Highgarde

Highgarde is a mercantile and militaristic city situated in the Amber Territories of Ibera. Highgarde houses the largest population of humans on the Material Plane, giving it the unofficial position as the racial capital of the human race. The city stands as the seat of power for the Dundragon dynasty who control surrounding areas of the Amber Territories.

Appearance
Highgarde is a well-constructed, walled city made of stone and wood constructed around a split in the earth. The city is divided in two by the Stormbreaker ravine, through which runs the huge Notde River. Where many folk would have struggled to construct a coherent society, the Dundragon dynasty succeeded in turning the natural cavern from a detriment to an aid. Bridges span the gap between both sides of the ravine, and the construction of the Stormbreaker Dockyards enable merchant ships that sail the Notde River to be lifted hundreds of feet from the water in the bottom of the ravine up to the standing water dockyards in the city by depth cranes.

Weather
While the sun often shines, maritime chill breezes and northern mountain winds put a small chill in the air. In winter, it may even snow.

Religion
A variety of temples are placed across the city to accommodate for the varying beliefs of the city's visitors. Unlike many locations across the planes, Highgarde maintains "theofluidity" - the concept that religion is not a person's defining characteristic. This ideology has enabled Highgarde to pull in trade from across the lands, making the city an almost desirable location to visit for those seeking to do objective business.

The concept of theofluidity extends only so far however. While a person's religion is not called into question in Highgarde, those found worshipping religions that have been banned by the Dundragon dynasty, or those engaging in dangerous religious practices are swiftly ejected from the city. Banned religious worship topics include death, blood, and murder.

Government
Grand Duchess Shandri Dundragon leads the autocratic government of Highgarde with the support of most residents of Highgarde. The general sentiment of those living there is that Shandri has effectively defended their city from invasion by the Conqueror Army and has kept trade flowing, preventing stagnation of the city.

Shandri commands the Jade Regimen, a skilled group of professional soldiers raised and trained in Highgarde with fierce loyalties to the city and to the Dundragon dynasty. The Jade Regimen is easily recognisable by their green-tinted armor and weaponry. Making up close to 10,000 of the 23,000 city residents, the Jade Regimen is a sizeable and formidable force. Shandri uses this army to defend the city and to claim lands when expanding the dynasty's regions of control. Highgarde was raised on healthy trade and effective conquest, and as such the general population view service in the Jade Regimen as a worthwhile and honorable profession.

Despite having an overwhelming military majority, Highgarde does not oppress or closely govern its citizens. While the city is heavily militarised, the guards maintain a close relationship with the people they govern. The Jade Regimen is exclusively made up of people who have lived in Highgarde all their life, people who understand its inclusive ways. As such, Jade Regimen soldiers are versed in many cultures, and share an understanding with the citizens of what is considered acceptable behaviour in the city. They possess an appreciation for the importance specific cultures place on certain activities or items, and work to maintain inclusivity and peace in the city bearing this in mind.

The ruling dynasty maintains an inclusive and loose approach to law in an attempt to maintain an attractive and inclusive culture for tradespeople, ensuring the flow of trade. This policy has been largely successful. If the calm way of life in Highgarde is disturbed, the abundance of military power can usually restore it quickly, returning business to its usual open state. "Highgarde sense and decency" are both strong guiding forces in the city.

The Emerald Wings
The Emerald Wings are a subgroup of the Jade Regimen specialising in aerial and air-to-ground combat. The Emerald Wings get their name from their use of winged mounts in battle, combined with expert archery skills. Griffons are a staple mount for the group, while some riders may fly more exotic mounts.

The Stormbreaker Leap
The Stormbreaker leap is a challenge a few brazen and reckless youth undertake in the city. The challenge involves waiting for a ship to be carried up to the dockyards, and just before it's deck reaches level with the ground, they jump onto the ship. They must then make it to the other side of the ravine by running across the deck and jumping from the ship, hopefully landing on the other side of the ravine. Those who wait too late or are too slow miss their landing on the Stormbreaker cliffs and are sadly consumed by the Notde River after their long fall.

Dundragon's Pass
Dundragon's Pass is an enormous paved road stretching from Highgarde to the coast of the Invaded. The pass connects Highgarde to the Eastlier's Waves, enabling travel and trade across the land for people without access to the Notde River. Due to the long travel times bandits and others with malicious intent often try to poach valuables from merchant caravans travelling the Pass.

In an attempt to speed up travel times, griffons and the occasional dragon wyrmling are used as horse substitutes to pull carriages for those who can afford it. Rumours at the coast say that if you are particularly lucky you may be helped by the mysterious deva that lingers in the area, but its existence is a myth.