Barrow
The Black City
Within the walls, and without, the city is divided into districts. The origin of many of these might have been arbitrary and lost to history, but today they play an important role in how Barrow is run. The districts all have representatives elected during the Week of Tyranny’s Fall on the first week of Bloodmoon every decade. The districts today differ in demographics, economy, resources and profession. The districts are usually divided into two groups, those within the walls, and those without. Within the black stone walls of Barrow lie the following districts:
- - The Hallows - Greywatch - Castleshade - Bitterrow - Galsweyr - Tin - Fogpoint - Valdir Square - Cattlebay - Whaler’s Red - Silverhall - Bayside - Necker - Aeld - Horst Plaza - Dragonfaire - Rifter Lane - Tallin - Holman Faire - Eldton - Silvercourt - Silverforge
- - Piercer’s Row - The Crypts - Wolf Cross - Drifter - Pelter Row - The Bits - The Slivers - Breaker’s Row - The Nets - Van Court - Tombgate - Trapper’s Court - Nickel Square - Spectre - Gallow - Slasher’s Acre - Hagmarket - Salton - Pressing - Diggers - Hunting - Barrelton
Government
The city of Barrow is nominally ruled by the Barrow-King, Victor Horst IV. In truth however, the day to day operations of Barrow is run by a loose network of nobles, as well as the kings council and the Magistrate. The Magistrate of Barrow is headed by the Lord Magister Farkas and his horde of administers. Within the magistrate are departments devoted to separate facets required to run and defend a city. Many noble families hold posts within the Magistrate, but anyone clever enough, or lucky enough could potentially hold a post.
Defences
A castle is little more than stone without its guards, and Barrow is well guarded. The Greywatch is not only a professional standing army, but they bolster their numbers with powerful monsters in times of need. The castle itself stands on top of a hill overlooking the city proper, and its black stone walls encircle half the city. In times of war or great tragedy, the inner city is very defensible. A few military orders also keep lodgings in Barrow, such as the Black Banner Bastards. The clerical military order of the Silver Hand also has a stronghold in the city and will fight to defend it.
Industry & Trade
Most trading within Barrow is done by sea. The Free Isle traders usually have set routes back and forth, peddling their spices, grains and spirits, whilst buying pelts, furs, oils, ores and arms. Goods coming from beyond The Free Isles rarely come without having been taxed by them already, effectively controlling most of what Aruvia can buy or sell. Barrow is home to some of the worlds best smiths, usually specializing in working with silver and magic artefacts. The south of Barrow, and Aruvia in general is mostly unapproachable because the Ghostfog Hills is notoriously difficult to travel. However, the long way through the dwarven holds, or even through the Siyorin forests are possible, but rarely attempted. Most travel to and from Aruvia is done through the Free Isles or Rift-Travel via the Couriers’ Guild.
Infrastructure
Barrow, and even the castle itself is built upon ancient Althoran ruins, and among the bones of these ruins is a large system of connected sewage tunnels leading out far beyond the bay and docks of the city. Not only is sewage effectively a non-issue within the inner-city walls, but there are deep city wells powered by magic for both irrigation and drink. Outside the city walls are great bean and wheat fields, but most food in Barrow comes from fishing, whaling and hunting. The main roads in and outside the city stretching for some miles are cobbled with stone, and maintained by the Magistrate and the biggest of roads are three carriages wide.
Maps
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The City of Barrow
A map of the city of Barrow and its districts. -
Aruvia
A detailed map of the territories under Aruvian control.
Type
Large city
Population
15-20.000
Related Ethnicities
Inhabitant Demonym
Barrowers
Location under
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
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