Ardenholt
At the heart of The Kingdom of Arden lies Ardenholt, the Capitol City. Found at the meeting point of the Heroes River and Icepine River, the city is home to around 31,000 people, and is the seat of the Royal Family that rules over Arden.
The population of Ardenholt has continued to grow for many years, becoming the largest city in the kingdom. The location and trade routes along both the rivers and its central location has meant that Ardenholt has everything it needs to grow and provide for its citizens. The King's Wood to the south-east provides plenty of resources, as well as several mines found to the north-east. The River itself flows down to the large port-town of Amal Veor, providing an easy means for goods to travel from the coast and further afield.
Found within its walls is The Ivory Palace, a vast castle and home of the King. It is here that all of Arden is governed by the current ruler and the advisors of The Royal Court.
The population of Ardenholt has continued to grow for many years, becoming the largest city in the kingdom. The location and trade routes along both the rivers and its central location has meant that Ardenholt has everything it needs to grow and provide for its citizens. The King's Wood to the south-east provides plenty of resources, as well as several mines found to the north-east. The River itself flows down to the large port-town of Amal Veor, providing an easy means for goods to travel from the coast and further afield.
Found within its walls is The Ivory Palace, a vast castle and home of the King. It is here that all of Arden is governed by the current ruler and the advisors of The Royal Court.
Demographics
Human ~40%
Halfling ~20%
Dwarf ~20%
Elf ~10%
Goblin ~8%
Other ~2%
Halfling ~20%
Dwarf ~20%
Elf ~10%
Goblin ~8%
Other ~2%
Government
Being the permanent residence of the King of Arden, Ardenholt itself is the political centre for the kingdom. Ruling from The Ivory Palace, laws, taxes and verdicts are all raised and implimented across the Provinces. However, the King cannot both rule a country and a city at the same time.
For this reason, several Noble Houses are found within Ardenholt itself, each with their own lands in and around the city. Power struggles and deals are often found between these famillies, although a degree of respect is always present. Aside from their duties in ensuring the city and its citizens are kept in line and provided for, each Noble House will have a presence in The Royal Court, acting as diplomats and advisors.
Amongst the Nobles of Ardenholt, there are a select few famillies that stand above the rest. These Nobles are part of a secretive organisation known as The Iron Ring. Acting as the King's personal advisors, the Iron Ring holds a great amount of power both in the city and across the kingdom, with political intrigue and secrets being their greatest weapon.
For this reason, several Noble Houses are found within Ardenholt itself, each with their own lands in and around the city. Power struggles and deals are often found between these famillies, although a degree of respect is always present. Aside from their duties in ensuring the city and its citizens are kept in line and provided for, each Noble House will have a presence in The Royal Court, acting as diplomats and advisors.
Amongst the Nobles of Ardenholt, there are a select few famillies that stand above the rest. These Nobles are part of a secretive organisation known as The Iron Ring. Acting as the King's personal advisors, the Iron Ring holds a great amount of power both in the city and across the kingdom, with political intrigue and secrets being their greatest weapon.
Defences
Being at the centre of the The Kingdom of Arden, Ardenholt has seldom seen any threat from exterior threats to the country. However, this does not mean it has never had need for defences. Reellions within the Kingdom have sprouted over the course of the near thousand-year existance of the country, and the throne is always something that needs a solid defence.
The clearest of these is the city walls, which nowadays surrounds most of the city. With the best architects and stonemasons of the land to work on them, they are an intimdating sight for all that behold them. The walls have not always stood where they do today. As the city has grown, old walls have been torn down and new ones erected, all with the mind of keeping the citizens inside safe.
Within the walls, between 200 and 300 City Guard can be found patrolling the streets and keeping the laws upheld. These also double-down as defence of the city, when required, and access to decent armour and weapons is always provided. Alongside this, a volunteer force of militia is made up of everyday citizens, who can provide further defence if and when needed.
Aside from the City Guard and the commoners to defend Ardenholt, and standing above both, are the The Knights of Arden. Found across the realm, it is Ardenholt where the Knightly Orders swaer fealty to the throne. There is often several of the Orders present within the City at once, and always, the personal Knight's of the King are present to protect their ward.
The last and probalby least obvious amongst the defences of Ardenholt hails from the district known as Magister's Row. Here, Wizards and Mages practice their arts and provide assistance to the The Royal Court. In times that magical defence is needed, they can also be called upon to unleash their magical arts upon any enemies of the Kingdom.
Industry & Trade
The true centre of trade and industry for Arden is often found in coastal towns such as Amal Veor and Lighthaven, or the wealthy mines found throughout the Valgard Highlands. However, Ardenholt, being the largest city within Arden, has a vast and sprawling network of trade routes, markets and shops.
With its location near the centre of Arden, roads stretch to each of the Provinces. Alongside this, both the Heroes River and Icepine River provide easy routes both to the coaast and the town of Amal Veor, as well as north in to the Valgard Highlands and Nelheim, and to the east in Eastfold. With these routes being exstensively used, Ardenholt sees trade from all over the Kingdom, as well as across seas.
Several noticable businesses have their routes in Ardenholt, including:
With its location near the centre of Arden, roads stretch to each of the Provinces. Alongside this, both the Heroes River and Icepine River provide easy routes both to the coaast and the town of Amal Veor, as well as north in to the Valgard Highlands and Nelheim, and to the east in Eastfold. With these routes being exstensively used, Ardenholt sees trade from all over the Kingdom, as well as across seas.
Several noticable businesses have their routes in Ardenholt, including:
- Swaggin's Chocolate Company
- The Merchants Consortium
- Woodfords Brewery
- <More to be added later>
Districts
Being the vast city Ardenholt is, the city is split in to several "Districts". Many of these do not have clearly defined borders, and the names are simply what the locals have referred to that part of the city for years. These can be split up to the Interior City and the Outer City, both defined by if they fall inside or outside of the city walls.
Northgate
Based in the northern part of the inner city, Northgate surrounds the area of the two gates that lead to the northern Provinces. The area contains The Merchants Consortium building, and has a generous market with a few shops, all bringing in wealth to the area. The residents are generally of the lower to middle class, and the buildings are well maintained.
Old Town
Being part of the oldest region within the city, Old Town is unfortunately left negelcted. Often seen as the poor district, building here are of a lower quality compared to the rest of the inner city. With little regard to updating the old architecture, it has become a haven for all sorts of criminal activites.
Twin Bridges
A small area that is based just north of the first two bridges built for the city, Twin Bridges is often regarded as the military centre of the Capitol. Alongside containing the Town Guard Barracks, a vast amount of the buildings here are given over to Knights and Officers of Arden's military, including those of the Navy working under the Highwater Shipping Company.
Riverside
A more pleasent area of the city, Riverside enjoys the river-front property and is home to many traders and fishermen. The River Docks are found here, which is used for the transportation of goods up and down the rivers that pass through the City.
Nobles Way
Within sight of The Ivory Palace are prestigious looking buildings that are homes and residence to the Noble Houses of Ardenholt. The building here are onrate and large, each with unique architecture and embellishments. About half of the properties belong to Noble Houses from outside Ardenholt, found throughout the Kingdom, who often have business within the Capitol, and thus need their own place of residence.
Magisters Row
A strange and unique-looking district, Magisters Row is avoided by most citizens of the city. Home to all manor of magic-users, wizards and sorcerers, the buildings within this part of the city are eccentric and sometimes puzzling, seemingly made by arcane-means rather than traditional brick and mortar. Where magic-users are seen as untrustworthy and dangerous by many of the peoples of Arden, Magisters Row is kept as a necessity, providing both wisdom and protection from the arcane forces of the world.
Cathedral District
With Ardenholt Cathedral being second only to the Ivory Palace in stature, a large district to the south-east of the inner city is given over to The Church of the Holy Light. The monastery known as the Exalted Sanctuary is also found here, which is home to the Archbishop himself, along with the Cardinals. With the Holy Light being the prime religion of Arden, many followers see Ardenholt and this area as the centre of the religion, and will come from all over the Kingdom on pilgrimages to visit the sacred place.
Merchants Quarter
Stretched across the southern side of the Inner City is the Merchants Quarter. Containing a large market and a vast majority of businesses and shops, a great amount of wealth is exchanged here. Highwater Shipping Company have their own warehouses and offices held in this part of the city. With trade and gold crowns being exchanged constantly, this district serves as the financial powerhouse for both Ardenholt city itself, and the rest of the Kingdom.
Nel's Road
The major northern road leading up in to Nelheim is often referred to as "Nel's Road". Where the name comes from has been lost to time, but many believe it is named after a long-forgotten Princess of the Old Kingdom. Being poorer than the interior city, many miners and stonemasons are found living here, close to the hills to the north-east.
Old Nakaia
The city that existed here before Ardenholt is siad to have been named "Nakaia", and it is this legend that gives its name to this part of the city. Being outside the walls, many here are from poorer backgrounds, and work the fields that surround Ardenholt. Many of the buildings have been built around parts of the old ruined city, the ancient marble and limestone used as foundations for the more modern thatch, flint and timber.
Westford Crossing
As the city of Ardenholt grew, it came to slowly consume the smaller villages around it. One of these was Westford Crossing, a village based around a bridge. With its picteresque cottages and simpler way of life, it enjoys a relative peace slightly away from the city centre. It is thought for this reason that the position of The Ivory Palace was chosen, so that any windows overlooking the quaint district would have a pleasent view of the citizens and their "pleasent" lives.
Sevenfields
Ardenholt is surrounded by miles and miles of farmland, and the small patch that is directly west and south-west of the city is known as "Sevenfields". Being farmland and farmers, people that live here enjoy a simple life, with their crops and harvests being a vital supply to the city. Despite the food being grown on its doorstep, Ardenholt requires much more than it can produce, and food is constantly imported from elsewhere as well.
South Town
South Town is the latest small development to the city of Ardenholt. With a need for manual labour both within the inner city and the fields, many have migrated to Ardenholt and set up more houses in the south of the outer city. With the continued growth, it was not long until this new area was being referred to as "South Town", and a new district was born.
Woodford
Another of the small villages that once surrounded the Capitol, Woodford is the closest to The King's Wood, and a lot of trade and labour for resources found within the vast forest stems from this area of the city. Woodford is also known for a brewery just outside the city wall, and many of the taverns, pubs and inns are supplied directly by Woodford Brewery.
Interior City
Northgate
Based in the northern part of the inner city, Northgate surrounds the area of the two gates that lead to the northern Provinces. The area contains The Merchants Consortium building, and has a generous market with a few shops, all bringing in wealth to the area. The residents are generally of the lower to middle class, and the buildings are well maintained.
Old Town
Being part of the oldest region within the city, Old Town is unfortunately left negelcted. Often seen as the poor district, building here are of a lower quality compared to the rest of the inner city. With little regard to updating the old architecture, it has become a haven for all sorts of criminal activites.
Twin Bridges
A small area that is based just north of the first two bridges built for the city, Twin Bridges is often regarded as the military centre of the Capitol. Alongside containing the Town Guard Barracks, a vast amount of the buildings here are given over to Knights and Officers of Arden's military, including those of the Navy working under the Highwater Shipping Company.
Riverside
A more pleasent area of the city, Riverside enjoys the river-front property and is home to many traders and fishermen. The River Docks are found here, which is used for the transportation of goods up and down the rivers that pass through the City.
Nobles Way
Within sight of The Ivory Palace are prestigious looking buildings that are homes and residence to the Noble Houses of Ardenholt. The building here are onrate and large, each with unique architecture and embellishments. About half of the properties belong to Noble Houses from outside Ardenholt, found throughout the Kingdom, who often have business within the Capitol, and thus need their own place of residence.
Magisters Row
A strange and unique-looking district, Magisters Row is avoided by most citizens of the city. Home to all manor of magic-users, wizards and sorcerers, the buildings within this part of the city are eccentric and sometimes puzzling, seemingly made by arcane-means rather than traditional brick and mortar. Where magic-users are seen as untrustworthy and dangerous by many of the peoples of Arden, Magisters Row is kept as a necessity, providing both wisdom and protection from the arcane forces of the world.
Cathedral District
With Ardenholt Cathedral being second only to the Ivory Palace in stature, a large district to the south-east of the inner city is given over to The Church of the Holy Light. The monastery known as the Exalted Sanctuary is also found here, which is home to the Archbishop himself, along with the Cardinals. With the Holy Light being the prime religion of Arden, many followers see Ardenholt and this area as the centre of the religion, and will come from all over the Kingdom on pilgrimages to visit the sacred place.
Merchants Quarter
Stretched across the southern side of the Inner City is the Merchants Quarter. Containing a large market and a vast majority of businesses and shops, a great amount of wealth is exchanged here. Highwater Shipping Company have their own warehouses and offices held in this part of the city. With trade and gold crowns being exchanged constantly, this district serves as the financial powerhouse for both Ardenholt city itself, and the rest of the Kingdom.
Outer City
Nel's Road
The major northern road leading up in to Nelheim is often referred to as "Nel's Road". Where the name comes from has been lost to time, but many believe it is named after a long-forgotten Princess of the Old Kingdom. Being poorer than the interior city, many miners and stonemasons are found living here, close to the hills to the north-east.
Old Nakaia
The city that existed here before Ardenholt is siad to have been named "Nakaia", and it is this legend that gives its name to this part of the city. Being outside the walls, many here are from poorer backgrounds, and work the fields that surround Ardenholt. Many of the buildings have been built around parts of the old ruined city, the ancient marble and limestone used as foundations for the more modern thatch, flint and timber.
Westford Crossing
As the city of Ardenholt grew, it came to slowly consume the smaller villages around it. One of these was Westford Crossing, a village based around a bridge. With its picteresque cottages and simpler way of life, it enjoys a relative peace slightly away from the city centre. It is thought for this reason that the position of The Ivory Palace was chosen, so that any windows overlooking the quaint district would have a pleasent view of the citizens and their "pleasent" lives.
Sevenfields
Ardenholt is surrounded by miles and miles of farmland, and the small patch that is directly west and south-west of the city is known as "Sevenfields". Being farmland and farmers, people that live here enjoy a simple life, with their crops and harvests being a vital supply to the city. Despite the food being grown on its doorstep, Ardenholt requires much more than it can produce, and food is constantly imported from elsewhere as well.
South Town
South Town is the latest small development to the city of Ardenholt. With a need for manual labour both within the inner city and the fields, many have migrated to Ardenholt and set up more houses in the south of the outer city. With the continued growth, it was not long until this new area was being referred to as "South Town", and a new district was born.
Woodford
Another of the small villages that once surrounded the Capitol, Woodford is the closest to The King's Wood, and a lot of trade and labour for resources found within the vast forest stems from this area of the city. Woodford is also known for a brewery just outside the city wall, and many of the taverns, pubs and inns are supplied directly by Woodford Brewery.
Guilds and Factions
The Royal Court
The Iron Ring
Highwater Shipping Company
The Merchants Consortium
Swaggin's Chocolate Company
The Knights of Arden
The Church of the Holy Light
The Onyx Hand
The Council of the Seven
The Iron Ring
Highwater Shipping Company
The Merchants Consortium
Swaggin's Chocolate Company
The Knights of Arden
The Church of the Holy Light
The Onyx Hand
The Council of the Seven
History
The history of Ardenholt is almost as old as the Kingdom itself. Being founded in the year 47 AF by The Great Hero Arden himself. With the locationneing where the Icepine River and the Heroes River met, it was deemed a perfect location to govern the newly-united Provinces.
The site itself was home to ancient ruins, that are all but gone from the City in modern times. It is said that a city from The Old Kingdom was once found on this site. Several small hamlets and villages had been estblished around the ruins already, and were soon absorbed by the growing town. The name given was Ardenholt, named after the Great Hero himself.
Over the centuries, more and more people came to Ardenholt and the city grew. Trade with the Provinces and the abundance of natural resources in the area led to a stable way of living for the cities residents. However, it was not without hardships.
Conflicts came and went and effected Ardenholt, be it political differences or open rebellion. The Provincial Rebellions, The Conflict of the North and The Dalarn Rebellion all led to sieges and battles near to Ardenholt. Fires have been a bane to the city on several ocassions, especially during its early years, and plagues that have swept the Kingdom always take route in the city.
However, it is the historical event known as The Domain of the Mad Mage that had the greatest effect. As the Mad Mage Aratiz siezed control, sections of the city were set ablaze and ruined by his magics. For the next 10 years, Ardenholt fell in to disrepair. Only with the end of the dark era and the return of its people was it eventually bought back to its former glory, but this would take many years.
Nowadays, there is very little that can threaten Ardenholt, as a period of stability and peace has endured since the The Orcish War.
The site itself was home to ancient ruins, that are all but gone from the City in modern times. It is said that a city from The Old Kingdom was once found on this site. Several small hamlets and villages had been estblished around the ruins already, and were soon absorbed by the growing town. The name given was Ardenholt, named after the Great Hero himself.
Over the centuries, more and more people came to Ardenholt and the city grew. Trade with the Provinces and the abundance of natural resources in the area led to a stable way of living for the cities residents. However, it was not without hardships.
Conflicts came and went and effected Ardenholt, be it political differences or open rebellion. The Provincial Rebellions, The Conflict of the North and The Dalarn Rebellion all led to sieges and battles near to Ardenholt. Fires have been a bane to the city on several ocassions, especially during its early years, and plagues that have swept the Kingdom always take route in the city.
However, it is the historical event known as The Domain of the Mad Mage that had the greatest effect. As the Mad Mage Aratiz siezed control, sections of the city were set ablaze and ruined by his magics. For the next 10 years, Ardenholt fell in to disrepair. Only with the end of the dark era and the return of its people was it eventually bought back to its former glory, but this would take many years.
Nowadays, there is very little that can threaten Ardenholt, as a period of stability and peace has endured since the The Orcish War.
Maps
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Ardenholt - The Capitol
Founding Date
47 AF
Founders
Type
Large city
Population
~31000
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
Comments