City - Razpotye

Location

The city's name ''Razpotye'' literally means ''Crossroads'', and it is named as such due to it's central position in the central plains of Ardecha Polya. A paved highway goes north-east, through Vrhovec to Rastina in Bogland, another crosses the river Lyuba and goes south-wast to Novigrad, one follows the river Lyuba upstream to Bleyd, while in the opposite direction down stream another goes through Belyak to Beligrad.
The city also sits on the widest part of the river Lyuba, which is still navigable by ship, so naval travel is possible up from the main river Bela.

The City

Due to it's central geographic position, it is the regional trade hub. Merchants from any direction passing through the country will most likely be passing through Razpotye, simply because of it's well maintained infrastructure, safety, and travel options. People from far around the plains will flock regularly to Razpotye to peruse it's lively market and stall-filled streets.
Razpotye is not only the place where coin changes hand, it is also where bright minds exchange ideas, as the city boasts one of the three major universities in Ardechia.
The river port of the city is minor, and can only accommodate a handful of vessels, as the river Lyuba begins to narrow here. Smaller barques may continue up river, but only one at a time.
There is a large draw bridge over the river that may open the way for passing ships, while maintaining a bridge crossing the majority of the time.
The city is safely behind thick stone walls, and buildings within are likewise built from the same materials, such as stone blocks, bricks, and timber supports.
The markets, as lively and famed for it's variety and exquisite foreign goods, is also notoriously plagued by pick-pockets, with a rumored Thieves' guild thriving under the surface.

Surroundings

The city itself is surrounded by a natural moat made out of deviations from the river Lyuba, and it's minor tributaries. The city then stands atop an isle, of sorts.
The immediate surroundings of Razpotye is a minor forest that covers the nearby hillocks, and as one passes through it, the area opens up in to wide open fields. This woodland is fairly tame and void of major predators, and it, as well as the animals within it, are under the protection of the local Lord and the nobility, as this is where they hunt for sport. Poaching within it is considered a grave offense.
There are a number of rural villages on the roads, just before the city itself, all of which are farming settlements, and mainly consist of wooden huts.
The local Lord, Staryan Marich, has a gated manor with a large garden area around it just north-west of the city, on the edges of a nearby forest, known as Marich Manor. He is known to hold lavish banquets there, as he is fond of showing off his wealth and power, which he and his family have enjoyed for generations due to the natural success of their province.
There is a tournament grounds to the north-east of the city, where seasonal events are held, such as dueling, and jousting. Sponsored by the Lord himself, these are one of the few such tournaments far around.

Alternative Name(s)

Crossroads

Type

City

Location under

Area - Ardecha Polya

Included Locations

• Estate - Marich Manor

Owner/Ruler

Staryan Marich

Owning Organization

Kingdom of Ardechia

Header:

• Screenshot from the video game The Witcher 3

Imagery:

• Screenshot from the video game The Witcher 3