Zamestko

Zamestko is a city located in western Berok in the Zapnovya Region near the foothills of the Zapno Mountains. The city is part of an important inland trade route, allowing the dwarves of Ralmulash to export their goods over land and eventually either to the south or to the sea in the west. Flowing from the west to the south of the city the Vlára river can be found, the Vlára is not quite deep enough to accommodate ship travel, but it does provide an ample source of water to drink or to water the farm fields south of the city.
== Districts ==
=== Northern & Southern Wards ===
The Northern & Southern Wards are the sections of the city that lay outside of its city walls. Both places are considered some of the poorest parts of the city. There are now significant differences between both sections, therefore they’re commonly simply referred to as the Wards. Along the main roads of the Wards taverns and inns can be found, that allow travellers to stay. These form a boon for any traveller that finds itself locked out of the city gates during the evening and night. The main roads of the Wards are made of stone pavement, but when going deeper into the Wards the roads turn to dirt. The only section of the Wards not considered poor is the most eastern section of the Southern Wards, located just underneath the castle. A few large buildings have sprung up here accommodating the wealthy.
=== Sterling quarters ===
In the north-west of the city the dwarven district can be located. The dwarves who live here are either traders or descendent from traders. Most eyes passing through Zamestko will only ever see the small single floor houses doting the district. These houses on their own already form a particularity, build in a typical dwarven style but then aboveground. Due to the large dwarven population this has developed into a new architectural style. In addition, a moderate amount of houses have undergone extra construction, adding additional floors. Which are either extended in the existing Ralmulash dwarven style, or adapted to use the Berokian architectural style. Therefore, creating an architectural unique district. However, what most travellers won't see is the unofficial underground district of Arôlineth. The district started out as a series of basements that spiralled out of control to form a large series of underground tunnels and rooms. This caused minor grievances when tunnels would be dug into basements of shops and even cause the partial collapse of a building. In turn a series of new city laws were passed forbidding the expansion of the tunnel network. Over time some tunnels have been forgotten while others have collapsed due to improper maintenance or a series of floods. These tunnels have become a popular hideout spot for criminals and thugs. Ambushing people in the narrow alleys and quickly retreating into the tunnels. 
A central connection point for the aboveground and underground part of the Sterling District is the Dwarven/Sterling market. Located right in the centre of the district, the market specialises in selling goods, food, and drinks popular within Ralmulash. The market sits in a hollowed 5 meter deep hole, covered by a large stone roof. To enter the site one has to descent a series of stairs and ramps. Along the sides cranes are installed to help lower goods into the market. In addition, a ring of water streams around the structure in dugout channels. Originally this was constructed as a way to reroute the water to prevent any water damage. But now has become a staple feature to see for anyone visiting the market. Near to the market the one of the original Drunken Dwarf Taverns can be found, which is a very popular chain tavern within Berok and Ralmulash. 
=== Middle Quarters ===
The Middle Quarters form the central heart of Zamestko, formed from the roads leading into the centre of the city. Around these centrally located roads many different markets, taverns, and inns can be found, anything a weary traveller will seek for in a city. The southern section is separated from the northern section by the Vlára river cutting through the middle of the city. At the midpoint the main plaza of the city can be found. The plaza is dominated by the sights of two large building, in the north lies the main temple dedicated to different Berokian deities. Across from it the City Hall is located. The square itself functions as the primary market within Zamestko and is filled most days of the week with different stalls selling an assortment of varied goods. 
=== Vlára Quarters ===
The Vlára Quarters are is the industrial heart of the city. Along the Vlára river warehouses have formed. The river is relatively undeep, so along the banks people can be seen washing their clothes, or bathing. The quarters are particularly well known for their slaughter houses, leather tanners and other foul smelling industries. Laws have been recently introduced that ban any industry from settling directly along the eastern section of the river, as the wealthy have settled the southern bank of the same section and don’t wish to see the industry. 
=== Vojda Quarters ===
Located in the east, the castle of the ruler of Zamestko can be found here. The castle is bordered to the north by the Vlára river, which acts as a minor defences boon. Outside of the castle walls the richest neighbourhood of the city can be found. Here the wealthiest have constructed rows of large spacious apartments, while not as luxurious as a private mansion the proximity to the castle provides excellent protection. Therefore, this area is considered one of the safest places, but also a place where a thief can strike it big, high risk high reward. 
The castle itself dates back from early Berokian history and has been renovated many times throughout the ages. With the last major expansion and renovation happening in the 14th century. Since then efforts have been made to modernise the structure, with an cavalry grounds replaced by a garden inspired on that of the Princes of Berok themself. The structure itself mainly maintains it the classical Berok style of castles.
== History ==
=== Urban development ===
The city of Zamestko was originally founded on a small hill overlooking the Vlára river in what is currently the south-eastern part of the town. In what is nowadays the location of Zamestko Castle. Its said that the castle started out as a small bailey on top of the hill. The city would continue to expand along the southern bank of the river. Eventually the city would grow to be around the size of the current Vojda Quarters. Later on the city would expand even further east and slowly crossing the river. In the later period of Zamestko history a small dwarven trade outpost was founded on the edge of the town. A wall used to surround the dwarven town but was demolished when the two towns fully merged. Only the old gate leading into the Sterling Quarters is a reminder of the separate history of the two places.
 
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