Glistening Griffin (gli·suh·nuhng gri·fn)
First you see airships flying overhead. Then in the distance you see this tower, bold and colorful with a magical blue glow from the top. A spiral design in the yellow and turquoise colored stonework wrapping around the structure. The road goes from dirt to stone at about 500 feet from the tower and is made of cobblestone. At closer inspection you can see the cobblestone is made up of the usual limestone but it is broken up by volcanic rock, to give the road a sort of sparkle. This tower is wide, about the width of a small town, and has three levels to it going about 300 feet into the air. A large two story tall gate is currently open with guards checking people as they enter the tower. A line for merchants to go through customs, and another for commoner traffic.
Inside the tower is a city alive with sound and lit with magical lights in the ceiling giving off sunlight like glow. The streets are populated with vendors, shops, casinos, eateries, pubs, brothels, inns, bathhouses, gambling dens, and every other type of goods you could imagine. From seedy to highend. The shops are lit with glowing signs, pulsing with magic, to draw your eye. In the center of the tower is a large pillar, with several lifts inside to take passengers and large cargo to different floors, as well as 4 more support pillars that reach into the sky towards the high ceiling. On the walls of the tower are tracks for a train system that travels into tunnels the head upward into a spiral along the walls. These are passenger and cargo trains that seem to travel at all hours of the day and night.
Demographics
30% Firbolg, 27% Tabaxi, 17% Loxodon, 9% Dwarf, 17% other races
Government
The mayor is Yolnil, a female Loxodon. Lawful Evil. 229 years old. A city council where about every 1,000 people they add a new member, voted in by the people. 8 members currently, with talks of adding a 9th. Not included in that number is the mayor, who is the presiding officer of the council. They do get a vote in all matters.
Defences
The Griffin Force, made of two parts. The Lion Guard are the soldiers and police on the ground. The Eagle Unit are several two manned aircraft used for defense of the tower and surrounding area from monsters. There are escape craft for evacuating townsfolk if needed. Large gates at each entrance that can be shut to protect the town.
Crime
Murder is illegal, and theft from businesses is punished. Theft from an individual is dependent on the person stolen from, if you hold no power, the Lion Guard won’t even look into it. Since most drugs are legal here, animal fighting, and even documented slave trade; most laws are very loose and are often overlooked. But everything is taxed to fund the building of the Griffin Force.
Industry & Trade
Most goods and services can be found here, even things deemed illegal in other parts of the continent, mainly drugs, trade of exotic animals, up to the sale of Documented Slaves. As well as various kinds of rare, exotic, and dangerous supplies from travelers from all around the world. Fresh produce is rare and does cost a premium. Mead, meat, and bread are plenty.
Infrastructure
In the center of the tower is a large pillar, with several lifts inside to take passengers and large cargo to different floors, as well as 4 more support pillars that reach into the sky towards the high ceiling. On the walls of the tower are tracks for a train system that travels into tunnels the head upward into a spiral along the walls. These are passenger and cargo trains that seem to travel at all hours of the day and night.
Districts
Ground Floor - Shopping
Level 1 - Estates
Top Floor - Skyport
Guilds and Factions
Erathis, Hiddukel, Bahamut, Eadro, Malcanthet, Thieves’ Guild (Gold), Adventurers’ Guild, Lorekeepers.
History
Started as a simple tent shop selling general supplies by a Loxodon family. Yolnil inherited her father’s business afterhis sudden death. At that time, the Glistening Griffin had expanded to include several different businesses, all answering to Yolnil and paying taxes to be allowed to stay. She ruled with an iron fist. Often taking over businesses when the owners came up short with their taxes. Offering them a choice of indentured servitude which frequently ended with the individual and their family in slavery til their deaths or seizure of their business. Yolnil would offer the choice upfront but time and again she would do both. She quickly gained many riches and started building her tower. She was a founding member of the Ashi, being a main hub for distribution of drugs, stolen items, slaves, and anything else found on the black market. She kept those loyal to her fat and happy, but anyone who upset her, failed her, or got on her bad side would quickly find themselves as slaves. Yolnil amassed her wealth and power over 175 years.
Climate
Inside the tower the climate is controlled using a powerful duct-work and fans to circulate air. Magic is used to raise or lower the temperature based on outside conditions. There are lights at the top of the ground and level 1 floors. These simulate daylight. While the ground floor remains lit to some degree, the level 1 lights cycle with the sun. The top floor does have some protections from the elements but not as controlled as the interior.
Natural Resources
Local produce is grown in the grasslands near by but most goods are imported. Farms in the Wildlands are often raided by monsters. Cattle and livestock don't survive long unless guarded which drives up cost. It is cheaper to import butchered meat. Residuum seems to be abundant here, even with a lack of a mine near by.
Maps
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Glistening Griffin
The city of Glistening Griffin.
Founding Date
1350 MC
Type
Large town
Population
10,900
Inhabitant Demonym
Griffinite
Owning Organization
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