Harbour City

Welcome to Harbour City

See the Harbour City Map

Introduction

Harbour City Logo

Harbour City is a large, busy, port city, surrounded by an imposing wall of stone on three sides, and open to The Saltmaw Depths to the south.

The Main Road is the principal entrance into Harbour City. Prior to entering the city, travelers on the Main Road will pass through The Last Chance Market, which sits between the Temple of Saint Ronald the Wise on the North side of the Main Road, and the Temple of the Grapes of Wrath on the South, two competing temples with very different ways of seeing the world.

The Main Gate to Harbour City is closed at night, but open during the day, and always well guarded. Travelers are welcome. The main gate is on the northwest corner of the walled city, and The Docks line its southern edge. To the east, is The Black Marsh, a troubled and inhospitable region. To the west, just beyond The Bloomfields lies The Whisper Wood.

In the southwest corner of the city is The Lesser Gate, which is mostly used by the locals to visit The Bloomfields and The Beaches nearby and the cliffs overlooking them. Between the east and west beaches is Fort Seawatch, now a museum and cultural center. A little ways off from the Lesser Gate stands what’s left of The Tower of Eldranon.

At each end of the docks are a pair of Lighthouses. Due South of the docks, lie The Three Sisters Islands. Even, further South is the region where rumors say The Leviathan of the Deep has been sighted. To the Southeast of Harbour City is a cluster of islands known as Blackbeard’s Hand.

Government

Harbour City is governed by a tripartite system comprising The Mayor of Harbour City, The Council of Nine, and The Bench.

• The Mayor, currently Lady Elanor Vane, administers the city’s day-to-day operations and executes policy decisions.
• The Council of Nine, made up of influential figures from various sectors such as trade, religion, and military, oversees the strategic governance and long-term planning of the city, influencing economic and cultural development.
• The Bench, led by the Chief Judge known as the Justiciar, maintains judicial authority, ensuring the rule of law prevails and acting as a check against potential abuses by the other governing bodies.

This system balances executive, legislative, and judicial powers, allowing Harbour City to thrive as a bustling port while navigating the complex dynamics of political intrigue and external threats.

Neighborhoods

Harbour City, with its diverse population and bustling port, features a variety of neighborhoods each with distinct characteristics that reflect the social, economic, and cultural dynamics of the city.

1. The Squalids

• Description: This is the most disreputable part of the city, notorious for its crime and poverty. It is densely packed with rundown housing, shady alleys, and a persistent sense of danger.
• Demographics: Inhabited mostly by the destitute, outcasts, and those on the fringes of society, including a significant number of criminals and those evading the law.

2. Fishmonger’s Bend

• Description: A bustling middle-class neighborhood known for its vibrant market where local fishermen sell their catch. The streets are often filled with the smell of the sea and fresh fish.
• Demographics: Largely inhabited by working-class citizens including fishermen, traders, and artisans. It’s a hardworking community with strong bonds and a robust sense of local identity.

3. Merchant’s Quarter

• Description: This middle to upper-middle-class area is where many of the city’s merchants and more successful tradespeople live. The architecture here is a mix of functional and ornate, reflecting the prosperity brought by Harbour City’s thriving trade.
• Demographics: Populated by families who have made a comfortable living through commerce. The streets are well-maintained, and public squares often feature markets and festivals.

4. Goldgull Heights

• Description: Goldgull Heights is the wealthiest district in Harbour City, marked by expansive homes and manicured lawns. It is situated in the heart of the city, close to the mayor's residence which lies in the northern most part of the Heights, near to Ironside Row. This central location insulates the residents of Goldgull Heights from the hustle and bustle of the outer city, encapsulating a bubble of luxury and exclusivity.
• Demographics: Inhabited by the city’s elite, including high-ranking officials, successful merchants, and old money families. The neighborhood boasts a serene environment, far removed from the economic grind of the docks and the industrious clamor of nearby Ironside Row.

5. The Docks

• Description: Not just a workplace but also a neighborhood in its own right, the Docks are always alive with activity. Housing here tends to be modest and geared towards those who work at or near the sea.
• Demographics: A diverse mix of sailors, dockworkers, and those involved in the shipping industry. It’s a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds, with a transient population of seafarers.

6. Oldtown

• Description: The historical heart of Harbour City, featuring ancient buildings, cobbled streets, and some of the oldest institutions of the city. It is a popular area for tourists and locals alike, steeped in history and legends.
• Demographics: A mix of middle-class residents and small business owners who cater to the tourism industry. The neighborhood has a quaint charm and is often the site of cultural events.

7. Ironside Row

• Description: Known for its smithies, workshops, and manufactories, Ironside Row is where much of the city’s heavier industry is located. The air is often filled with the sound of hammers and the glow of forges.
• Demographics: Populated by skilled craftsmen, blacksmiths, and laborers. It’s a neighborhood characterized by its industrious and gritty nature.

8. The Scholar’s Enclave

• Description: A quieter, more reserved area where the city’s academics, scribes, and mages reside. It includes libraries, universities, and several arcane institutions.
• Demographics: Mostly scholars, students, and magic users. It’s an area of intellectual pursuit and magical research, somewhat detached from the daily grind of the rest of the city.

9. The Pits

• Description: Just outside the Northeastern Sally Port is the fighting pits -- a popular attraction -- from which this neighborhood derives its name. If anywhere can be worse than the Squalids, this is it.

10. Crafters’ Cross

• Description: Located at a strategic crossroads between high society, historic districts, and industrious areas, Crafters’ Cross has become a melting pot of skilled artisans, niche merchants, and ambitious entrepreneurs.

Each neighborhood of Harbour City contributes to its rich tapestry, offering diverse environments and communities that reflect the complexity and vibrancy of urban life in a major port city. These areas provide a wealth of opportunities for adventure, intrigue, and exploration in your RPG setting.

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