Nestled in a valley between rolling hills, Jaronne is known for its vibrant market scene and its unique architecture. Jaronne is located in the southwest of the Eorldom of Jar and guards the Jar river crossing and the March Trail. The town was granted Market Town status centuries ago and is currently administered by the Eorl Erfon Reynard directly. The guilds have also elected a Stermix, Dahlia Hayden, who is the Entertainer’s Guild Master and a Master Poet and Orator. Dahlia is a handsome woman who has earned the respect of all of the other guild masters as well as the Eorl for being level headed, very good at judging the qualities of others and of being very persuasive in getting a consensus in meetings. Only when a ruling or any civil dispute having a value over 1 Dragon (gold piece) is required then Serr Reynard, or his Seneschal, will be required to provide judgement.
As you enter the town through the imposing stone gatehouse, you find yourself on the main road, which is wide and bustling with activity. The buildings lining the main road are made of sturdy stone, with timber-framed upper floors that overhang the street, providing shade and shelter from the elements. The ground floors of these buildings are occupied by various shops, their storefronts adorned with colorful painted signs and awnings, enticing passersby with their wares. You can hear the clang of blacksmiths' hammers, the calls of merchants selling fresh produce, and the chatter of townsfolk going about their daily business.
The streets are cobbled, though a little uneven in places, and the occasional horse-drawn cart or carriage passes by, adding to the atmosphere. As you venture deeper into the town, the main road begins to narrow, giving way to narrower alleys that wind their way between the buildings. These alleys are lined with quaint houses, their walls often leaning slightly, their clay tiled roofs showing signs of wear and repair. Many of these houses serve as rooming houses for travelers and merchants passing through the town, with rooms for rent on the upper floors. The rooms are modestly furnished with simple wooden beds and chairs, and small windows that let in limited light.
Despite the slightly dilapidated appearance of some of the buildings, there is a sense of warmth and community in Jaronne. The townspeople are friendly and welcoming, and the air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and brewing ale. As you stroll through the narrow alleys, you catch glimpses of hidden courtyards and secret gardens, where townsfolk tend to their herbs and flowers. The town has a few small squares where musicians sometimes gather to play lively tunes, and children play games with handmade toys.
As the day progresses, the sun casts long shadows through the narrow alleys, and the town gradually quiets down. The shopkeepers start closing up their stalls, and the townsfolk retreat to their homes. The alleys are dimly lit by flickering torches and lanterns, casting mysterious shadows on the walls. You can hear the distant howl of a wolf from the nearby woods, a reminder of the wildness that still lurks beyond the town's borders.
Jaronne is a town with a vibrant market scene, where shops occupy the ground floors of sturdy stone buildings and rooming houses can be found on the upper floors. The streets are wide near the entrance, but gradually narrow into winding alleys as you venture further in. Although the buildings may not be well kept, there is a sense of community and warmth among the townspeople. Jaronne is a place where history and charm come together, creating a unique atmosphere that transports you to a bygone era.
The area immediately surrounding the town consists of rolling hills that are lightly grassed and occasionally lightly treed areas similar to parkland. The area is very fertile. Many of the local farmers use a variety of crops and animals with no specific breed or type dominating. Close to Jaronne many of the larger buildings and some farmhouses are empty and abandoned. Several hamlets close to the town have empty houses but no more than 20%.
Jaronne has a population of 5,500 people growing to over 7,000 during the major seasonal festivals and over 6,000 during the monthly markets. This is a stark contrast to its high point before the plague where Jaronne was home to over 9,000 people. As such there are buildings which are disused, vacant or have fallen into disrepair. Most of these vacant buildings are located outside of the town’s walls yet those inside the walls tend to be on the western side of the river. The majority of the town’s population does live within the town’s walls with however there are close to 1,000 people living outside the walls: with those being split between the western outer market and tanneries areas (population of approximately 250 equally split between those areas) and the Port Town, Northern and Eastern gate areas having close to 750 population (shared 500, 150 and 100 respectively).
The stone walls of Jaronne’s gate houses and the eastern part of the town rise from earthen berms and Castle Reynard rises again on a slanted stone hill along the river and the center of the town. The stone for the walls and the buildings of Jaronne comes from the various slanted sedimentary outcrops found throughout this area, originally within what are the walls of the town as well as the areas adjacent to the town. The Western walls of the town were being converted to stone however this has been on hold. So too was the project to provide stone walls for the Port Town area. Only the piles of unfinished stone, and a single section of wall adjoining the partially completed river tower stands as a reminder that the plague stopped all this work. Yet another bitter reminder to B’ran Maddox that his projects are being ignored by the Eorl.
The town of Jaronne consists of several neighborhoods that are grouped by which side of the river they are on. On the west side there is: Dolantnix (West Gate), St’rnnix (South Town), Eznix (River Town), and the Outer market. On the eastern side of the river there is: Freiritay (High Town), East Gate, Golashnix, Taytreit (Top Town) and outside the south gate Port Town ‘Byrignix’ or colloquially “Fennix” (shit town).
The town’s council consists of Dahlia Hayden the Stermix, an elected member of the Guilds, Ansketil Frye the head of the administration staff, Seer Ælfric Thorleye the Eorl Reynard’s Seneschal, Brictric Hille Captain of the Town Guard and Audrey Ayers a renowned Physician and person of great wisdom.
Freritay (A)
Atop a stone outcrop along the Jar river, lies Eorl Reynard’s castle, a majestic structure made of imposing gray stone. Its walls are high and fortified, with crenelated battlements and an imposing gatehouse.
Immediately east of the castle, stands a large white stone church, its round cooper domes reaching towards the heavens. The church is an architectural marvel, with intricate carvings and stained glass windows that depict scenes from the writings of . Its bells chime melodiously, calling the faithful to prayer, and the echoes of hymns and chants can often be heard drifting through the air.
The administration buildings, where the business of governance is conducted, are clustered near the castle and the church. These buildings, made of sturdy stone and adorned with ornate carvings, house the offices of the Eorl Reynard, usually attended to by his Senechal, as well as the chambers which contain the courtiers and advisors awaiting an audience. Officials in fine robes and dignified attire can be seen coming and going, attending to matters of the Eorldom and upholding the law of the land.
Surrounding the castle and the administration buildings are the homes of the gentry, the untitled class who serve as the Eorl’s advisors and supporters (ofttimes unwanted). These homes are grand and imposing, made of fine stone or timber, with well-tended gardens and ornate gates. The gentry, dressed in their finest attire, can be seen going about their daily business, engaged in discussions, or attending social gatherings, exuding an air of privilege and power .People who should not be here are quickly asked to leave by the numerous private guards patrolling the streets close to their clients’ homes. These homes are largely constructed with stone walls 2 or 3 floors high and slate roofs. Side buildings and stables can have thatched roofs. Most of these buildings will have stone walls 8 to 10 feet high with stout gates of oak wide enough for a cart and horse
Just east of the southern bridge In the center of this large square stands a grand fountain. The fountain is adorned with intricately carved statues of nymphs, depicting graceful figures in flowing robes, with water cascading from their outstretched arms. The fountain serves as a gathering place for the well to do townspeople and a symbol of abundance and prosperity.
The area around the castle, church, administration buildings, homes of the gentry, and the fountain exudes an air of opulence and prestige, reflecting the power and wealth of the ruling class. The architecture is grand and meticulously crafted, with attention to detail and a sense of nobility. The people who inhabit this part of the town are the influential elite, engaged in matters of governance, religion, and social affairs. It is a place where authority, religion, and wealth converge, and the presence of the castle, church, administration buildings, and the fountain with its statues of nymphs serves as a constant reminder of the town's hierarchy and the importance of the ruling class in society.
The rent here is high ranging from 10 to 12 sp/sqft/annum for the 1st floor spaces and half again as much for 2nd floor space. Third floor space if available is at 20-24 sp/sqft/annum or more.
Eznix (B)
Eznix, is the bustling riverside district on the western banks of the Jar river. The air is heavy with the scent of the water, mixed with the earthy aroma of fresh-caught fish and the tang of tar from the shipwright's workshop.
The riverside is a hive of activity, with skilled shipwrights laboring over massive wooden frames and planks, fashioning them into sturdy riverboats. The rhythmic sound of hammers hitting nails and saws slicing through timber fills the air, as the shipwrights work diligently to meet the demands of the river trade.
Adjacent to the shipwright's workshop is a bustling warehouse district, where goods from near and far are stored in sturdy stone buildings. Merchants and laborers bustle about, loading and unloading crates and barrels from riverboats that have docked at the piers. The warehouses are guarded by burly men armed with cudgels, ensuring the valuable cargo is safe from thieves and pilferers.
The docks along the river are abuzz with activity, as riverboats come and go, carrying passengers and cargo to and from distant lands. A large share of this traffic comes from Clan Craven, Clan Maddox uses their warehouse and docks in Port Town. There is no formal ferry service, however getting a ride on a cargo boat either up or down the river is easy enough with boats leaving several times a day. There is no Shrine to Celetan located on the wharf however there is a cloister with a niche inside the main Urto church dedicated to her. Fishermen and sailors are known to leave offerings on the dock before they head out. Smaller fishing boats, with their distinctive sails and patched-up hulls, are pulled up on shore, their nets and traps laid out to dry in the sun. The fishermen, weathered and sun-tanned from days spent on the water, repair their boats and tend to their gear, preparing for the next catch.
Amidst the organized chaos of the shipyards and docks, small shacks dot the riverside, serving as homes for the poor. These humble dwellings, constructed from scraps of wood and thatch, provide meager shelter for those who cannot afford better accommodations. Smoke rises from makeshift chimneys, and laundry is hung out to dry, adding a touch of color to the otherwise drab surroundings.
Further away from the river, the riverside district gives way to dilapidated tenement houses and rundown shops. The streets are a mix of cobblestone main ways and dirt/mud alleyways. The buildings are old and crumbling, with sagging roofs and broken doors. The paint is peeling, and the signs above the shops are faded and barely readable. The narrow alleys between the buildings are littered with debris, and the air is filled with the stench of refuse and decay.
Within Eznix many buildings have not been occupied other than by vagrants for several decades. This has proven a boon to the Thieves guild who has taken advantage of this free rent. It has also proven to make it difficult for the town guard to pinpoint their location. The rent here is low range at 2 sp/sqft/annum for the 1st floor spaces and half again as much for 2nd floor space. Third floor space if available is at 4 sp/sqft/annum.
There are rumours that amongst some of these abandoned buildings there is a hideout for Wererats (Brown Wererats yes but the Black Wererats are in Port town). With all of the other problems in the city the guards have not investigated and since the missing have been restricted to the poor no one has done an active search. The local taverns and many dock workers are full of rumours
Despite the poverty and decay that lurk in the outskirts, the riverside district by the town's riverfront is a hub of industry and trade. The shipwrights diligently ply their craft, the warehouses bustle with goods, the fishermen haul in their catch, and the poor eke out a living in their small shacks. The riverside is a dynamic and lively part of Jaronne, where the pulse of commerce and daily life beats strongly along the flowing waters of the river.
Tayreit (C)
As you look north of the eastern market and towards the northern gate and wall you encounter the industrial section of Jaronne also known as Taytreit (Top town), the air becomes thick with the scent of smoke and the clanging of metal on metal rings in your ears. The industrial quarter is a bustling hub of activity, where skilled artisans ply their trade in workshops and forges.
The first thing that catches your eye is the large foundry along the edge of the river Jar. It's a massive stone building with a tall chimney belching dark smoke into the sky. Workers are busy shoveling coal into the furnaces, and molten metal flows in glowing rivers, being shaped and molded into various forms. The foundry produces the iron which the local artisans then turn into weapons, armor, and other metal goods for the town and its surrounding area.
Around the foundry, you see numerous workshops and forges where blacksmiths, armorers, and weapons crafters are hard at work but there are other artisans here as well: woodcrafters, furniture makers, pottery, and even an alchemist. The sound of hammers striking anvils resonates through the air as skilled craftsmen forge swords, axes, and other weapons. Sparks fly as they shape red-hot metal into intricate designs, and the ringing of hammers against armor plates fills the air. The blacksmiths are masterful in their trade, creating weapons and armor of exceptional quality that are highly sought after by knights, soldiers, and adventurers alike.
Adjacent to the forges, you come across grain mills that are powered by water wheels. The rushing waters of the nearby river are harnessed to turn large wooden wheels, which in turn power the grinding stones inside the mills. Workers are busy milling grains, producing flour that is used to make bread. Sacks of grains are piled high, waiting to be processed, while millers carefully monitor the milling process to ensure the quality of the flour. East of these riverside buildings there are several warehouses, some of which are empty and abandoned.
The streets in this industrial quarter are wide and well-maintained, allowing for the movement of heavy carts laden with raw materials and finished goods. The buildings are made of sturdy stone, with tall windows to allow for natural light and ventilation. However, the air is thick with soot and smoke from the forges and foundry, giving the district a dark and gritty atmosphere. The buildings outside of the industrial area are two to three stories with sturdy stone ground floors and the upper floors built of wattle and daub and overhanging the ground floor sometimes almost leaning into one another. The roofs are tiled in slate or occasionally in clay.
Despite the noise, smoke, and hustle-bustle of the industrial quarter, there is a sense of camaraderie among the craftsmen. They take pride in their skills and craftsmanship, passing down their knowledge from generation to generation. The industrial section of Jaronne is a vital part of the town's economy, providing essential weapons and armor for the local knights and soldiers, as well as supplying flour for the town's inhabitants.
Tayreit is a bustling and noisy district, with forges, workshops, and a foundry producing weapons, armor, and other metal goods. Grain mills powered by water wheels are also present, producing flour to feed the town. Skilled craftsmen and workers labor diligently to produce high-quality goods, making this industrial quarter a vital part of the town's economy and a hub of activity.
The rent here is mid range at 6 sp/sqft/annum for the 1st floor spaces and half again as much for 2nd floor space. Third floor space if available is at 12 sp/sq ft/annum. In addition outside the North gate are several inns and horse stables as well as shops for leather workers, a blacksmith and a chandler.
Golashniz (D)
Golashniz, the affluent artisan and guild district of Jaronne, is a bustling hub of activity and commerce. Located south of the eastern market and between the east and south gates of the town, this area is known for its prosperous artisans and guild members who excel in their crafts. The buildings in Golashniz are typically larger and more well-maintained than those in other parts of town, showcasing the wealth and success of its residents. The ground floors are stone with a mix of stone and timber framed wattle and daub upper floors and slate roofs.
The shops in Golashniz are numerous and diverse, catering to the discerning customers who are willing to pay a premium for top-quality goods. Many of the town's most renowned bakeries, clothiers, and cobblers have their shops in this area, displaying their finest products. The bakeries offer an array of freshly baked bread, pastries, and confections, tantalizing the senses with their delicious aromas and flavors. The clothiers showcase a wide selection of garments made from the finest fabrics, featuring the latest fashion trends and styles. The cobblers display expertly crafted footwear, ranging from sturdy boots to elegant shoes.
The shops in Golashniz are known for their higher prices, reflecting the premium quality of the goods and the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans. The interiors are well-appointed and elegantly decorated, with tasteful displays and inviting entrances that beckon customers to step inside. The shops often have well-trained staff who provide attentive and personalized service to the discerning clientele.
In addition to the shops, Golashniz also houses the workshops and studios of various artisans, including goldsmiths, jewelers, and other skilled craftsmen. These workshops are equipped with state-of-the-art tools and materials, enabling the artisans to create their masterpieces with precision and skill.
Despite its affluence, Golashniz is not solely comprised of shops and workshops. There are also tenement houses in the area, where the less prosperous artisans and guild members may reside. These tenement houses are typically smaller and less well-maintained than the shops and workshops, reflecting the diversity of the area. Nevertheless, the residents of Golashniz take pride in their craft and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of the district.
Overall, Golashniz is a bustling and prosperous area of Jaronne, where skilled artisans and guild members thrive, and where the town's finest bakeries, clothiers, and cobblers can be found. The higher prices of the goods, the elegant displays, and the well-appointed interiors reflect the affluence of the area, catering to the discerning customers who value top-quality craftsmanship. The presence of tenement houses also adds a sense of diversity and character to the area, making it a vibrant and dynamic part of the medieval town of Jaronne.
The townhomes (examples being D1, D2, D3) costs are mid range at 6 to 8 sp/sq ft/annum for the 1st floor spaces and half again as much for 2nd floor space. Third floor space if available is at 12-16 sp/sq ft/annum. There are few empty buildings in this neighborhood.
Byrignix (E)
Byrignix or “port town” area of Jaronne is a bustling, yet somewhat disorderly, collection of buildings that are scattered outside the southern walls of the main town. At the heart of the port town area is the shipwright, a skilled craftsman who specializes in the construction and repair of ships. The shipwright's workshop is a busy place, filled with the sounds of hammering, sawing, and the smell of fresh wood. Here, ships of various sizes and types are built, from small fishing boats to larger riverboats, catering to the needs of the river community.
Adjacent to the shipwright's workshop is the Clan Maddox warehouse with docks, where goods are stored and shipped in and out of Jaronne. The docks are busy with activity, as boats come and go, loading and unloading their cargo. The warehouse is a bustling place, with goods being sorted, stored, and transported to their intended destinations.
The fishermen and their boats also have a prominent presence in the port town area. Fishing is a vital livelihood for many in Port town and Jaronne, and the fishermen can be seen going about their daily tasks, mending their nets, preparing their boats, and setting out on the river in search of a bountiful catch. The boats are mostly small rowboats with few of the larger river vessels.
Scattered throughout the port town area are shack houses, where the disreputable and unsavory characters may reside. These shacks are often makeshift and poorly constructed, reflecting the less lawful and less regulated nature of this part of town. There are some patrols by the city guards on the main streets but more often there are mercenary based guards in this town within a town. The inhabitants of these shacks are known for their colorful personalities and dubious activities, adding an air of intrigue and danger to the area. Rumours suggest that there are several secret societies who’s ‘guild’ houses are here but the details remain elusive despite several attempts by both the Eorl and the Order of the Dragon. Black Were Rats are here (E1), as well as elements of the Canus Cult
At the eastern edge of the port town area, stands the half-completed guard tower with a section of city wall, along with a pile of stones that were meant to be used to complete it. It has stood this way for over two decades, largely due to a lack of funding after the plague. This unfinished structure standing at the river's edge serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to fortify and protect the town, as well as a symbol of the challenges and struggles faced by the inhabitants of the port town area.
The overall atmosphere of the port town area is one of bustling activity, with the constant movement of ships, the sounds of industry, and the diverse and colorful characters who call this area home. It is a place where trade, commerce, and maritime activities thrive, but also a place where the disreputable elements of society find refuge. The port town area is an essential part of Jaronne, contributing to the town's prosperity and vitality, while also adding a sense of adventure and intrigue to its character.
The rent here is very low at 1-2 sp/sqft/annum for the 1st floor spaces and half again as much for 2nd floor space. Third floor space if available is at 2-4 sp/sqft/annum.
Dolantnix (F)
North of the western market and the east of the western gate of the Jaronne lies the vibrant and bustling artistic district, a hub of creativity and craftsmanship. The district is a lively and colorful area, teeming with activity and filled with the sounds of laughter, hammering, and music.
Taverns and inns line the main east west street that is the border of the artistic district, beckoning weary travelers and locals alike to take a moment of respite and indulge in food, drink, and merriment. The aroma of freshly brewed ale and roasted meat fills the air, and the sound of music and laughter spills out onto the streets, creating a festive atmosphere.
The district is also home to skilled artisans and craftsmen, who ply their trades in workshops and stalls that line the narrow streets. Goldsmiths and jewelers showcase their exquisite creations in glittering displays, offering fine jewelry, precious gemstones, and intricately crafted metalwork to discerning customers. Timberwrights and carpenters are busy shaping wood into furniture, tools, and other wooden goods, while masons skillfully carve and shape stone into sculptures, ornaments, and architectural elements. The town's Fraen hospital is in Dolantnix as well as many of the doctors have shops here. The Guild masters and Guild headquarters that are not located elsewhere in the town are located here as well as many of the high end shops and merchants.
The barracks of the town guard stands tall along the western wall, a symbol of law and order. Guards in their uniforms patrol the streets, ensuring the safety and security of the town's inhabitants and visitors. The barracks serve as a central hub for the guards, providing a place for training, rest, and coordination of their duties.
A large stone bridge spans across the river that runs through the town, connecting the east and west sides of town. The bridge is an impressive sight, with guard towers flanking each end, providing a defensive position and a vantage point to monitor those who pass through. The bridge serves as a vital link between the two parts of the town and facilitates the flow of goods, people, and ideas. Notably beyond the north walls of Dolantnix is the area where most of Jaroone’s tanneries are located. On the odd occasion when a northerly or north west wind blows this area is blessed with the tanneries foul smells.
The artistic district is a lively and dynamic part of the town, where creativity and craftsmanship thrive. The streets are lined with workshops, stalls, and taverns, creating a vibrant atmosphere that draws in locals and visitors alike. It's a place where artisans and craftsmen hone their skills, and the town guard ensures the safety and security of the bustling area. The stone bridge serves as a gateway to the other side of town, connecting the artistic district with the rest of the medieval town and facilitating the flow of commerce and culture.
The rent here is mid range at 3-4 sp/sqft/annum for the 1st floor spaces and half again as much for 2nd floor space. Third floor space if available is at 6-8 sp/sqft/annum.
St’rnnix (G)
St’rnnix lies south of the market and west of the river Jar. It is a dilapidated and impoverished area of the town. The once-thriving cobblestone streets that were lined with bustling shops are now cracked and crumbling, barely recognizable beneath a layer of dirt and neglect. Abandoned houses, some with collapsed roofs and broken windows, stand as haunting reminders of better times.
The tenement houses in this area are run-down and overcrowded, with peeling paint and sagging roofs. These structures are crammed close together, forming a maze of narrow and dark alleys that wind through the district. The alleyways are unpaved, covered in dirt and litter, with no proper lighting, casting a sense of gloom and unease. Many of the people who do not want to be found can be found here, or in Eznix
The shops in this area, if still in operation, are small and struggling, with faded signs and cracked windows and doors. They offer basic necessities at affordable prices, catering to the needs of the poorer residents of the town.
Despite regular patrols by the town guards the area is not without its dangers. There are gangs of desperate individuals who roam the streets at night, seeking to take advantage of the vulnerable and unwary. The presence of these gangs creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, with the residents living in constant vigilance to protect themselves and their meager possessions.
Among the abandoned houses, there are stories of haunted dwellings, believed to be cursed or haunted by spirits. Locals whisper about eerie sounds, flickering lights, and strange occurrences, adding to the sense of mystery and dread that hangs over the area.
Despite the neglect and decay, some residents still call this area home. They live in cramped and substandard conditions, struggling to make ends meet and survive in a challenging environment. Yet, amidst the hardships, there is also a sense of resilience and camaraderie among the inhabitants, as they support each other in the face of adversity.
Overall, the area south of the market and east of the river Jar in the medieval town is a stark contrast to the more prosperous parts of the town. The abandoned houses, collapsed cobblestone streets, dirt alleyways, haunted houses, and presence of gangs create an atmosphere of neglect, decay, and danger. However, amidst the challenges, the residents display resilience and community spirit as they navigate their harsh circumstances.
The rent here is low range at 2 sp/sqft/annum for the 1st floor spaces and half again as much for 2nd floor space. Third floor space if available is at 4 sp/sqft/annum.
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