Ambervale

Ambervale is a medium-sized trade city on the Lustre Elstar River in Autumnwood. Because the region is perpetually suspended in harvest season, Ambervale is a crucial export hub of crops for the rest of the nation of Westervale, as well as timber, herbs, and game. River merchants bring imports of textiles, spices, fish, and travelers from the south, to branch out into the rest of the country by the royal roads or Lustre Elstar River. There is a great deal of Elf wares circulating the city due to its proximity to the human-elf alliance-city Redfeather, but most artisans prefer the elfin city to Ambervale, leaving its fine cultural scene rather lacking. While merchants from Ambervale still unofficially trade with the Duskarian-controlled capital city Valderon, the majority of the city supports Queen Berenice’s campaign to reclaim the throne. Tolerance of magic is the other great allure of Ambervale. The Amber Guard that polices the city is made up of well-trained magic-users and soldiers alike—they serve justice and the law, regardless of magic being involved. They control the Amber Vault, reputedly the most secure safehold outside of the royal palace. The building that houses the Amber Vault and all other official city buildings are protected by both men and magic—but there are always wizards for hire to try daring things. The city is lead by a trinity council comprised of a representative of magicians, merchants, and the Amber Guard. Crime is a crippling issue for Ambervale, due to smuggling and its severe economic segregation. The port gives way immediately to a neighborhood of taverns and alehouses and brothels for the sailors; the central marketplace and official buildings segregate the residential areas of the rich and poor, allowing the southern section of the city to infect its criminal disease within its isolation. There is rumor of a Floating Market—a secret bazaar for magical and non-magical contraband alike—with a location that changes almost daily.