Tradegate

Tradegate is a large trading hub located on the border of the Dutchies of Mercia , Vichi and Saanthas . Sitting on the crossroads of the King's Highway, Tradegate is a bustling city home to tens of thousands of inhabitants. The city stands in the centre of a vast area of tents, yurts and pavilions. These are home to travelling merchants, tradesfolk and various mercantile groups. As the prominence of the city increased, the walls couldn't support the population and so the canvas city was born.

Government

The Merchantile Council administrates the day to day business of Tradegate. This is done with the blessing of the Duke of Mercia, who has ratified the group with a Duchal Decree. The council acts in good faith; collecting taxes, arranging trade deals, managing and protecting the city. There are seven seats on the council, five of which are held by ranking Guildsmasters, one by the clergy and the final is held by a representative of the Duke.

Law and Order

The city watch maintains order in the city proper and the canvas city. It is not uncommon for merchants to hire bodyguards, or for particularly wealthy merchants to hire small armies. Additionally, the transient population has seen the rise of several mercenary groups who offer protection to the highest bidder. As such, a traveller to the city may encounter many different people and organisation protecting businesses, people and properties. From small independent bodyguards to the city, watch to large mercenary groups. An unscrupulous traveller would best keep their weapons stayed, for murdering a member of a mercenary guild, will result in the offender being identified as a target by the rest of the guild.

Industry & Trade

Tradegate is a major hub for trade. Large warehouses temporarily hold stock, before its sold and transported elsewhere. Merchants travel from far reaches to peddle exotic items. It's said that a canny shopper can purchase anything in Tradegate. 
Many inhabitants of the city are also involved in the manufacture of raw goods obtained from travelling merchants. Lumber for the great Draughmere Forest is transformed into furniture, wagons or even simple barrels. Precious metals from the nearby Serpentine Mountains is crafted into jewellery, leather and cloth are used to produce beautiful clothing. Tradesgate is the city that has it all.

Guilds and Factions

Tradegate is home to many different factions and organisations. There are several mercantile costers who either operative from the city or have a representative. Several mercenary companies call Tradegate home.

Mercantile Costers

Mercenary Companies

Tourism

Inns and Taverns

• The Bloody Arrow
• The Lewd Knave
• The Shrew and Toad
• The Hound and Unicorn
• The Crossed Hammers
• The Lucky Cat
• The Kaleidoscope (The Canvas City)
• The Laughing Djinn (The Canvas City)

Type

City

Population

Approximately 21,000 (with 15,000 permanent residents)

Inhabitant Demonym

Gater

Included Locations

• The Laughing Djinn

Owning Organization

Duchy of Mercia

Characters in Location

• Mikhail Radoslav-Zakharovich
• Raafi el-Salah