Blackport

Blackport ; Capital of Ashminster[T]
Nationality	Mendarian
Region	Ashminster - Stockchester

Description

The city gets its name from the smoke plumes from the factories keeping the wheeles of industry going. That is atleast what the leypeople say. An alternate and historically correct explanation lie in the occasional ashfall from the vulcanos beyond nightwards mountains. If particularly heavy these phenomenons coat the entire city in a fine layer of dark grey sooty ash, giving it a grime that never fully washes away.

It is located on and around an island in the middle of the most important river in all of Mendaris, the Stockchester river. Along the outskirts of both sides of the river there are suburban and gradually more rural populations. These large agricultural areas, as well as the many trade routes, feed the city and export the industrial products.

The catacombs and sewers

Under the island of Blackport there are expansive catacombs built during the construction of the city's sewer system, and they still serves as a way to access the system when the occasional clog needs clearing.

From time to time there are reports of sewer monsters, like large reptiles, or humanoid rats, but these are usually determined to be exaggerations or something more benign.

Roads, rivers and transport

Broad cobbled main roads, with supporting roads in more residential areas are narrower.
Newly established railroad connections for several lines connecting Hartminster and Ashminster
Three dock areas skirt the riverbanks of the Stockchester river. One along the Hartminster side, one along each side towards mainland Ashminster.
- Sunwards docks for mostly fisher boat moorings and wharfs.
- Nightwards housing much of the trade stations for export and import.

Geography

Culture

Notable figures

Points of interest

O'leary's old weaponsmith - under reporposing for Fergus MacGabhann to use as workshop and training ground for his summoner pupils
McDowell residence
Old Theater
- Had a fire
New Theater

Notes

Capital of Ashminster, important to trade, distribution, innovation and politics.

Blackport is a busteling and densely populated city, on the edge of one of the main outflows of melting ice from the Ornian inland. This positioning makes it a central port of trade between the cities and villages on the coast and those around the great lake.

Imports food and raw resources from Hartminster and other regions and nations. Exports consumer goods and refined materials. Blackport is a large trade hub and distribution center for much of Mendaris, both by sea and land.

Statistics

TN Large City^[1]
Corruption 3; Crime 2; Economy 3; Law 4; Lore 3; Society 3 ^[2]
Qualities: Subterranean, Asylum, Supportive, Strategic Location, No Questions Asked
Danger: 5

Demographics

Government: Dynasty/Mafia
Population: 50 001 - 250 000

Marketplace

Base Value 8800; Purchase Limit 50000; Spellcasting 6th
Minor Items 4d4; Medium Items 3d4; Major Items 2d4

Qualities

Subterranean

The settlement is at least partially built underground, sheltering it from enemies but also isolating it culturally.

Expansive sewer system as well as interconnected basements.

Modifier(s): Law: +1; Lore: -1; Danger: -5;

Asylum

The settlement is host to an infamous madhouse or asylum (or perhaps a prison, gaol or notorious workhouse). The presence of these dangerous, mad souls has hardened the townsfolk, making them suspicious of strangers and paranoid about the possibility of an escape or other tragedy.

Modifier(s): Lore: +1; Society: -2;

Supportive

Blackport provides aid to its poorest inhabitants. A number of programs provide food and shelter to he less fortunate. Everyone in the settlement is guaranteed at least one meals per bell and a place to sleep with a roof over their head.

Modifier(s): Society: +2;

Strategic Location

The settlement sits at an important crossroads or alongside a deepwater port, or it serves as a barrier to a pass or bridge.

Modifier(s): Economy: +1; Base value: increase by 10%;

No Questions Asked

The citizens mind their own business and respect a visitor’s privacy.

Modifier(s): Lore: -1; Society: +1;

Government

Dynasty/Mafia

Power is concentrated in the hands of a single family or a small group of closely related, inter-married families. These elites have ruled the settlement since its inception, and manipulated the power structure to ensure they remain in power.

Blackport is outwardly a city ruled by a council elected by the citizens of the city. In practice most of the candidates are vetted and approved by a perpetual apparatus of career politicians and influential business leaders. If a prospective councilor deviates too much from the agreed upon status quo, smear campaigns, discreditations, bribes, threats and murder are among the means used to get them out of the running.

Modifier(s): Corruption: +1; Law: +1; Society: -2;