Springreach
A lively dock, busy and bustling with sailing vessels of all shapes and sizes. The sound of seagulls and softly crashing waves. The smell of salt and sunlight, and the feel of a cool ocean breeze. This is what welcomes travelers and traders as they enter the Port of Springreach.
The city of Springreach, is the largest port city on the continent of Fallstead, and arguably all of Vianova. With such easy access to the Marenova Ocean, Springreach has made its fortune as a central trading port, not only of goods but of knowledge, and the wealth of the sea's bounties and all that rolls in with the tide has allowed the city to grow into a well-developed and thriving metropolis.
Springreach resides along the south-western coast of the continent in the country of Farryn, enjoying the temperate climate of the region. Passing through the coastal plains outside city limits, the Continental Railway has a station just at the edge of the city, connecting Springreach to the other major cities across Fallstead.
Protected by the ocean to the south, Sarula Bay to the east, and stone walls to the north, Springreach is a sight to behold. Many of its finer buildings are made of marble and the streets are kept clean, with well-kempt gardens beautifying the city center. The Coastal Market has a diverse and ever-changing collection of products, and Farmers' and Flea Markets are often held in the park. At the core of Springreach's culture is its proud Elven history. The Elvish influence is evident in the architecture of the city. The city's important landmarks take their names from Elvish gods, and while there are worshippers of many gods of Faerun, the Corellon Larethian Temple is dedicted specifically to the leader of the Elvish pantheon and the creator and preserver of the Elven race.
Farryn is ruled over by a group of oligarchs in the Halls of Wisdom in the city of Thiramen. These high-level officials are the philosopher kings that dictate how the Governor of Springreach must operate to keep the city thriving. The city guard is heavily funded and well trained, consisting of martially and magically talented members, though they are often said to be stiff and unsympathetic to criminals and dissidents.
Home to Springreach University, the most prestigious school of magic in Vianova, many powerful magic users make their home here. Wizards and sorcerers in particular can often receive good funding from the city for their research if the usefulness of their power is proven, and SRU is treated as almost a place of pilgrimage for mages of all abilities. The Springreach University Library is an impressive building and a well-stocked source for information, with the most expansive collection of tomes, scrolls, and maps in Vianova. The Society for the Retrieval of Vianovan Antiquities, or SRVA, is based in Springreach and has an impressive collection of interesting relics from around the world. They have been known to pay a pretty penny to those brave enough to explore the far corners of Vianova, bringing back the rarities they find.
Springreach offers much to dreamers and adventurers, and who knows what will come in on the next sea breeze or traveling vessel.
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