The City-state of Wittering
The city-state of Wittering consists of the Island of Wittering and its cities and inhabitants. Most notable is the City of Wittering, the capital of the city-state, as well as one of the Refounded. The city-state is notable for the many ruins it is build upon, its large and diverse population and size, the Beacon standing outside of the harbour, and its metallurgic prowess.
Structure
The Unmasked
The Unmasked is the public lord ordained with the everyday running of the city, as well as the executive branch of the city-state's government.
The Masks
The Masks are the anonymous rulers of the citystate, and form the legislative branch of the city-state's government. A hundred Masks exist in total, with one among them elected as the Unmasked. The rank of a Mask is attached solely to the mask itself. Wearing a Mask bound to you is enough to qualify for the position, and the identity of the Masks are secrets worth a fortune. It is presumed that those smart or strong enough to obtain a Mask are fit to rule the city justly.
The Solemn Order of the Black Cloak
The Solemn Order forms the judicial branch of the government. Their black cloaks are characteristic and easy to spot, and the Blackcloaks serve as judge, jury and executioner in everyday cases on the streets. The Blackmantles form the higher courts, speaking on any appeal of the inhabitants seeing to the Witterer's Law.
Public Agenda
The city-state seeks to fulfill the needs of its population. Currently, the top priorities remain the securing of a steady source of food, as well as a halting of the withering effect the land has on living things. In recent years earthquakes too have started to occur, seemingly slowly increasing in strength.
History
The first settlers landed upon Wittering in 152, kindling the Beacon. From here on, the city has grown exponentially, spreading over the stretch of sea-bound land and soon reaching the more mountainous inland. Early attempts to settle inland were largely unsuccessful, with the exception of two mining colonies and a supply post that were largely supported by food shipped from the capital. These outposts have established the City-State as an economic power, causing further population growth. More recently, the outpost of Goldenmane has been established. It is only in the recent years that agriculture has truly taken off within the inland plains with the aid of Watchful Order, leading to the controlled settlement of inland farming villages.
Demography and Population
The City-state of Wittering is diverse due to the attracting nature of the Beacons, as well as the urban allure of the city. Almost every sentient race can be found in Wittering, and most are tolerated so long as they hold themselves to the Witterer's Law.
The City of Wittering is the most varied city known in the world, as is clearly apparent when one visits. Whereas the races are often largely mixed throughout the city as a whole, segregation is not uncommon, with most races preferring to stick to their own kind. The city boasts the largest population known in the obscured world, but it is one it can only barely sustain.
The mining cities of Goldenmane, Dun Algaz, and Firebreath are somewhat unique in their racial make-up. Dun Algaz is a rebuild Dwarven mining post, and as such has largely attracted a mostly Dwarven population. Firebreath lies far away from the other cities, and has a rather diverse population including many of the traditionally more monstrous races. This includes a large colony of Kobolds, who have taken over the local mine. Goldenmane is a recent mining outpost founded by the Goldenmane Trading Company, and is largely human in nature. These mining towns often range into the ten thousand inhabitants.
The smaller villages of Centerfield, Arcanstor, Elderby, Gloomhide, Maelloft, Galehurst, Sullenwind, Tarostop, Sisterharbor, Pinedeep, Midbar, Flatrise, Arristeel, and Earthenfirth are supervised by the Watchful Order, and are often subject to magical experiments to counteract the ongoing withering effect found on the island. The inhabitants are often diverse in nature, and mostly rooted in their agricultural nature. These villages range from several hundreds in the fringe villages to several thousand inhabitants in Gloomhide, Galehurst, Sisterharbor, and Pinedeep.
The City of Wittering is the most varied city known in the world, as is clearly apparent when one visits. Whereas the races are often largely mixed throughout the city as a whole, segregation is not uncommon, with most races preferring to stick to their own kind. The city boasts the largest population known in the obscured world, but it is one it can only barely sustain.
The mining cities of Goldenmane, Dun Algaz, and Firebreath are somewhat unique in their racial make-up. Dun Algaz is a rebuild Dwarven mining post, and as such has largely attracted a mostly Dwarven population. Firebreath lies far away from the other cities, and has a rather diverse population including many of the traditionally more monstrous races. This includes a large colony of Kobolds, who have taken over the local mine. Goldenmane is a recent mining outpost founded by the Goldenmane Trading Company, and is largely human in nature. These mining towns often range into the ten thousand inhabitants.
The smaller villages of Centerfield, Arcanstor, Elderby, Gloomhide, Maelloft, Galehurst, Sullenwind, Tarostop, Sisterharbor, Pinedeep, Midbar, Flatrise, Arristeel, and Earthenfirth are supervised by the Watchful Order, and are often subject to magical experiments to counteract the ongoing withering effect found on the island. The inhabitants are often diverse in nature, and mostly rooted in their agricultural nature. These villages range from several hundreds in the fringe villages to several thousand inhabitants in Gloomhide, Galehurst, Sisterharbor, and Pinedeep.
Territories
The city-state of Wittering consists of the island of Wittering, as well as its smaller islands insofar they are within the Mistwall. These lands have been reclaimed in 152AO, and the current-day state is largely build upon the ruins of a much older city. The island itself is still riddled with ruins, most of which are unexplored. An ongoing effort is made to extend into the inner lands, but the unforgiving nature of the island and the life-draining effect it seemingly has makes this difficult.
Military
Wittering's military largely consists of the peacekeeping forces it employs within the city-state and city. These consist of five different orders: the City Guard, the City Watch, the Order of the Griffon, the Solemn Order of the Black Cloak, and the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors.
The City Guard is solely tasked with keeping order and peace within the city of Wittering itself. They are stationed throughout the city in watchtowers and small garrisons, and are expected to keep the minor scuffles and problems under control and the streets generally safe.
The City Watch, not to be confused with the City Guard, is the main contignent of Wittering's forces, and their power extends beyond the city's borders. Well-equiped and trained, they are expected to back up the City Guard, as well as keep order and deal with the more dire problems within the whole of the city-state. The City Watch too employs a sizeable fleet capable of defending its ports in times of need, be it another nation or a more monstrous threat.
The Order of the Griffon is one of the most esteemed orders within the Wittering military, and any of the famed Griffon riders soaring over the city and city-state belong to this well-trained and excellently equipped order. Functioning as both shock troops and heavy flying cavalry, the mere presence of these soldiers is often enough to disperse would-be troublemakers.
The Solemn Order of the Black Cloak is part of the judicial system of Wittering. The so-called Blackcloaks, as apparent by their characteristic cloaks, are judge, jury, and executioner in many of the everyday cases. Called upon by the other branches, these legal scholars swiftly travel to the location of the crime to administer their judgement and punishment.
The Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors is an order aimed at both the education as well the management of anyone with a more magical inclination, be it innate or learned. The Watchful Order is a separate entity, but can be called upon in times of need to aid in the defense of the city-state. Membership is voluntary, but those unwilling to join might find themselves closely observed.
The City Guard is solely tasked with keeping order and peace within the city of Wittering itself. They are stationed throughout the city in watchtowers and small garrisons, and are expected to keep the minor scuffles and problems under control and the streets generally safe.
The City Watch, not to be confused with the City Guard, is the main contignent of Wittering's forces, and their power extends beyond the city's borders. Well-equiped and trained, they are expected to back up the City Guard, as well as keep order and deal with the more dire problems within the whole of the city-state. The City Watch too employs a sizeable fleet capable of defending its ports in times of need, be it another nation or a more monstrous threat.
The Order of the Griffon is one of the most esteemed orders within the Wittering military, and any of the famed Griffon riders soaring over the city and city-state belong to this well-trained and excellently equipped order. Functioning as both shock troops and heavy flying cavalry, the mere presence of these soldiers is often enough to disperse would-be troublemakers.
The Solemn Order of the Black Cloak is part of the judicial system of Wittering. The so-called Blackcloaks, as apparent by their characteristic cloaks, are judge, jury, and executioner in many of the everyday cases. Called upon by the other branches, these legal scholars swiftly travel to the location of the crime to administer their judgement and punishment.
The Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors is an order aimed at both the education as well the management of anyone with a more magical inclination, be it innate or learned. The Watchful Order is a separate entity, but can be called upon in times of need to aid in the defense of the city-state. Membership is voluntary, but those unwilling to join might find themselves closely observed.
Religion
The religions of Wittering are as diverse as its inhabitants. Wittering does not have a state religion, and is accepting of any religion as long as they adhere to the Witterer's Law. This has lead to a large diversity in deities, temples, and worship.
A total of 37 greater deities are recognized, which hold the largest temples commonly found within the Temple District of Wittering itself, or in smaller temples within the villages inland. It is estimated that around half the population follows one of these greater deities. The worship of several of these greater deities is banned, including that of Bhaal.
A smattering of smaller and more localized deities can be found throughout the city-state. These include more local traditions, as well as the more racially bound religions. Cults too are often categorized within these sections.
Finally, the worship of small gods is common within the city-state. These include everyday items and occurrences that are worshiped and seemingly attain true power through this worship. It is theorized that all deities originate as small gods, then grow into more and more domains and power as their worship increase.
It must be noted that in accordance with the Witterer's Law, cults and religions aimed at worship of necromancy are actively opposed.
A total of 37 greater deities are recognized, which hold the largest temples commonly found within the Temple District of Wittering itself, or in smaller temples within the villages inland. It is estimated that around half the population follows one of these greater deities. The worship of several of these greater deities is banned, including that of Bhaal.
A smattering of smaller and more localized deities can be found throughout the city-state. These include more local traditions, as well as the more racially bound religions. Cults too are often categorized within these sections.
Finally, the worship of small gods is common within the city-state. These include everyday items and occurrences that are worshiped and seemingly attain true power through this worship. It is theorized that all deities originate as small gods, then grow into more and more domains and power as their worship increase.
It must be noted that in accordance with the Witterer's Law, cults and religions aimed at worship of necromancy are actively opposed.
Foreign Relations
The city-state of Wittering is largely peaceful by nature, be it that of a sleeping bear. Due to the inability to properly grow food on a large scale, the city is dependent on trade to fill the bellies of its people. In order to do so, it has largely relied on its large sources of natural metals to trade in alliances and partnerships. This is not to say that others are not quite willing to give Wittering what it asks for with a fair price, as it is both the state with the largest population, as well as excellent metallurgy. A war-focused Wittering is not something its allies would like to see.
Agriculture & Industry
The city-state is an industrial power, mostly aimed at the retrieval and processing of natural ores found within the Whistling Spine mountain range. It's metallurgy is among the best in the world, and its ores are of high quality. This is apparent in the three mining outposts that are the source of most of the raw ore and processed bars, which are then shipped to the city by boat or cart to be processed further. The city itself also provides in other needs, ranging from bookbinding to rope-making.
Agriculture remains a point of concern. The withering effect is most apparent on flora, including any of our agricultural crops and lumber growth.
Agriculture remains a point of concern. The withering effect is most apparent on flora, including any of our agricultural crops and lumber growth.
Trade & Transport
Wittering is the largest source of metallurgic products within the known world, and uses this position to its advantage to trade for food and lumber. Agriculture within Wittering largely occurs within the smaller inland villages, and serve to feed the city and mining outposts.
Inland transport largely occurs by wagon over the established road system. Several paved roads are maintained and patrolled by the city-state and are generally safe to travel. Additionally, several paths have formed in between the established roads as shortcuts. These are generally more dangerous in nature, but might prove valuable. Travel within the wilderness is not recommended for traders due to the perilous nature of the land, as well as the many ruins hidden just beneath the surface.
Many rivers cross the leeway side of the Whistling Spine, and form important routes. Barges transport large amounts of ore to the City itself, where it is further processed or shipped by more seaworthy vessels docked at the capital's docks.
Inland transport largely occurs by wagon over the established road system. Several paved roads are maintained and patrolled by the city-state and are generally safe to travel. Additionally, several paths have formed in between the established roads as shortcuts. These are generally more dangerous in nature, but might prove valuable. Travel within the wilderness is not recommended for traders due to the perilous nature of the land, as well as the many ruins hidden just beneath the surface.
Many rivers cross the leeway side of the Whistling Spine, and form important routes. Barges transport large amounts of ore to the City itself, where it is further processed or shipped by more seaworthy vessels docked at the capital's docks.
Education
The common population is largely uneducated outside of their trade and basic schooling provided by the many temples. The Font of Knowledge however has largely boosted the literacy among the common population, offering free education to those who seek. As a result, the literacy rate lies around an estimated forty percent among the lower classes. The many guilds too form a source of education for many wishing to learn a trade.
A high disparity still exists when compared to the higher classes, however, as several instances and schools request large amounts of funds to become a student. The entrance fees requested by the different libraries too serve as a barrier for the lower classes to further educate themselves.
A high disparity still exists when compared to the higher classes, however, as several instances and schools request large amounts of funds to become a student. The entrance fees requested by the different libraries too serve as a barrier for the lower classes to further educate themselves.
Infrastructure
The city-state maintains a small road network between the different villages and mining outposts outside of the capital itself. Within the capital, the city-state in combination with the relevant guilds maintain the streets, lighting, and other public services.
Water is abundant from the Clearflow River running through the city, as well as wells spread throughout the city. Part of the Undercity has been utilized into a functioning sewer system.
Watchtowers are maintained by the occupying force, and are generally in good condition and well-stocked. Each district often has one or more watchtowers to serve as basis of operation for the posted City Guard. Several garrisons exist throughout the city as a basis for the City Watch. Additionally, smaller garrisons exist within Firebreath, Dun Algaz, and Goldenmane, as well as Sisterharbor and Galehurst.
Water is abundant from the Clearflow River running through the city, as well as wells spread throughout the city. Part of the Undercity has been utilized into a functioning sewer system.
Watchtowers are maintained by the occupying force, and are generally in good condition and well-stocked. Each district often has one or more watchtowers to serve as basis of operation for the posted City Guard. Several garrisons exist throughout the city as a basis for the City Watch. Additionally, smaller garrisons exist within Firebreath, Dun Algaz, and Goldenmane, as well as Sisterharbor and Galehurst.
Ut ædificem in antiquis ossa.
Maps
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Wittering Player Map
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Hillclimb District
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The Island of Wittering
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The Boroughs of Wittering
Founding Date
152
Type
Geopolitical, City-state
Capital
Demonym
Witterers
Government System
Kratocracy
Power Structure
Autonomous area
Economic System
Market economy
Currency
Platinum Ancients (PP), Golden Elders (GP), Electrum Dragons (EP), Silver Drakes (SP), Copper Wyrmlings (CP).
Major Exports
Ore, be it raw or processed, from the major export of Wittering.
Major Imports
Food and lumber form the major imports on Wittering.
Legislative Body
The Hundred Masks devise the laws that govern the city-state of Wittering.
Judicial Body
The Black Court handles the rule of law and its interpretation.
Subsidiary Organizations
Controlled Territories
- Alleymaze
- Booktown
- City of the Dead
- Clearflow Banks
- Clearwater Palace
- Clearwater Way
- Devil's Nook
- Dockside Market
- Dunehome
- Farmer's Folly
- Field of Triumph
- First Landing
- Forest's Bend
- Guildheart
- Hightide District
- Hillclimb
- Hillclimb District
- Knife-Ear Summit
- Little Xi'en
- Mug'Gurub
- Narrowfields
- Noble's Court
- Oldfield
- Oldtown District
- Reekwater
- Reekwater Docks
- River's Low
- Sebek's Bluff
- Sinkshore
- Slumtown
- Smalltown
- Springflood
- Temple District
- The City of Wittering
- The Dragonmark
- The Elder Witter
- The Island of Wittering
- The Kettlewhistle
- The Kolatt Tower
- The Melting Pot
- The Muckfishery
- The Nests
- The Stone
- The Theatery
- The Wall's Shade Market
- The Warrens
- The Witterkeep
- Tortelia
- Trollskull Alley
- Wallgrowth
- Wallshade District
- Wharfway
- Witterbay
Neighboring Nations
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