Highgate Landing

Throughout Cier’s storied history, one of the recurring locations you may hear mentioned is that of the fort city of Highgate Landing; its high walls and steadfast fortifications being regarded with utmost esteem. Located upon the Brinemouth River along the south eastern coast of the western continent, the port of Highgate holds strategic naval significance and, in the past, acted as a pivotal bulwark for the Blackwatch faction. Declaring independence in recent history however, the city over time has grown into a bustling hub of culture and trade. It is this diverse cultural factor and congregation of technologies that can be attributed to Highgate’s use of rice in material advancement; their smithies and forges being able to produce steels both light and durable.

Geography

Set where the river meets the sea, Highgate Landing is known for its pebbled beaches and rolling hills, connected by a sprawling network of paved roads and gravel paths. Along the mainland, the open space and coastal weather allows ample opportunity for travelers to stop and rest, giving merchants and caravans easy access to the city. The coastline is equally as enticing; a wide spread of pebbles spaced with small boulders and a firm layer of bedrock beneath, and few reefs or other navigational hazards block the way for ships to reach one of Cier’s more prosperous cities.

Architecture

Highgate’s architectural style is defined by its prominent use of white granite and concrete with metallic accents and support structures. As one wanders the city’s cobbled streets, it is evident that the city itself wears its history on its skin. The iconic high walls of Highgate are punctuated by the bold outline of siege batteries and a vast array of defensive armaments, oft lined with the utilitarian design reminiscent of its past as a Blackwatch settlement. Its residential areas however, are much less grandiose, being constructed with both cement and brick. One key difference between the city and residential bounds is that the residential areas have far more open streets to allow both easy access to industrial and forge districts in addition to facilitating street stalls and markets.

Technology, Wealth, & RICE

The diversity of both Highgate’s people and eclectic collection of technologies has spurred what can be considered a “renaissance” in terms of its technology; looking into both past and present methods as inspiration for current advancements. This has namely resulted in Highgate's unique affinity for metallurgy, most prominently the integration of RICE within weapons and armour. In terms of utilisation of magic, Highgate has taken the route of rune-based augmentation, combining arcane inscriptions to bolster the capabilities of their forgecraft; a technique adopted from their close ties with MicFortress.

People and Culture

Despite the chaos and conflict that surrounds them, the people of Highgate are rather colloquial in nature; the shared prosperity gained from the unique economic trading environment, fostering a mutual tolerance between the contrasting cultures. As a result, the governing body of Highgate has adopted a non-reactive, neutral standpoint in regards to foreign affairs and economic policies. This aspect is widely criticized by the public and small business owners, claiming it facilitates high level corporate corruption and underhanded dealings that suppress the lower to middle class.

People positioned at Highgate are primarily there to trade goods, and are usually in thick hooded robes to maintain anonymity and provide protection from the windy coastal weather.

Government & Religion

Highgate, using a method unique among all regions, is ruled by a financial meritocratic republic. This method is effectively one by which those who best exemplify the Highgate model of mercantilism hold office. Each ministerial role is purchased by an individual from the current holder at a price set by the holder, thus guaranteeing only the richest and most affluent of individuals hold office. Usually, the more power or influence the office has, the higher the buying price. As such, Highgate’s government can be a diplomatic mess for other regions to interact with, despite their powerful positions and unusually clear goals shared between ministers.

History

Highgate Landing, formerly Blackgate, flourished during the time of the Great Dojo Era, from 750 to 18BC. They established themselves as an economic trade center centuries before other civilized regions appeared, and have been a bustling trade city ever since. During the Downfall, Blackgate came under attack by the Shadow, alongside many other civilizations in Cier during that time. A fragment of Blackgate’s military force evacuated a sizable population west to set up a “last stand” fortress called Blackwatch in the worst case that their main force failed to repel the Shadow. After the Downfall, Blackgate recovered and built massive fortified wall defenses in order to prevent another siege, this earned them the moniker of “Highgate.”