Town of Winterhold

GENERAL INFORMATION

Winterhold is a fortified settlement near to the Terrevern coast. It sits on the border with Northreach, and has a history of skirmishes in and around the town. The town is also near to Clearwater and Castle Everim, which are the other two members of the Winterhold Fief, along with the surrounding areas.
A short distance from the main gate of Winterhold stands the Ironspire, an enormous formation of steel created long ago by magic cast by a demon prince. It was originally used by its followers as a place of worship, before the Lancers of Aorn conquered it and repurposed it as a fortification.
The town currently houses 4,000 people, not including the 1,500 footmen that live in the Ironspire just outside the town gates. Major sites within Winterhold include a temple to Lanos, god of order and chivalry, and a shrine to Ashera, lesser goddess of luck and adventure.
A large market place, simply known as "West Market", sits in the town square, frequented by locals and "outlander" peddlers alike. Besides the standard fare of groceries and trinkets, a traveler might find a smith or carpenter, and perhaps a jeweler peddling their wares at the market.
Winterhold does not have its own watch, instead relying on the soldiers housed in the barracks to maintain order. The town relies solely on imports from Eralon to survive, which Eralon is glad to send due to the city's high strategic value.

Demographics

Almost all of Winterhold's inhabitants are human, except for a few halflings here and there.
About 40% of Winterhold's population is considered to be poor, meaning that they have exactly enough or less. This class includes the homeless, unskilled laborers, and prisoners.
About 20% of Winterhold's population is considered lower class. This means that they have exactly what they need, with a small excess. This includes servants, smiths, farmers, and woodworkers.
About 25% of Winterhold's population is considered middle class. This means that they have a fair excess of money and necessities. This includes skilled laborers, shopkeepers, soldiers, and the like.
About 10% of Winterhold's population is considered wealthy. This means that they have a large excess of cash, and at least one servant. This includes merchants, wealthy tradesmen, and knights.
The last 5% of Winterhold's population is the nobility and city council members.

Government

The city is run much like Eralon, in that it is headed by a governor, supplemented and advised by a city council. Swaths of farmland outside the town's walls are owned by lesser nobles.
Each of the 4 wards within Winterhold has its own elected representative, who presents the ward's interests to the governor. The governor answers directly to the Baron who rules Winterhold Fief.

Defences

Winterhold is surrounded by a low stone wall, with turrets at each of the 7 corners. These towers are manned by watchmen, on a rotational basis. There used to be a moat around the town, before it was filled in when people began to settle in Winterhold.
The Ironspire serves as a forward lookout tower and barracks for the 1,500 soldiers that live and work in the city. It also serves as a temporary place of residence for knights and soldiers summoned up to fight with Northreach.

Industry & Trade

Winterhold is reliant on its strategic value, and survives because of imports from Eralon. The town is very expensive to supply, but it's strategic value makes its upkeep a worthwhile endeavor.
What little Winterhold does produce for itself consists of produce, meat, and tools. These are produced by residents, either for personal consumption or sale.

Infrastructure

Winterhold has an elaborate sewer system to manage waste, and a towering windmill sits in the center of town. It was originally used to grind flour, but once the town grew large, it was repurposed into a brewery.
A wide road runs straight through the center of town, cleaving Winterhold in twain. In the center of town, additional stone has been added in a circle to form the town square.
Each of the wards is separated by a low stone fence, with gates scattered a around the fence. Guards stand at each gate. There may or may not be a watchtower at the gate, depending on how much traffic goes in and out of the gate.

Districts

Winterhold consists of 4 wards, each represented by an elected official, who brings the interests of that ward to the governor. The names and details of each ward are as follows:
The Shopkeepers Ward is the southernmost ward, and it houses a wide variety of shops and places of business, as well as the West Market and the town square.
The Cottage District is where most of the people in Winterhold live. It is filled, as the name suggests, with cottages and houses, usually housing only one or two families each. It also has a few inns and taverns.
The Merchants Quarter is where incoming shipments, merchants, and peddlers are received, their goods inspected, and the place of residence for short-term living quarters. 
The Central Ward houses the Town Hall and residences for representatives and nobles. It also holds the residence for the governor. This is where the Council meets to decide on city affairs, and it is where the governor works.

Founding Date

1004 AR

Population

4,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Winterholdan

Owning Organization

Kingdom of Westgate

Characters in Location

• Commander Avos