Some cities in any land evoke a wonder in their unique construction or artisanship. Ardglass has both, for its layout is of small pockets of habitation huddled in shaft caves, connected by tunnels, and for its stonemasons and craftspeople.
During the expansion of the Kingdom of Endon, surveyors came across, to the southwest of Alaron, a series of massive stone pockets, grottos scored into the ground long ago by some massive tectonic activity. The pits, protected from the elements but still open to the sunlight, were soon colonised by settlers, who tunnelled through the rock to connect the many grottos, and make gentler ramps to the surface for the trading and goods carts that came to the city.
Ardglass is now one of the larger cities in that part of the kingdom, famed for its artisans – particularly its glassblowers and metalworkers. It is also, more recently, the site of a military academy, reponsible for the training of the recruits for the King’s Army. The trainees from Ardglass Academy make up the forces in Western Endon, while its twin in Lodban populate the east.
There are four main entrances into the city, but the north, west, and east exits are only large enough for small carts and pedestrians. Most of the trade carts and caravans must enter and leave through the south exit, and unload in the market square nearby.
On Arrival to Ardglass
"From the unassuming tunnel entrance in the grassy hillside above, the road winds down slowly curving into the stone beneath, and finally opens into a great cavern. Far above, the sunlight filters down onto the cool air of the city, built into the bottom of this low cave. All around, houses and buildings are raised up against the cavern walls. Everywhere, on strings across the road and poles struck in the pavements, are coloured lanterns for the dim light."
City of Sunken Stone
Ardglass has many of the normal locations of a small city - a market square, a courthouse, a town hall, a forge, and several inns and taverns. A handful of these industries stand out as being unique to Ardglass.
Ardglass Brewery. The city is host to one of the largest breweries in the Kingdom, the Ardglass Brewery – “Have a glass of Ardglass”. Their production and workforce make up a large portion of the industry in the already busy city, and the massive store of grains feeds a horde of pests.
Salamanders Rest Bathhouse. Tall vaulted chambers distinguish this building, sat atop the hot springs which carved out its grotto. They trap the hot steam and filter the water, and are hailed across the Kingdom as a sanitorium.
Svaltain's Statuary. Ardglass is home to many artisans, not least of which is Svaltain, the master stoneworker famed for his statues. His workshop, host of a thousand orders from the rich and powerful across the continent, occupies a position of eminence in the city.