Garonelle

City in Neustria.

Who Rules: Queen Regent Amelie Argent, wife of Rikard Argent. She spends the Summer here and her ministers led by a privy council act on her behalf in her absence although nothing is passed without her agreement and she holds a veto.

Population: 450,000 (estimated) Garonelle is one of the largest cities in the Western Kingdoms.

Major Products: Food stuffs, Fabric, Technolgia (printing press, guns, cannons, chronometers, Engineering components).

Armed Forces: 1000 Regular militia (Army and City Watch), 1000 Soldiers, 200 Men at Arms (1 assigned to oversee the City Watch), 250 Archers, 500 Mercenaries, 100 Rangers, 50 Knights, 20 Clerics, 20 Society Mages, 1 Arch Mage, 1 Knight Commander to oversee the Cities Army and policing.

With an estimated population of 450,000, Garonelle stands as one of the largest cities in the Western Kingdoms. It is a major hub for various products, including foodstuffs, fabrics, and advanced technologies such as printing presses, guns, cannons, chronometers, and engineering components.

Garonelle's architectural landscape is characterized by its striking three to five-story buildings, each topped with steep slate roofs that give the city its distinctive appearance. The skyline is a captivating sight, dominated by numerous towers and spires that rise majestically above the streets below. These structures not only provide a visual testament to the city's rich history but also add a sense of grandeur to its urban fabric.

The narrow, cobbled streets of Garonelle are a defining feature, winding through the city in a labyrinthine network that speaks to its medieval roots. These streets are equipped with open sewer gullies, ingeniously designed to channel waste into an extensive underground drainage system, a testament to the city's forward-thinking engineering.

In stark contrast to these tight, winding lanes are the broad avenues that traverse Garonelle, lined with stately White Ash trees. These avenues serve as vital arteries, connecting the city's many bustling plazas and offering a refreshing respite from the dense urban environment. The tree-lined avenues provide shade and beauty, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the city and offering pleasant walkways for residents and visitors alike.

The city's plazas are vibrant hubs of activity, each serving as a gathering place for the community. They are often adorned with fountains, statues, and flowerbeds, creating picturesque settings for markets, festivals, and social interactions. Together, the narrow cobblestone streets, broad tree-lined avenues, and grand architectural features of Garonelle weave a tapestry of old-world charm and modern livability, making it a city of both historical significance and contemporary vibrancy.

Garonelle, a prominent city in Neustria, is often referred to as the Grey City due to the prevalent use of dark stone and slate in its architecture. Ruled by Queen Regent Amelie Argent, wife of Rikard Argent, Garonelle is a city of significant political and economic importance. Queen Amelie spends her summers in Garonelle, with her ministers and a privy council managing the city's affairs in her absence. Nothing is passed without her agreement, as she holds ultimate veto power.

With an estimated population of 450,000, Garonelle stands as one of the largest cities in the Western Kingdoms. It is a major hub for various products, including foodstuffs, fabrics, and advanced technologies such as printing presses, guns, cannons, chronometers, and engineering components.

The city's architecture is dominated by three to five-story buildings with steep slate roofs, and the skyline is punctuated by numerous towers and spires. The narrow, cobbled streets are characteristic of Garonelle, featuring open sewer gullies that lead to an underground drainage system. Contrasting with these tight streets are broad avenues lined with White Ash trees, connecting the many plazas scattered throughout the city.

Prominent features of Garonelle include:

• The Palace: A massive fortified castle located in the northeastern part of the city, serving as the seat of power.
• The Grand Basilica: Currently being rebuilt after it was burned down during the Revolution by the Blue Blood Nobles. The scaffolding surrounding it is a testament to the city's ongoing recovery.
• Canals: The waterways of Garonelle spread like a spider's web, providing essential transportation and trade routes throughout the city.
• Iron Dragon Railway Company: Operates a railway service from Garonelle to Caercasonne and has begun laying tracks towards San Mellor.

City Districts

• The Old Quarter: The historical heart of Garonelle, featuring ancient buildings, narrow streets, and the Grand Basilica.
• The Market District: Bustling with traders and shoppers, this area is home to the city's largest marketplaces and numerous shops.
• The Industrial Zone: Located on the outskirts, this district houses factories and workshops producing the city's technological goods.
• The Noble's Ward: An affluent area where the wealthy and powerful reside in grand mansions and estates.
• The Docks: A lively district along the river, filled with warehouses, shipyards, and the heart of the city's trade and commerce.

Mystery

• The Phantom of the Grand Basilica: Rumors persist about a spectral figure seen wandering the reconstruction site of the Grand Basilica at night. This figure is said to be one of the Blue Blood Nobles who perished during the Revolution, haunting the site of their downfall. The phantom's presence has become a local legend, intriguing both residents and visitors alike.

Garonelle, with its rich history, vibrant districts, and air of mystery, continues to thrive as a center of culture, commerce, and power in the Western Kingdoms.

The Old Quarter of Garonelle is the historical heart of the city, steeped in rich history and charm. Its narrow, winding streets are flanked by ancient buildings, each bearing the architectural marks of bygone eras. Dominating this area is the majestic Grand Basilica, a testament to the city's enduring faith and grandeur. Every corner of the Old Quarter whispers tales of the past, from the cobblestone alleys to the quaint squares and hidden courtyards. This district exudes an ambiance of nostalgia and timeless beauty, making it a living museum of Garonelle's storied heritage and cultural legacy.

Inns, Food, and Drink

The Iron Chalice Inn:

• Drinks: Black Ale, Spiced Wine, Apple Cider
• Food: Roast Pheasant, Stew of the Day, Freshly Baked Bread

The Silver Griffin Tavern:

• Drinks: Mead, Berry Wine, Pale Ale
• Food: Grilled Fish, Venison Pie, Honey Glazed Carrots

Shops

• Old Quarter Emporium: Offers a variety of local goods, antiques, and curiosities.
• Master Smith’s Forge: Specializes in handcrafted weapons and tools.
• The Book Nook: A quaint bookstore stocking rare and ancient tomes.

Point of Interest

• The Clock Tower: An iconic landmark of the Old Quarter, this ancient clock tower offers panoramic views of the city and chimes the hours, resonating through the narrow streets and adding to the area's timeless ambiance.

The Old Quarter is a place where history meets daily life, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Garonelle.

The Market District in Garonelle is a bustling hive of activity, teeming with traders and shoppers from dawn till dusk. This lively area forms the heart of commerce in the city, featuring sprawling marketplaces filled with a diverse array of goods from across the realms. Vendors' stalls brim with everything from exotic spices and fresh produce to finely crafted wares and rare artifacts. The narrow streets are lined with an eclectic mix of shops, each offering unique items that cater to both locals and visitors. The air is always thick with the sounds of haggling, laughter, and the vibrant pulse of trade, making the Market District an essential and dynamic part of Garonelle's economic and social life.

Inns, Food, and Drink

The Merchant’s Rest:

• Drinks: Golden Ale, Mulled Wine, Lemonade
• Food: Beef Stew, Herb-Crusted Chicken, Fresh Pastries

The Bazaar Inn:

• Drinks: Spiced Rum, Berry Juice, Mint Tea
• Food: Grilled Sausages, Vegetable Pie, Honey Cakes

Shops

• Market Treasures: Offers a wide variety of exotic goods and local crafts.
• Silk & Satin: A fine fabrics store specializing in luxurious textiles.
• The Copper Kettle: Sells high-quality cookware and kitchen gadgets.

Point of Interest

• The Grand Fountain: A stunning centerpiece of the district, adorned with intricate sculptures, where locals and visitors gather to relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The fountain’s beauty and the sound of its cascading waters create a serene oasis amidst the bustling market.

The Industrial Zone, located on the outskirts of Garonelle, is a vibrant hub of productivity and technological innovation. This district is home to a myriad of factories and workshops, each playing a vital role in the city's advancements. Within its bustling confines, you'll find an array of specialized industries such as printers, glass makers, forges, gunmakers, ironworks, dyers, and cloth makers. These enterprises work tirelessly, contributing significantly to Garonelle's robust economy and ensuring the city's status as a leader in technological development. The relentless activity and industrious spirit of this area embody the dynamic and progressive nature of Garonelle.

Sinister Mystery

The Vanishing Workers: In recent years, a disturbing phenomenon has gripped the Industrial Zone. Workers have mysteriously vanished during their night shifts, leaving no clues behind. Despite extensive investigations, the disappearances remain unsolved. Whispers of ghostly apparitions and shadowy figures haunt the district, casting an eerie pall over the industrious area and unsettling its inhabitants. The mystery of the Vanishing Workers continues to evoke fear and speculation among the locals.

The Noble's Ward is an affluent district where Garonelle's elite reside in grand mansions and luxurious estates. This area exudes elegance and opulence, with beautifully landscaped gardens and stately homes that reflect the wealth and power of its inhabitants. The streets are lined with meticulously maintained trees and adorned with intricate fountains and sculptures, creating an atmosphere of refined beauty. Exclusive clubs and high-end boutiques cater to the needs of the wealthy residents, offering the finest goods and services. The Noble's Ward is a testament to the grandeur and sophistication that defines the upper echelon of Garonelle society.

Fine Inns

The Golden Crown Inn:

• Drinks: Elven Elixir, Aged Brandy, Crystal Clear Vodka
• Food: Braised Lamb with Mint Sauce, Buttered Asparagus, Chocolate Fondue

The Regal Rose Hotel:

• Drinks: Vintage Bordeaux, Honey Mead, Citrus Sparkling Wine
• Food: Grilled Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce, Truffle Risotto, Raspberry Tarts

These inns offer a refined dining experience, serving exquisite drinks and gourmet dishes that reflect the sophistication of the Noble's Ward.

The Docks: This lively district along the river is the heart of Garonelle's trade and commerce. Bustling with activity, the area is filled with warehouses, shipyards, and bustling markets, making it a vital part of the city's economy. The Docks are always alive with the sounds of ships coming and going, merchants haggling, and the general hustle and bustle of a thriving port.

Inns

The Seafarer's Rest:

• Drinks: Deep Sea Ale, Spiced Rum, Lemon Gin
• Food: Grilled Sea Bass, Fisherman's Stew, Crusty Bread

The Anchored Sailor:

• Drinks: Portside Porter, Mead, Citrus Punch
• Food: Roasted Clams, Mariner’s Pie, Herb Salad

Shops

• Maritime Supplies: Offers everything from navigation charts to ship repair tools.
• The Sailor’s Bounty: Sells exotic goods and spices brought from distant lands.
• Anchor & Compass: Specializes in nautical instruments and gear for seafarers.

Point of Interest

• The Lighthouse Tower: Standing tall at the edge of the docks, this lighthouse not only guides ships safely into the harbor but also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the sea. It's a favorite spot for both locals and tourists, providing a place to reflect and take in the beauty of Garonelle's vibrant waterfront.

The Docks district, with its inns, shops, and notable points of interest, is a bustling hub where the spirit of trade and adventure is ever-present, contributing to the dynamic pulse of Garonelle.