Overall

The Harbor District is an Arland's bustling hub of shipbuilding, trade, and labor, famed for vessels that combine elven knowledge with mortal labor.

Layout

The Harbor District is the bustling center of trade, labor and sweat in Arland. It is bisected by the coastal highway that connects the cities of Šraku and Stormhaven—a vital artery for commerce across the region.

To the west of the road, the waterfront is dominated by expansive docks and shipyards, where the majority of activity revolves not around trade, but shipbuilding. Arland’s vessels are sought after across the seas for their seamless blend of mortal craftsmanship and subtle elven enchantment. Hulls here are constructed with wood that resists rot, sails that catch even the faintest breeze, and frames reinforced with rune-etched supports. Towering cranes and scaffolding rise above half-formed keels, while teams of artisans, engineers, and spellcasters work side by side. Though trade ships do dock here, they often share space with the skeletons of future vessels—sleek cutters, merchant galleons, and warships alike.

East of the road, nearer to the Elvish District, lies a lively and densely packed quarter of laborers' cottages, bustling open-air markets, and taverns that cater to tired dockworkers, traveling merchants, and curious adventurers. Smoke curls from chimneys, spices fill the air, and voices rise in dozens of tongues as deals are made and stories exchanged. Some taverns double as hiring halls where captains recruit new crew or where mercenary companies post contracts. Despite its working-class roots, this side of the Harbor District carries its own rough-hewn charm, pulsing with energy, ambition, and the scent of the sea.

Population

The population of the Harbor District is notably diverse, both in background and in purpose. Broadly, its residents can be divided into two groups: permanent and temporary.

The permanent residents form the beating heart of Arland’s industrious side. These are the shipwrights and dockhands who labor day and night at the yards, crafting elegant vessels under the influence of elven design. They are the carpenters, stonemasons, and engineers who expand and maintain the city’s infrastructure. Some are scholars and mages who teach in the Elvish District but choose to live here for its affordability or connection to the working class. Others are local merchants, tavern owners, and artisans whose livelihoods depend on the daily rhythm of trade and transit.

The temporary population is equally vital, if more transient. Foreign merchants pass through, drawn by Arland’s strategic coastal location and magical exports. Students arrive from faraway lands, eager to study art, magic, or philosophy under elven masters—many of whom will leave after a few years of training. And then there are the Coliseum visitors: warriors seeking glory in the ring, as well as travelers who come only to watch, bet, or experience the spectacle. They rent rooms in crowded inns, train in coastal arenas, or simply enjoy the city’s unique blend of culture and conflict before moving on.

Safety in the Harbor District is somewhat lower than in the Elvish District, but still generally reliable—and certainly better than in some of the rougher quarters of Stormhaven. That said, security measures were recently tightened around the shipbuilding docks after a newly constructed vessel was mysteriously stolen, prompting both magical and mundane precautions to be reinforced.

Economy

1) Shipyards

The Harbor District continues Arland’s elven tradition of crafting rare, high-quality goods—though here, the focus is not on art or philosophy, but on shipbuilding. Within the bustling shipyards lining the western waterfront, the finest vessels in all of Kildar are brought to life. Each ship is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship, shaped by the hands of seasoned builders and guided by blueprints drafted by master naval architects—many of whom are trained in Arland itself.

But these are not merely seaworthy vessels; they are works of art in motion. Every ship is carefully enchanted—some to move faster, others to be more durable or better suited to specific magical environments. Elven techniques are seamlessly blended with mortal labor creating sleek ships that glide with an elegance unmatched elsewhere.

Commissioning such a vessel is a mark of prestige. Nobles, merchant lords, and naval commanders from the whole Kildar wait months—sometimes years—for delivery. For those who can afford them, Arland’s ships are not just a mode of travel—they’re a statement of power, refinement, and ambition.

2) Trade

Arland stands as a vital nexus of trade in Kildar, strategically positioned between the great cities of Stormhaven and Šraku. Its location along the main coastal road ensures that even merchants with no intention of entering the city often pause here—whether to rest, resupply, or simply enjoy the safety and services of the Harbor District. In doing so, they bring a steady flow of coin and commerce to Arland’s gates.

From a practical standpoint, the Harbor District serves as both a marketplace and a logistical hub. It acts as the primary outlet for the rare, high-value goods produced in the Elvish District—enchanted crafts, artisan weaponry, and exquisite art pieces—selling them to traders from across the continent. In return, Arland imports the raw materials needed for this elite craftsmanship: metals, woods, fabrics and magical reagents.

One notable exception to this import-heavy economy is the bounty of the Arland Forest. Though guarded and dangerous, the forest yields a wealth of natural resources—especially herbs, fungi, and alchemical ingredients prized by healers and potion-makers. These are gathered by licensed foragers and seasoned guides, then sold in the Harbor District to merchants and apothecaries alike.

In this way, Arland serves as both a creator and a conduit—transforming raw materials into priceless treasures and connecting distant cities through the shared language of trade.