Estromore

Located in the far south east of the continent, Estromore is an area of amazing trade, thanks to its advantageous position at the mouth of the Snake River. Estromore controls a huge swath of trade with the landlocked countries and territories of the continent, and it wears its wealth on its sleeve. The city itself would actually be underwater, as it sits in a natural bowl, but thanks to the assistance of Coven of the Silver Star, they were able to construct magic levies that protect the city from potential flooding. The city is well regarded for its dry-docks and shipwright as well. The region surrounding Estromore has magnificent white pines and huge white oaks, which provide all of the resources necessary to construct some of the strongest ships in the region.

Demographics

While the city is predominately human, about 40% of the population, other specific ancestries call this place home. It is very common to see Elves, Iruxi, and Kobolds. The remaining population is an even mix of peoples not native to Estromore, predominately from the landlocked countries to the Northwest.

Government

The city is currently being run by a "democratically elected" mayor and an appointed city council. The city council is divided by station, such as agriculture and trade, and they serve a life or retirement term. The mayor is elected on a 5 year term, with a two term maximum.

Defences

The city does not boast many traditional defenses such as walls, moats, ballistae, or cannons, rather it focuses on its civic and financial power to protect its citizens. The city does boast a centralized guard system, which is more that other cities can say. The city guard is capable of acting as a militia if the need arises. While the city was under the rule of the Emperor, the city was protected heavily by the Imperial Navy. Now that the city is responsible for protecting themselves, they have begun hiring privateers in order to protect them port side.

Industry & Trade

The advantageous position that Estromore boasts makes it a massive center of trade. If there is a good that is produced, it probably moves through the city. A few canals have been cut between the Lake of Tears, where the harbor is, and the Snake River, which riverboats and river barges use to move further inland. Estromore has a few industries it controls. The first is the shipwrights guild. The second is logging. The third is cotton and elves' ear. Finally, the fourth is slaves. Estromore had a long history of providing slaves to the rest of the Empire. The Confederacy of Free Cities has outlawed the slave trade, but is incapable of preventing city states within the Confederacy from using slaves.

Infrastructure

Estromore proper is almost completely paved with cobblestones. Huge magically levies keep out the Snake River to the East and the Lake of Tears to the west. Along the Lake of Tears are about a dozen and a half large dry-docks, in order to accommodate the shipping trade. The rest of the city has benefited greatly from the large amounts of trade occurring. Civil projects have created beautiful squares, scenic walkways, large parks, and a hovering trolley system.

Assets

Along the western side of the city is a massive warehouse district, to accommodate the huge amounts of trade that moves through the area. The city also possesses deep pockets. The city pays its people well, but there is an underlying vein of greed in this huge city.

Guilds and Factions

The shipwrights guild is probably one of the most powerful guilds in the city, closely followed by the City Guard. The slave runners recently took a huge hit due to the cessation of trade, but the crippled guild attempts to hold on to its power. There also exists an underground liberation force that is focusing on undermining the slave runners. The Coven of the Silver Star also holds great power in the city, due to their role in constructing the levies for the city. In fact, the Coven actually headquarters in the city, after the Empire accepted the Treaty of Waves.

History

Founded in 150 Post Starfall, Estromore sits in a previously uninhabitable bowl between a river and a lake. For the native people of this region, they wanted nothing to do with this land, but when the first settlers came, they decided that it would be perfect for a harbor town. They were mostly right, but flooding was a problem they were constantly dealing with. Eventually, the city struck a deal with the mysterious Coven of the Silver Star, who constructed magical levees to keep the river in its banks. Estromore is a trade and cultural center for this area of the continent, and has become a melting pot of cultures from around the globe.

Architecture

The city is predominately composed of tightly organized french colonial buildings which sport wonderful balconies, central corridors, and winding alleyways throughout Estromore proper. The largest buildings are built in a style reminiscent of the capitol, large front facing pillars, intricate stonework, and ornate filigree on the inside. Most people paint the exterior of their buildings with some sort of vibrant paint, most often reds, blues, and greens.

Geography

Estromore is nestled between the Lake of Tears to the west and the Snake River to the east. The Lake of Tears is a deep, brackish water lake that supports the cities growing port district. The Snake River is a large river that opens into a delta just south of the city. In fact, Estromore was purposely placed just north of the delta. The city mostly sits underneath sea level, with the deepest being about 15 feet below. The land around Estromore is remarkably flat, but boasts teaming forests, huge swamps, wide open salt water marshes, and fertile delta land.

Natural Resources

Surrounding Estromore are wide swamps, mashes and forests, but those forests are where the real resources are at. 150' white pines and massive white oaks are spread for miles north of the city. The sea south of the city is full of fish as well. The few parts of the delta that are longstanding enough to support a farm are very fertile as well.

Taverns

• The Oar
• The Hung Horse
• The General's Villa

Shops

• The Fish Market
• Midtown Market
• The Tunnel
• The Three Lillies
• Madam Bridgitte's Magical Delights

Founding Date

150 PS

Alternative Name(s)

Sunken City, City of Orchids

Type

Large city

Population

17,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Estromorians