Rijkel
Rijkel is the capitol of the Rijkel region in Frisia. Its critically important location makes it a major stopping point for trade on both the River Venlo and the River Ebb. This has made Rijkel rich with tolls. Nothing moves out of Argau by river to Frisia without passing Rijkel.
Demographics
Rivermen, boatmen, and merchants are the majority of the inhabitants of Rijkel. It's location at the confluence of two major rivers makes transient populations also pretty prevalent in Rijkel.
Government
Governed by Duke Reinoud Aukes. Duke aukes is extremely strict when it comes to tolls and customs taxes that flow through his territory. Some say he has legions of assessors and collectors that patrol the roads and rivers along with the Roadwardens at all hours of every day. Only the best and most experienced smugglers would even attempt to slip past Rijkel without paying taxes and even the smartest and most talented would rather pay the taxes here and avoid them elsewhere downstream than to deal with Rijkel in the event they get caught.
Defences
The best defense Rijkel has is its position on the river. The north, west, and south sits the two rivers. The Venlopatrol, an elite group of marines is well trained to protect river traffic defends these waterways. The Schaduwoud hugs the entire east side of Rijkel. Due to the proximity of the xenophobic Durgol settlement of Brun Felb in the woods, not even forest bandits brave them. This gives Rijkel's east side complete protection.
Industry & Trade
River trade is the lifeblood of Rijkel. For a town of its size, it is very wealthy.
Geography
Rijkel sits on a short bluff overlooking the conjunction of the Ebb and Venlo rivers. The Schaduwoud covers much of the east side of the town which is a great natural barrier as thieves and bandits steer clear of the woods. Xenophobic and reclusive Durgol live there and do not tolerate trespasses in their lands.
Many smugglers try to avoid the tolls in Rijkel, but all end up in jail. It's why Rijkel has such a large jailhouse. At any time, there are dozens of smugglers awaiting their fate. No one escapes the eyes of my collectors.
Governance
The Aukes family has protected river traffic on the Venlo for generations. Duke Reinoud personally commands the Venlopatrol river wardens.
