Blington

The city of Blington in north-eastern Jiravess is known for its heavy industry and mining activity. Mainly populated by Gnomes, it boasts the largest Gnomish population in Sharrodras. It also known for having the only numerable population of Svirfneblin or Deep Gnomes outside of the underdark proper. These Svirfneblin were originally driven to the surface by constant pressure from Drow attacks. As their numbers dwindled and it became clear that they could not maintain their settlement within the Underdark against agressors, they rigged the entire city to collapse in on itself and be buried in a series of cave-ins. The Svirfneblin then fled as far as they could from their Drow agressors, eventually reaching the surface within the territory of the Athis Val confederation. Once the Rock Gnomes of Jiravess heard about the plight of their distant cousins however, they welcomed them with open arms and allowed the Svirfneblin to dig tunnels and burrows underneath several of their own cities. Since the city of Blington had allready become the main city of the Gnomes, and since it allready sported an extensive network of mining tunnels, Blington became the new home for most of these refugees, and has since developped a compact "undercity" beneath the city proper. Though most of the older generations of Svirfneblin refugees maintain the dour, serious and suspicious nature they are known for and tend to stick to themselves, some of the younger generations have started to be affected by the cheerful optimism and whimsical nature of their Rock Gnome cousins.   The surface proper of Blington is known for the unusual juxtaposition of the very plain looking burrows and hollows that are the homes of Gnomish families, and utilitarian buildings like shops, taverns and civil structures which are generally designed as more conventional stone buildings so these can cater Gnomes and non-Gnomes alike. Most of these utilitarian buildings are painted in bright colours, and show whimsical or unusual designs, reflecting the cheerful and colourful character of the inhabitants. Visitors to the city are mainly drawn by either the Panatix Glamerweave magic academy or the many specialised workshops that the city houses. Blington is also known for its excellent jewelers, who process the gems extracted from the mines, and the exceptionally sweet Trinkletarts that are a signature dish of the city's bakers.