Last Bend

Last Bend is a large town located on the northern bank of the Elysian River, south of the Southern Tier. It is so named for two reasons. The settlement sits at a bend in the river, when the westward-flowing waters turn north. Not far upstream; east up the river from Last Bend, the waterway diminishes in depth and width so much as to make it impossible for sailing ships of significant size to travel any further. Beyond that point, only rowboats and flat barges can go further. The natural harbor occurring where Last Bend lies is just a scant handful of miles downstream from there.
North of the town, along and on the same side of the river is a narrow stretch of land nestled between the waterway and the plateau called the Aramar Valley. It stretches less than 50 miles from the town and is less than 20 miles at its widest. However, what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in strategic importance. Aramar province is governed by the nobleman, Lord Aramer Helliksson and his influence reigns over Last Bend. The lords Helliksson however have chosen to keep court at their keep some 30 miles north of Last Bend for centuries. As such, the town has long been ruled by an appointed governor, currently Alavan Elgret, and their chosen council of advisors.

Demographics

• 60% human
• 15% elf and elf-kin
• 10% dwarf
• 10% small folk
• 5% other

Government

Oligarchic/democratic mix; resident governor rules as proxy for noble Lord with dominion over the area with advice and consent of a council of oligarchs drawn from local merchants and landowners.

Defences

Last Bend boasts a standing town guard of 250 armed individuals, most of them foot soldiers. Another 120-130 are said to lie in reserve, ready to be called into duty with just a couple of days' notice. Additionally, a loosely organized citizens' militia numbering 300 or more can usually be counted on in times of need.

Industry & Trade

Most of Last Bend's commerce comes from the flow of trade goods through the town. This includes of course the operations of the town's busy harbor on the Elyse River. Many locals make their living this way, whether by way of temporary warehousing of goods, providing supplies and equipment for the transport of these, or actually moving the very same, both by land and via the waterway.
In addition to trade, Last Bend does produce some of its own goods. Apple groves north of the town, between it and the Tiersway abound in both directions away from the town. The woodlands areas that otherwise occupy the same swatches of land are a source of high-quality lumber. Also, the town is the dominant marketplace for fishermen of the surrounding areas to avail themselves of their catch.

Infrastructure

Last Bend's existence is derived entirely from a location that is fortuitous in numerous ways. The large town sits at a midway point along the southern border of Elysia. 300 or so miles to the east are the western edges of the Lower Reaches. And almost 200 miles to the north and west, at the confluence of the Elyse and Kron Rivers sits the Crown City of Sunhold. This location makes it an important waypoint for merchants and other overland travelers journeying between the western and easter ends of Southern Elysia.
The town's location on the river and a cove that forms a natural harbor would be enough to make it a strategic waypoint for those who use the river to move chattel. Especially since the point where which the Elyse becomes too shallow for sailing ships to go further upstream is just miles east of Last Bend. The settlement is thusly a nexus where overland and waterbound cargo traders converge.

Guilds and Factions

Last Bend is large enough to host chapters of the most prominent organizations and factions from Elysia and beyond. The following all boast presences with influence in the town:

• The Church of the Trinity - a temple in honor of the three well-supported deities is run by their allied clergies in the Upper Bend neighborhood of Last Bend.
• The Stormhold Blades - the "Bladeshome hall", located in Upper Bend is one of the largest structures in the town.
• The Crimson Hoods - a local "Hoodsmeet hideout" is said to lie somewhere in the Overlook area of town.

Maps

• 

  Map of Last Bend

Founding Date

600 bCA, estimated

Founders

• Ernst Lassbend

Alternative Name(s)

Lassbend

Type

Town

Population

5,900

Inhabitant Demonym

Lassbenders

Owner/Ruler

Alavan Elgret

Additional Rulers/Owners

• Aramer Helliksson

Owning Organization

Kingdom of Elysia