Southgate (City)

The capital of Southdown, Southgate is a bustling metropolis, located at the mouth of the Southgate River. The surrounding landscape features hills to the south and north, the Sunset Sea to the east, and lush farmland to the west. Being one of the largest cities in the known world, one can typically find whatever one wants in Southgate. From specialty merchants to fine-dining establishments; from the Fighting Pits to the dozens of churches and temples; from grand theaters to dusty bars; Southgate has what you want.

## Geography

### Region

Southgate Prefecture
South-Central Southdown

## Society

### Races

Majority humans, half-elves, and dwarves
Minority of most other races, including elves, half-orcs, dragonborn, and tieflings

## Commerce

### Exports

Textiles
Finished goods

## Geography

Southgate lies at the mouth of the Southgate River where it empties into Southgate Bay in the Sunset Sea. It is located in the Southgate Prefecture, of which it is the capital, in south-central Southdown. To its north and south are hills and, eventually, mountains (the Elsinorr Peaks to the south and the Southgate Mountains to the north), while to the west is the farmland that feeds much of the prefecture.

## Government

Southgate is the seat of power for three different parts of Southdown's government. King and Queen Ermine and Brynia Winterbrace rule the Kingdom of Southdown from the Silver Palace. Near the palace are two large mansions. One houses Cordelia Wellington, the Prefect of Southgate Prefecture. In the other is Ephraim Quickwater, Southgate's mayor. Although all of these people have their own separate areas of concern, there is often tension between them.

## Trade

Southgate is known for its crafters, particularly its textile-makers. They import fine silk, wool, and other raw materials and export fine cloths and even some clothes made by their resident tailors.

## Defenses

Southgate is a well-defended city. Her high walls and hilly approach would deter most invaders. Those brave ones who may make it to the city would be faced with not only a large city guard, but also one of the larger garrisons of the Southdown Army, as well as the headquarters of the Southdown Navy.

## Notable Locations

Southgate is broken up into distinct districts, and some of those are still broken up further into smaller neighborhoods (sometimes divided by street, or race, or religion, or even trade).

### Districts of Southgate

#### Silver Palace

This district of the city is named for the massive, walled palace at its focus. Around the palace, both inside and outside the walls, are military barracks, training grounds, and some high-ranking government buildings, including the Prefect's Mansion and the Mayor's Mansion.

Places of Interest
 Army Barracks

#### Sapphire Quarter

Near the palace, this district is home to wealthy families, beautiful parks, and a few upscale shops.

#### County Green

A large, beautiful park in the middle of the Sapphire Quarter. County Green houses many of the smaller festivals that the city holds throughout the year, while the bigger ones, like feast days, jousting tournaments, etc. tend to be held on the grounds just outside the city proper.

#### Market Square

At its center, a large open-air market dominates the space. The rest of the district houses other, more permanent shops, as well as homes for some of the workers and non-noble shop owners. While this is not the only market in the city, the Market Square district houses the majority of the shops in Southgate, and is also a widely-used spot for public decrees, some festivals, and even executions.

Places of Interest
 Hindergrass Skirts
 Pots for Sale

#### Circle of the Gods

In the hills of the eastern part of the city, a number of large temples are situated, as well as some homes for clergy and the like. Not every god is represented in this area, but if one were looking for a place to worship in the city, this would be their first stop.

Places of Interest
 Temple of Mulceo | Large, multicolored temple

#### Dockyard

The main docks for Southdown, the Dockyard is found along the southern coast of Southdown.

#### North Docks

The lesser docks of Southdown, the North Docks are more known for being the main docks of the Southdown Navy, although they do accept a few trade ships as well. A small park lies next to the docks, at the mouth of the Southgate River. On the point of this park stands a large statue of Mara, welcoming sailors to the city.

#### The Bottoms

The slums of the city, The Bottoms is where the lowest of the low end up living in Southgate. Riddled with crime, poverty, trash, and all the other unsavory things that occur when a neighborhood goes to shit, The Bottoms are where people end up, not where people go.

Places of Interest

#### Southgate College

While most colleges in Aleria specialize in one thing (wizardy, history, military, barding, etc.), Southgate College was the first to put together a multi-discipline curriculum. If one wishes to study something specific, there is probably something for them here, but many of the students (most of them nobles) study a wide range of subjects, with the intent of providing them a well-rounded education that will put them at an advantage when they inevitably take over their family business.

Entering the College, one passes beneath a large archway known as the Thinkers' Arch. It commemorates all those who have passed through the College. Engraved into the side of the Arch are the names of every head of the College and every teacher that has taught there.

#### Fighting Pits

After the War of Expansion and the peace that followed, there was still some bloodlust in the citizenry of Southdown. Thus were the Fighting Pits born. Although there are gladitorial events in cities around the world, few are as barbaric as Southdown's. Ordinary citizens can challenge each other if they have scores to settle, or they can face The Gauntlet: Ten rounds of progressively tougher challenges, culminating in a battle against one of the Five Pillars (if they survive that long).

##### The Five Pillars

* Crag Powerfist: A half-orc berserker who wears a bandolier embedded with the teeth of his enemies.
* Terry Bands: An ex-soldier whose winning smile can disarm an opponent as easily as his sword.
* Graznakh Bloodrend: The first full-blooded orc allowed to become a pillar, he is heavily tattooed and celebrates victory by pouring the blood of the fallen over his face.
* Jeryl Yellowcrane: A master tiefling monk whose nunchaku may actually be less deadly than his fists.
* Eltryn Zellerhoff: A dwarven paladin who broke her oath and now fights for her own glory and honor.