City of Scaram
Scaram is an ancient city that has dominated the economy and politics of the north-central region of Imesse for hundreds of years. Located in the center of a high and quite arid prairie region, Scaram does not have a major navigable river for more than 60 miles in any direction. The terrain is low hills and rough, rolling grasslands with dozens of winding streams and shallow rivers that can flood in a matter of hours or completely dry up in a summer.
The engine behind Scaram's centuries of success and prosperity is cross-country trade. Scaram sits on a junction of several vital and very busy overland routes that allow wagons, carts and foot traffic to move as efficiently and safely as possible both north-south and east-west. A series of powerful artesian springs have been feeding the city and surrounding area with fresh, clean water reliably for many centuries, and this water allows livestock and freight teams of horse and oxen to water in a very safe and convenient place.
Scaram is the largest settlement in the Imessian central prairies, with a population of more than 11,000 souls living within the city and as many as another 8,000 living within a day's walk from the walls. The surrounding plains and hills are home to dozens of large horse and pony ranches, cattle and sheep farms, and a growing number of market hunting operations that harvest bison, auroch, elk and even mastodon from the plains and hills for meat, horns, sinews, hides, fat and ivory.
Demographics
Nearly all the inhabitants are Human, with the most notable exception being a community of Halfling farmers that live outside the southern city walls and provide an abundance of fruit, vegetables, barley and hops from large gardens. These gardeners number about 40 souls. There are four smithies within the city that are owned and operated by Dwarves and their families, as well.
Government
The City of Scaram is a part of the Royal Domains of Northern Imesse, and is a direct holding of the High King himself. As such, it is administered by the Lord High Constable of Imesse and it is ruled directly by the Noble House of Bimmin as the local lord and judge. The city itself has a Lord Mayor and a Lord Commander of Guards to maintain order and keep the peace.
Industry & Trade
Scaram has its entire economy centered on overland trade and traffic. Because of this, there are literally dozens of shops and businesses catering to that particular industry. There are ferriers, saddlers, tack and livery shops, stables, wagon and cart shops, feed mills, ropers, stockyards, warehouses, rickyards, coopers, hoopers and even several sailmakers (specializing in heavy canvas and leather tarpaulins).
Infrastructure
The city as extensive defensive structures, including many layers of walls, gates, towers, keeps and castles. Many of these defenses are very old, but all are structurally sound and well maintained. Roads are especially narrow given the city's age, but there is an excellent sewer system underneath the city that removes both rainwater and waste to a series of man-made bogs well outside the walls.
Districts
There are large neighborhoods that have grown up outside the city near the five largest city gates, and each have become distinct in their makeup and culture. Neighborhoods and districts within the walls tend to be named after streets or prominent structures within the district. Examples are Weaver Street, Market Street, Brooks Court, Holyrood, Wall Street, Keep Court, Garden Street and the district known as the Citadel.
History
The City of Scaram is first mentioned by name in an ancient document detailing a military campaign made into the region by an army of Elves from the Naru more than 1,100 years ago. In the document (now archived in the halls of The Order of the Quinary in Naru), Scaram was named as the capital of a petty kingdom that refused to treat with the Elves. The invading Elven army sacked the city and drove the bulk of the population into the surrounding countryside.
Since that earliest recorded mention of the city, it is well documented that the city has remained occupied and functioning ever since. It was an early ally of Benn Ohn as he began his conquest of the Kingdom of Imesse in 6 BF. For at least the last 380 years, Scaram and the surrounding area has been ruled over by the House of Bimmin, and since the founding of the Kingdoms, they have ruled in the High King's name.
Points of interest
Scaram is rather famous for its three large annual Tournament events that are held at a dedicated event location just outside one of the large northern city gates. Called Crownfield, it has purpose-built lists with large grandstands that can accommodate up to 2,000 spectators, as well as food vendors, drink sellers, campsites and latrines.
The three annual events happen on King's Day, the Summer Solstice, and the Harvest Festival
Tourism
As Scaram is an ancient and established crossroads of the Kingdoms, there is an abundance of inns, taverns and brothels located in and around the city. The finer establishments are typically found inside the city walls, but there are some fine inns outside the walls, as well.
Architecture
Most of the city has been built with local limestone, so there is a noticeable uniformity to the material used throughout the area. Obvious and very notable exceptions are the Grand Temple of Scaram (constructed with white and rose marble brought from Hekmo), the Blue Tower of the Citadel (built with a gray granite from Cyell) and the Red Gate (built entirely of red bricks). Roofs have the distinct tendency to either be made of blue slate or red/yellow tiles.
Geography
The city itself is built on a low flat hill that some historiographers have suggested was once a vast hillfort. The land immediately surrounding the city is much lower in elevation, but the city is not the highest point in the visible landscape. The advantage comes from the distance between the rolling, grassy hills. One could find higher ground that the city's hill, but it is far too distant to offer an advantage for artillery or missile attack.
Climate
Short, hot and dry summers followed by very cold and dry winters. Strong winds are felt all year long, and trees scarce. Spring is the wettest season, with periods of heavy rain measured in weeks rather than days. The surrounding prairies are made up of thick, deep-root grasses that can reach chest height with the right rainfall.
Natural Resources
Abundant water from strong artesian springs keeps the city from going thirsty. The vast areas of plains and prairie make excellent grazing and browsing for pasturing cattle, horses and sheep. Several valleys within a few miles of the city have enough surface water to support cereal farms, as well. There are two local quarries that produce a fine limestone that has been the primary building material for the city for the last 300 years.
The City of Scaram
A view of Brooks Court near the outer wall
Midsummer Fair on Garden Street with the Citadel and the Blue Tower in the background
Weavers Square during the King's Day Tournament
Crownfield Lists during the King's Day Tournament
