Duchy of Sterling

Sterling is the oldest, and arguably the strongest of the current city-states in the Golden Basin. It was founded over 700 years ago on the shattered ruins of a once great cathedral or mansion, and has since expanded to become a large city with a permanent population of over 13,000. It rules over six minor towns, three hundred settlements, and about 160,000 inhabitants of the surrounding lands.

History of Sterling
The foundation and early history of the city if well-documented: it describes how many smaller groups came together to create a larger, more stable society. The history of the state is studded with changes of political leadership and civil unrest, the latest being the Sixty Day War and the declaration of independence of the Sahask. A rare non-violent event was the exodus to and the eventual separation of the colony of Vyrtan, four hundred years ago.

Life in the Duchy
Sterling is controlling much of the food production, as well as stonecutting, and they are a major player in fine mechanics and metalworking. Most of the clockwork of the Basin is made within the city, and Rhobar Steel is arguably the best material for weapons that exists, making it a prime choice for firearms especially. The local wine is also the best around, or at least tied with Ismar's well-guarded batches; Ghoul Blood and Marretsen being the most popular, though Sterling Silver Ale also made a name for itself. Sterling's trade is closely tied to Vyrtan via their agreements, but the pushes for union are hampered by the independent nature of the other state, and the perceived beginnings of a downfall as Sahask separated. As a reaction, Sterling is trying to match their artifacting trade with Vyrtan's.

Sterling is the sole distributor of stone cut from the Platinum Mines; they also use gemstones found in the mine as a currency, once cut and marked. The Florin is possibly the strongest currency in the Basin and its value is strictly enforced in Sterling, unlike everywhere else, where the exchange rate is moderately fluid and bartering is often preferred.

While Sterling is by law ruled by a Duke, it doesn't currently have one, and a council of regents are ruling the city, whose members are part of the wealthy merchant elite of the city. They give out permits to enter past the inner walls, deeds to set up shop, and they tax the population in exchange for the protection from marauders. The clothing and uniforms are the richest and most sophisticated around, with a real military feel to them. The City Guard keep order, and the recently expanded Midnight Watch is in the deeper districts of the town.

Sterling's main landmark is the manor it's been founded around, along with a new clocktower, still under construction. The architecture is based on ruins, stone extracted from the Ditch, and mud-and-straw houses for lesser people. Vyrtanian Copperwood is also often used. Newcomers to the city usually sleep at the Inn to the Clockwork Crow. Events like fairs and get-togethers are common, with performers and sellers serving the taste of the public. Community spaces and houses, city cafés and such provide ample chances to socialize anywhere. Art and crafting is also a beloved pastime, as well as reading, if one can afford it. Arms trials and other competitive events, even among enemies are a periodic occurrence.

Notable people

 * Lord Protector Zoltan Temarin, Captain of the Midnight Guard, Royal High Commander of Sterling's Armies, Regent for the Young Duke Archibald
 * Secretary-for-the-State Varna Hagen
 * Major Philip Hugo, Commander of Sterling's Guard
 * Vincent Van Schlank, artificer
 * Nonus, clockmaker
 * Mitts, innkeeper in the Clockwork Crow
 * Amelia Pryde, madame of the Dragon in Silk
 * Stan The Man, pawn shop owner and fence
 * Nek, local cutthroat and master of a nightly fighting ring

Notable places

 * The Keep
 * Upper City
 * The Rogan Sterling Library
 * Market Avenue
 * Merchant's Street
 * The Clockwork Crow
 * The Dragon In Silk
 * Stan The Man's Price Cut Hut