conquered by a man.

- Elais Dods, Scholar & Explorer

Demographics

A primarily human settlement, Catun is home to several small Elven groups and even a clan of dwarves calls the city home. Though 80% of the cities wealth sits in the pockets of the few social elite that can afford homes with a view of the sun.

Government

Catun, though a notoriously neutral city, is still a province of the Kingdom of Eredhen and is therefore ruled over by a governor. Many of those who control sections of Catun's industry are known to hold powerful sway with the governor though. This fact has kept taxes low in the province for generations leading to cheap and readily available jobs for those seeking it.

Defences

Catun is often called the impenetrable city, the city is built within the massive crater of a dormant caldera. The only way in and out of the city are a series of gondolas that litter the space between the crater's edge and Catun itself. The city was built to withstand any assault and its stores could feed its populous for months if not years without trouble.

Industry & Trade

Catun exports massive amounts of refined metals and precious gems, being one of the primary sources for gold and gemstones in Eredhen. Its great forges and craftsmen puts Catun as the home of some of the greatest workshops in the realm.

Infrastructure

There is no doubt in my mind or any other of the importance of the Pillar of Catun. It is with no form of exaggeration the very lifeblood of Catun. Its strong, sturdy rock gives shelter and safety to the city's inhabitants. The 800 meter pillar of stone sits at the center of the dormant Catun caldera and from it all of Catun was born. It is the center of all housing, refining operations, government, and more without it there would be no Catun. It is said the masterful craftsmanship and its continued stability is thanks to the ancient Hanes family that has since time immemorial been the city's shepherds and protectors.

Assets

Outside of the south, Catun serves as a center for western trade and industrial development. Without it Erdehen would be a vastly different place today.

Guilds and Factions

Mining guilds, gangs, and the wealthy investors fight over profitable sections of the city like rabid dogs. You would do well do be careful on whose feet you trod least you poke the sleeping bear.

Architecture

Catun is like one great tower of stone and wood, and utterly spectacular to newcomers. Nothing can truly describe the shear awe and petrifying fear one gets from glancing down below a window and seeing practically endless floors beneath you filled with people and bustling with business. Many of the wooden buildings are after thoughts and additions but no only city can rival its masonry. The stone work across the city is preformed by master masons who come from great dynasties hailing from Catun.

Geography

The shear cliffs of the crater's edge leads down into inky darkness, some of the lowest floors of Catun only receive sun at midday if they are lucky. One must navigate the lifts and gondolas of Catun to maneuver their way lower and lower down the pillar of rock.