Alderac

Alderac, the bustling metropolis on the edge of the continent, stood as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its diverse inhabitants. Nestled strategically along the East River where it empties into the Barrowmere Sea, the city had grown from humble beginnings into a melting pot of races, cultures, and aspirations.
Over the decades, the city expanded, attracting more travelers and merchants. This turned the small village and trading post into a thriving town. Walls were erected to provide some semblance of protection, and the once-humble establishment grew into a bustling hub for commerce, diplomacy, and culture.
Alderac's geographical layout played a crucial role in its development. The town occupied a flattened hill, a canvas upon which layers of stone walls were added over the years. These walls, initially defensive structures, now served as makeshift enclosures for the herds of animals owned by local farmers. The town's prosperity echoed not only in its architectural expansion but also in the variety of races that called it home.
To the south, the Cobalt Channel marked Alderac's boundary, providing a natural harbor that became the heart of the city's trade. Elemental Extracts contributed metal goods, and halfling villages to the north supplied abundant farming goods. The convergence of various cultures within Alderac's walls turned it into a melting pot, each race contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the city.
The elves, drawn to the region's coastal marshes, claimed a southeastern patch of land for themselves. Enormous willows and mangrove trees flourished in this seemingly unprofitable area, becoming a haven for the elven community. Meanwhile, to the northwest, rocky bluffs set an imposing border that would have deterred most. However, the industrious dwarves, renowned for their subterranean expertise, burrowed into the bluffs, transforming them into habitable land.
The city's evolution was a dynamic process, with districts emerging and expanding beyond the original walls. The Entertainment District, the Bazaar District, and the Lamplighters District grew organically, each contributing to the city's character. The main thoroughfare, cutting through the Bazaar District, the Main Gates, and the Travelers District, served as a lifeline for the city, connecting it to other regions of the continent.
Estimating Alderac's population proved challenging due to its constant influx of residents and visitors. The city became a beacon for those seeking opportunities, its diverse population reaching around 250,000, give or take a few thousand. Among them, dwarves and elves found enclaves where they could maintain their cultural identity, constituting 15% each of the permanent residents.
Evil demi-human races, collectively known as the humanoids, lurked within the city's shadows, constituting another 10-15% of the population. Their numbers remained vague and mysterious, reflecting the elusive nature of these enigmatic inhabitants. The remaining residents were a tapestry of humans and various non-human races, including halflings and gnomes, forging a vibrant community.
Alderac's success lay in its ability to adapt and embrace diversity. The city thrived on the synergy of its inhabitants, each contributing to the collective identity that defined Alderac as a beacon of civilization on the edge of the continent.

Maps

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  Alderac

Size: 15.75 miles²
Population: 224,955

Households: 56,685

Farmers: 2,310
Livestock: 5,695

Fowl: 3,671

Cattle and Pigs: 1,812

Other: 212

Farmland with Crops: 24,567 acres