Wikhulla

Wikhulla is the largest city in Torskland and a major centre of industry and trade. Its bustling port is filled with airships, steamboats, and other vessels that transport goods and people from all over the world. Located on Torskland's north-western seaboard, the city is centred on its large natural harbour and extends about 75 km eastwards towards the Blåfjell Mountains. To the north Wikhulla is bound by the county of Haukbydel and by the logging villages of Skogmarka in the south-east. Wikhulla is made up of 24 wards and is home to more than half a million people. Residents of the city are known as "Wikhullans".

Prehistory and First Age
Wikhulla is situated at the mouth of the small river Alna, an area that is thought to have been settled since prehistoric times because of its advantageous position. According to Pre-urlandic sagas, the city was founded in the 8th century BV by the legendary raider-lord Kalga Snake-eye. Kalga Snake-eye is said to have been a fierce warrior and cunning strategist, who united several scattered tribes under his rule and founded the city of Wikhulla. The city quickly grew in wealth and power, due to its strategic location at the mouth of the Alna river and its proximity to the Latvrykksund, a major trade route between the north and the south. As the Urlandic Empire subjugated most of the Torsklander raider warlords during its northern expansion, the Wikhullans were forced to pay tribute and become vassals of the empire. In surviving urlandic documents the settlement was known as Ut'Boreala, meaning 'the Northernmost', as it sat on the extreme north of the empire's sphere of influence.

The Anarchy
After the Empire's collapse into anarchy, Wikhulla would become the capital of a raider kingdom once more, this time under the Frosketunge clan. For three centuries the three petty kingdoms of Støylen, Wikhulla and Ryggmargen engaged in constant low intensity warfare as each tried to assert dominance over the other two. It was during this period that the Church of the Three Seashells formalised in Torskland, including in Wikhulla.

It was during these turbulent times that the Geitetårn citadel was built on a hill overlooking the city that was at the time used as pasture. Though the Geitetårn has burnt down many times over its history, the core tower still stands and is thought to be among the oldest still standing stone structures in the country. The Frosketunges are also said to have built a great wooden temple to the Sea Mother in Wikhulla which burnt down in the intervening centuries.

The Second Age
The city was eventually brought under the fold of the kingdom of Støylen as Torskland was finally unified as one polity by Ulf Jarlson, who installed the mysterious Ormeøyne clan as the new rulers of the city. Alleged to be witches and worshippers of the old gods, the Ormeøyne were ousted from power during the War of Ten Sieges by their own populace. After spending a decade under direct rule from the church, a merchants revolt, known as the Butter Revolution would transfer powers to a city council composed of the most influential guild families, though agricultural lands outside the city walls would remain church possessions.

Despite its many successes, the city council was not without its challenges. The Ormeøyne clan, though deposed from power, still held significant influence in Wikhulla, and they often used their connections to try and undermine the city council. In addition, the church remained a powerful force in the city, and its leaders often clashed with the city council over control of the city's lands and resources.

From the Marble Renaissance to Our Days
Under the merchant council, Wikhulla would grow to become the foremost port on the west coast of Torskland, eclipsing its two rivals. It prospered by exporting lumber and cod, and importing wine and textiles. Wikhulla also established a flourishing commerce with the ports of Genf and Arvantha as well as the Angir League. This would cement Wikhulla as the centre of the old cod economy. The city's affluence from this time is preserved in the form of several well-maintained buildings from the period, such as the Alderlaugshus which serves as the meeting place of the city council to this day or the Smørsalle, the old seat of the butter churners guild. This prosperity as well as an affinity for seafaring would lead to Wikhulla developing a large shipyard industry during the Marble Renaissance which continues to this day.

The Marble Renaissance was a period of great cultural and artistic flourishing in Wikhulla. It was during this time that many of the city's most famous landmarks were built, including the Marble Theatre and the Grand Lighthouse. The shipyard industry also experienced a period of rapid growth during this time, as demand for ships increased both for trade and for the growing navy of the second kingdom of Støylen during the Torskland Regency Era which saw the kingdom once again momentarily splinter..

After king Egon VI died heirless in 73 BV, Wikhulla became the centre of power of the Hauka-Erlingsson faction in the ensuing war of succession known as the Kraken War. Wary of the centralising ambitions of the presumptive Egon VII, the city council decided to support the claim of young Einar Hauka-Erlingsson, the scion of a weak cadet branch of the ruling dynasty. After nine years of destructive civil war which involved no less than five pretenders to the throne, the city council, verging on bankruptcy renounced its support to Einar's line and signed the Tynnntarm Compromise with the powerful Arvanthan-backed eastern jarl Skulle Bardsson. As a result of the compromise, Wikhulla would retain much of its previous internal autonomy, but would have to hand over the monopoly of such things as the salt trade to the crown. To this day the city fosters an independent streak as Wikhullans remain attached to their local identity.

The city has experienced several major fires. Since much of the city was made of wooden buildings, many of the fires caused severe damage. Great fires ravaged the city in -598, -251, -181, 108, twice in 17, 142, 288, 341 and 342; however, these were only the worst cases and there have been several smaller fires in the city. The 288 fire destroyed 90% of all buildings within the city limits. As a result Wikulla has relatively little in the way of ancient architecture.

Economy
In the modern age Wikhulla is mostly known for its many steel mills and enormous shipyards. Modern shipbuilding was started when Vilhjelm Lardsenn established the city's first modern iron works in 524, joined by his brother Ulf Lardsenn and five other men in 528. The business expanded to become Lardsenn Docks and would rise to the forefront of technological innovations as the Age of Steam began to spread west. Today the city sports no less than 13 docks and around 70 hulls are laid down in Wikhullan yards each year. This frenzied expansion has started to decline since the Isthmus War as the world is gripped by airship fever.

Smier og Verft i Latvrykksund (SoVL) aerogyors

Timber used to be a major export of Nordlanda county and the city council subsidised logging camps in the large forests of Skogmarka. Though the industry was somewhat revitalised by the construction of the Great Lateral Line which runs weekly trains directly from the camps to the sawmills of Wikhulla, logging in the region has been eclipsed by the much large-scale Hartlander and Heptapoler lumber industries, which also benefit from a much cheaper workforce. The legacy of this sector are the exclaves of Østfolda and Hogstleir which despite being some 60 kilometres south of the city are integrated into the city as wards and mostly populated by Wikhullan labourers.

In addition to its steel mills and shipyards, Wikhulla is also a major center of the shipping industry. The city's location near the Latvrykksund makes it an ideal hub for trade and commerce, and many well-known shipping companies operate out of the city's wharf. The Hvitløve Line and the Rød-Svart-Blå Line are two of the most prominent companies based in Wikhulla, and they offer a range of shipping services to destinations around the world.

Due to its history and geographical location near the Latvrykksund, Wikhulla is also a centre of the shipping industry with such well known companies as the Hvitløve Line and the Rød-Svart-Blå Line operating out of the city wharf. While the RSB Line is most well known for its many passenger lines throughout the North-West, Hvitløve operates merchantmen that anchor as far as the Sheikhanates or Underland.

Kiep engine based aerogyros are a type of steam-powered airship that utilizes the sustained exothermic reaction of kiep crystals when submerged in a strong base to generate power. This technology was developed by the Lardsenn Institute of Steam Technology in collaboration with the Wikhulla Naval Academy in order to create a more efficient and powerful means of propulsion for airships.

As a result of this collaboration, Wikhulla has become a hub for the development and production of kiep engine based aerogyros. Many of the city's shipyards and steel mills have been converted to produce these airships, and the technology has become a major source of revenue and pride for the city. The success of kiep engine aerogyros has also helped to solidify Wikhulla's position as a leader in steam technology and naval engineering.

Education
Wikhulla is home to a number of historical research institutions that have played a key role in the development of Kiep crystal engines and their naval applications. These institutions are known for their cutting-edge research and their commitment to advancing the field of steam technology.

One of the most prominent research institutions in Wikhulla is the Lardsenn Institute of Steam Technology. Founded in the 6th century by the renowned steam engineer Vilhjelm Lardsenn, the institute has been at the forefront of Kiep crystal engine research for decades. The institute's researchers have made many important contributions to the field, including the development of new techniques for harnessing the sustained exothermic reaction of Kiep crystals.

Another important research institution in Wikhulla is the Wikhulla Naval Academy. Founded in the early 20th century, the academy has a long tradition of conducting research into the naval applications of Kiep crystal engines. The academy's researchers have worked closely with the Lardsenn Institute and other institutions to develop new steam-powered ships and other maritime technologies.

Government
''See also Wikhulla Local Government

the Wikhulla city council has gone through many changes over its long and tumoultous existence, from a clique of powerful families to a representative body of city guilds to its current democratically elected assembly. Soon after the introduction of universal suffrage in city council elections of 569, Wikhulla became one of the centres of the labourist movement. Founded in 562, the Wikhullan Labour Representation and Coordination Committee, one of the organisations that would eventually consolidate into the NLP, gained a majority in the council after the 573 elections and has been in power ever since, though it occasionally in coalition with independents or smaller parties. The NLP has maintained a consistent position on union recognition, believing in the right to strike but forbidding industrial action that went beyond the demands of a single trade union.

When the NLP took office in the summer of 582, the city council expanded its infrastructure in an apparent attempt to attract investment. A controversial new stadium with a wooden ceiling was opened, and a new brick public bathhouse was planned. When the contractors responsible for the stadium raised the roof of the stadium, a child was crushed and died.[16] In the same year, an old stone structure on the city's south shore was also repaired. The Bathhouse, containing 30 baths, cost a quarter of the stadium to build, and the north shore structure was referred to as the "New Bathhouse". By 589, the architectural and cultural splendour of the Wikhulla shoreline had begun to suffer from the city's exponential industrial growth, and in 596–597 a new city guild was formed to promote tourism and city beautification, replacing the original guild of rag-collectors and architects. The guild is concerned with the city's architectural style, and the general standard of development in the city.

The council is composed of 49 members elected for four year terms from mixed-member constituencies following the borders of the 24 city wards. The council is led by a mayor elected via direct suffrage every 6 years. The post is currently held by Matteus Grått (NLP). The mayor heads an executive council and a number of committees, each responsible for a subsection of tasks.

The municipal council of Wikhulla is composed of three main political parties, as well as five independent councillors. The National Labour Party (NLP) is the largest party, with 26 seats on the council. The NLP is a leftist party that traditionally has strong support among the city's dockworkers and labor unions. The National-Liberal Party (NLP) is the second-largest party, with 11 seats on the council. The NLP is a liberal Conservative party made up of the city's petty bourgeoisie, and is known for its support of free trade and laissez-faire economic policies.

The third major party on the council is the Saint Anhejm Society (SAS), which holds 7 seats. The SAS is an aristocratic Conservative party affiliated with the Ducal Leagues, the largest political party in the realm. The SAS is known for its support of traditional values and strict law and order policies. In addition to the three main parties, the council also includes five independent councillors who are not affiliated with any political party. These councillors are often seen as swing votes, as they are not bound by party loyalty and can often sway the outcome of important votes.

In addition to the three main parties, the council also includes five independent councillors who are not affiliated with any political party. These councillors are often seen as swing votes, as they are not bound by party loyalty and can often sway the outcome of important votes.

Northern Wards
The northern wards of Wikhulla are known for their vibrant and diverse mix of businesses, with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and other establishments lining the bustling main street. Some of the businesses one might find on the main street of the northern wards include:

The Kiep Crystal Emporium: This shop specializes in Kiep crystal engines and other steam-powered technologies, offering a wide range of products and services to both hobbyists and professionals alike. The emporium also offers repair and maintenance services for Kiep crystal engines, and is a popular destination for steampunk enthusiasts in the city.

The Timber & Tar tavern: A popular gathering place for local residents and travelers alike, the Timber & Tar is known for its hearty food, refreshing ale, and lively atmosphere. The tavern features a cozy fireplace and comfortable seating, making it the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a long day.

The Steam & Stitch dress shop: This shop is a favorite among the fashionable ladies of Wikhulla, offering a wide range of stylish and affordable dresses, skirts, blouses, and other clothing items. The Steam & Stitch also offers custom tailoring services, allowing customers to create their own unique and fashionable looks.

The Northern Lights bookshop: This cozy bookshop is a haven for bibliophiles in the northern wards, offering a wide selection of books, magazines, and other reading materials. The Northern Lights also hosts regular book clubs and author events, making it a popular destination for book lovers in the city.

The Hvitløve shipping office: Located on the main street of the northern wards, the Hvitløve shipping office is a hub of activity, with merchants, sailors, and other travelers coming and going throughout the day. The office offers a wide range of services, including cargo shipping, passenger transportation, and other maritime-related services.

EasternWards
Duke Hertvig Lane is the high street of the Eastern wards, centred around the exclusive neighborhood of Østfolda. Known for its upscale shops, restaurants, and other establishments, Duke Hertvig Lane is a popular destination for the city's wealthy and well-connected residents. Some of the businesses one might find on Duke Hertvig Lane include:

The Hormstedt-Lardsenn gallery: This upscale art gallery features a wide range of paintings, sculptures, and other fine art pieces, many of which are created by local artists. The gallery also hosts regular exhibitions and events, making it a popular destination for art lovers in the city.

The Saint Anhejm tea house: This elegant tea house is known for its refined atmosphere and delicious tea blends, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing and sophisticated afternoon. The tea house also offers a variety of light snacks and pastries, making it the perfect place to enjoy a quiet lunch or afternoon tea.

The Duke's Folly tailor shop: This exclusive tailor shop offers custom-made suits and other clothing items for the city's most discerning customers. The Duke's Folly is known for its fine fabrics, expert tailoring, and personalized service, making it a popular destination for those who demand the very best in men's fashion.

The Tugovna gift shop: This charming gift shop offers a wide range of unique and exotic items from around the world, including jewelry, clothing, home decor, and more. The Tugovna gift shop is known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff, who are always happy to help customers find the perfect gift for any occasion.

The Lavender & Lace flower shop: This beautiful flower shop offers a wide range of fresh flowers, plants, and other floral arrangements, making it the perfect destination for anyone looking to add a touch of beauty to their home or garden. The Lavender & Lace also offers custom floral arrangements and delivery services, making it a popular choice for weddings and other special events. the Lavender & Lace flower shop is known not only for its beautiful floral arrangements, but also for its decorative lace quilts. These quilts are a peculiar Wikhullan tradition, and are created by hand-stitching intricate patterns of lace onto a quilt or blanket. The resulting quilts are both beautiful and functional, and are often passed down through generations of Wikhullan families. Many of the quilts sold at the Lavender & Lace flower shop are made by local artisans, and are prized for their unique designs and careful craftsmanship.

Old City
The Smørsalle is a beautiful marble building, built in the 16th century during the height of Wikhulla's prosperity. Its design is a mix of Gothic and Classical styles, with intricate carvings on the façade depicting scenes of trade and seafaring. The building was originally the seat of the Butter Churners Guild, one of the most powerful guilds in Wikhulla at the time. It was here that the guild members would meet to discuss trade agreements and set prices for their products. Today, the Smørsalle still stands tall and is used by the Chambers of Commerce as a meeting place for local business leaders. It is also a popular venue for conferences and other events. Despite the passage of time, the Smørsalle remains a symbol of Wikhulla's rich history and its status as a hub of commerce and trade.

The Alderlaugshus is a grand building situated in the heart of Wikhulla. It was built in the late 15th century and served as the residence of the Ormeøyne clan, the city's ruling family at the time. After the War of Ten Sieges and the overthrow of the Ormeøyne, the building was seized by the church and used as a monastery for several decades. In the 17th century, it was given to the city council and has served as the meeting place for the council ever since. The Alderlaugshus is a fine example of Renaissance architecture, with its imposing façade and elegant columns. Inside, the council chambers are adorned with intricate frescoes and tapestries, depicting scenes from Wikhulla's history. Today, the Alderlaugshus is not only the seat of local government, but also a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take guided tours of the building and learn about its rich history.

Public Transport
The Wikulla public transport system is based on a network of trams that run on three different levels: underground, on street level, and overground. The trams connect the various districts of the city, including the northern and eastern wards, the central districts, and the southern docks area.

The system is known for its complexity, with multiple lines converging and branching off at various points throughout the city. This has led to some issues with connectivity, particularly at the Brøkknavet interchange, where four different lines meet and can be difficult for passengers to navigate.

The Wikulla public transport system is often a source of frustration for locals and tourists alike. The tram network is extensive, with lines criss-crossing the city and even extending out into the surrounding countryside. However, the system is plagued by poor coordination and frequent delays. The Brøkknavet interexchange, in particular, is infamous for its confusing layout and lack of clear signage, making it easy for even the most seasoned locals to get lost. Despite these issues, the trams remain a popular mode of transportation for many in the city, due in part to their relatively low cost and convenience.

The first tram line in Wikhulla was opened in 493 by the private company Østfolda Sporveisselskap. This initial line connected the city center with the eastern ward of Østfolda and was soon expanded to reach the docks and the northern wards. In the following decades, several other private companies would build their own tram lines, leading to a confusing patchwork of competing networks.

In 536, the city council decided to nationalise the tram network in order to rationalize the system. The newly formed Wikhulla Kommunale Sporveisselskap took over all the existing lines and started building new ones to connect the various parts of the city. This led to the construction of the city's first underground lines, which allowed trams to avoid the heavy traffic on the surface.

However, the nationalised company faced several challenges. The rapid expansion of the network strained its finances and it was unable to modernize the old tram cars inherited from the private companies. In 579, the city council decided to privatise the network once again, selling it to the newly formed Wikhulla Sporveisselskap.

Under private ownership, the tram network saw some improvements, with the introduction of new tram cars and the construction of new lines. However, the company faced criticism for prioritizing profits over the needs of the passengers, leading to overcrowded trams and unreliable service. In 602, the city council decided to re-nationalise the network, creating the current Wikhulla Kommunale Sporveisselskap.

Today, the Wikhulla tram network consists of several lines that connect the various parts of the city. The trams go underground, on street level and overground, leading to a confusing and needlessly complex system. The most infamous example of this is the Brøkknavet interexchange, which has four levels and is known for its badly connected lines and confusing layout.

Urbanism
Despite the efforts of the new city guild, many residents of Wikulla still remember the destructive fires of the city's past, and are wary of new construction projects. Additionally, the rapid growth of the city's industrial sector has led to concerns over air and water quality, and the health of its residents. Many residents are involved in environmental groups and advocacy organizations that seek to protect the city's natural resources, and to promote sustainable development.

Wards
Wikhulla is composed of 24 wards.


 * Geitetårn
 * Smørby
 * Gammelhavn
 * Lillehavn
 * Bakkedistrikt
 * Sagbrukke
 * Billemøl
 * Taksthus
 * Verftet-Mariya
 * Senggeby
 * Alnavet
 * Zudstrand
 * Mortensrud
 * Bjørndal
 * Seterbråten
 * Nystrand
 * Østfolda
 * Rand-en-Norrköping
 * Nashby
 * Brøkknavet
 * Verft
 * Hogstleir
 * Hel-en-Alna
 * Nybakkefolda

Everyday Life in Wikhulla
At 5:00 AM, Tulle Ekersen is woken up by the communal steam whistle signaling the start of the work day. He gets dressed in his work uniform, a blue overall with the logo of his employer, the Wikulla Tram and Aerogyro Company (WTAC), on the chest. After a quick breakfast of porridge and kippers, he heads out into the chilly morning air.

Ekersen lives in the Nystrand ward, a mostly working class neighborhood in the West of the city. He works in the North Wards, where the WTAC's main workshop is located. To get there, he takes a local tram from the Nystrand tram stop to the Central Square in the North Wards, where he transfers to a connecting tram heading towards the workshop. The trip takes about half an hour.

Once at the workshop, Ekersen starts his shift at 6:00 AM. He is part of a team of mechanics responsible for maintaining and repairing the city's fleet of kiep engine powered trams and aerogyros. Ekersen specializes in working on the aerogyro engines, which are more complex and require a higher level of skill. He spends his day performing routine maintenance, diagnosing and fixing any problems with the engines, and assisting his colleagues with more difficult tasks.

At noon, Ekersen takes a break for lunch. He usually brings a packed lunch from home, but sometimes he will go out to one of the nearby cafes or food carts for something different. After lunch, he returns to his work until the end of his shift at 4:00 PM.

After work, Ekersen heads back home to Nystrand. He often stops by the shop to pick up supplies for dinner or to grab a drink with his fiancée, Ivanka Okhkst, who works in a nearby textile factory. In the evening, they will cook dinner together and spend some time relaxing before going to bed to get ready for the next work day.

As the morning light begins to filter into the small apartment he shares with his fiancee, Ekersen wakes to the sound of the communal steam whistle signaling the start of the work day. He rises from bed, stretches, and makes his way to the small kitchen to prepare a simple breakfast of porridge and tea. After eating, he dresses in his work clothes and sets off on the long commute to the North Wards, where his small shop is located.

During his commute, Ekersen listens to the news on his personal wireless, catching up on the latest developments in the ongoing Isthmus War and local politics. As he passes through the bustling streets of Wikhulla, he takes note of the numerous steam-powered vehicles and bustling shops.

Once he arrives at work, Ekersen begins his day by checking inventory and placing orders for any parts that are low in stock. He spends most of the day assisting customers and working on repairs, using his expertise in Kiep engine technology to ensure that the trams and aerogyros of Wikhulla remain in good working order.

In the evening, Ekersen returns home to his fiancee and the two of them enjoy a simple dinner before retiring for the night. Despite the long hours and hard work, Ekersen takes pride in his job and is grateful for the opportunities that Wikhulla has provided him and his fiancee.