Markethome
The Heart of Wildacre
Large City, Trade and Agricultural Capital
Settlement Summary
- Population: 280,000 (a mix of humans, halflings, elves, and gnomes, with a smaller number of dwarves)
- Government: Monarchy under Queen Hera Fieldspring, the Daughter of Lera
- Alignment: Neutral Good
- Languages: Common, Halfling, Elven, Dwarven
- Notable Locations: Castle Harpsong, The Guildhalls of Kyneshelm, The Harvest Forum, The Festival Grounds, The Trade Gates
Notable Features
- Castle Harpsong: The royal residence of Queen Hera Fieldspring, Castle Harpsong is known for its calming musical aura, which emanates from its enchanted walls and soothes all who enter.
- The Guildhalls of Kyneshelm: A sprawling complex where traders, artisans, and merchants meet to negotiate deals, draft trade agreements, and display their goods.
- The Harvest Forum: A central plaza where agricultural markets and trade fairs occur, particularly during harvest seasons. The Forum is adorned with statues of Lera, Hera, and other gods of nature and trade.
- The Festival Grounds: A massive open area on the city’s southern edge, designed for Wildacre’s famous trade festivals. It includes stages, pavilions, and space for caravans to set up temporary stalls.
- The Trade Gates: Large, intricately carved gates on the city’s eight sides, leading to the trade road that connect Wildacre with the rest of the empire.
Special Qualities
- Divine Harmony: Queen Hera’s presence radiates an aura of joy and calm, fostering cooperation and reducing tensions within the city.
- Agricultural Wealth: Markethome is the centre of Wildacre’s vast agricultural network, serving as the empire’s breadbasket and a hub for food production.
- Trade Nexus: The city’s central position and proximity to the Trade Road make it indispensable for the empire’s economy.
Defenses
- Local Militia: Markethome’s defense relies on 1,000 militia members, supported by caravan guards and hired mercenaries.
- Imperial Support: The Imperial Army provides additional protection for trade routes and vital resources during crises.
- Natural Barriers: The surrounding fertile lands provide open sightlines, giving defenders an advantage against approaching threats.
Notable NPCs
- Queen Hera Fieldspring: Goddess of the City of Markethome and Daughter of Lera, Hera is revered for her kindness and wisdom. Her calming presence and divine aura are key to Markethome’s prosperity and unity.
- Chancellor Tarith Greengold: A halfling who manages the city’s trade logistics and oversees the Guildhalls of Kyneshelm. Tarith is a sharp negotiator and a trusted advisor to Hera.
- Commander Alryn Stoutbranch: A human leader of Markethome’s militia, Alryn is known for his dedication to the city’s protection and his fair treatment of all citizens.
- Mistress Lyra Sunweave: An elven artisan who leads the textile guild, Lyra’s work is renowned across the empire for its beauty and quality.
- Harbormaster Jorn Copperhold: A dwarven overseer of the city’s caravan trade routes, Jorn is responsible for coordinating incoming and outgoing goods.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Price Negotiations: Wildacre’s importance as a food supplier gives it leverage in negotiations, but it also creates friction with kingdoms like Blackpeak and Southreach.
- Dependence on Protection: With no standing army, Markethome relies on imperial and Southreach forces for defense, leaving it vulnerable to large-scale threats.
- Natural Disasters: Droughts, floods, or pestilence could devastate the city’s agricultural base, creating ripple effects throughout the empire.
- Smuggling and Corruption: The city’s thriving trade occasionally attracts smugglers and corrupt officials, necessitating vigilant oversight.
Castle Harpsong
"The Heart of Joy"
Castle Harpsong is both a royal residence and a cultural icon, its musical aura creating an atmosphere of peace and harmony. The aura doesn't always play, but is particularly prominent during market days and festivals, when cordiality is paramount to the running of such events.
The Harvest Festival
"Wildacre’s Grand Celebration"
The annual Harvest Festival attracts traders, nobles, and farmers from across the empire, showcasing Wildacre’s agricultural bounty. It is by far the largest international event in the empire, prepared for and anticipated all year long.
The Guildhalls
"The Empire’s Trade Nexus"
The Guildhalls of Kyneshelm are the centre of Markethome’s economic activity, hosting deals that shape the empire’s economy. While the various guilds of Kyneshelm have bases all around, many call Markethome their true base of operations.
Hera’s Divinity
"A Goddess Among Mortals"
Queen Hera’s divine nature is a source of both inspiration and concern. While she uplifts her people, her influence sometimes causes friction with other rulers.