Riven
Because of its status as the most populous of the cities within the Southern Marches, it has become the de facto capital. People from all different races fill its homes, but primarily made up of humans and elves. The city itself was a bastion from the indecencies of the world, nestled within a forest and so named because of its location at the joining of the Ambar Nen and the Dornan Tributary. With a nearly endless supply of lumber, and easy access to the sea, the Rivenese have become known throughout Tusnya as expert shipwrights, which has led to the city maintaining a dominating naval presence. It has also become a cultural hub, with a city full of authors, musicians, and performers. The books in its library were some of the most sought after in Aecenys.
The city can be accessed by three separate gates: the Stone Gate, the Gold Gate and the Wolf Gate. Riven is then split into two districts by the Dornan Tributary, with the northern district being the older and wealthier district and the southern district being the newer, but impoverished district. Finally, the city is divided into seven wards, dependent on their inhabitants and professions.
Even from a distance Riven is a wondrous sight to behold. As a center of culture and art, the buildings display a mix between elven and tusnyan architecture. Grand structures such as the Chancellor's Palace and its beautiful rose garden, the Conflux Arcana built of limestone and multi-colored crystals floating above, and the Great Temple of Gilmithien, a magnificent cathedral of carved grey stone and stained glass windows can all be seen for miles. The curtain walls stand intimidatingly to any visitor, with light fortifications around every gate. The anchor of Riven drapes down over the walls in the form of grand banners, while the blue tunics of the Rivenese Guard patrol the crenelations above.
Demographics
The population of Riven was primarily human and elven, with a significant amount of half-elves as well. Dwarves from both the Burnt Mountains and Ashrane Peaks have made their home here. Smaller populations of halflings and gnomes were present, although their numbers dwindled as they prefer the countryside and the hills over cities.
- 41% Human
- 29% Elves
- 12% Half-Elves
- 10% Dwarves
- 5% Halfling
- 3% Gnome
Government
Riven was governed by the Lord Chancellor, though the Order of the Blade has significant influence and power. As a city-state, Riven also governed nearby villages which fall within its jurisdiction, including Wolfsden, Leafside, and Yarrin.
The city's laws were simple and easy to learn and to follow. All races were welcome, although the Rivenese Guard recorded everybody who wanted to enter the city. Each arrival would state their intents in the city, how long they intend to stay, and if they have a place to sleep.
Defences
As the city was safely located at the center of the region coupled with the fact that both Beystone and Aurelia serve as heavily fortified border cities has allowed Riven to grow past its original walls and without a major investment into defense. There was a keep and some fortified buildings, but overall the city was relatively light on military power. The Rivenese Guard serve as local law enforcement in addition to its role as primary defense of the city.
The city itself was split into two sections, the northern district and the southern district, divided by the Dornan Tributary. The northern district was the older section of the city, with two gates in its wall to the northwest and northeast. The southern district, while walled, had grown significantly past its defenses and formed a shanty town around the river. It also maintained its own gate.
Professional military units such as the Rivenese Archers and Greensward Knights serve within the Southern Marches Army, but because they were stationed in Riven along with the High Marshal, they were also capable of defending the city. As a matter of last resort, members of the Order of the Blade could be called upon to aid in defense, although their primary goal was protection of their headquarters.
Industry & Trade
As a center of culture and art, the production of books and paper had been instrumental to the growth and reputation of Riven. Paper was sourced from the nearby Ironwood forest, and processed within the city limits. This has encouraged authors, musicians, and historians to flock to Riven, where there was a surplus of paper to write upon. The forest also aids in industries such as shipbuilding and timber. Because of this need for wood, sawmills are present especially along the shore of the Ambar Nen and the Dornan Tributary. Timber can be sourced from the town of Elmfall but ultimately it was constructed into ships at Riven's harbor. When nearly complete, the seafaring ships are sent down to the village of Yarrin for final inspection before setting out into the Aenean Ocean.
The league encourages trade throughout the region, leading Riven to be one of the largest importers of foodstuffs in Tusnya. Bread, milk, beef, potatoes and more is sent to Riven daily from the many villages surrounding the city, especially Leafside. This has allowed Riven to sustain its nearly 40,000 citizens as well as provide work for farmers throughout the region. Because of the success of the farms and the mild temperatures in winter, hunting and fishing has become more of a sport than a necessity. This has led to meat such as venison, elk, and seafood to become delicacies within the city.
Between cities, trade has also flourished. Riven is connected to the major cities within Tusnya via a major road called the Chancellors' Road, supporting trade routes.
- To Beystone - ~250 miles
- To Aurelia - ~300 miles
Guilds and Factions
Wielding the most influence within the city was the Order of the Blade. Their public agenda is to preserve peace and maintain balance, although they hold no true allegiance to any one faction, including the league. Due to their stance as an impartial organization, they were afforded complete independence from the jurisdiction of the city. In exchange, the Order of the Blade must come to the aid of Riven when under siege. Their headquarters were in the city center, in an old limestone guildhall known as Resolute Hall.
The Wardens of the Wellspring were a mages guild that maintained influence throughout the continent. Due to their heavy ties with the elves of Tol Annûn, they retained their headquarters in Athilor. However, because of the elven influence within Riven, the Wardens decided to establish a magical school known as the Conflux Arcana in the eastern district. This had led to Riven becoming a haven for spellcasters, and had allowed the wardens to gain influence with the league.
Geography
The city was located at the juncture of the Ambar Nen and the Dornan Tributary. To the north of the city was the Ironwood Forest while to it's west is the Wolfswood. A few days travel to the west was the placid Lake Dorna. Overall, the landscape surrounding the city was diverse and beautiful, with access to fresh water and natural defenses.
Natural Resources
Because of its proximity to the Ironwood forest, Riven has burgeoning timber industry, with sawmills established along the Ambar Nen. Filling the the nearby rivers are ample amounts of freshwater fish from Lake Dorna.
Founding Date
816 AR
Type
Capital
Population
~37,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Rivenese
Location under
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
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