Rankein

In the heartland of the Andol Valley and built on top of two large hills on either side of the impressive Andol River is Rankein, the largest city in Prima Continens and home of the most powerful human empire on the face of Exnilion. it is positioned in the forested heart of the continent, known as the Reachlannd. The region experiences hot, stormy summers and cold, windy winters, making a pleasant day with neither clouds nor wind a rarity in Rankein.

### Defining Features

The city is built atop two large, grassy knolls with steep sides, that rise to an elevation of about 200ft from the river's surface. The Hanusplast, a magnificent castle and seat of the Ludanian Empire, is constructed on the larger hill to the east, known as Dominion Hill. The smaller Crimson Hill houses the world's largest cathedral of the Church of the Everlasting Flame.

A massive curtain wall surrounds the city, which was built in the 1200s EM under the order of Emperor Aedyrn Ludan. This wall surrounds over 50% of the buildings and 40% of the population of the city, and defends the industrial, business, and wealthy residential districts of the city. The Outerwall and Oldtown sections outside the walls are home to the low-middle and lower class of Rankein, and are not frequently patrolled by the city guard, giving them a reputation for lawlessness and depravity.

The Andol river cuts through the center Rankein, and is bridged by three massive stone bridges, to ensure the maximum flow of traffic over the major divide. The Eisen river also feeds into the Andol just north of the city's curtain wall. On the north side of the fork, sits the impressive Eisenfort, which is governed under a joint effort by the Ludanian royal family and the Kreuzzigs of Larchemotte. When the Eisenfort is fully manned, it can house up to 5000 soldiers within its walls, as well as 20 warships at port.

#### Points of Interest

* **Hanusplast**: A massive building, with the oldest parts being nearly a thousand years old, which was renovated when Hanus the Great began his conquest of Prima Continens. The palace is often referred to as the Keep of Towers, due to the many spires of differing ages that have been resurescted over the ages. Many believe that the castle is impregnable, with its spiraling walkways, high walls, and massive ballistas. The keep is the home of government for the entire empire, and the royal palace of the Ludanian Dynasty.
* **Eternal Cathedral**: The largest temple to the Flame Everlasting, constructed under Aedyrn the Wise and Pontufex Kai II. The cathedral is four stories tall with massive bell towers, deep maroon tiles, and a massive mosaic of a winding, flaming Coatl on the floor. The ceiling was recently painted under Henry VI with murals of Hanus the Great's first great battle. People from all across the empire pilgrimage to the cathedral to take an ember from the ever-burning altar.
* **Kriegring:** The massive arena which hosts monthly entertainment such as races, plays, and monster fights, as well as a quarterly tournament series which culminates in the month of Rexignar during The Trials. People come from across the world to view and participate at the infamous arena.
* **Gothragoth's Glittering Horde:** A magic item shop owned by the eccentric enchanter, Ragoth Stirling. Ragoth specializes in equipping adventurers for their journeys and sponsoring them (exchanges discounts for advertising). His two-story shop filled with coffee and cats was unfortunately burned down in the Grym Rebellion of 1444, but is currently undergoing repairs.
* **The Blacksmith's Guild of Rankein:** The primary smithy and manufacturer of steel goods in Rankein. The guild boast many journeyman and master smiths of all specialties, and is overseen by Grandmaster Dalnor Ferrus, a red dragonborn from Novatryn.
* **The West Side Inn:** A large in on the west side of the Andol river, which serves fine food and beverages, provides live music, and has many comfortable rooms for rent. It is the primary choice for travelers and merchants traveling through the city.
* **The Confluence:** A pub by locals, for locals. The owner is a one-eyed former adventurer named Radek the Bowman. Radek sells cheap ale and bootleg spirits, and often ends up catering for large street gatherings and celebrations, providing a small discount for soldiers and adventurers alike.

### Inhabitants & Government

The residents of Rankein are made up primarily of human Andols, though there are also a number of Valenic, Gallocan, and nonhuman inhabitants. The largest population of nonhumans are halflings, which populate a large suburb within the Oldtown district outside the main walls.

The city administration falls to the Ludanian Royal family, with the Emperor managing the executive and military functions, while the Empress or another appointed magistrate leads the legislature and judiciary under the emperor's authority. Two councils advise the Empress, each made up of ten members; The Patrician Council, which is made up of the ten wealthiest landowners within the city, and the Plebian Council, which is made up of ten appointed commoners from all walks of life. The plebian council is known to be a generally corrupt ring of people, who accept bribes from the Patricians, and are appointed by the Empress based on their willingness to support the royal family.

### History

Rankein was originally founded by Andol settlers from the Ludansk tribe in the 18th century E.H. The settlement slowly grew due to its position along the Andol River, which led to it being the de facto capital of the Ludansk region. In 1055 EC, Rankein was captured by Tormag Kormach of the Second Gallocan Empire, who executed King Arvid Ludan and unknowingly took his son, Hanus Ludan, as a slave. Hanus returned in 1076, reclaiming his birthright as King of Ludansk. After a 20 year campaign, Hanus declared Rankein the capital of the Ludanian Empire, with him as the Emperor. That year a temple to the Flame Everlasting was commissioned on top of Crimson Hill.

Over the years, Rankein flourished to become one of the largest cities in the world, behind Al Sulaf in the Sudara continent. Walls were built, a massive cathedral was added, and the city expanded at a rapid pace.

### Status

* 30th of Mortun, 1444: The was besieged by Kylon Ludan, Ulrich Kreuzzig, and the 5th Order, with the aim of seizing power from Emperor Kaihart Ludan, who had colluded with fiends to take the throne by force. After Kylon took the city, his grandfather, Vladimyr Grym, had him stabbed in the back by his own cousin, and the Gryms control of the city.
* 7th of Trema, 1444: The 5th Order returned to the city, along with four metallic dragons infiltrated the city in time to stop an undead raid led by Volker and Akeron Grym. After the brothers were slain, the 5th Order revived Kylon, giving him control of the city.