Veikryss

Demographics

As a Trade city, Veikryss is a relatively cosmopolitan location - though a majority of its population are either Human or Elfkin with most considering themselves Mekari.

Government

As with most Mekarite League cities, there is a Trade Prince who serves as a sort of hereditary mayor of the city, but who is given counsel by an advisory board of influential guild leaders.

Defences

Veikyriss is well defended by nature of its position straddling the banks of the Veikryss River. The river provides a lot of protection, and strong stone walls protect the entrance to the fortified bridge that crosses the river itself. The city, like all League cities, has a strong militia and trained mercenary groups are available to bolster the settlement as well when needed. In addition to the usual League styles, the Sapphire Guard is House Vastara standing military force.

Industry & Trade

Veikryss serves as an important trade city, where most of the regional villages bring their raw materials to trade to caravans traveling south. The city itself has a booming fishing industry, but primarily it is known for supporting the trade of the villages in the area. It's market is the envy of the region, and is said to compare to many of the great southern crossroads.

Guilds and Factions

House Vastara rules the city and plays a pivotal role in each action that is undertaken there.

The Sapphire Guard is a mercenary guild turned loyal military force for the Vastara family. It can still be hired and serves as the most powerful guild in the city.

The Athenaeum in the region never played an important part in politics, but the recent burning of the Athenaeum Voreios brought more of the organization to the city and their Redoubt.

History

Veikryss was founded as little more than a fishing village by local Mekari trying to carve a place for themselves in the region. Despite a few early clashes with Cithryl, the village grew. Eventually, it became a stop for other regional villages seeking to send their materials south. The population capitalized on this and build a large and sturdy bridge across the river, and the village expanded to either side of the river.
While it served as a small trade town for a while, it was House Vastara that saw the potential of the place and took up residence there. Originally, they served as caravan guards, which gave the name of their growing guild. They protected the region, and as it became safe for trade in the young city, more and more traders made it a stop on their journeys. The city swiftly became the 'final' stop in the North for traders, the best place to get unload and restock before starting the long trek back to the other parts of the world.
Due to its importance, The Mekarite League considered its inclusion in their early years essential. After some negotiation, Veikryss opted to join as one of the founding free cities, but refused the honor of capital.
When conflict with the Dvuer Sovereignty became more and more common in the region, the city's power was again heightened. The city was able to build impressive walls and stage itself as a bulwark against the Dvuer. With troops coming along the road from coastal cities in the area, they were able to keep stocked and race out to protect other villages and cities as needed, succeeding so often that the Dvuer dropped their claim on anything north of the Veikyrss River.

Founding Date

492

Alternative Name(s)

Crossroads

Type

City

Population

~59000

Inhabitant Demonym

Veikryss, Vagrants (Derogatory)

Location under

Auros' Road

Owner/Ruler

Athrien

Ruling/Owning Rank

Trade Prince

Owning Organization

House Vastara

Characters in Location

• Athrien
• Rovisea