Witchbark
A small city in the north of the Kingdom of Breaton. People who live here primarily live off the fruits of the forest and rivers. There are few arable fields, with most of the grain being imported from the south.
Demographics
The population is around 55,000, with a mix of races from Humans and Elfs, to Dwarves and Halflings. The people here are kind and welcoming, often opening their homes to travellers during snowstorms. It is said that even a flea bitten dog would feel welcome in Witchbark.
Government
The city is overseen by two Ministers appointed directly by the Crown. The city is subject to the Kingdom's laws and practices but retains its own culture and local laws, such as sheltering vunerable people in harsh weather & low taxation on locally grown produce to encourage business.
Defences
The city's location atop a hill grants it a natural defencive posture making seige and invasion difficult. The hill itself is teardrop shaped with steep slops towards the top, almost like a ramp to the sky. The three districts are all seperated by walls and palisades of varying strength, and the whole city is surrounded by a grand wall that reaches nearly 40ft high at the gatehouse.
Access to the city has been restricted to a single gate at the lowest point of the hill which itself could be considered a fortress. It features a double gate system of reinforced iron portcullises, two imposing stone towers that oversee the entrance and a secondary bailey with its own gatehouse 50 yards behind the first.
Each district is split by towering walls of stone 30ft high with multiple gates across their length. A network of towers span these inner walls and provide the city guard unparalleled sight across the dark rooftops.
Industry & Trade
The city relies primarily on its monopoly of Witchwood supplying all domains across Beru to fund local services such as education and hospitals.
The outskirts of the city are filled with farms that rear livestock for slaughter including sheep and cattle that feed on the hardy grasses of the region. The wool and leathers produced by these animals are highly sought after by armourers and tailors for their quality and durability.
With the banks of the Pelen Way on their doorstep the city has become a stopping point for ships making the journey from Lake Fymorrh and Stockcross toward Timberfall and Oxbow. The resulting boom of passing trade ships has resulted in numerous wharfs and docks being constructed and excavations undertaken to provide anchorage for ships should they need it.
The city gets its name from the Witchbark trees that grow exclusively in this area. Discovered around 400 years ago, the wood from these trees is unique. It is easily bent to arcane uses and enchantments bind with little effort. Magical equipment such as Staffs and Wands made from Witchbark are highly sought after. If a Witchbark tree is found outside of the city's reach, it is often felled and burned to maintain their monopoly.
Districts
The largest is known as the Canopy; resting at the highest point in the city it is where the elite live and where the Burntwood Castle can be found.
Below the Canopy is the Branches; awinding series of tight alleys and paths between clustered homes. This is where most of the population resides. Many taverns and shops separate the districts.
The final area is The Roots; restling at the base of the hill are dozens of workshops and businesses. What little agriculture there is can also be found here.
Geography
The city slopes downhill towards the southwest from the Burntwood Castle which sits atop the hill. As a result the Roots are often muddy and flooded with the rain and melting snow from the higher districts. Should anyone climb a tall enough structure they would see an expansive hill range to the east and Lady Darella's Wood to the west.
The soil here is of poor quality making crop growing difficult but the stone from surrounding quarries is dense and durable, ideal for fortifications.
Climate
The climate here is cold with snow falling throughout the year owing to the freezing winds that flow down from the Farscape Peaks. During the summer the temperature can reach 20C though this is a rarity with the citizens often complaining and wishing for snow.
Harsh rainstorms often batter the city causing the Pelen Way to swell, flooding lower fields around the waters edge.
Maps
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Witchbark
Founding Date
17/2/699
Type
City
Population
Around 55,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Barker
Included Locations
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