Margraten
Capitol of the entire Merchant League of Frisia and the Greater Margraten Region. It is home to the Westbroek Library, Arcanum Collegium, and the Frisian Admiralty Headquarters. There is no richer place in all of Serrus. Immense amounts of money flow into and out of this city by sea and by land each day. At any given time, the harbor is choked with ships moving of all sizes. In addition, Margraten is the second largest city on Serrus, aside from Liggen.
The city itself is built in tiers starting at the base of the Marnandering waterway at the docks and wharfs, and working its way up the Glanzund Cliff side. The richer, more affluent live on the highest points of the cliff in their manors. The extreme west of the city is dominated by the Glanzund Heights, which are very steep and unstable hills where few buildings stand. The entrance to the Kanal moving north splits the city into two. The famous Mardijk Bridge spans the south end of the canal where the Mardijk Cross Inn serves patrons a hearty meal and a warm bed.
Two main roads exit Margraten, one heading north past Grijzegrubben and the other heading southeast to Boden. A smaller road leads northeast towards the village of Weid as well, but it is much less traveled.
Demographics
Some of the richest on Serrus hail from and live in Margraten and it's surrounding area. Since the rise of the middle class, Margraten has been a beacon of the low-born individual rising to richness and influence.
The rich have homes on the upper cliffs with the best views and clearest air, while the poor are clustered along the canal or near the dockyards and wharves.
All ethnicities call Margraten home, but being in the Merchant League, a majority are Frisian.
Government
The Margraten Merchant council rules over the city consigning of 4 merchant families, the Archbishop of Margraten, and the Headmaster of the Arcanum Collegium.
Defences
Two massive forts protect ship traffic on either end of the Marnandering, Fort Glanzund and Fort Verdadiging, boasting immense numbers and sizes of cannon. The city guard is professional and part of the Merchant League's military. At any one time, easily a half of the entire Merchant League's immense navy is moored here. Only the foolish would dare attack the city.
Industry & Trade
Shipbuilding and banking are the two biggest industries in Margraten. Minting is also a large tradition in Margraten.
Infrastructure
Tightly packed stone buildings dot the cliffside with red shingled rooves. The areas closer to the docks and wharves are typically made of wood. Some of the buildings, such as the Arcanum Collegium are some of the oldest surviving original buildings on Serrus.
Geography
The entire city is built along the Glanzund cliff along the Marnandering. It is extremely hilly and the city is tiered on the side of the cliff.
Natural Resources
Fish, shellfish, and textiles
There is no greater city on Serrus my boy. Margraten is a glittering example of the ascendancy of man. Not content with the nobility running the world, Margraten and indeed the Merchant League, shows us that any man can rise to greatness and wealth.
Type
Large city
Population
113982
Location under
Owning Organization
