West Block

The West Block is a relatively poor neighborhood, which is predominately non-elf, non-human races. It sits to the west of Old Town and to the south of The Steps. The West Block's major industries are manufacturing and crafts. Because of this, there is a large amount of raw materials trade coming through the Trade Tunnels, and a moderate amount of black market import of illegal and stolen goods coming through the sewers.

History
The West Block grew in the city's early history as the district where ratfolk and half-orcs migrating to Hago settled. Over time, a pseudo-aristocracy has developed within the monstrous races. Although prejudice keeps them from having much sway over Core and Old Town political circles, there are several old and widely respected families in the West Block that maintain large and well-appointed manors.

Demographics
A large Ratfolk population, mostly living in (often dangerous and poorly-constructed) extensions of the sewer tunnels, is present in the West Block. Ratfolk from this borough often embrace the epithet "Sewer Rat".

Owing to the presence of a few prominent old Half-Orc families in the West Block, there is a large Half-Orc population. They tend to cluster in a few areas around the borough, and some of these neighborhoods are even regarded as moderately respectable by Humans in the city.

The West Block is also home to a moderately large Lizardfolk population. As the human and elf settlement grew, the native Lizardfolk were forced to the outskirts of the city. As they've integrated into the city, they've largely stayed to areas that are not thickly populated by humans and elves, such as the West Block.

Finally, the West Block is home to a very small number of Humans, Elves, Dwarves, and Halflings. It is generally considered an undesirable place to live by these races.

Landmarks
Abe's Pub

DMS Dispatch Office

DMS Personnel Office

The X

Ripgut Manor

Gorrige Manor

Significant Organizations
The Goldsmithers

The Blackbloods