City of Northgate

Themes: Beautiful, Advanced, Rebellious

Culture: Midlander

Languages: Argosan, Common

Population: 9,000

Ruler: Nocratha the Stargazer, Steward of Northgate

Exports: Technology, Lore, Textiles

Districts: Grand (Gate) Ward, Maldran's Ward, The Row, Yûln Varsune, Temple District, Tensward, Starshadow District, Argos (Waterfront) District, Rushside, Westgreen

Climate: Moderate to cool climate

Overview

Set amid graceful monuments of the last elven kingdom, with views of Wistwood, the Ironhull Mountains, and Lake Argos, many consider Northgate the most beautiful Midlander city. Boasting the finest colleges, libraries, and rare experts, she is also rightly regarded as the most scientifically advanced society of the region.

Northgate was named and founded after being sacked and taken from the thuel barbarians by Maldran the Conqueror in the year 312, who had held it since the destruction of the Elfs by the serpentmen of the Second Age. Maldran was also responsible for building the Haightwall at the base of the High Plains, protection against the Sable Fang barbarians to the south.

Today, not all is not well with the Jewel of Argosa. Whilst technically under the auspices of King Uldred, Northgate is in practice ruled by Nocratha, an elderly sorcerer and the King’s sole sanctioned wizard. Increasingly bizarre edicts, missing citizens, and the rise of the Anointed (Nocratha’s hand-picked devotees) have stirred up considerable tension, fear, and resentment amongst a growing proportion of the population.

Nocratha has ruled Northgate for sixty years, since before most residents were born, and some say he will rule for sixty more. An uprising eight years ago was mercilessly crushed by the Steward, via a terrible (and secretly arcane) plague that primarily targeted rebellious highborn, wiping out half the noble families.

The Stargazer was a unique ally to the King during his youth, and Uldred cannot afford to make an enemy of him now, not with Melek prowling the southern borders. On the face of it, Nocratha remains a loyal vassal of the crown, and the King officially supports his position, if not his methods. In recent years, the two have reached an understanding not to interfere with each other as much as possible. For the commoners, it makes no difference whether it’s the King, nobles, or Nocratha that taxes them. Indeed, many citizens felt the old lords had it coming and were glad to see them gone. But the growing number of disappearing commoners, outlandish edicts, and rise of the Anointed, are entirely different matters. A genuine resentment of the Stargazer and his cronies has set in, cultivating an undercurrent of rebellion.