Urikgwa

Urikgwa is a mighty city on the western border of the North Burn, often called "The Western Gate". It lies in a river valley, on the coast. 
Due to the valleys north-south orientation, much of the city near the river is cast in shadow for much of the day, particularly in the winter. This has given rise to a vicious class divide, with the poorer citizens of the city living near the river, in the shadowy parts, whereas the rich, the nobility and most of the clergy settled on the crests of the hills, enjoying not only a nice view of the city but also significantly more sunlight.
Urikgwa is one of the major trading cities of the Lakelands. It is ruled by Lord Efflestein van Ulfrik who controls a significant portion of the cities companies and trading fleets. He is advised by a council made up of representatives from the city's districts, companies, guilds and temples.
The city is protected by a wall running along the far side of the hills and across the river. Great iron bar gates control access through the river and can be closed to block access into the city if need be. Next to these great gates, a set of smaller regular wooden gates are used to grant or block access over land.
The city is defended by a small professional guard and in times of war or unrest, the city often employs the many mercenary companies that have set up shop.
=== The Shademar ===
In the heart of Urikgwa lies the Shademar, the market district of the city. Running along both banks of the river, it is a maze of narrow streets lined with colourful stalls, busy marketplaces and a plethora of shops. Goods from across Ferra, whether by land or by boat find their way here to be traded, haggled over and sold.
Due to its location in the middle of the valley, the Shademar is often cast in shadow. This together with the high and looming buildings and narrow streets blocks much of the sunlight from reaching the streets. As such, the district seems to be in an extended twilight for much of the day, only being brightly illuminated for a few hours around noon. 
This has made it into a hotbed of criminal activity. Many gangs rob, steal or kidnap from the merchants who pass though, unless they pay their protection fee that is.
* The Shademar Bazaar - Market
* The Twilight Tavern - Tavern
=== Harborview ===
Situated in the valley along the coast, where the river flows into the ocean, the Harborview is the portside district of Urikgwa. Its many docks and warehouses are constantly abuzz both during the night and day. Streetlamps are lit almost through the day to give the dockworkers enough light to perform their duties even in the relative darkness of dusk, dawn or night.
In many ways, the Harborview is the most important district for the cities economy as most trade flows through it into and out of Urikgwa. As such it boasts a relatively heavy guard presence to dissuade the criminals of the Shademar from trying anything. Most unskilled residents in the city work in the Harborview as dockworkers, sailors or companions for foreign sailors.
* The Golden Anchor Inn - Inn
=== Silbersten ===
Silbersten lies on the eastern hill of the city. It is home to the cities wealthier residents and prestigious guilds. Opulent shops and grand mansions line the streets, with small but lavish gardens and fountains offering some respite from the buzz of the city. Skilled artisans labour in fine workshops and wealthy merchants haggle over contracts deciding the future for whole trade companies.
Silbersten recives much more sunlight than the district in the valley, receiving most of their sunlight during the evening as the sun sets in the west. Its residetns often enjoy their evening sunlight drinking from the terraces of restaurants and cafés or from the opulent ballrooms of selective clubs.
* The Silberstern Forge - Forge
* The Gilded Rose Tavern - Tavern
=== The Sunher ===
The Sunher lies in the southern parts of the western hills. Physically it is the smallest of the districts but filled with towering spires and grand temples of marble and gold, it is one of the most easily recognizable ones. The peaks of the tall towers catch the first morning sunlight and the citizenry of the city, living and working in the valley eagerly await noon as the sunlight engulfs evermore of the tower until it eventually reaches them too around noon.
The Sunher accessible only by the cities clergy who is housed here. Worshippers wishing to pay homage and pray in these hallowed halls are expected to leave a sizable donation to the Sunher.
is a place of reverence and spiritual contemplation. Devout worshippers flock here to pay homage to their gods and seek guidance from the city's clerics and priests.
* The Sunstone Temple Complex - Grand Temple
* The Sunburst Library - Library
=== Suncrest ===
Suncrest lies in the northern parts of the western hills. It is the home of the nobility, guild masters and wealthiest merchants of the city. Grand villas and their gardens use much of the space of the district, the rest is filled with parks, restaurants a theatre and ballroom and the lords estate.
The Suncrest is primarily guarded by the private guards of its residents and access is usually forbidden unless someone is explicitly invited to a residents home. 
* The Suncrest Theatre - Theatre
== History ==
Urikgwa was founded over three centuries ago by a company of merchants, adventurers, and settlers seeking to establish a trade hub on the western border of the still uncolonized North Burn. At first the largely Efielic settlers struggled to establish a prosperous settlement. Most of the settlers were merchants and crafts people, unfamiliar with the challenges of founding a new town. The town was hungry, badly managed, starving and bankrupt due to being hopelessly outcompeted by the other better established cities of the Lakelands.
Soon after its initial founding however, a large trading fleet led by the prince of the Kingdom of Longoinia arrived. Hearing of the settlers plight, the prince docked temporarily to help the settlement. But as the weeks turned to months and eventually years, the large trading fleet settled in the city and the price became its first lord. 
The settlement grew into a town and eventually a city and the original Efielic settlers integrated into the Longoine majority, the descendants of that prince still ruling the city to this day.
Category:Settlement