Narrow Cliffs

I try to avoid the place whenever possible. Those hills are STEEP.
— Jasper Cameron, Leader of The Bronze Ravens
  Narrow Cliffs, The eastern most of the great port cities. Doceancot is technically further east, but is significantly less populous. Narrow Cliffs is also a much more sheltered port. Hundreds of piers cover miles of coastline while the city ascends the cliffs above.

Government

Narrow Cliffs is run by a coalition of officials split into two groups, the Council of Guilds, the the District Representatives. The total council is made up of 17 representatives. No member of the council is allowed to hold a seat for more than 5 years in their life. Council attendance is mandatory, with members living in the Government Spire for the year that they serve. This also ensures that no back street deals happen.

Industry & Trade

The Clang-town Mines

  To the east of the city, carved into the belly of the cliffs, lies the infamous Clang-town Mines. These mines are as old as the city itself, and they serve as the backbone of Narrow Cliffs' industry, providing the raw materials necessary to maintain its shipbuilding industry. The mines are a labyrinthine network of tunnels and shafts, where teams of miners labor in dangerous conditions to extract the precious metals and minerals that are forged into tools, ship parts, and armor. Iron, copper, and steel are mined here in vast quantities, and the sound of hammers ringing against stone echoes through the caverns like a constant, rhythmic pulse.   The Clang-town Mines are notorious for their perilous conditions. The cliffs above create a natural ceiling, so the mines delve deep into the earth, and some tunnels stretch for miles, reaching into parts unknown. The air is thick with dust and the scent of freshly unearthed earth, and the narrow, winding passageways are often lit by flickering torches that cast long shadows. The workers here are hardy folk, many of them born to the mines and accustomed to the dangers of cave-ins and toxic fumes. The deeper levels of the mines are said to be home to strange, lurking creatures—mythical beasts that feed on the darkness, but few miners speak of them openly.   While dangerous, the Clang-town Mines are also a source of pride for the city. The materials pulled from the earth are essential for crafting not only ships but also weapons and armor for the city’s powerful navy. The local blacksmiths are renowned across the land for their skill in forging iron into finely crafted blades and intricate tools. The metalworks and shipbuilding yards work in close concert, with the Clang-town Mines providing the raw materials that keep Narrow Cliffs' maritime empire strong.   The mines are also a symbol of the city's wealth. Despite the harsh working conditions, the mining operations are immensely profitable. The city’s rulers maintain a careful balance, ensuring that the mines are worked at full capacity while keeping enough oversight to prevent the sort of riots or uprisings that often accompany such grueling labor. The deep wealth from the mines has enabled Narrow Cliffs to invest in its infrastructure, expanding its docks, fortifying its walls, and even funding the construction of impressive stone structures that make up the city’s upper districts.  

The Shipwrights Pier

  The heart of Narrow Cliffs' economy and power lies in its renowned shipbuilding industry. The city has become one of the greatest shipwrights of the known world, its docks a cacophony of activity. The shipyards stretch along the coast, with towering cranes and scaffolding used to lift massive timbers into place. Crafting ships of all sizes—ranging from nimble merchant vessels to massive warships that dominate the seas—the shipbuilders of Narrow Cliffs are known for their skill and craftsmanship. The wood used in their vessels is sourced from the ancient forests to the north, where towering trees are felled and brought down the rivers to be shaped into sturdy hulls.   The craft itself is a closely guarded trade secret, passed down through generations. The master shipbuilders are revered like artists, with their ships regarded as works of engineering genius. Many of the vessels are built to withstand not only the harshest seas but also to endure in battle. Ornate carvings and intricate designs often decorate the prows of the ships, depicting the city’s mythic origins and the long history of Narrow Cliffs as a sea power.   Large drydocks line the waterfront where mighty ships are built, repaired, and launched. The scent of saltwater and wood fills the air, and the sound of hammers ringing against iron and steel is ever-present. Sailors and merchant fleets from distant lands frequent the city to commission ships, seeking vessels known for their durability and speed. At night, the docks are often illuminated by lanterns, casting an eerie glow across the ships that rest in waiting for their next voyage.

Infrastructure

Numerous docks, piers, and shipbuilding and repair facilities. An extensive gutter system that funnels rain and waste into cisterns to minimize pollution of the waters near the city. There are also lift systems to allow for more rapid transit between the levels of the city than the long zig-zag roads would allow.

Districts

  • The Docks
  • Shipwrights Pier
  • Government District
  • Merchants District
  • Fisherman Warf
  • Frozen Heights
  • Sunset Cliffs
  • Clang-town Mines
  • Architecture

    The city of Narrow Cliffs is a testament to the stubborness of some people. The general style is, in a word, dwarven. There is little else to do when massive stone cliffs are the material that you have to work with. Building height shrinks as you get closer to a switchback, and at each switchback there is an open square for trading and community festivals. There are seven total tiers, rising nearly a mile up the side of the Dragon Spine Mountains.
    Population
    1.2 million

    Comments

    Please Login in order to comment!