City of Len Doa
Len Doa is the largest city in the High Kingdom of Imesse, and the seat of the Duchy of Len Doa. It is an ancient city, dating back more than 800 years. It has a population of more than 29,000 people and is one of the busiest port cities in the known world. Over the last decade, the Duke has committed much gold and effort to make significant improvements to the city's infrastructure.
The city is divided by rings of walls that date back centuries, each ring older than the last as one approaches the city's center. There are numerous markets located throughout the city, each operating under a local charter issued by the Duke. Thus there is an active market operating somewhere in the city nearly every day of the week.
The population is very diverse. Humans, Halflings, Dwarves, Gnomes and Elves all have a measurable presence in the city, and all add to the flavor and dynamic of a busy, prosperous and wealthy community. Len Doa has the largest population of Halflings in the entire northern Kingdom of Imesse, and many of these Halflings live in a neighborhood known as the Shirefield, located just on the outside of the city's eastern-most walls. The Shirefield District is administered for the Lord Mayor by the Lord Sheriff, Cotman Potter, who was nominated for the office by the residents of the neighborhood. There is a significant population of Gnomes living just inside the Newgate on the city's northeast quarter. Within this neighborhood are some of the finest jewelers and gemsmiths in the Kingdoms and more than a dozen fine gold and silver smiths, as well. The Newgate population is administered for the Lord Mayor by the Alderman, Regis Gabrix.
Government
Duke Landan am Ahmi is the highest authority, but he has the help and assistance of many appointed administrators. Chief among these are the Lord Mayor, the Lord Sheriff, the Briar of Len Doa and the Lord Commander of the City Guard. There is a council of the city's richest and most influential merchants that advises the Lord Mayor and the Duke in matters of administration and taxes that meets several times a year, as well.
Defences
Strong, newly completed outer walls and gates provide an excellent defense for the city, as do the walls encompassed by the newest circuit. Much of the inner most wall and its gates are demolished, however, having been used as a convenient quarry for nearly 400 years. The City Guard is a standing force of six full companies (more than 600 men) led by the Lord Commander of Guards and a cadre of well trained officers and sergeants. The Guard mans walls, gatehouses and patrols the streets.
Industry & Trade
Len Doa's primary industry is maritime shipping. It is one of the busiest ports in the world, and the busiest port in all of Imesse. Tens of thousands of tons of cargo move through the port every year, via sea-going and river-going vessels. There are legations and embassies from every country on the map within the city, as well as merchants, freighters, shippers, artisans and brokers from nearly every city on the map.
Infrastructure
Len Doa is a thriving city, and has had much improvements done to its infrastructure over the last decade. Most major roads are well-paved with dressed pavers or large cobbles, all outer walls and gates are fully functional and fully manned, and the port facilities are some of the best in the world.
Districts
Castle District, Bell Gate District, Low Town District, Seaside District, Hillside District, Newgate District, Fairfield, Shirefield District.
History
Len Doa is an ancient city. First laid out hundreds of years before the founding of the kingdoms, it has been a seat of significant power and authority for centuries. Prior to the founding of Imesse, it was the capital of a petty kingdom named after the city. Numerous strongholds have been built on the site, destroyed and built again. The inner-most city walls are more than 300 years old, far older than the duchy.
Geography
Len Doa is built on a limestone bluff looking over the mouth of the Calas River and the great Eastern Sea.
Climate
Cold, wet winters in an ice free harbor, with hot, humid summers.
Founding Date
357 BF
Type
Large city
Population
29,000
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
