Ever-Stone
Government
Defences
Industry & Trade
Districts
Central Plaza: At the heart of Ever-Stone lies the central plaza, a bustling hub of activity where citizens from all walks of life come together to celebrate the city's spirit of unity and cooperation. Here, the grand council hall stands as a symbol of the city's governance. Surrounding the plaza are vibrant market stalls, where merchants from across the realm sell exotic goods and wares, their colourful displays attracting visitors from all over the eastern nations. The plaza is a venue for cultural events, celebrations, and public announcements, reflecting the city's diverse heritage.
- Diplomatic Quarte: A dedicated area within the city where embassies and diplomatic residences are located, facilitating international relations.
The grand council hall is also here, this is where the Council of Unity convenes to discuss and decide on matters affecting the city. - Hall of Records : The city's archives and records are kept in a secure location, documenting the history and achievements of Ever-Stone.
- Holly-Oak Inn, A common waypoint for passing travellers.
- Ironhide Armaments
- Guardians' Barracks
- The Scroll and Quill.
- The Draconis Emporium.
Cascade District: Named for the breathtaking rivers that cascade down from the mountainside, the Cascade District is a haven of natural beauty and tranquillity within the bustling city. Lush greenery blankets the landscape, interspersed with crystal-clear pools and winding pathways that meander through the verdant gardens. Here, citizens come to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, seeking solace and rejuvenation amidst the serene surroundings.
- Artisan Workshops: Many artisans set up their workshops here, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty to create works of art and craft.
- Rawskin Tannery.
- Healing Retreats: The district is also known for its healing retreats, where the harmonious blend of water and greenery is used for rejuvenation therapies.
- Whispering Wind Archery
Harmonia Heights: Situated on the higher slopes of the Staboribus Mountain's foothills, Harmonia Heights is a district where dwarven and elven architecture blend seamlessly together, creating a harmonious fusion of styles that reflects the unity of the city. Elaborate stone spires rise alongside graceful treehouses, their intricate carvings and delicate filigree serving as a testament to the shared craftsmanship of both races. In Harmony Heights, dwarves and elves live side by side, their homes and businesses interspersed throughout the district, fostering a sense of community and cooperation that transcends cultural differences. Here, citizens of all races come together to celebrate their shared heritage and the bonds of friendship that unite them.
- Educational Institutions: Several schools and academies are located here, offering education that combines elven and dwarven knowledge.
- Residential Harmony: The district features mixed residential areas where elves and dwarves live as neighbours, fostering a strong community bond.
- Ever-Forge Smithy
- Athenium Archive
- Arcana Obscura.
Foundry District: Nestled in the undercity lies the foundry district, the industrial heartland of Ever-Stone. Here, the clang of hammers on anvils and the roar of furnaces can be heard echoing through the streets, as skilled craftsmen and artisans ply their trades in the pursuit of excellence. The district is a hive of activity, with workshops and foundries lining the streets and towering smokestacks venting heat to the surface. Despite the noise and commotion, there is a sense of camaraderie among the workers, as they collaborate to produce the fine goods and materials.
- Cultural Integration: Despite its industrial nature, the district has cultural spaces where workers from different backgrounds share their traditions.
- Forge Plaza: Named for the legendary Emborous-Iron Forge, a site where dwarven and elven artisans work together to craft powerful magical artifacts, Forge Plaza is a vibrant district where the traditions of both races are celebrated and honoured. The plaza is a bustling centre of commerce and culture, with bustling market stalls and lively taverns lining its cobblestone streets. Dwarven smiths and elven enchanters work side by side in workshops and forges, their combined talents producing some of the finest goods and magical items in the realm.
At the heart of the plaza stands the Emborous-Iron forge itself, a magnificent structure of midnight black iron and sturdy stone, where dwarves and elves come together to practice their crafts and forge lasting bonds of friendship and camaraderie. Forge Plaza regularly hosts fairs and exhibitions showcasing the collaborative works of dwarven and elven artisans. - Innovation Hub: The district is not only about the industry; it's also a centre for technological and magical innovation, where new ideas are forged into reality.
- Dugout: A secretive brawling arena.
- The Hammer and Hearth
- The Dirty Bird
The Warrens: (Formerly deep mine)
History
Origins and Early History (Pre-4730)
Before the tumultuous years of the Shandan Vs The Empire of Olliveria War, Ever-Stone was known simply as Borous-Under, a dwarven mining outpost nestled deep within the foothills of the Staboribus Mountain. Rich veins of precious metals, gems and a mysterious mineral (later revealed to be a compound infused with tiny flecks of gold) made it a vital part of the Empire of Olliveria's economic backbone. Initially mistaken for common pyrite, this mysterious mineral eventually spurred a sudden rush of prospectors and miners. Word spread quickly, and soon Borous-Under became a beacon that lured adventurers and skilled craftsmen alike, setting the stage for an era of prosperity born of the earth. The dwarves carved intricate halls and passages, their unmatched craftsmanship turning the underground city into a marvel of stone and iron. Life here revolved around the mines, the forge, and the traditions passed down through generations.
The Shandan vs. Empire of Olliveria War (4730-4735)
The tranquility of Borous-Under was shattered when a conflict erupted between the noble elves of Shandan and the mighty Empire of Olliveria. As warfare swept across the region, many elven clans found their ancestral homelands ravaged and abandoned. Borous-Under’s strategic location and its intricate network of subterranean defenses soon turned it into a bulwark against the chaos. Amid the clash of steel and spells, the indomitable dwarves not only defended their ancient halls but also harbored the displaced, setting the stage for a future of reconciliation.
The Creation of Ever-Stone (Post-4735)
In the aftermath of the devastating conflict, the surviving dwarves extended a hand of friendship to the exiled elves. Recognizing the strength that lay in unity, they embarked on a grand endeavor: the creation of a new city that would honor both their legacies. Atop the time-worn mining complex, they began to construct a city that combined the sturdy, elegant engineering of the dwarves with the graceful, natural aesthetics of the elven people. This visionary city was named Ever-Stone—a symbol of enduring peace and the melding of two great cultures, rising resiliently from the scars of war.
The Golden Age of Unity (4735-5007)
United under the banner of cooperation, Ever-Stone entered its golden age. The city became renowned for its vibrant markets, where expertly crafted goods and exquisite artifacts were traded far and wide. A bustling district, once the heart of the mining endeavors, evolved into the famed Trade Quarter—a concentration of wealth and industry reminiscent of the many legendary boomtowns of old. Trade routes expanded, cultures intermingled, and the city’s artisans pushed the boundaries of creativity. The combined talents of elven artistry and dwarven craftsmanship elevated Ever-Stone to a status admired across the lands.
Decline of the Mines and Dwarven Departure (5007)
Over time, the once plentiful mines began to yield diminishing returns. The precious resources that had sustained generations of dwarven prosperity slowly dwindled. Faced with economic challenges, many dwarven families chose to return to the core of the Empire of Olliveria or pursue new ventures in distant lands. This migration led to a considerable cultural shift: while the dwarven influence remained etched into the city’s architecture and traditions, the elven culture grew ever more prominent. Ever-Stone began to reimagine its identity, focusing on innovation, trade, and the arts.
A Multicultural Metropolis (5007-5110)
In response to the economic transformation, Ever-Stone opened its gates wider than ever before. The city soon became a thriving multicultural metropolis, drawing humans, halflings, gnomes, tieflings, dragonborn, and many other races who sought opportunity and unity. Each community brought its own customs, languages, and skills, enriching the cultural fabric of the city. While the sunlit streets and soaring palisades of the upper city thrived, an older world lingered below—the Undercity.
Originally home to the dedicated miners and artisans of Borous-Under, the upper reaches of the Undercity remained bastions of practical industry and clandestine trade routes. But the deeper layers, abandoned with the decline of the mines, fell into neglect. Over time, these shadowed corridors became havens for those left behind—marginalized souls, cunning smugglers, and secretive guilds. This underbelly, marked by poverty and illicit dealings, stands in stark contrast to the glittering promise of Ever-Stone above, hinting at stories and struggles that remain hidden from the light of day.
Districts were reorganised to accommodate the growing populace, each developing its own unique character while contributing to the city's cohesive identity.
The Underbelly Grows (Post-5110)
By 5110, beneath the shining surface of Ever-Stone, shadows began to grow. The Undercity, once the proud domain of dwarven miners, started to change. The upper layer of the Undercity retained much of its original purpose. It housed workshops, storage facilities, and served as a nexus for subterranean trade routes. It became a melting pot for craftsmen and traders who preferred the cooler depths.
The deeper levels, however, fell into neglect. With the mines exhausted and no longer maintained, these areas became a haven for those marginalized by society—beggars, outcasts, and ne'er-do-wells. The lack of oversight turned parts of the Undercity into slums, where poverty and crime took root. Rapid population growth led to increased competition for jobs and resources. Not everyone could find prosperity in the bustling markets above. And the maze-like passages of the deeper Undercity provided the perfect cover for illicit activities—smuggling, black markets, and clandestine gatherings.
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