Winterbury
Society
Winterbury is a hotbed of activity, no matter the time of day. The amount of transient traffic in and out of the city would have even the most experienced adventurers surprised. Whether it be late in the evening or in the earliest stages of the morning, citizens and travellers alike can find most services available. Due to the city’s frenetic pace, its residence are often described as rude or dismissive as they are quick to complete one task and move on to another. If you come to Winterbury in the hopes of a long project, you will be sorely mistaken. The Phalanx Legion representatives and warriors are everywhere, giving newcomers the sense that Winterbury is under a sort of martial law. While numerous, the Legion is very much hands off on most affairs and rarely imposes its will on the residents. Visitors are a different story and its not uncommon for an unruly visitor to be surrounded by a large number of Phalanx Legion troops to “resolve the situation”.
Government
Oligarchy
Industry & Trade
Imports
Wool, timber, paper/parchment, and leather
Exports
Fresh water, various minerals, confections, medicinal reagents, and various textiles
Trade and Commerce
Winterbury is the Free Cities trade gateway to the North. Nearly all major trade routes with the majority of the neighboring Free Cities, the Northern Woods, Kingdom of Carn Mirdain, and the Kingdom of Kerak intersect here. Nearly every commodity of value can be found, even if for a short time, in Winterbury with some planning. Many medicinal resources are acquired from Lake Aulli, making it one of the few independent medical centers in the north. Healers from several healing and earth magic guilds often travel to the city to learn of natural remedies to a plethora of ailments. Winterbury also supplies a large amount of fresh water to the nearby kingdoms for a hefty fee.
Some of the best restaurants, bakeries, and pubs in Alteria are located in Winterbury. The famous Smurgenhoffens Confections is located near the city center and produces nearly half of the continents candy supply via the a large factory located near the South Wall. Smurgenhoffens candy shop profits alone pay for the cities daily operating budget.
Guilds and Factions
Phalanx Legion – The Phalanx Legion is considered one of the largest mercenary organizations in Alteria. Its excellent reputation comes from its many successful operations, discipline under stress, and using the best equipment available. Inclusion into the “Legion” is not easy and they often require new candidates to pass several rigorous tests to proceed into their training. The group has far reaching missions and outposts, with their Headquarters being located in Winterbury.
History
Winterbury is an orderly, walled city managed and protected by the Phalanx Legion. Established as a small lake village, its location led to a steady growth into the trade center it is today. Originally a mercenary faction who participated on multiple military campaigns for both the Kingdoms of Kerak and Carn Mirdain, the Legion evolved into something more. With the strategic location of the city as a trade hub, the Legion simply took an active part in maintaining order in what was a chaotic place. Over time, the Phalanx Legion has made the city a more orderly place to do business and is considered the governing body here. Crime is minimal here and commerce is currently booming with active trade coming in from several large kingdoms and city states. Winterbury is centered between three capital cities and takes full advantage of this positioning in trade negotiations and military movements.
The 25-foot stone walls of this city make it a formidable sight to new travelers and adventurers as they approach. The city would cost any fighting force greatly were it attempted to be taken, whether by land or water. An odd sight by most accounts, a large warship sits in the center of Winterbury’s harbor. Normally a ship of this size is meant for deep oceans. The mystery of the Raptors Reville origin and how it came to the Phalanx Legions control is a closely guarded secret…
Points of interest
Smurgenhoffens Confections Shop and Factory – Considered one of the best candy makers in the shard, the shop and factory are revolutionary in design. The factory often provides free samples to the residents of the city and the shop is rarely closed to the public.
Raptors Reville – A triple-deck Ship of the Line that is anchored in the center of the Winterbury Harbor. The warship is manned by Phalanx Legion sailors and is bristling with weapons. The ships origin is a closely guarded secret, though it is generally considered to not have been built on or near the lake. The ship is unique in design and has no known copy. The ship is able to maneuver with alarming speed, pivoting to track ships coming in and out of the city. Only Phalanx Legion members are able to board the ship.
Athen's Clocks - The workshop of a female human clockmaker named Athen, known for her marvelous clockwork toys.
Geography
Winterbury is situated in the northern region of Alteria, being the lone city on Lake Aulli. The city is located in the southern portion of the Lake and is north of the Periphery. The flat grasslands near the Lake are ideal for farming and travel on foot.
Climate
Normally maintains cooler temperatures throughout the year., rarely rising about 70 degrees during even the hottest months.
Type
City
Population
860
Inhabitant Demonym
Mixed - Majority Human, Dwarf, Hobling, and Selunari.
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
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