Gildenstadt

Gildenstadt is one of the most economically important cities in the Kingdom of Whytehold. It is home to the Royal Bank of Gildenstadt, as well as the Royal Mint, And the National Trading Offices.
Gildenstadt is situated mostly on an island in the middle of the River Strom, close to the mouth of the river. It therefore has complete control over the trade up and down that river, which goes from Whytehold to the White Bay. It officially exists within the Rivenwald province, though is also on the border of the White Cape.
Many years ago, The Royal Bank of Gildenstadt absorbed the Merchant's Guild of Bordellyon, becoming the most financially powerful entity in the Kingdom, with almost complete control over the economy. Gildenstadt is where the Kingdom's currency, Gilders, are minted, and one of the few places where they can be exchanged for Crowns and Oro. In the city itself, the Bankers have more influence and power than the aristocrats or the military commanders. In fact, the city's main government building, the Gilded Keep, is connected to the Bank, which is much larger and massively overshadows it.
The city's de facto ruler is Lord Johannes Kerzenburg, Master of the Bank.
The Bank, and therefore the City of Gildenstadt, have enough financial influence and leverage to act as an almost independent faction within the politics of the kingdom. Though the crown technically has supreme power, it is usually indebted to the Bank.
The City of Gildenstadt is protected by a private militia called the Gilded Blades. Unlike other military groups in Whytehold who fight out of loyalty or duty, this group fight purely for money. The group was originally formed from a mixture of mercenary companies, and soldiers are still often recruited from mercenaries. The Gilded Blades can be recognised from their penchant for gold plating.
The City's emblem is a Golden Horse on a black background. This is based on the flag of the Rivenwald.