Varisian Empire: Cities Part 3
Helmgard
The Bastion of the North
Nestled at the foot of the Sentinel Spires, Helmgard, known as The Bastion City, serves as both a military stronghold and a line of defense against the threats lurking beyond the empire's northern borders. Its formidable walls and towers, constructed from stone quarried from the mountains themselves, stand as a testament to Varisian engineering and military architecture.
Helmgard is crucial for the training and deployment of the empire's northern legions in defense against the warring tribes of the Wild North. The city houses one of the Empire’s War Colleges where innovative military tactics dlend traditional warfare with the emerging technological developments. This city not only ensures the security of the northern borders but also symbolises the might and resilience of the Varisian Empire.
Helmgard is a bustling community where soldiers, engineers, and their families coexist in a unique blend of martial and civilian life. The city's economy thrives on industries related to defense, such as blacksmithing, armory crafting, and advanced steampunk engineering, providing robust support for its military endeavors. Training grounds and testing fields surround Helmgard, constantly buzzing with the activities of new recruits and seasoned veterans perfecting their skills.
Population.
Much like Stahlgard, Helmgard’s humble population of 20,000 is made up predominantly of soldiers and their families living in the frigid north, and the smiths and artificers that support the upkeep and construction of the city and its defenses. Occasional envoys from the northern city of Grom’Karn reside in the Diplomat’s district, vying for the support of the Varisian Empire in the war for power between the tribes.
Races.
Human: 60%
Halfling: 15%
Other (Elves, dwarves, etc.): 25%
Government.
Helmgard is governed by Lord Protector General Kael Drachenhart and a council of seasoned military leaders who oversee the city's defenses and industrial output. This council ensures efficient balance between military readiness and the production of advanced weaponry. Ambitious military leaders often come to Helmgard to prove themselves, defending against northern tribes and advancing their careers within the Varisian Empire.
Key Locations.
Fort Helmgard: The main defensive structure and military garrison.
The Sentinel Mines: Extensive mining networks that delve deep into the mountains for precious ores.
Craftsmen's Quarter: The heart of the city’s artisan community, where fine goods and armaments are forged.
Northern Gaze: A series of watchtowers and outposts that offer a strategic vantage point over the surrounding territories and potential threats, located in several locations along the Sentinel Spires.
The Diplomat’s District: Large embassy’s and manor houses reserved for diplomatic parties from Grom’Karn, Fjordane and the warring orc tribes.
Arenthal
The Sky Port
Aerenthal, a marvel of engineering and magic, is the Varisian Empire's premier sky port, suspended in the air atop a series of high plateaus. The city boasts the largest and most advanced airship docks in the empire, serving as the primary hub for air travel, trade, and innovation. Its sprawling docks and hangars are constantly bustling with activity, as airships of all sizes arrive and depart, carrying goods, passengers, and new technologies. Aerenthal specializes in airship design and aeronautical engineering, attracting the brightest minds and most skilled craftsmen to its lofty heights. The city's unique location and infrastructure provide the perfect launching ground for airships, making it an indispensable center of commerce and technological advancement.
Beyond its vital role in trade and transportation, Aerenthal is crucial to the Varisian Empire's aerial defense strategies. The city is home to the Aetheric Balancer, a groundbreaking device invented within its boundaries that stabilizes magic-infused airships, enabling them to fly higher and further than ever before. This innovation has not only revolutionized air travel but also fortified the empire's military capabilities, allowing for superior aerial reconnaissance and swift deployment of forces. Aerenthal's strategic importance and pioneering spirit make it a beacon of progress and a linchpin in the empire's defense network, embodying the union of technological prowess and magical ingenuity.
Population.
Arenthal's population of 15,000 includes humans, gnomes, Air Genasi, and Aaracokra, each playing vital roles in the city's aeronautical industry. Humans handle airship construction, trade, and administration, while gnomes excel in engineering and technology. Air Genasi serve as expert navigators and pilots due to their connection to the skies, and Aaracokra provide unparalleled aerial reconnaissance and defense.
Races.
60% Human
15% Gnome
25% Other (Air Genasi, Aaracokra, Halfling)
Government.
Arenthal is managed by the Aviation Council, a governing body comprised of influential sky captains and trade officials. This council ensures the smooth operation of the sky port, overseeing air travel, trade regulations, and the city's strategic defenses.
Factions
Pilots Guild: A prestigious organisation that trains and certifies airship pilots, ensuring high standards of skill and safety in Arenthal's skies.
Merchants of the Wind: A powerful trade consortium that controls the flow of goods and commerce through Arenthal, leveraging the city's strategic position for economic gain.
Skyward Engineers: A faction dedicated to the innovation and maintenance of airship technology, continually advancing the city's aeronautical capabilities.
Key Locations.
Skyport Terminal: The main hub for airship travel and cargo management, where passengers and goods are efficiently processed and directed.
The Wind Market: A bustling market specializing in goods from across the skies, featuring exotic items brought in by airships from distant lands.
Pilot's Lounge: A gathering place for airship pilots and crew, offering a relaxed environment to share stories and rest between flights.
Observatory: Provides unparalleled views and tracking for airship navigation and weather forecasting, ensuring safe and efficient journeys.
Aetherium Forge: A state-of-the-art facility where Aetherium crystals are refined and integrated into airship technologies, boosting their capabilities and performance.
Skyport Academy: An esteemed institution dedicated to training the next generation of pilots, engineers, and navigators, ensuring the future of Arenthal's aeronautical excellence.
Glimmerhold
The Subterranean Marvel
Glimmerhold, an underground city carved into the depths of the Aethros Mountains, is a breathtaking marvel illuminated by glowing crystals and molten streams. Renowned for its vast mineral wealth, including precious metals and gemstones, the city is home to master jewelers and metalworkers whose craftsmanship is unparalleled. Unique to Glimmerhold is its dynamic architecture; streets and buildings can reconfigure on large, cogwork machinery to suit the ever-changing needs of the city, creating a versatile and efficient urban landscape.
The mines of Glimmerhold are a vital resource for the empire's economy and military, supplying the essential materials for weapon and armor smithing. The city's artisans excel in infusing their creations with both magical and mechanical enhancements, producing items of incredible power and precision. Situated in the Aethros Mountains, Glimmerhold is the primary source of Aetherium Ore, the arcane-charged material that powers the war machines and cities of the Varisian Empire. This rare and valuable resource underscores Glimmerhold’s strategic importance, making it a linchpin in the empire’s industrial and military might.
Population.
Glimmerhold's population of 10,000 is predominantly composed of dwarves, who excel in mining and metalworking, and humans, who contribute to the city's engineering and trade. This blend of races fosters a rich culture of craftsmanship and innovation, making Glimmerhold a vibrant and industrious community.
Races.
Human: 45%
Dwarves: 35%
Gnomes: 10%
Other (Genasi, Elves etc.): 10%
Government.
Glimmerhold's leadership is a delicate balance between the native dwarves of the Aethros Mountains and representatives of the Varisian Empire, working together under a joint council. This council, comprised of dwarven clan leaders and imperial officials, maintains a truce that ensures both parties benefit from the city's mineral wealth and advanced craftsmanship while preserving the dwarves' traditional way of life.
Factions.
Jewelers Guild: The Jewelers Guild is a prestigious organization of master artisans who create exquisite and enchanted jewelry from the city's precious gemstones.
Stonecutters Syndicate: The Stonecutters Syndicate is a powerful faction of skilled miners and stoneworkers responsible for extracting and shaping the valuable minerals and ores found in Glimmerhold.
Ironhammer Clan: The Ironhammer Clan is a venerable dwarven family known for their exceptional craftsmanship in forging weapons and armor, playing a crucial role in both the city's economy and defense.
The Cabal: The Cabal is a rumoured criminal organisation said to operate in the depths of the Glimmerhold mine, allegedly involved in the illicit trade of aetherium ore and slave labour.
Key Locations.
The Crystal Cavern: The Crystal Cavern is a major mining site for gemstones, illuminated by natural and magical light that showcases the brilliance of the crystals.
The Forge Halls: The Forge Halls are where metals and gemstones are expertly crafted into fine wares, renowned for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
The Deep Delve: The Deep Delve is the deepest part of the mines, known for yielding rare and precious minerals and gems, often requiring the most skilled miners to navigate its depths.
The Council Chamber: The Council Chamber is the grand hall where the joint council of dwarven clan leaders and imperial officials convene to govern Glimmerhold and maintain the delicate truce.
The Anvil of Ancestors: The Anvil of Ancestors is a revered dwarven site where ancient forging techniques are preserved and passed down, serving as both a workshop and a shrine to the dwarven gods of craftsmanship.
Aetherium Plaza: Aetherium Plaza is a central hub within Glimmerhold where traders and citizens gather to exchange goods, share news, and celebrate festivals, reflecting the city's vibrant community life.
The two cities above, Cogspring and Verdstead, have been removed from the list of cities in the Varisian Empire. As each city has previously been expanded and detailed, it became clear that these two cities were overly similar to the others and did not have a unique feel or purpose to them.
For example, Verdstead was the hub of farming innovation, agricultural, botanical, and genetic research. These themes have been adopted by other cities. farming and agricultural research has been taken over by Glefeld, genetic research has been adopted into Alderwald. Likewise, Cogspring was a city of magical and technological advancement, both themes already covered by Arenthal, Dampfstadt, and Alderwald. It didn’t seem necessary to have another city that does the same thing.
Both of these cities will be removed from the final map version.