Ascent

Ascent, the capital of Réga, is a messy merchant city, home to a wide array of inhabitants. It's population is the most racially mixed place in all of Nova. It's permanently ruled by a Lord Protector whose primary responsibility is in keeping the peace, but otherwise there are very few laws, low taxes, little in the way of human rights, and military aggression has been uncommon for years. Due to the diverse inhabitants of Réga, including many traditionally aggressive races, policing is of paramount importance and the country has little time to spend on other matters. Because of this, life in Ascent is usually relatively peaceful. Any act of aggression, including simple verbal threats, are outlawed. Weapons are prohibited outside of the home unless you have a licence - usually given only to bodyguards, police, weapons vendors, and particularly influential merchants. Minor offences, such as minor assault, verbal threats, and carrying a weapon, officially come with jail time without bail, as well as a fine. Repeat offenders may have fingers, hands, or their tongue removed. Major offences, such as murder or inciting violence, are usually solved with capital punishment. Any weapon licence holders have permission to use lethal force at their discretion in response to any of these offences, however those that are found to have done this inappropriately are swiftly executed. Being a licence holder is extremely desirable and is the aspiration of many. They frequently abuse their power and push people around, but investigations are done on any that are particularly problematic. Disputes between holders are rarely tolerated by higher authorities and often result in either both their licences being revoked, or often even execution of both parties.

This single-minded focus on aggressive crimes leaves everything else unchecked. Corruption, poverty, and drug use are all particularly rife.

Layout
Ascent is split into five major districts, divided by the waterways. There are also a few islets that belong to no district and house few citizens.
 * Hoburo (red), also known as the Goblin Quarter, is mostly slum-style housing with rough taverns, fighting pits, and brothels. The inhabitants are mostly goblins and kobolds, with some gnolls, hobgoblins, and bugbears.
 * Wharfa (blue), colloquially known as Sailor Island, oversees incoming shipments and holds the main ports. Warehouses, gambling taverns, brothels, and shops storing basic goods are common. Inhabitants are mostly human, with some dwarfs, hobgoblins, bugbears, orcs, and half-orcs.
 * Goldpoint (pink), also know as the Merchant District, is the most commercial place in Nova. Closer to the City Wall is often called Beggars Bottom - pejoratively by the rich and warmly by the poor. Streets are densely packed with small, eclectic shops and little else. As you move farther from the wall, shops become increasingly spacious and highbrow. It is said that anything can be found for sale somewhere in Goldpoint. Inhabitants are primarily races with more interest in coin - humans and elves, with some dwarfs, goblins, and kobolds.
 * Fairview (green), also known as Ivory Island by the jealous, is primarily residential. Most of the buildings are medium-large houses, usually built from the same white marble and imported travertine, giving them a largely uniform and intimidating appearance. Many of the richest families in Nova live here, constantly throwing parties and trying to outdo each other. Inhabitants are mostly humans and elves, but there is also a notable dragonborn presence.
 * Ferro (black) is home to most of the buildings related to policing and the military, including blacksmiths, weapons merchants, stables, training grounds, barracks, jails, guillotines, and accommodation where needed for those employed in the military. The vast majority of the weapons in Ascent are found here. Inhabitants are predominantly half-orcs and hobgolins, with some orcs, dragonborn, gnolls, and bugbears, although the less intelligent races are largely confined to the lowest rank of protectors.
 * Occhi (orange) are three very small islands that are the farthest out to sea. The famous lighthouse, Luminos, is at the very edge and is the first thing to greet incoming seafarers. Nobody knows how long it's been there or how it was built, but it's ancient, complex design features multiple twisted spires and innumerable precious jewels of all different colours. Its surface is a stunning white and a giant diamond sits at the top, affectionately called Iris. Somehow, light projects from Iris and always seems to be where it's needed, whether it's highlighting would-be attackers from the sea, or helping a small fishing vessel avoid a sharp rock. It has never required any maintenance, or even cleaning, and has proved to be impossible to climb. Perhaps understandably, locals respect Luminos like a God. Otherwise, Occhi has plenty of beaches and is often used for events, tourism, and simple relaxation. There is a small dock and a church.
 * Bocca (yellow) is a small island that has historically sometimes been used to monitor incoming sea vessels and tax sea travel / trade. Currently it is just used as a guardhouse and has a small church as sea travel is completely free.
 * The Bureau (purple) is the centre for politics in Ascent. The Doge (formerly Doge's Palace) is a magnificent palace in the centre of The Bureau made from Régan stone - a strong white limestone similar to marble. It is primarily the residence of the ruling sovereign and holds the Scarlet Chamber where most of the politics and military decisions involving the Lord Protector are discussed. On the island there is also Justice Square (where criminals are executed or otherwise punished) and many gardens, giving the island a Utopian appearance.