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Clifftop

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CLIFFTOP

Ward Type: Patriciate, Upper Tier
Population: 10,700
Approximate Size: 25 acres
Districts: 10
Buildings: Average Residences (200), Cisterns (9), Dormitories (10), Estates (60), Exotic Trades (23), Libraries (10), Small Parks (6), Temples/Shrines (6), University Buildings (8), Upscale Food (18), Upscale Literary Services (10), Upscale Literary Trades (10), Upscale Lodging (13), Upscale Residences (255), Upscale Services (39), Upscale Taverns (10), Upscale Trade (61), Wells (18)
First Impressions: Far quieter and less crowded than the rest of the city, Clifftop has wonders hiding around every corner. Wide, gently winding streets are flanked by landscaped parks and shining towers of gold and green. The crisp mountain air tastes sweet and casts the world in sharp relief. Servants scurry around on their errands while nobles and university students rub shoulders at open air cafes.
Social Class: Upper class
Key Personalities: Lady Fox Beldane (Others TBA)

Amber has existed for millenia and Clifftop is almost as old as Castle Amber itself. Originally the castle’s lower keep and entrance, Clifftop has long since transformed into a sanctuary for the richest and most influential members of Amber society. Amberite, Chaosian, and Rebman nobles, as well as those from the Golden Circle, live and work in this mountain paradise that overlooks the rest of the city. Spires, large estates, and beautiful homes are nestled here amongst several parks, hotels, and exclusive shops and restaurants. Even Elders like Benedict, Fiona, and Mandor have large estates here; using them when they don’t want to stay in the castle. It takes far more than gold to obtain residence or start a business here; influence, power, and prestige play a major part as well. It is also one of the most secure sections of the city.

Hendrake University has its main campus here, as well as its upscale dormitories. The campus overlooks a small park (University Park) where the students frequently enjoy the day. The university is supplemented by several facilities and a number of literary trades and services.

One of the most popular locations in the ward is the Rose Room. This high-end restaurant serves culinary delights from across Shadow and frequently imports exotic foods for dignitaries and Shadow travelers alike. Chaosians frequent the establishment constantly in search of a taste of home. The owner, Lady Fox Beldane, is an Amberite who actually traveled to the Courts to learn their cuisine. As such, she is not only rich, but quite influential in Clifftop. The large, jovial woman only lives to cook; the more exotic the food, the better.

Four sizable Elder temples and two shrines can also be found here and attract pilgrims from throughout Shadow. The largest is devoted to Oberon, consisting of a luxurious temple surrounded by a rich garden. Not as popular, at least amongst Amberites, is the temple to the Serpent, built after the Patternfall War. Mandor had the common sense (and decency) to make it smaller than the one devoted Oberon. The other, much smaller temples are devoted to Dworkin and the Unicorn. There is also a small nature shrine devoted to Julian in University Park (a favorite amongst the young, impressionable female students). Finally, hidden away in a small rocky alcove is a shrine devoted to Morganthe, attracting Rebman nobles seeking solace and inspiration.

Notes on the Map

  • Rose Street (in the northeastern corner) was called Roth Street before the conquest.
  • Hendrake University actually fills much of the space between Temple Street and Rose Street. Much of its area used to be occupied by the Roth family estate.
  • Topographically, Queen's Way runs along the top of a moderate drop - about twenty feet - and Cliff Walk along a much higher one. The rest of the ward is fairly level.
  • Commercial enterprises are concentrated along Castle Boulevard, the Angel Street area, and the University area.
  • Most of the roads are not as straight as they look on the map (curves make it hard to put the street names on). There are many smaller paths, alleys, and stairs that are not marked.

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Page last modified on August 05, 2007, at 04:15 PM