City of Thorn
The City of Thorn was originally called Saxicallis, one of the Freeholds of Dhagoland Peninsula. During the initial expansion of the Children of the Wind, refugees from the Freeholds escaped across the seas to found the Kingdom of Aloria.
Those that remained behind fought the Children bitterly. So fierce was their defense, when at last they made accommodation with the Children of the Wind, retaining limited autonomy for yearly tribute and free access by the Children, the city’s name was changed as it was forever after a Thorn in the side of those seeking to conquer.
The city is built on a large jutting rock, projecting out into the sea. The City proper is built on top of these natural fortifications which have been enhanced over the years. While the City proper has a well protected natural harbor, it is over 200 feet above the water. Tunnels have been cut thru the rock leading down to Wavetown (the lower city carved out of the rock for the docks and less well to do). The city has also carved grand terraces on the face of the rock above the waves. Filling these with rich dirt, they grow much of the food needed within the safe walls.
The City is governed by the Council of Benefactors (9 members taken from the prominent families). It is somewhat democratically elected, but the vote is limited to those with a certain level of property. The city is protected by the Stonewatch, a military brotherhood whose membership takes in just about anyone who can fight in 40 year enlistments. Land and a pension await those who complete their terms of service. The brotherhood maintain a strict discipline on each other.
Trade between Aloria, the Freeholds and the Empire is common. The Freeholds are the only points of trade between the Empire and the Children (each side expects a second war at some point).
The city is built on a large jutting rock, projecting out into the sea. The City proper is built on top of these natural fortifications which have been enhanced over the years. While the City proper has a well protected natural harbor, it is over 200 feet above the water. Tunnels have been cut thru the rock leading down to Wavetown (the lower city carved out of the rock for the docks and less well to do). The city has also carved grand terraces on the face of the rock above the waves. Filling these with rich dirt, they grow much of the food needed within the safe walls.
The City is governed by the Council of Benefactors (9 members taken from the prominent families). It is somewhat democratically elected, but the vote is limited to those with a certain level of property. The city is protected by the Stonewatch, a military brotherhood whose membership takes in just about anyone who can fight in 40 year enlistments. Land and a pension await those who complete their terms of service. The brotherhood maintain a strict discipline on each other.
Trade between Aloria, the Freeholds and the Empire is common. The Freeholds are the only points of trade between the Empire and the Children (each side expects a second war at some point).
