Steinburg

Home of the Von Holzen

Steinburg is, while in a central position, not a frequent stop for most trade. The city is bypassed by other routes and doesn't have much to make it over come this in it's resources, however there is one aspect that has allowed it to grow into the city it is, the Von Holzens. The influence of the Von Holzens has allowed the city to grow from political leverage, making it, while not a huge city, a large and prosperous one, the efforts of Sophia Von Holzen in particular played a role in this. For traders, there is little in Steinburg to really see, and will likely either be ignored or quickly passed through, but for a traveller, it is an awe inspiring city in it's architecture and design, and certainly enjoyable for a leasure trip.

_{Henry Norwick, Travellers Guide to Evantian, Press of Wien, Wien, 1705.}

Demographics

While not the biggest trade hub in the Lowlands, Steinburg has a decently sized middle class, however this being one of the smaller middle classes in the cities of Dithmarburg. Most of the population is made up of poorer Dithmarian class, who work for those of the elite and middle class, the elite making up a small, yet powerful amount of the city. The city, being the capital of a larger princedom has a large number of artist and educational types, however the city is mostly dominated by guards, and the typical feudal jobs. The city also boasted a while small, notible minority of non human species, however, this along with many of the poorer demographic has been sapped by the chaos of the war.

Government

The city itself is run by the Mayor of Steinburg, who is decided by the upper classes, but has to be approved by the Duke of Brehen. The Mayor is expected to serve the Duke in enforcing the Duke's laws, which are decreed from the Duke, and organizing taxes on behalf of the Duke.

Defences

The old stone walls, tall and and split in segments by towers still stand after centuries protecting a portion of the city. However with time, parts of the city do not benefit from these walls and lighter, less effective walls and ditches have to be used.

Industry & Trade

In terms of trade, while still with a decent amount, the trade of Steinburg is some of the smallest in the major centres of Dithmarburg, however, being the centre of the Duchy of Brehen and on the banks of the Stein, the smaller trade is a healthy one. Most of the work in Steinburg is based within the artisan works, related to economic links with the rural sector or it's large financial sector, which helps put Steinburg on the map more as many banks like to base their headquarters in Steinburg due to it's central location for Dithmarburg, Avignon, Prussen and the Mark.

Infrastructure

Steinburg is a modern city, thanks to the input of Sophia Von Holzen in the early 1600s, this made it famous for it's city layout, full of markets, courtyards, churches and various vital infrastructure. However, one aspect that Steinburg has always been known for was the canals, that connected the city from the docks on the Stein, to the furthest away city blocks to the waters of the Stien.

Assets

The most important assets of Steinburg are the canals and docks, which give it a small amount of trade power within Brehen. The influence of the Von Holzens have brought larger amounts of capital and financial assets.

Guilds and Factions

While many artisan guilds fuction well, and serve the city and flourish as a result, the largest and most influental of the guilds is the bankers, with Steinburg effectively being the financial capital of Northern and Central Evantian. The city is also heavly influenced by the Von Holzens long rule over the city and region around it.

Architecture

The city is mostly built of stone, a grey slightly black stone, with dim orange tile roofing. As you go more towards the edge wooden structures become more common but are still well made as Sophia's legacy remains. Within the richer areas of the city, water features are common across the city flowing eventually into the canals or Stein.

Geography

Steinburg is based on the southern side of the outlet of the Stein, on the southeast bank of the Stein, the area has some small elevation but is a mostly flat area. The area is encompassed by fields and small hills as far as the eye can see, with the Sudetens in the distance on the opposite side from the waters.

Natural Resources

The only real natural resources in Steinburg is the farming and grazzing resources from the farmland around Steinburg, some sources of timber and fish from the Stein.

Type

City

Population

19,500 (Before War of Arterium)

Inhabitant Demonym

Steinians

Location under

Northern Dithmarburg

Owning Organization

House Von Holzen