HIGH TOWN

 

Guide Post – A log cabin near to the entrance to High Town is conveniently situated to capture the attention of newcomers.  Trackers, explorers, trappers, scouts, soldiers and others all come here.  The Duke is always looking to expand the knowledge of the Territory, and as it is still growing this is a bustling location. There are usually guides of various abilities for hire and maps of the town and surrounding areas are available. Most maps of the Territory are shoddily made copies of a Gilbert map, or drawings of dubious authenticity done by other explorers.  The main function of the Guide Post has come to be that of land agent, as Pyotr Govrynin has his office there. Pyotr is one of the Duke's men, but he lives in town instead of the castle and acts as a liaison. At his office you can see what land is available for purchase or find other work as suited to your skills.

            Attached to the post is the office of the Republican Emissary, Jesse Allen, who works to keep an eye on the coal mine and all other operations at the Station. Goods are often brought here to be taxed before leaving

 

Imperial Rise – Keeping themselves separate from the rest of town, the Imperials have built their own compound in High Town where most of their important citizens work. Behind the stockade walls (which are always guarded) are the barracks of the Imperial Army outpost. The contingent of soldiers is not large, especially because many of them are traveling with goods and citizens at any given time, but there are certainly enough of them to create tension. Most stay within the walls, but it is common to see small groups patrolling the town or on various errands.  Some others live there, but most diplomats and other officials have homes in Low Town. The Imperial Ambassador, Lionel Hamilton, can often be found at his office here.  The Rise is also rumored to contain some of the most secret workshops in Black Rock Station. Strange smells and sounds often emit from various places in the compound, and it is not uncommon to see bright lights or colored smoke above the walls.  Very few are allowed through the gate, and it is even rarer to be able to continue past the first few buildings to see what exactly it is the Empire has built here.

 

The Black Rock Guard - Also stationed in High Town, as if to keep an eye on the Imperials, are the members of the Black Rock Guard. These are citizens of the Territory, and therefore their first loyalty is to the town and the Duke. Led by Captain of the Guard (and Territorial Marshal) Jasper Henry, the soldiers are somewhat motley, but eager. There is a large contingent of trackers and scouts among them, and patrols are constantly going to the walls or out to watch for dangers from the hills.  The Captain and a smaller policing force makes their home in Low Town, but Lieutenant Alexei Faustin keeps order in High Town.

 

Black Diamond Inn - The finest hospitality in the Station is in Low Town, of course, but the Black Diamond serves the needs of the more sophisticated in High Town.  It had its start as a restaurant where high-ranking foremen, craftsmen, and officers could take their meals.  Most of those who spend much time in High Town are not interested in fripperies, as, no matter what their station, they are there to work and know that mines are a dirty business. This means that even the Inn does not provide much in the way of comforts. Rooms are also available, as is plenty of liquor, and there are games to be had for those who look. The rumor is that the owner of the Inn, Jenny Macrae, will continue to improve the establishment, but for now it serves the need it was built for.

 

Bunkhouse - This large building is where most of the workers live when they are not laboring.  With its own kitchen and common area, most of those who stay here do not need to venture out in search of food and amusements.  Still, the foremen keep an eye on things to make sure nothing gets too rowdy, which drives many of the men to seek other pastures to let off steam. Most workers look to Barney Jacobs, a foreman who bunks with them, as a sort of leader. Barney often speaks for the common workers and can frequently be found talking to someone or another in the bunkhouse.

 

The Mountain Palace - Located just across the way from the bunkhouse, this building only recently began construction, and is still not finished. However, once the girls started arriving, business has been booming too much to complete the work on the building. Cheaper liquor and more rowdy games and entertainments can be found here as well for those without the money to play on the better games at the Black Diamond. There was some stir in Low Town about the new establishment, but the influence of those causing the ruckus is greatly diminished at the rougher, higher altitudes. Those who make the rules are, if concerned at all, only worried about making the workers happy so that they are productive. This suits the owner, Timothy “Buck” Fielding, just fine as he is largely uninhibited by the Low Towners - and can also set his own prices as there is no competition.

 

Gilbert Cabin - Located in its own clearing away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of town is a humble wood cabin that belongs to Howard Gilbert. This is the same Howard Gilbert who is responsible for the discovery that is making Black Rock Station rich and after whom the mountain is named. However, those thinking to seek him out to hear a story of his adventures or to learn from his experience will be sorely disappointed.  Bitter after the accident that cost him his leg, and absolutely caustic towards Imperials, Gilbert keeps to himself.  Some of the Duke's men will be allowed into his home, but most others won't even get a word from him. No one knows the Territory better, unfortunately. Now, if you can get on what good side he has, the best most people can hope for is to buy one of his maps.

 

Mullins Mules & Transport - Seeing an opportunity, Wesley Mullins set up a system of wagons to get people and goods from High Town to Low Town. This has allowed denizens to travel from place to place; as well as getting goods to the higher establishments with relative ease and regularity.  Three times per day (morning, noon, and evening) the wagons move to the opposite location.  Wes sells from out of his wagons, when you can catch him, and also takes orders for supplies.  An order will usually arrive the same day if the items are available in Low Town and you get the request in before the noon wagon.  Special deliveries are available for an extra cost.  The covered passenger wagons are divided so that there is a more expensive "high class" section available, separated from the other passengers by curtains. Wes will also hire out coaches and special transportation for those requesting it.

 

The Iron Mine – Like the name says; the tunnels leading into the iron mine can be found in or near High Town.  The Empire was given rights to extract from the mine, and they lost no time in setting up the rails, carts and machinery to do so. One entrance is in Imperial Rise, another is just outside town, and a third is farther into the mountains. The Empire refines the ore in town, as well, and exports it in bars. While they are being forced to hire non-Imperial workers (at prices those in the Empire would be envious of), most of those who toil for iron come from the Empire.

 

The Coal Mine – There is also a significant coal deposit beneath Mount Gilbert. The Empire did not win rights to work it, and the Republic has taken over extracting and refining the black rock. The Republican contractor on the job is George Bandy, who is in charge of the mining operation and answers only to Republican officials like the Emissary in town. Jealous of their claim, the Republic allows no Imperial citizens to work here. While expanding tunnels, a natural network of caverns has been found that joins with the coal vein, though none know how far they extend.