Heath

The second largest city in the Kingdom of Thyssen, ruled by Anna Meckheart, Heath is an important trading settlement near the southern end of Thyssen. It is situated on the Thane River, which drains into Turokh's Eye, from where Heath can trade with all of Central Magnia. It is the growing economic power of the Thanes and even began to mint its own coins in 1387. A linear defensive earthen work of guarded walls and trenches, 30 kilometres long and 3-6 metres high, forms a protective barrier between the mountains and the Astholm flatlands.
Heath is a crowded city with small houses clustered tightly together. Diseases such as the Coughing Death and the Pox are rampant every spring, leading many to dub the time of the year Plague Season. Despite their economic status, the townsfolk are poor in goods and riches and it was once commonly said that more babies are drowned here, than anywhere else in the world.
==Economy==
As the major trade hub of the Kingdom, the lords and merchants of Heath have grown wealthy on all the country has to offer. The Gold Road, which begins in Kastamir, runs through here and all the way to Valona. Down the road, from Heath, pours gold and silver from Kastamir, the heaviest and shiniest gemstones, as well as amber, lumber, walnut and charcoal. There is even a group of craftsmen selling jewellery made of what they claim to be real dragon scales from a dragon allegedly slain by King Esterad in 1428. In turn, wine and beer, silk, and livestock are imported in tremendous amounts every year.
==Layout==
The Thane River runs through Heath, dividing Astholm Castle, where the Earl resides, form the town proper, located on the west bank. The town proper is split into 4 quarters:
*Lion's Crossing: The town centre, named after the stone bridge that leads across the Thane River, which in the early days formed a crossroads between Thyssen, Carinthia, and the West. Lion's Crossing is the heart of Heath. Its roads ebb outward from the market square, connecting the other three quarters. Here, you will find the Courthouse and a temple housing many shrines to the Menkhu Gods, as well as the grand Toll House, which also acts as a massive indoors market and a private bank,
*The Shade: The southern end of town, which is primarily a residential area for townsfolk and travellers alike. The inn near the South Gate of town, called The Drain, is the most frequented by travellers and merchants.
*Northside: The north-most of the quarters, disconnected from the rest of town proper by the small stream, locally called Kid's Rest River, it offers fine housing for the more wealthy residents of Heath.
*Greenest: An area of town situated between Northside and Lion's Crossing. It gets its name from the many trees and parks in the area. It also boasts a lively commercial life, the city's infamous Fighting Pit, and the Radiant Pools, three thermal pools which provide the town with hot bathing water year round.
Outside of town proper there is also a small settlement called Henryk's Hamlet, which is the first thing to greet travellers arriving from the south, and on the east bank of the Thane River, a small town is slowly sprouting, called River Town. Both of these settlements have a small port where merchant's can dock and unload their wares before heading into Heath.