Rackmoor (Rack-moor)

Rackmoor, a name often synonymous with either the Ethildain's lack of care about their own citizens, or a den of criminality that is policed and kept disheveled for your own safety. One of the most storied and contentious cities on the northern continent, Rackmoor was founded in TA 4389 by a group of sailors who were marooned on an island within sight of the Ethildain coast. While shortly after the sailors were rescued by the early Ethildor navy (A far cry from the naval supremacy they would later hold). The small settlement they had constructed out of the wreck of their barge wasn't abandoned and instead slowly grew and grew.   Many attribute the lack of Ethildain oversight and haphazard nature of the original settlement as the main cause of the trademark cobbled together architecture the city would later be known for, within a hundred years the small camp had blossomed into a massive city and port of trade on the northwestern coast. This irked Ethildain lords and nobles as the location of the port was drawing trade away from their cities. Lacking in naval power and unable to easily transport their large army to the island, the Ethildain instead opted for subterfuge. They sponsored the creation of a bridge spanning the 6 mile gap in TA 4563 with the intention to finish construction and use the bridge to move armed forces onto the island.   Rackmoor itself was in no real condition to refuse. Rackmoor officially only had come to be 3 years prior and even the name itself was unofficial and the origin long forgotten. Rapidly growing without ability to create infrastructure of its own due to the rather lawless nature of the city. The ruling council of Rackmoor, a collection of the most influential gang bosses, civic leaders and warriors in Rackmoor agreed and construction began in TA 4564.   The bridge itself was a wonder, designed by dwarven architects and constructed by Uzarmorenphor. The bridge was and still is a sight to behold. Gleaming marble arches inlaid with gold and gems and lanterns of ever burning enchanted flame. The structure was made to be imposing and powerful in some subtle way conveying Ethildor's power over Rackmoor as the bridge loomed over nearly all aspects of the lower city.   Nearly half a mile wide the bridge was also the perfect venue from troops and in TA 4578 shortly after the bridges completion. Ethildor began its invasion of Rackmoor. Ending in a swift surrender of sovereignty by the Rackmoor Council. Ethildor had accomplished its objective and while its taxes on the cities ports were relentless and its monitoring of commerce going in and out nonstop, Ethildor neglected to truly commit to reforming the city. Down the line nearly everyone from historians to nobles and lords would critizce this decision as it led to the descent of Rackmoor proper into the den of criminality it now is.