02 - Iron Kingdoms W.. - Captain Spud Is Amazing

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columns and several open-domed rotundas along
its exposed cloisters and walkways. It is perhaps best
recognized for its high, arcing Bridge of the Grand
Path linking the Old and New Quads. The bridge has
ornate columns on decorated brackets and an open
voluted pediment at its center. The basilica is usually
packed during worship days, for Vicar Enderlin has a
reputation as an inspirational homilist, and the Orven
Basilica Choir is second only to the Grand Archcourt
Cathedral itself.
Mining Camps: Since its establishment as a tax
haven, Orven’s mining industry has exploded.
Companies from across Cygnar employing thousands
of diggers, mechaniks, and other workers have
burrowed deep into the Upper Wyrmwall to extract
seemingly endless supplies of coal, sulphur, and
silver. These camps are renowned as test beds
for many unusual mechanikal devices including
steamjacks with mining enhancements. From time to
time the mining disturbs subterranean creatures, but
even this has done little to slow the pace with which
the mines expand.
Orven Station: Orven is the last stop on the Orven
Rail going all the way to Caspia. The rail station here
is therefore large and impressive. Immense railcars
carrying metals and minerals are sent to Ironhead
Station and elsewhere for processing. Likewise, equally
immense cars enter Orven bringing much needed
supplies as well as throngs of pilgrims, most of whom
bribe their way aboard cargo cars. The station itself is
a grand affair. Its wrought-iron construction combines
sturdiness with stark beauty and few can compare to
Orven Station for the boldness of its design. There
is a lot of local buzz about the current debate in the
capital over the possibility of extending the rail line
to Ceryl. With the outbreak of war it is not certain if
this will happen, but if such an enormous project were
started, it would mean more prosperity and work for
the region.
Rimmockspan Bridge: Perhaps the most visually
impressive of Orven’s many architectural sights is
the Rimmockspan Bridge. As its name suggests, it
spans 1,500 feet between two sheer cliffs above the
Rimmocksdale. A grand cooperative work of dwarven
and human design, the bridge serves very little practical
purpose beyond showing the limits of engineering
advances. It is thus a major tourist attraction and many
visitors to Orven cross its length in order to look down
on the city from above.
Spire of the Great Fathers: This spiraling tower is
the most prominent feature of the dwarven conclave
but is considered relatively small for a church of this
type. Assessor Paulida Claywen (female dwarf Clr9)
is the conclave’s religious leader. She is on cordial
terms with Vicar Roard, but some dwarves are worried
about the Morrowan pilgrims to Orven and reported
attempts to convert local dwarves. Indeed, there are a
growing number of Morrowan dwarves in Orven eyed
with disapproval by their kin.
Point Bourne
In Power: Earl Galt Langworth of Bournworth,
Mayor Leto Millward, and the City Council
Population: 72,000 human (mostly Midlunders
and Thurians), 2,000+ gobbers, 500–600 dwarves and
200–300 trollkin
Military: Point Bourne is garrisoned by thousands
of soldiers and patrolled by hundreds of civilian
watchmen.
Imports: Iron, ale, wine, stone, firearms, blasting
powder
Exports: Fish, timber, grain
Visitors to Point Bourne are liable to remark first
on the immense locks that dominate the city, but once
they overcome their awe of the mechanical marvels
they cannot help but hear the great roar of the nearby
waterfalls which dominate the neighborhoods near
the river and overwhelm even the noise of the city’s
industry. The locals soon tune it out, but many who
regularly work directly adjacent to the rushing waters
are prone to hearing problems. Point Bourne was built
at the most turbulent point on the Dragon’s Tongue
River where a narrow gorge caused the backflow to spill
over and eventually become Lake Thornmere. The
Dragon’s Tongue is bolstered here by the mountain
flow from the Banwick River coming down out of the
mountains to the south. This has combined to make
for a powerful current rushing down treacherous
rocks in a series of tall falls.
In ancient days, boatmen had to land well before
this stretch of river and were forced either to turn
back or drag small boats on land around the falls.
World Guide 183