The Merchant Square

The square serves as a central trading hub for Golden Cliff and the surrounding regions, acting as a vital point for both local and international trade. Deals are struck, alliances are formed, and the city’s economy pulses with every transaction. The square also acts as a cultural melting pot, where traders from distant lands gather to exchange not only goods but knowledge and customs.

Sights: The square is alive with a sea of people, from well-dressed nobles haggling over silk fabrics to grizzled traders unloading carts of exotic goods from distant lands. Shimmering in the light are Drakthorite-infused weapons, displayed proudly at some of the stalls, their dark blades gleaming with a faint green glow. Exotic spices and herbs hang in bunches, filling the air with vibrant colors and textures. The bustling square also features street performers, from jugglers to musicians, adding to the lively scene.   Sounds: The constant hum of conversation fills the air, interspersed with the calls of merchants advertising their wares. The clang of metal on metal rings from the nearby blacksmith’s stall, and the faint melody of a lute echoes from a street performer on the corner. The steady rumble of carts being wheeled across the square adds to the sensory overload of this lively place.   Smells: The air in Merchant’s Square is thick with the smells of spices, rich perfumes, and the sharp scent of oiled leather. Wafts of grilled meat from food vendors mix with the fresh scent of flowers sold by a vendor, creating a heady, intoxicating atmosphere. The metallic tang of the Drakthorite weapons on display adds a unique sharpness to the air.

Exotic Goods: The square is home to merchants selling rare goods from across the realm, including Drakthorite-infused weapons, known for their strength and faint magical properties, shimmering fabrics from the distant east, jewels from Mountainrun, and spices from the southern isles. Other prominent goods include elixirs from the alchemists, intricate carvings and trinkets, and leatherwork from the tanners’ guild.   Unique Services: Several stalls offer more than just physical goods. Fortune tellers, scribes, and artisans ply their trade here. It’s also the prime place to arrange shipping contracts, negotiate trade deals, or even hire mercenaries or bodyguards.

Layout: The Merchant’s Square is an open plaza, roughly 300 feet by 300 feet in size, paved with smooth, dark stone tiles that have been worn by years of foot traffic. Around the edges of the square are several grand guildhalls made of ornate stone and wood, each decorated with gilded banners representing their respective crafts. The most prominent guildhall belongs to the Merchant Guild, with an imposing facade featuring intricate carvings and large arched windows.   Stalls & Shops: The square is filled with temporary market stalls and permanent shops. The stalls are made of brightly colored canvas stretched over wooden frames, with goods displayed on rough-hewn tables and hanging racks. The shops, on the other hand, are elegant stone structures with large, decorative wooden doors, framed by ivy and engraved signs advertising their specialties.