Tussenburg

Surrounded by the serene beauty of Lake Naiden, Tussenburg stands as a bustling trading city and a crucial hub along the North-South trade route. Its location grants it easy access to both metal-rich regions to the north and bountiful agricultural lands to the south, making it an ideal center for refining and exporting these resources. The city boasts a vibrant atmosphere, with countless merchants, ships, and sailors navigating its waters and streets on a daily basis. Tussenburg is known for its impressive array of inns that cater to individuals from all walks of life, creating a lively and diverse social scene.

The architecture of Tussenburg is a unique blend of styles, reflecting the city's rich history and influences from various cultures. The von Beckenbauer family's castle, towering above the city, serves as a symbol of their power and authority. Its grand design showcases a fusion of medieval fortifications with elegant Renaissance elements, symbolizing the family's connection to both tradition and progress.

One notable aspect of Tussenburg is the presence of large green spaces within the city. These areas have been intentionally left to grow naturally, creating pockets of untouched beauty amidst the urban landscape. Parks and gardens, filled with lush trees, vibrant flowers, and meandering paths, provide a serene retreat for both residents and visitors. These green spaces serve as a testament to the city's commitment to preserving nature and fostering a harmonious balance between urban development and environmental conservation.

Demographics

Tussenburg is the second largest city in the kingdom, with 52,200 beings living in its city borders within the city limits, and another 270,000 living in the surrounding area. As a major trade city, Tussenburg sees countless merchants and ships and sailors through every day and is home to a large number of inns serving individuals of every social stratum.

The city of Tussenburg boasts a diverse and cosmopolitan population, with a rich tapestry of races and cultures. The largest percentage of the population is comprised of Wood Elves, who have made Tussenburg their home for generations. Known for their connection to nature and their harmonious way of life, the Wood Elves bring a sense of tranquility and natural beauty to the city. However, Tussenburg's cosmopolitan nature extends beyond the Wood Elves, as the city attracts individuals from various races. Dwarves, known for their craftsmanship and mining expertise, contribute to the city's thriving trade and industry. Humans, with their adaptability and diversity, form a significant portion of the population, fostering a sense of inclusivity and acceptance. Other races, such as Halflings, Gnomes, and even occasional representatives from more exotic races like Tieflings and Dragonborn, can also be found within the city's bustling streets. While Tussenburg prides itself on its acceptance of diverse races and cultures, challenges still exist, particularly for those who are less commonly encountered. Prejudice and stereotypes may persist, leading to occasional instances of discrimination or misunderstanding. Nonetheless, the city's general ethos of openness and tolerance encourages a spirit of coexistence and understanding among its inhabitants, fostering a vibrant and diverse community.

Government

The government of Tussenburg is led by the von Beckenbauer family, who hold the seat of power in their towering castle overlooking the city. Count Roderick von Beckenbauer, aided by his wife, Countess Elara von Beckenbauer, governs with a firm yet diplomatic hand. Alongside them, a group of appointed ministers and magistrates take care of the day-to-day administrative tasks, ensuring the smooth functioning of the city. These officials oversee various departments such as the city guard, tax collection, diplomacy, and negotiation. Additionally, Tussenburg has a unique system of governance that includes Honored Elders, individuals elected by the city's inhabitants to serve as advisors to the Count. The Honored Elders, respected and experienced members of the community, offer valuable insights and counsel to the Count of Tussenburg, contributing to the decision-making process and representing the interests of the populace. This system of governance promotes a sense of community involvement and ensures that the voices of the citizens are heard and considered in matters of city governance.

Industry & Trade

Tussenburg thrives as a bustling center of industries and trade, where merchants from far and wide converge to engage in prosperous commerce. The city's strategic location along the north-south trade route positions it as a hub for the exchange of goods. Merchants from diverse backgrounds bring a vast array of commodities, contributing to the city's vibrant marketplace. Notably, Tussenburg is renowned for its production of various alcoholic beverages, which have become one of its staple exports. The city boasts a long history of brewing, with its breweries offering a wide range of libations that cater to different tastes and preferences. The Brewer's Guild, responsible for overseeing the brewing traditions, includes both established breweries and independent brewers. Among the historied and varied forms of alcohol produced here are rich ales, flavorful stouts, crisp ciders, and the renowned Tussenburg mead. The Honeycomb District, located just outside the city walls, is a residential area teeming with apiaries. Many residents of this district utilize the honey harvested from these apiaries to craft their own mead, creating unique and sought-after blends. The surplus honey is sold, adding to the city's trade and enhancing its reputation as a destination for exquisite beverages.

Guild & Factions

The von Beckenbauer Family

House von Beckenbauer, the Counts of Tussenburg, is a distinguished noble family with a long-standing history and strong influence in the region. Led by the head of the house, Count Roderick von Beckenbauer, and his wife, Countess Elara von Beckenbauer, the family is known for their independence and their desire to maintain autonomy from the central authority of the Crown.

Count Roderick von Beckenbauer is a charismatic and shrewd leader who holds a deep sense of responsibility towards his family and the people of Tussenburg. He is an astute politician and a skilled negotiator, always striving to safeguard the interests of his family and his subjects. Count Roderick is driven by the goal of preserving the autonomy and privileges of House von Beckenbauer, ensuring that the Crown's involvement in their affairs is limited. His notable traits include his unwavering determination, strategic thinking, and unwavering loyalty to his family.

Countess Elara von Beckenbauer is a woman of strong character and unwavering dedication to her family. She possesses a sharp intellect and is known for her keen diplomatic skills. Countess Elara is passionate about promoting education and cultural development within Tussenburg. Her goal is to ensure that her children receive the best education possible and to enhance the region's cultural heritage. She is an advocate for women's empowerment and actively supports various philanthropic causes. Countess Elara's notable traits include her grace, elegance, and her ability to command respect.

The couple has two children: Leon von Beckenbauer, the eldest son, and heir to the family legacy, and Amelia von Beckenbauer, their daughter. Leon is a charismatic and ambitious young man with a strong sense of duty. He aspires to be a just and capable ruler for his people. Leon is passionate about expanding the family's influence and securing the prosperity of Tussenburg. He is a natural leader and excels in matters of governance and diplomacy. His notable traits include his intelligence, charisma, and his unwavering dedication to his family's legacy.

Amelia von Beckenbauer, the younger sibling, is a free-spirited and independent-minded young woman. She possesses a thirst for adventure and has a rebellious streak. Amelia yearns to explore the world beyond Tussenburg's borders and seeks to challenge traditional gender roles within the noble society. She is skilled in archery and horseback riding, and her determination to break away from societal expectations is both admirable and at times controversial. Amelia's notable traits include her fearlessness, determination, and her desire to carve her own path.

Dame Marthe von Beckenbauer, a cousin to the reigning lord, is the black sheep of the family and a notable exception to their staunch independence. As a high-ranking officer in the Home Guard, she holds the prestigious title of Tourmark, responsible for maintaining order and security within Tussenburg. Unlike her relatives, Dame Marthe supports the authority of the Crown and believes in a stronger central government. Her unwavering loyalty to the empire and dedication to upholding the law often places her at odds with her family members. Despite these differences, there is a mutual respect between Dame Marthe and the rest of the von Beckenbauerfamily, albeit tempered by their ideological disagreements.

The Silverfishes

The Silverfishes, Tussenburg's local guard and police force, are known for their professionalism, efficiency, and zero tolerance for corruption or abuse of power. Their well-trained and well-paid members crack down on illegal activities, forcing criminal elements underground. As a result, the community trusts them to protect and serve. The Silverfishes keep a close watch on the Home Guard, often creating tension between the two factions. Their commitment to upholding the law and maintaining order within Tussenburg has earned them respect and admiration from the citizens.

The Mage's Hand Syndicate

Originating from Stragesia, the Mage's Hand Syndicate is a group of wizard thieves that has found a home in Tussenburg. Exiled from their homeland, they serve as a nuisance and distraction to the Eisenovian government. The Syndicate is particularly active in Tussenburg and has successfully targeted caravans, high-profile individuals, and even stolen priceless artifacts from the von Beckenbauer family and from vaults beneath the Cathedral of Tir. Their audacious thefts, combined with the use of magic, have attracted the attention of the Crown, resulting in military involvement. The Syndicate possesses an artifact that grants them access to the Black Market, a dimension-spanning demiplane, allowing them to slip away from pursuing guards.

The 17th Home Guard Tourmar

Led by Tourmark Marthe von Beckenbauer, the 17th Home Guard Tourmar is a military unit stationed near Tussenburg. Marthe, a cousin of the von Beckenbauer family, constantly clashes with her relatives due to her support for a stronger central government and the authority of the Crown. This ideological conflict has led to tensions and occasional conflicts between the 17th and the Silverfishes. The 17th Home Guard Tourmar aims to enforce royal decrees and seeks opportunities to intervene and police the County of Tussenburg, causing further strains within the region.

The Foxers

Officially known as the 1st Anti-Magic Operations Tourmark and more commonly referred to as the Foxers, this special operations unit specializes in countering and hunting down magic casters. Led by Vice-Tourmark Jikan Memoria, who is also the heir of the von Beckenbauer's liege lord, two thousand Foxers have been deployed to Tussenburg and the surrounding areas to track down the members of the Mage's Hand Syndicate. Operating under the orders of the Lord Marshal, they possess the authority to override the von Beckenbauer family's wishes. The Foxers' fanatical approach and their use of enhanced interrogations have drawn resistance from both the von Beckenbauers and the local populace, resulting in murmurs of discontent and occasional protests.

The Merchant's Guild

The Merchant's Guild is a conglomerate of merchant families that wield considerable control over trade within Tussenburg. While these families may compete for influence and power within the guild, they unite against external threats and act against anything that jeopardizes their interests. They freeze out foreign competitors and exert economic and political pressure when necessary. Notably, the guild has pushed back against Count Roderick's attempt to increase tariffs on various imports, leading to a clash of interests and a strained relationship between the guild and the von Beckenbauer family.

The Brewer's Guild

The Brewer's Guild, though once powerful, has seen its influence wane over time. It operates many of the city's oldest breweries, keeping their traditional methods and recipes closely guarded. However, the guild has failed to adapt and incorporate modern advancements, allowing independent breweries to undercut them by offering superior products at lower costs. As a result, their power has diminished, and they face the challenge of remaining relevant in a changing industry.