Arncastle
Regional capital of Edgevale
This large river trading town is a vibrant nexus of commerce and craftsmanship, strategically located where the river widens, offering both protection and accessibility. Dominating the skyline is a magnificent castle, a formidable fortress with numerous turrets and towers, providing both defense and a majestic symbol of the town's prosperity. The castle's stone walls rise from the rocky promontory, overlooking the bustling town and its shimmering waterways.
The heart of the town is its extensive network of docks and warehouses, which line the riverbanks, forming a hive of activity. The docks are a mix of wooden piers and stone quays, where a variety of ships are moored, from sleek merchant vessels to robust cargo barges. Sailors and dockworkers hustle to unload goods from distant lands, while merchants haggle over prices and inspect the quality of the wares.
Behind the docks, rows of warehouses stand ready to store the town's vast array of traded goods. These sturdy buildings, constructed of stone and timber, are filled with everything from exotic spices and silks to locally produced grain and timber. The warehouses are a flurry of activity, with workers moving goods in and out, ensuring the smooth operation of the town's thriving trade.
Off to the left, just out of the main picture, lies the town's renowned boat-building district. Here, skilled craftsmen and shipwrights labor tirelessly, constructing and repairing the vessels that are the lifeblood of the town's economy. The air is filled with the sounds of saws and hammers, and the smell of fresh-cut wood and tar. This area is essential, as it not only supports the town’s trade but also attracts business from other regions seeking high-quality ships.
The town's streets are a bustling maze of activity, lined with shops, taverns, and homes. Merchants display their goods in vibrant marketplaces, where the scents of fresh produce, baked goods, and exotic imports mingle in the air. Inns and taverns are filled with travelers and traders, sharing stories and news from far and wide, while musicians and performers add to the lively atmosphere.
Beyond the immediate town, the river continues to wind through fertile farmlands and dense forests, contributing to the town's wealth and self-sufficiency. The fields are lush with crops, while the forests provide timber and game, sustaining the town's population and industry.
As evening falls, the town is bathed in the golden glow of sunset, the castle's silhouette reflected in the calm waters of the river. Lanterns begin to light up along the docks and streets, casting a warm and inviting light. The sounds of the town's bustling trade give way to the more subdued hum of evening activities, with townsfolk gathering in taverns and homes to relax and share the day's stories.
This river trading town, with its grand castle, busy docks, and industrious boat-building district, stands as a beacon of trade and craftsmanship in the fantasy world, a place where commerce and community thrive in harmony.
Arncastle is a large town, built in a hilly area with the river cutting through the middle, but split, thereby creating an island in the centre. Houses are tall, some 3-4 stories in height, and the roofs stretch high toward the sky in a style not too dissimilar to that of an Elven city. This is the last city of Cerwyn in the East, considered to be a frontier city, and has close ties with both the Elves and the Dwarves, and much of the architecture has influences from these other races.
It is a major trade connection for both Elven trade coming from the Aelintáriën region as well as Dwarven trade from the Haldurheim region.
The city is relatively safe and prosperous, due to the sizeable County Horse troop that is stationed here, and a number of garrisons in the outlying areas. The city is physically protected by a 10' stone wall around the entire perimeter of the city. Although there are now outlying poorer residential housing and trades, particulary river traders, tanneries, distilliries, etc. beyond the city walls.
The fortunes of this city benefits all the main races of Pelinore, and at most times this is a safe place to stay and recuperate.
Defence
A permanent force of 100 professional light cavalry troops belonging to the County Horse, loyal to Lady Aramusa Ouennet. For further details on these troops and their commander, see The Defence of Cerwyn
Anvilstone: 70mi (3.5d / 2.4d / 3.5d / 4.6d / n/a)
Burghalter: 30mi (1.5d / 1d / 1.5d / 2d / 3du)
Lakehaven: 40mi (2d / 1.4d / 2d / 2.6d / 4du)
Shadowmere: 20mi (1d / 0.7d / 1d / 1.3d / 2ddu)
Defence
Stone walls + towers (20') . Steel gates across river at night. Ruler
Mayor Suzerain
Master of Magicks Population
5200 Race Mix
Mixed. Non Human danger rating: 10% Class Mix
F6 MU5 C5 T5 Wealth
4 Source of Wealth
Trade, Farming Garrison
50 (loyal to crown) / 100 (county horse) Constabulary
50 (civilian law enforcers) Religions
5 (3H, 1E, 1D) Notes
Connected location means that there is plenty of news from neighbouring and outlying regions.
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