Volstadt

Situated along the north coast of the Sea of Spirits near the border between Avalon and Drachenheim, the free city of Volstadt is the largest city in the world.

Volstadt is a walled city, but its defenses have never been tested against anything more serious than roving bands of marauders, as Volstadt's economy is so essential to commerce in western Avas that, should the city invoke trade sanctions, it could quite possibly crumble an enemy nation from the inside without having to raise a single sword.

Volstadt is ruled by a single autocrat, traditionally a position held by any person who can manage to claim - and hold - the office. This autocrat holds the title of Prince, hearkening back to the ancient past of Volstadt, when it was the seat of a small kingdom. The position and title are held until death or abdication, with a vast majority of regime changes the result of assassination.

While the Prince of Volstadt technically wields absolute power, the city's guilds control Volstadt's economy, and therefore their opinions hold weight. It is said that Prince Solano has held his position for so long because he is a master of keeping the guilds content and pitting them against one another, for as long as they are bickering amongst themselves, they aren't plotting against the Prince.

Volstadt by the Numbers
N metropolis

Corruption +6; Crime +3; Economy +5; Law +5; Lore +7; Society +2

Qualities academic, notorious, prosperous, strategic location

Danger +20

Demographics
Government overlord

Population 523,000 (230,000 humans; 99,000 dwarves; 52,000 elves;  43,000 gobbes; 36,000 ratfolk; 26,000 orcs; 16,000 half-elves; 21,000 other)

Marketplace
Base Value 27,200 gp; Purchase Limit 200,000 gp; Spellcasting 9th

Minor Items *; Medium Items 4d4; Major Items 3d4