Sterling

From mundane simple items, to magical trinkets, martial weapons and exotic finds, Sterling is the place of traders. Flooded with auctioneers and salesman, adventurers and employers, merchants and gypsies...the brick roads of Sterling never sleep. Every day dozens of caravans, loaded with goods are exported and imported through the vast auctioning that occurs within the walls of Sterling. Tents line the outer roads leading into the city, in an attempt to please buyers before reaching the inner streets. Everything is for sale in Sterling..."Weapons?" What kind! "Arcane items?" Rods, staffs, rings and more!... Founded in the year 338 T.S. by the city of Limani to help produce a faster means of trading in the area after the Smokefang Swamps buried the old trading route of Plainsbrook. Now the city of Sterling thrives, ran by a large council of 15 seats and the overseeing power to the Duchess Pricilla Tornahall, the large trading vessel is impressive. Loaded with fast talkers and relentless merchants, Sterling can quickly overwhelm the simple traveler. In the city of Sterling, all races are equal so long as their pockets bare gold. The true residents, dwellers and traders of Sterling no who the high rollers are, who have false intentions and who lacks the charisma to strike a deal. A simple look of the clothing you possess and swagger of your posture often shows your worth to these "Bribers". Although some races can be lead on to buy at higher prices than others, be sure to show up with an intelligent mind for all things sold, or you could be on the wrong end of a deal. There is a saying in Sterling "How deep is your pouch?"

Demographics

2,000 peasants/villagers/townsfolk 600 homeless/beggars 3,000 wealthy class 5,000 mid-class 10,000 merchants/traders/auctioneers 4,000 guard/militia 500 priests/nuns/clergyman 200 public figures 15 council seats

Government

The government in Sterling is stern... After applying for a "Bribers Permit" and paying the one time fee of 250 gold with is NON-REFUNDABLE, the wait process to be a vendor in Sterling begins. This wait normally doesnt last more than 30 days due to its strict taxing. The city collects 10% tax of all sales within the wall during the first week of each month from all merchants, traders ect... These taxes pay for policing of the traders goods, a structure of shop for which to do business and importing of new goods. The benefit of residing within the walls of Sterling grants first access to the large cargo caravans that arrive from Limani and Rainbows Edge. If a payment is ever late, missed or refused, that said merchant is removed from with the city within 30 days and must proceed their business outside the walls. They are also not permitted to sell goods within city limits for 6 months. The merchants and traders who line the exteriors roadways and entrances of the city must pay a 6% tax rate on all sales which is collected the last week of each month. This tax includes policing of city guards, a secure plot along the city reaches and a limited supply on importing goods. Missed payments or refusal to pay leads to that trader forfeiting their plot and removing themselves from the reaches of the city, otherwise their said belongings are sold to compensate the tax and they are not permitted to to business in Sterling for 6 months.

Defences

Armed with over 3,000 heavily armored guards and 1,000 cavalry patrolling the exterior walls, Sterling is well protected for its size. The trading post also has a great connection with the Limani, and can access any additional guards if needed.

Infrastructure

The beautiful brick streets are lined with rows and rows of well built shops. Large 2 and 3 story trading structures can be found all over the city, and even performing stages are spread throughout the courtyards and wagon lots. In the center of Sterling is a large auctioning stage where the vast number of people gather every day to see what wonders are on sale today. Once, a deed to a haunted mansion went on sale for 12,000 gold on that very stage... You never know what exciting finds might come through the auction stage.

Guilds and Factions

"Bribers"...known to be fast talking, swindling, deal making merchants. They often communicate with each other through a series of hand gestures and face twitches to show what buyers have the deepest pockets. Watch trading with these fellows, otherwise you could pay much more than anticipated.