Salines

Salines is a small port on the southern coast of The High Kingdom, notable for being the last and westernmost port before the Kadroth Marshes. Salines itself is in the estuary of the Lee River, which provides a sheltered harbour at this point, and also the salt marshes from which it gets its name.
The area is largely peaceful, despite its proximity to both the Kadroth Marshes and the Darkwood.
There is a well-equipped set of local militias and frequent patrols to ensure the village and its environs remain safe.
There are three other villages in the Bur Riding - Burford, Burleigh and Harleigh .

Demographics

The town is predominantly human, with a few identifiable half-elves. It is too rural and poor to have an indigenous pure-elven population.

Government

Salines is governed by a town council made up of the leading civic leaders. The council comprises 9 members, and elects a mayor annually. The mayor is responsible to the Count of Seale for the maintenance of law and order, and the annual tax levy.
The council currently consists of:

1. Vayla Haddreneth, the Mayor of Salines, Priestess of Vyanival.
2. Hyrmin Thront, Guildmaster of the Fishermen
3. Arwynia the White, Guildmaster of the Salters
4. Jasten of Harleigh, Guildmaster of the Merchant Venturers
5. Glasten Broadbottom, Sheriff of Bur Riding
6. Tomala Swiftsword, Constable of Bur Riding and Castellan of Salines Castle (Salines Castle crumbled into ruins over 200 years ago, but the title remains for the person charged with the defence of Salines)
7. Fulvar the Pious, Priest of Helim
8. Merdim Snapfingers, Treasurer of Salines
9. Kurdaya Goldenhair, Tribune (this is a position elected by the freemen of Salines).

Defences

Salines is walled by a 12' stone wall, with six 30' diameter and 20' high round towers, on both the landward and seaward sides because of the proximity to the Kadroth Marshes, and the activity of pirates on the Azure Sea. These walls are sturdy, but also very old, and repeatedly patched, so their resilience to a full siege would be a test the defenders would prefer not to put them to. There are two gates, each flanked by two of the towers.
The Seagate faces north, to the foreshore of estuary of the Lee River, where the fishing boats are pulled up and larger ships will stand off.
The Bridegate faces west, along the isthmus that connects Salines to the mainland.
The walls themselves have a dry ditch along much of the landward side. The sea coast beyond is rugged and has many cliffs, making it difficult for an enemy to land there and attack from the south.
To the west, along the isthmus, there is another ditch and dyke combination that forms an outer defence for the entire peninsular from any attack from the mainland.
For a naval landing, the most likely place is along the shore of the estuary on the northern side of the peninsular to the east of the town. The Eastower has two ballistae for this reason.

Industry & Trade

The main business of Salines is fishing, and the drying and salting of fish which is then taken to Merton or taken north for sale elsewhere in The High Kingdom .
Other trades are present in Salines, but are to serve the domestic needs of the town and surrounding villages and homesteads.

Infrastructure

Salines has but a single inn, the Dolphin. Despite the lack of competition, it is reasonably priced, and fairly clean. It is owned and run by Kurdaya Goldenhair, who inherited sole control of it on the death of her husband 3 years ago. There are 4 double rooms, a larger room that can sleep 4, and two single rooms in the attic (usually used by the servants, but they will be kicked out into the stables if there are paying guests in the offing). The taproom serves good homebrewed ale, a variety of local wines and hearty food.
There are also two other taverns in town, which tend to a rowdier crowd of an evening.
The Cock is in the centre of town, and is notable for the cock-fighting pit that gives it its name. The ale and wine is cheaper, but of inferior quality, and the less said about the food, the better. It's obviously mainly made up of losers. Members of the Salters Guild tend to frequent the Cock.
The Anchor is by the Seagate, and is favoured by fishermen, so tends to have peaks at odd hours following the hours of the fishing fleet. It adjoins the fishmarket hall, so many people will stop off for a refreshment if buying fish as well. Ale is available, but the taste here is for fortified wines and spirits.
There is a road that connects Salines to Burleigh and other villages, which runs along the isthmus. It crosses the outer ditch by a wooden bridge, then through the dyke, across the inner ditch by a draw bridge and into the town. Inside the town, the roads are patchily paved.

Guilds and Factions

The three main guilds, as would be expected, are the Fishermen, the Salters and the Merchant Venturers.
Each of these guilds is led by a guildmaster, who sits on the town council.

• The guildmaster of the Fishermen is Hyrmin Thront.
• The guildmaster of the Salters is Arwynia the White.
• The guildmaster of the Merchant Venturers is Jasten of Harleigh.

Architecture

The architecture of Salines is traditionally High Kingdomish - whitewashed walls with terracotta roof tiles. Being so far south, it would be warmer, but the breezes from the sea keep it cool. Many houses have loggias on the upper storey to take advantage of these breezes.

Geography

Salines is situated on the left bank at the mouth of a small river on the northern shore of the Azure Sea. A long promontory on the right bank of the river forms a naturally sheltered road which protects the harbour from winds other than from the east (the prevailing winds are from the south-west). This harbour allows full sized ships to shelter at Salines, in addition to the normal fishing vessels. The town itself is situated on a gravel hill which is separated from higher land to the north and east by a belt of low lying and swampy land.

Natural Resources

Salt Fish

Maps

• 

  Salines town

Type

Town

Population

600

Included Locations

• Dolphin Inn

Ruling/Owning Rank

Mayor of Salines

Owning Organization

Bur Riding