The City of Bramhill

        The City of Bramhill is located on the western shore of Durrin, at
the mouth of the Steinly river.  Bramhill is a shining example of modern
living, there are even sewers to keep the city clean.  The wealth of
Bramhill comes not only from it's being the nations capitol, but also from
the fact that it sits on two major trade arteries.  Ships traveling between
the northern and southern continents find Bramhill an excellent port of
call, as it has an excellent harbor.  In addition, since Bramhill sits on
the bank of the Steinly river, which drains much of the Maracaran
Rainforest basin, it is the main route by which forest products reach other
markets.  One of the tributaries also drains part of The Ironrocks Range,
and the local Ironrocks use this river as a trade route, instead of hauling
products across the range to Isthmus City.  In addition, another of
Steinly's' many tributaries drains part of the Illhillians territory.  If
the Illhillians want any products delivered, and don't want to depend on
caravans, the Steinly is the only way they can receive goods.  A very
profitable situation for Bramhill, indeed.
        Bramhill is situated on the northern bank of the Steinly River, but
near enough to the coast to gain the benefits of a changing tide.  Bramhill
itself is a walled city, with tall square garrison towers a strategic
points along the wall.  There are even watch towers along the river front,
as most attacks would likely come from here, to avoid the walls.  Common
fields and parade grounds surround the city to a distance of at least one
bowshot, and the actual parade grounds are two bowshots wide.  The parade
grounds are kept clear of buildings, not only for defense, but also to
provide a location for yearly festivals and jousts.
                Downstream from the city (to the west) are the stockyards.
This area is used to pen livestock which cannot be safely stored in the
city.  These yards are rarely full, and then only during festivals, when
farmers and herdsmen bring their herds to market.  Exotic creatures like
War Unicorns from the Eastern Savanalands are kept here, as these creatures
are not comfortable among so many unwashed people.  One of the stockyard
barns has been reconditioned, and has now become The Cock and Bull Gaming
Club.
        Across the river from Bramhill is the town of Crossways, which is
really little more than a collection of warehouses, inns and ferrymen's
homes.  Crossways benefits from much of the traffic from the Ironrock
Range, but little else crosses the river here.
        The city itself is divided roughly in half diagonally by High
Street, which is a continuation of the main road in Bramhillian, The High
Road.  The High Road presently bypasses the city on the opposite side of
the festival and parade grounds, although it once ran through the city.  To
the north of High Street is much of the wealth which can be found in the
city, and to the south are most of the people.  The entire northern wall of
the city is also the southern wall of the Citadel.  The Citadel contains
the Kings inner sanctum, as well as most of the administrative offices
involved in running the country.  This position means that anyone attacking
the Citadel must traverse the entire breadth of the city.  In the northeast
corner of the city is the Queens Garden, a public garden supported by Queen
Ariana, and the one cent charge levied against all users.  Anyone may enter
the garden, and they may stay as long as they wish, excepting of course
that the gardens close at dusk.  The Royal Family has a private garden
within the Citadel, but can sometimes be found here as well.
        The northwest quadrant of the city is the Noble Section.  The nine
Noble families who hold permanent residences in the city reside here.  Each
of their estates says something about the family, from the virtual fortress
of the Rowe family, to the Knowles open and airy estate.  Next to the Noble
section are the local churches.  Each of the major religions have a church
here, even Fulcindare, although his church (of course) is also a working
blacksmith shop.
        The entire waterfront is devoted to shipping.  The communal docks
are located along the upstream half of the waterfront, while the Royal
Docks and the Shipyards are located downstream.  Any ship may dock at the
communal docks, for a fee, but only ships needing repairs may dock on the
Royal Docks.  Behind the communal docks are several small warehouses, as
well as The Mariners Fellowship House, The Fish Market, and The Customs
House.  All ship captains must immediately supply a shipping manifest to
the Customs House after docking.  Most of the people who make their living
on the sea and the river live between the communal docks and High Street.
        The Crown has two huge warehouses located next to the Royal Docks,
and these warehouses are used for storehouses, and as safe storage for
contraband items.  The shipyards are an impressive sight, and the launching
of a new ship invariably brings a crowd.  Beyond the Shipyards (behind a
tall stone wall) is the poorer section of town.  Many of the servants and
low laborers live in this section of town, and the area is infested with
thieves, cutthroats and beggars.
        King Street divides the town in half from the Citadel to the Royal
Docks, dividing the communal docks from the Royal Docks.  Where King Street
meets High Street is THE MARKETPLACE.  The Marketplace is a large open
courtyard which is invariable crowded with people, stalls, tents, hawkers
and hustlers.  The only continuity to The Marketplace are the permanent
stalls set against the surrounding buildings, and The Pinnacle.  The
Pinnacle is a tall thin obelisk set atop a number of low platforms, the
effect of which is to surround The Pinnacle with a number of steps.  Anyone
seeking workers comes here and shouts their needs, people interested
approach, and are given more information.  The permanent stalls are rented
by the day, or week, and the price varies depending on demand.  These
stalls are abandoned during the night, as they cannot be locked.  Almost
anything can be found in The Marketplace.
        The northwest section of the city is mostly small merchants, and
the occasional lesser nobles home.  Many of the merchants have strong
shipping interests, but beyond that they may be from any profession.  The
center of the city is devoted to craftsmen and their shops.  In general,
like the rest of the city, those living nearest the Citadel have the most
money, and those living nearer the docks have the least.

Important People in Bramhill

King Gillian-Right and Just ruler of Bramhill.  Passable ruler, seems competent.

King Gill-Gillian's father, abdicated to son on death of wife, so that he
could devote his live to grandkids and enjoying himself.  Still active at
state functions.

Queen Ariana-Daughter of Tashnian noble family, married of convenience, now
loves Gillian, and he returns that love.

Prince Gregorian-Spent several years serving in/leading the royal navy.
Presently wooing the younger daughter of a minor noble house.

Mage Johnathan- Second son, a member of L'Acadamie de Sorceries, Johnathan
is no longer in line for the throne, but family loyalty brought him back to
court to serve as court wizard.

Sister Sarbah- When Princess Sarbah and her lover, Morgaine Rowe realized
that their families would not let them wed, they both married Papincolae,
and left their noble lives.  They are now devoted to one another, and to
their god.

Princess Daissa- Eligible princess who plays the noble dandies off against
one another.  Was serious about one suitor, but dumped him and has spent
much of her time in study, and in her garden.

Princess Pauli-Youngest daughter of Gillian and Ariana, recently married,
and will soon be leaving the city to travel to their new home.

Prince Jalin- Training to become a knight, presently squired in his uncles
keep in Tashnais.  Has not been home for several years.

Lord Avione and Lady Bianche Clairmont
       Have open courtyard, with highly stylized, but very defensible home.
Their oldest son Bernard is a blacksheep, and has even been adventuring!
Bernard, Robert and Robin, Dorothy and Stephen.

Lord Jas and Lady Karen Dumville
        Lord Jas loves puzzles, and the backyard is a huge maze. Yearly
parties to unveil a new maze.  Youngest daughter looking for a suitor.
Susan and Carl, Richard and Laurette, Laurie.

Lord Arthur and Lady Catherine Forsythe
        Their home is constantly under construction for some reason or
other.  Nancy seems to be inclined toward Tiedeman already.  Children all
in teens.  William, Nancy, Kathryn.

Lord Francis and Lady Sibilee Knowles
        Have a large open yard, with a fountain of a nude nymph pouring
water.  The family owns the nearby stables.  Judith, Brett, Leonard and
Colleen.

Lady Joyce Livak and Lord Lael Lindsay
        Lord Livak died in a jousting accident a decade ago.  Lord Lael has
since married the fair lady, but not for money since all inheritance will
go to children or to Papincolae. Roman, Bonne, Sharon.

Lord Bernard and Lady Judith Newton
        Often have garden parties, and sometimes invite better off of the
merchant class.  Lord Newton has many shipping concerns. Douglas and
Michelle, Scott and Viola.

Lord Charles and Lady Florence Rowe
        Lord Rowe dislikes the king, but stays nearby to keep track of him.
Morgain wanted t marry princess, but Charles refused. There are still hard
feelings between Charles and Morgain.  The other children are looking for
their own way to escape their father.  Katrina, Gerald and Persis, Kenneth,
Morgain, Theresa.

Lord Harrison and Lady Donna Thorpe
        The Thorpes own a lot of property in the poor quarter, and are
bleeding it dry.  Michael doesn't approve.  Beverly, Michael and Lyn,
Darlene and Maurice.

Lord Albert and Lady Diane Williams
        Simple unpretentious mansion, the most liked of all the nobles,
treat everyone with respect, even if they do avoid the riffraff.  Andrew,
Blare and Linnette.

NOBLES WITH NEARBY ESTATES
        Kebradian, Grams, Blach, Albee, Beuchler, Petrusich, Hyde,
Whitcomb, Tuthill, Racusen, Jaffe, Powell, Ashenbach, Vogelmann, Webster,
Pacy, Gobin, Halpern, Bologoni, Ellsworth