Tortetirue

Tortetirue's population is a decent mix of ethnicities. Generational families tied to trade and maritime work common, but a growing community of migrants have begun to influence its cultural blend. Minor groups of scholars, fisher-clans, and artisan guilds also hold distinct places in the social hierachy.

The city is governed by a Mayor, appointed through a combination of public election and royal approval. While technically under the Kingdom of Vepar's authority, Tortetirue enjoys considerable autonomy due to its vital harbor and economic self-sufficiency. A city council composed of guild leaders, harbor wardens, and religious figures advises the Mayor and enforces laws through the Harbor Watch and Brook Guard.

Tortetirue thrives on:

• Fish processing and salted fish exports
• Shipbuilding and repair
• River transit for grains, stone and timber
• Wool dyeing and waterwheel-powered weaving
• Salt mining, done carefully under permit from Vepar's crown

Its strategic harbor also makes it a hub for regional trade, espeically with coastal villages that depend on its market lanes and shipyards.

Tortetirue is well-developed for its size. Key features include:

• Cobblestone roads link the harbor inland
• A canal network that flows through the city, doubling as public transit and a trade route
• Watermills and tide engines power forges, grainhouses, and textile shops
• A modest port authority and customs office
• Well-maintained bridges, public fountains, and market squares

]Long Water

The oldest part of the city, Long Water sits along the original river channel. Its twisting alleys and worn stone docks host fishing families, dockworkers, and river barge crews. Stories say the river "speaks" here, whispering warnings to those who know how to listen. Ancestral homes dot the district.

Castle District

This elevated district holds the Velharn Keep, a fortified manor once used as a forward military post. Today, it serves as the mayor's residence, court hall, and city archives. Around it are training yards for the city guard, barracks, noble estates, and administrative buildings.

Wolfchurch Brook

A scenic residential and artisan quarter named after the once-feared Wolf Priests who live here and protected the city with blood-oath rituals. The brook itself runs clear and cold, with beautifully kept footpaths and small forges, apothecaries, and bakeries along its edge. Some still whisper about the ancient rites kept alive in secret.

Harbour Ward

The commercial heart of Tortetirue. Stacked warehouses, open-air markets, taverns, inns, sailmakers, and shipwrights fill every available corner. The harbor is wide, sheltered by natural cliffs, and always busy. Trade from Vepar's inland cities meets salt-crusted cargo from beyond Heavenveil here.

Naturally protected deep water docks

Salt flats just outside city bounds

Ancient wellspring beneath Wolfchurch, said to have minor healing properties.

Velhorn Keep, holding key records and enchanted relics from early Veparian days.

Canal Lockworks, a system of gates and bridges that helps regulate the city's water

Founded as a riverside outpost in 1115 AOE during the expansion of the Kingdom of Vepar, Tortetirue began as a military checkpoint to guard against raiders from the Sea of Veyne. Over time, its fertile harbor and proximity to natural salt veins made it a key trade city. It has survived pirate sieges, minor floods, and political upheavals—each time rebuilding stronger. The Velharn Rebellion, once centered here, failed but left a legacy of quiet independence and pride.

Velharn Keep: Former military stronghold, now city hall

The Singing Chains: Large mooring chains at the harbor that hum in the wind

The Weeping Dock: Said to be haunted by a betrayed admiral

Wolfchurch Ruins: What remains of the original monastery, off-limits but watched closely

Starwatch Fountain: A central plaza known for its perfect alignment with celestial bodies

Tortetirue’s buildings mix Veparian stonework with Havenveil’s wind-carved aesthetics. Many homes and shops are built with weather-worn slate roofs, curved walls, and flood-resistant stone foundations. Murals and mosaics depict local legends, especially the Sister of the Chains, a protective spirit said to dwell in the harbor.

The city sits where the River Tolmere meets the Sea of Veyne, on a high, natural rise that keeps it safe from most floods. Lowlands around the harbor can get misty in the mornings. Inland cliffs give the Castle District a panoramic view of the sea.

Tortetirue enjoys a coastal temperate climate, with cool springs, warm summers, misty autumns, and wet but rarely snowy winters. Ocean winds keep the air fresh but bring occasional storms that test the resilience of harborfolk.

Salt from tide-exposed flats

Fish and other sea harvests

Stone from nearby river quarries

Herbs and fungi growing along the Wolfchurch Brook

Freshwater from an underground spring linked to the brook