Ravenreach, Gateway to the North

Ravenreach sits on the wide and fast flowing River Reed, which flows down from the nearby Iron Mountains down to the lowlands just north of the Twin Cities and eventually out to sea. It is positioned as the last safe point for larger vessels to dock before the river turns too rocky and shallow to venture upstream. A stones throw to the northeast lies Mystvale, a fog shrouded city resting on the shores of Lake Barrowmere, famous for its eerie beauty and haunting tales. And to the northwest sitting upon the peaks of the Iron Mountains lies Wolfridge, a fortified highland city hailed for its stonework and rare metals.   Ravenreach, or commonly referred to as simply "The Reach," is a place of commerce and ambition with a thriving community of merchants, artists, and adventurers. Some call it "The Gateway to the North" as one doesn't simply move northward to Mithlonde and the lands beyond without stopping at Ravenreach to enjoy some Reedscale Pike jerky, sit with some fellow travelers around a Wyrmcrest Hotpot, or for those with a strong stomach, partake in the challenge of downing a cold pint of Croakwater. The Reach is the largest river port in the northeast of the main continent of Aliria. Skilled guides, riverboats, and mercenaries are available to those that need them. The city is kind to those down on their luck, with many tales of travelers walking through the gates in nothing but their underclothes, only to leave the city with a remembered name and a sack of hard earned silver.   Districts and main features   Docks by the Reed: The sprawling riverfront bustling with trade barges, courier vessels, and fishing boats. Known for its spice markets as traders from all of Aliria have access to the Reach. Shipwrights here build flatter bottomed rivercraft to better brave the upstream mountain rapids should travelers commission them.   The Eyrie: the heart of the city, the Eyrie is sat upon a natural hill that overlooks the entire city. Littered with watchtowers and was the first settlement here where the founder, Dain Glorandal the Ravenlord, started construction of the village that became Ravenreach. Historians, scholars, and weave users are the main population of the Eyrie. It is also the site of the main celebrations during the annual Raven's Night Festival.   Lowmarket: the largest district of the city, the Lowmarket is the heart of trade and daily life between the Docks and the Eyrie. Crowded and loud with shops selling goods from all over the Ashen Coast with a dense population of diverse peoples from equally distant places. Among the chaos of the market, less than savory deals are easier to be had to those that can spot them. Smuggled goods, rare imports, and underground collectives work often in the back alleys.   Sable Warrens: the Warrens are a twisting district full of narrow alleys and densely stacked homes. The buildings here are only upkept by those with enough spare money or effort to do it themselves, the government of Ravenreach have all but forgotten the oldest district besides the Eyrie. Many hidden gems can be found throughout the Warrens. Shrines to less worshipped gods, or you may stumble upon inns that are older than some major cities like The Twelfth Orange. Some rumors say there are underground tunnels that lead into the Iron Mountains through secret passages.   Ferrol's Cross: the primary bridge across the River Reed upriver from the docks. Built as a physical barrier for larger ships unable to pass under to prevent attempts to get further upstream where it becomes far too dangerous. The bridge is wide enough that traders have set up semi permanent stalls on either side to entice travelers coming into and leaving the city.