aquellia [Lore] Rockwington

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Rockwington - The Artisan Hub

 

Known as Aquellia's second great city of note, Rockwington is immediately notable for how very different it is from Talonopolis to the North. From architecture to industry, virtually every facet of the city sets it apart and has in time made it among the fastest growing cities or towns on the western half of the continent as well as a valuable waypoint for travelers and even a destination for tourists. Clean, peaceful, welcoming--a hotbed of artistic thought and expression--Rockwington is said to have a lot to offer.

 

Like Talonopolis, Rockwington is built atop the powerful Raptorclaw River which cuts the Raprtorclaw Canyon. The river, at its strongest and fastest as it passes through the city, is used as a major resource, powering many of the city's mills and artist wheels. Additionally, the river, along with the warm if humid weather of the region, makes it conducive to agriculture; the Rockwington region being second only to the Neighples delta in terms of food grown in Aquellia. The high peaks of the Talonclaw Mountains to the immediate west keep out the teeming wildlife of the adjacent Soggalong Swamp, allowing Rockwington to remain a peaceful locale.

 

Rockwington is most well known and regarded as a major hub for artists and artisans. Spurred by the abundance of metals in the nearby mountains, blacksmithing was the original foundation of the settlement, and the tradition remains strong even as the need for such things has waned through time. Metal art has become increasingly popular with the city, as local artisans craft everything from fine metal jewelry to full scale cast sculpture. The profusion of artistically minded and the idyllic surroundings have in time attracted all manner of artists to the city.

 

While the focus on art over industry immediately sets it apart, Rockwington is also very distinct from other Aquellian settlements, Talonopolis especially, due to the limited use of traditional griffon architecture. The city is spread out along both sides of the river. Most structures have more in common with pony structures than griffon ones. The tall towers that do exist in the city have in time been redesigned to accommodate. Because of this all, Rockwington is seen as very welcoming for an Aquellian city, and for it a major pony population has taken hold, estimated to be between thirty and forty percent of the total population.

 

Rockwington can be best divided into four distinct city districts as follows:

 

Agriculture District - This large district is comprised mainly of the numerous private and commercial farms all along the outskirts of the city, particularly along the Raptorclaw River's banks. This rich, fertile area supplies food to much of Aquellia.

 

Workshop District - Considered by many to be the heart of Rockwington, this district is known for it's inspired architecture and abundance of artisan workshops. It's rich and active marketplace help make it a major draw for visitors to the city. Most of the cities artists and artisans build their homes adjacent to their workshops.

 

Commerce District - This district, located on the Northern side of the city, accommodates an assortment of light industries, shops and small businesses. A number of inns catering to travelers and tourists alike can be found here as well as residential areas for the locals.

 

Old Town - This central area, comprised of some of the oldest structures built in the area, is unique for its use of more traditional griffon architecture. The high towers have been repurposed however, and now mostly serve as museums, schools and other public facilities. Some high-end homes can be found here as well.

~The Republic of Aquelia: A Reference Guide