Reeds

South of the Vivant River within the coastal marshes of Biyllmoor, Reeds is located on a small hill at the mouth of the Couplen Stream. It's relative proximity to Seymoore paired with the lack of imperial authority has transformed the city into a smuggling hub and a haven of lawlessness. The town saw a huge increase in population following the incorporation of the Ashlands into the Empire, resulting in the town outgrowing the hill and its walls; aside from major roads, most streets and buildings beyond the walls are semi-flooded, sinking within the marshes that surround the town. It is often overcast, buildings are dark and the water is murky - Reeds is ranked among the more depressing places in the world and magic is quite weak.

The Layout and Architecture

The heart of Reeds is a large plaza at the centre of Ruundo, surrounded by heavily ornated and grand brick merchant houses. Among these is The Pit Bank, the largest of manors on the plaza that serves as the city hall, which is characterised by a tall tower with an ornate copper-ribbed onion dome. Although spectacular, The Pit Bank is but the second largest building within Reeds with Biyllneur Palace being the first. This grand ornamental palace sits to the west of the plaza and is home to the Lord of Biyllmoor. The palace is a flaunting of wealth but, restricted to Ruundo, has a small footprint and minimal conventional gardens. Larger palace gardens are located within the bog itself, expertly terraformed into green teraces separated by decorative irrigation channels.

The Ruundo hill is surrounded by a decorative wall with little defensive purpose. The main gate heads towards Donax Docks. The harbour itself is artificial, having been dredged to allow for ships, and the swampland and riverbank built up with dense warehouses. Although not as extravegent as the buildings on Ruundo, wealth is still visible with intricate trims on roofing and decorative slabs etched with family names. The periphery of the walls is surrounded by a ring of middle class homes, often with shops on the first floor. Although also built of bricks, the craftsmanship is visibly poorer in comparison to inside the walls.

The last neighbourhoods of Reeds are Moon Tower, Surdan and Woomayr. All are significantly poorer, often resembling slums. Although still made of brick, there is little ornamentation and the brick quality is clearly poor. Surdan is the densest, being directly across the river from Donax Docks. Aside from major roads, most streets in all three are flooded and the poorly constructed buildings are half-sunken in the bog. Moon Tower is characterised by its much more rural layout, featuring occasional chicken and pig pens and small patches of farmland.

Economy

Whilst initially a small fishing village, the large reserves of peat in the surrounding bog began to be harvested and exported to Seymoore and other surrounding cities as fuel. The formation of the Empire exacerbated the industry as Seymoore's population boomed as the 'Gate of the Empire'. The wealth brought in from the industry funded the dredging of Danox Docks, opening up Reeds to maritime trade.

Whilst the docks were initially intended for the peat industry, the docks began to see smugglers using the port to avoid Seymoore's heavy taxes. Goods would start being unloaded in Donax before being transported by road into Seymoore, avoiding the docking fees and paying reduced taxes. This proved to become very profitable, resulting in the establishment of wealthy smugglers gaining significant influence within the town. The peat industry has largely become a front.

Politics

Power in Reeds is centralised in Ruundo, with a 'merchant' class largely making decisions for the town. The Pit Bank, a conjoined pub and guildhall, has become a de-facto city hall where the wealthiest of merchants gather to discuss policies and actions for the town. The Lord of Biyllmoor, located within Biyllneur Palace on Ruundo, follows the decisions of the guild and has little autonomy. Voices outside The Pit Bank are ignored and those from outside the walls of Reeds have no power at all. Although disenfranchised, slum-dwellers are grateful for work and affordable (although poor) housing.

Geography

Ruundo, the hill Reeds was founded upon, is the tallest hill within Biyllmoor at 10m above sea level. It is believed to be the final rut of the mountain range from which the Couplen Stream runs from. The stream is rather wide but extremely shallow and weak, running around the south edge of Ruundo before opening up into Reeds Bay. The water is quite murky, rich in peat and clay.