Belmere
Belmere, the last free city of Aryndel, is considered the unofficial capital of Aryndel. It is the only location within Aryndel that has been given sanction from both the north and the south to stay unaligned. This is primarily due to the fact that Belmere is not the actual capital of Aryndel, and was originally a well-established trade-centre between the North and the South. After the abandonment of Valmoor - the original capital - by the Zeranians, it was left unattended. Attempts have been made by both the South and the North to establish dominance over it, but none have returned. Since then, it was declared that Belmere would be the temporal capital of Aryndel, to maintain order in the region until the war is over.
Belmere has thrived off its neutrality, profitting off the Arynian War. The ruler of Belmere, Lord Drannor, has maintained this city for Centuries, some say since the city's founding. It has served has a pronounced trade-center for merchants from all around, due to its optimal location. This thriving economy has allowed Belmere to prosper, despite the surrounding circumstances. Belmere also houses the esteemed Chapel of Divinity, which harbours the worship of all the upper dieties. The merchant distrinct is the most pronounced of all, with goods and services of all varieties, and housing the marvelous Merchants Guild.. It is possible for one to find whatever one desires here...as long as they can find the right merchant, and have the right amount of gold.
Due to the commerse-nature of the city, a thriving underbelly has formed, with multiple gangs forming over the years that have now dissolved into 3 distinct gangs who run a vast network of black market goods and illegal services. these include the The Grey Rats , Bloodjack Bandits and the Viper Cartel..
The town has a vast polarisation in the city's architecture; the upper districts are prestine and grand, while the lower are dilapidated and run-down.
Demographics
Belmere hosts folk of all races and backgrounds, as it is a free city that allows for any and all to propser with the right mindset. There is quite a margin between the rich and the poor, as their are a few monopolisers that have attained substanial wealth, while a considerable underbelly has formed in contrast.
Government
Belmere is the only City in Aryndel that has been sanctioned to not take sides in the war or politics of the neighbouring regions. It is run by Lord Drannor, who has ruled for many many years, some say since belmere was built. He has maintained a firm and prosperous reign, and very few have ever reputed his ways of government.
Defences
The Greencloaks have kept a firm and steady hand on law enforcement aswell as protecting the town from sieges from the Warlords. Each entrance to the city is guarded by 2 sentry watchtowers
Industry & Trade
Trade is the main industry of Belmere, thriving of the economics of merchants travelling from far and wide.
Infrastructure
- The Religious structure Chapel of Divinity, is a esteemed holy site that sees many worshippers through its doors, as it houses shrines to all sanctioned gods, with small seperate priest circles maintaining each shrine and religion.
- The College of the Weave, formally known as the Blue Tower, is last of the Chromatic towers within Aryndel, and is currently the only place in Aryndel to study magic professionally and legally. It is well renowned and boasts its teachings to not just the general wizard or witch, but also Bards, Clerics, Paladins and many others. However, the teachings of unsanctioned magic such as necromancy or diabolical magic is prohibited, thus warlocks are not welcome.
Assets
- The Groggy Gorgon (Inn) Modest: Characterised by the large gorgon head hung above the bar, it is run by the Dragonborn Rune (Lvl 8 Tempest Cleric), who gained the name due to his foster upbringing and the strange marking on his inner forearm. striker door man (Totem Barbarian Wolf) \ venora elf chef girl bisexual
- Fire and Steel (Blacksmith): Run by younger of the Barabuuk Brothers Darog, these half-orc brothers inherited the shop from their father, however his older brother Gorog died in the night of long death
- The Mystic Emporium (Spell scrolls and ingredients): run by the Elf Sylren, a graduate from the College of the Weave, who also teaches there as a tutor part time.
- The Cork & Cauldron (Alchemy): Run by the similucrum of Halfing Myrtle, an old woman who is obessed with alchemy.
- The 1st Edition (bookshop): currently out of commission with its goods moved to merchant hall storage
- The Straight Arrow (Archery): was run by the Woodelf hunter Maraelin, who ran the shop with her father until he dissapeared on a hunt. however she died in the night of long death
- Jorryn's wondershop (magic items): Run by the gnome Jorryn that was saved from the Redclaw stronghond
- The Finest Thread (leather and cloth): run by the widowed human Leila, her husband Rorben An Elf that died in the night of long death, they fell in love and moved to Belmere as it was the only place they could truely love eachother.
- The Merchant's Hall (Temporary goods and strange thigns): once owned by Viscount Vito Levique, it has now moved to his son Alden with Grubbich holding the mantle until he comes of age.
this building is one of the oldest buildings in the town, and is a staple in Belmeres economy. It is where travelling merchants from far and wide come to set up their stores and sell their wares. It is here that one can find the rarest and most perculiar of goods, but these items do not last long, as the merchants come and go frequently. it houses a renowned restauraunt The Perfect Taste, and the Casino known as The Grand Utopia. It has an extensive amount of free lodging for people who wish to put down payment on a particular merchant that is arriving soon, as to allow them to have the quickest means of access to their goods.
- The Gilded Pegasus (Inn) Rich: Run by a Widowed man (Ewyn -human) and his 'male friend' (half-elf - Carric) there is rumours spreading about the coincidence of ewyns wife's death, and how quickly his 'friend' came in to help run and own it. It is a marble 2-story establishment with grand decorations. It is aristocratic in its customers, attracting rich people who wish for a place to stay that fits their lifestyle. The wait staff all happen to be young women by an odd coincidence.
Guilds and Factions
The Belmerian Guard are the vigilant law enforcement of the town.
History
Belmere has stood through ages past, since before Valmoor was abandoned. It has stood as a free city of commerce for centuries
Architecture
The cobblestone makes up the roads and modest buildings of Belmere, as the city is completely inclosed by enormous stone walls. red capped roofs are found on almost all buildings, with a mixture of stone nad wooden establisments depending on the district.
Alternative Name(s)
The Free City of Aryndel
Type
City
Population
8,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Arynian
Owner/Ruler
Characters in Location
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