Riverkeep

Government

Riverkeep was founded at the height of the Age of Discovery. Edune's seat of power is located here. As the small city kept growing, disputes broke out about who should rule the city and the land. Eventually, the now ruling royal family established their prowess and took over the lands. They have continued to rule over the city to this day.
With the death of the Queen regent, turmoil broke out. The city is now tethering on the edge of a civil war.

Defences

Its location grants the city some measure of natural protection. Being surrounded by a river on three sides makes it more difficult for armies to attack the city and provides defending forces a natural bottleneck against potential invaders. This would, however, quickly turn into a disadvantage should there ever be a siege against the city, as this allows invaders to cut off supply chains into the city fairly easily.
For this reason, the city is equipped with many supply silos. Additionally, the watchtowers on the city walls are mounted with ballistae and catapults.

Industry & Trade

One of the most important sources of income for the city is the fur trade. There are quite a few tailors specialized in processing the Polar Bear and Fox furs the hunters bring in. The coats and boots fashioned from Riverkeep's tailors are highly sought after even on the other continents. An elected few tailors work directly for the Royal Palace and turn the Fox furs into stole capes, which are seen as a status symbol and much coveted by noblewomen. A single such stole can cost up to 50 GP.
But the hunters do not just bring in the fur. They typically bring the animals back whole and sell the meat to the butcher's, providing the city with an important source of food. Due to this, polar Bear stew has become a stable dish in Edune.

Infrastructure

The city was built on a smaller hill. The higher elevated one's residence is in Riverkeep, the higher one's standing is in life. The Royal Palace sits on the highest point of the hill and is visible from almost everywhere in the city. The city is arranged in concentric circles around the Royal Palace.
Those living closest to the center are typically nobility or rich merchants. High-end shops can also be found there. The buildings on the inner rings of the city often are mansions, which are built entirely out of stone and walled off with stone fences. Many of those mansions also have a small garden.
The middle part of the city contains the better-off working folks and many shops and stores. The buildings on the outer half of the city are mostly simple half-timbered houses, typically two to three stories high and with a cellar. The outskirts of the city are reserved for the poorest of the poor, who often have to band together and share living quarters.

Guilds and Factions

The Royal Family

The Royal Family has been ruling Riverkeep and Edune since early in the Age of Solitude. They have the power to enact laws and determine the height of taxes. Members of the extended Royal Family, as well as noblemen and influential merchants, often serve as advisors.

The Royal Guard

The Royal Guard is an elite unit of guards, serving as the sworn protectors of the Royal Family. They patrol the Royal Palace and its ground and escort the royal family when they leave the palace. The members of the Royal Guard are handpicked by one of its Captains and are subjected to thorough background checks. Future guards have to undergo three years of rigorous training. Even after successfully joining, they are tested at regular intervals.

The Affiliation of Shopkeepers

The Affiliation of Shopkeepers is akin to a union. They promote a free market where prices are dependent on supply and demand and frown upon price agreements. Any type of legal business is welcome to join the Affiliation, as long as they can prove that they are paying their employees fair wages and can pay a monthly levy towards the Affiliation. In return, a portion of their upkeep costs gets covered. Shops that are part of the Affiliation are also held in higher regard than those who are not and more likely to attract customers of a higher clientele.

The Finders of Fortune

As with every major city, the The Finders of Fortune guild has a branch in Riverkeep. The most prevalent professions in Edune are Gatherers, Spears, Shields, and, in recent years, Seekers. The Gatherers often are hired to help out the farmers during the busy summer months. The Spears support the farmers and help to take care of bigger threats in the The Frostbreath Highlands. The Shields occasionally bolster the number of the city guard, serve as guards for noble families or wealthy merchants, or protect the farmers near the highland.

Geography

Riverkeep borders the Greybank River towards the West, North, and East. The proximity to the river allows mills close to the city and facilitates access to the ocean.

Founding Date

The Age of Discovery
Redfall 21, 293

Type

Large city

Population

15700

Inhabitant Demonym

Riverlings

Included Locations

• The Royal Palace

Related Historical Events

• 452 AC
  Establishment of the Royal Family of Edune

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Note:
Please see the Timelines tab at the bottom of the article for a more detailed History.