Linrodeth

Linrodeth is the second-largest port and the capital of the Kingdom of Athion.

Linrodeth's wealth is based upon its vigorous Trade Guilds, which over the years created an unusually literate and articulate citizenry of craftsmen and shopkeepers. These Guilds men and women are permitted a limited form of self-rule, in return for a suitable tax, under the watchful scrutiny of the nearby Citadel.

The port and docks below the bridge over the River Ishtan are the lifeblood of the city and increasingly, the city is coming to rely on its seafaring traders and merchant navy to increase its prosperity.

For administrative purposes, the city is divided into 21 wards. At Midwinter the householders of each ward elect 12 councillors and an Alderman to represent their ward on the city council. These representatives must be guildmembers as well as householders and, because politics is an expensive and time-consuming business, most are actively sponsored by their guilds. The city guilds are granted a monopoly on their trade, and many citizens are members of one. The city has many popular markets as well as the shops.

Once elected the ward representatives take their place on the Court of Common Council which sits in the Witanmoot at the heart of the city. Here they are drawn into the complex and chaotic political arena, riven as it is with factionalism, feuding, intrigue, bribery and occasional reforms. To everyone's surprise, most problems get sorted out eventually. Interested citizens can catch up on the latest news about their councillors in The latest issue of The Chronicle.

Linrodeth is blessed with several major temples, and many countless minor cults. The major religions include: Hahn (law and justice), Torus (healing), Daleth (earth and growth), Esprayenna (sea and self-reliance) and Brynette (fire and construction). Of these religions, the Wellhouses of Daleth and the Smithies of Brynette are most likely to be found in rural villages.

Also resident in the city are the students of the Bards' College. The college is a squat, rambling structure in the easternmost corner of the city, which is rumoured to pre-date the city itself. It produces very few bards, but many musicians, poets and scholars of all types. Their entertainments, and occasional serious work, are the source of much vexation for their neighbours.

On the north shore of the River Ishtan are the civilian shipbuilding yards and stinking tanneries. To the west, 3 miles further down the estuary, lies the military harbour of Kingsport where the Fleet is based.

Because of the strict guild monopoly in Linrodeth, many immigrants and paupers are reduced to begging and often end up in the river slum known as the Floating Market. It has some advantages. If they can find something floating to live on there is no rent. If they can find customers for their trade there are no guild laws and no poll tax. The edges of the market do receive a number of customers; the boats close to the bridge and the embankment sell more exotic items as well as strange and wonderful meals. The latter areas have even become a favourite stop for the pleasure boats of the rich young nobles from the Citadel.