Riverwatch

Written by David_Ulph

Riverwatch is often regarded by outsiders as being the most haunted city in the Great Western Empire. Due to passing merchant's folk tales, Riverwatch has a reputation for ghosts being as common on the streets as people, the undead endlessly till the fields and Beastbloods hunt openly in the city. Though these are vast exaggerations of the actual situation, there is no doubt that Riverwatch has been threatened in the past by both undead hordes and Beastblood tribes.

Demographics

Approximately 6,000 peasantry, with 720 of that number being Guardsmen or other members of the Warrior Class; Approximately 1,360 nobility, comprising 9 Noble Houses (7 Knightly Houses, 2 Noble Houses), and 13 of that number being various Lawmen; 400 Merchants and Artisans are registered in the City; 240 Clergymen, with 5 of that number being Priests and an unknown number of Clerics of Forge.

Government

Ran by House Aesmann of Riverwatch, who are under House Aesmann of Dun Fur. They rule from Oakbank Hall and a total of 9 Noble Houses reside within the city.

Upholding Imperial and Korg laws is the local council of 13 Imperial Lawmen drawn from various noble families. The Bailiff is referred by locals to be a "pompous windbag" due to his personality and his neatly trimmed Mordwynn-styled beard and moustache. He works for the joy of uncovering mysteries and often carries an alchemical reference manual. He will often wear a coat of plates emblazoned in the iconography of his status as Bailiff and of the GWE, a green chaperon, a chequered green-black hood covering his shoulders, and a tight grey hose. He wields a Bailiff's Mace with a heavily ornamental head.

Defences

During the time of the Civil War, a Company of 720 guardsmen upheld law in the city, led by a local Captain. The guardsmen are clad in helms and breastplates emblazoned with the sigil of House Aesmann, with thin gambeson dyed blue underneath. They are armed with axes and kite shields, and crossbows. During the Imperial era, the Guardsmen were infamous for being highly susceptible to bribes, with many Watchmen secretly pledging allegiance to Mordwynn Nobles that gave them regular payments.

The Captain was once an Imperial Investigator who has settled back in his home city of Riverwatch to raise a family. After some years as a local trainer of Lawmen, he was offered the newly open position of Watch Captain. The 720 guardsmen under him are cautious and uncertain of their Captain, as it is truly unclear as to why he left his position as an Imperial Investigator. The Captain dislikes people who are quick to make judgements, and is never convinced about anything unless hard evidence is shown first.

Riverwatch is also militarily defended by the 9 Houses which inhabit the city. Each House by Imperial Law must provide one Knight to the Imperial Legions for 40 days a year as well as a third of the levy they are expected to raise during war-time. There are 7 Knightly Houses that produce 1 Knight and a handful of loyal lowborn, and 2 Noble Houses that produce 1-3 Knights, dozens of Personal Guard and a levy of around 112 lowborn. This provides 9-13 heavy mounted knights to the defence of Riverwatch during siege. An unknown number of the 240 Clergymen in Riverwatch are also Clerics of Padan, the Goddess of Forge, and will defend their Temple to the last soul.

Assets

All

1 Bookseller, 1 Illuminator, 1 Locksmith, 2 Copyists, 2 Glovemakers, 2 Harness-makers, 2 Hay Merchants, 2 Rugmakers, 2 Sculptors, 2 Woodcarvers, 2 Woodsellers, 3 Bathhouses, 3 Bookbinders, 3 Buckle Makers, 3 Physicians, 3 Fishmongers, 3 Painters, 3 Roofers, 3 Tanners, 4 Bleachers, 4 Wine-sellers, 5 Cutlers, 5 Inns, 5 Spice Merchants 6 Bakers, 6 Beef-sellers, 6 Plasterers, 6 Ropemakers, 7 Blacksmiths, 7 Butchers, 7 Coopers, 7 Pastrycooks, 7 Pursemakers, 8 Saddlers, 10 Hatmakers, 13 Scabbardmakers, 14 Jewellers, 17 Chandlers, 15 Barber-Surgeons, 18 Mercers, 21 Masons, 21 Weavers, 22 Carpenters, 22 Taverns, 23 Maidservants, 28 Furriers, 31 Shoemakers, 33 Tailors

History

Originally when Riverwatch was first settled in the First Era, it was an independent city-state called Rinencrenth. The settlement started with tribes from Mordwynn fleeing Beastbloods and so would welcome anyone and everyone behind their walls for protection.

Alternative Names

City-State of Rinencrenth (Ancient Scriptures), the most haunted city in the GWE

Population

Approx. 8,000

Size

Approx. 131 acres

Settlement Type

Minor City

Demonym

Rivermen

Location under

Streamwood