Boischateau

Boischateau is the capital city of The North, the northernmost duchy of Bastonia. It occupies both the east and west faces of the Bavonian Pass along the road from Coldwater to the Bastonian Heartland and is near the border into the Heartland, meaning most roads into and out of the north pass through it. Because of this, the city is enriched by trade both coming and going, and is the largest and wealthiest city in the north.

The city's terraced structure envelopes the road, giving it full control of the entire Bavonian Pass. This is a difficult position from which to farm, making the city trade dependant, but it also places it on high ground with the natural fortification of the valley itself on two sides, making it readily defended. The city is famous for the Bavonian Order, an extension of the religious orders of San Lauren who are specialists in hunting and ranging in the cold mountains.

Geography

The city is comprised largely of walled terraces constructed against the bedrock of the slopes to either side of the pass, with a long channel running through its center, the several gates of which give them layered control over traffic along the road. The city's east side is considered especially afluent and is home to the keep and other administrative holdings of the Duke of the North. The West side is less afluent, full of common folk, but home to both the city garrison and the halls of the Bavonian Order.

Some centuries ago an overpass was constructed above the central road which itself is the foundation of a cathedral centering The Almighty with several subordinate chapels for other members of the Bastonian Pantheon. This cathedral is a common place of pilgrimage for many in the North and is the northernmost Cathedral in the entire Kingdom.

The city is also known to have extensive cave and tunnel systems under both sides. On the East Side, these are known as the Boischateau Vaults and make up part of the redoubts of the merchants and nobility there. On the west side, these are known as The Warrens and are used mostly for storage and civil defense.

Economy

Trade fuels Boischateau, where crowding is increasing to the point of criticality on the West Side, and even on the east side the manufacturing trades are being pushed out in favour of space for nobles and the merchantile class. Through Boischateau, Arcwhale Oil and exotic materiel from the Atarlie Empire flow south along with gold, iron, steel, jewels, and other common and exotic materials, while finished goods and currency flow north from the Heartland.

The city is thoroughly dependent on this trade - high up in the pass, the nearest farms and ranches have travel times measured in days, and are more beholden to the counts and barons which are nearer than to the Duke himself.