Mareddus

## Geographical Features

Mareddus is located by the Sea, near where the Western Cliff Wall subsides and the low beach scrublands begin. Built on the bones of a series of strategically planted villages, relics and artifacts can be unearthed in the northeastern archaeological plot. To the north and east of the city is the wide expanse of the Mareddus Plains, which supply the region with fruits of diverse kinds, as well as meat from wild game.

Located in a valley, this city is a few feet below sea level, and is subject to threats of floods and washouts. Old limestone sewers exist beneath the streets, though none can be sure who built them, or even who maintains them. All the same, they seem to do a worthy job of clearing away moderate to severe rain.

## Climate

Located near the sea, Mareddus is subject to heavy rain, gale force winds, and lovely sunny spells, sometimes all in the same day. Generally warm, an unusual frost occasionally tinges the roofs of the buildings, prompting minor panic from the more superstitious residents. Snow is the rarest of rarities.

## Historical Relevance

Being built on the ruins of former settlements, historical fingerprints still remain on the city, though few have any understanding of where they came from, or their significance. Hides and warm furs are still the garments of choice of the inhabitants, despite the popularity of woven and spun fabrics in nearby towns.

The ancient sewers tell tales of a clever and stalwart past civilization, capable of great feats of engineering and an impressive work force. Few clues remain to explain these forgotten people.

## Commerce

A sea town is a fishing town, and fish, shellfish, ambergris and whalebone are common exports, as well as perfumes, courtesy of said ambergris and the abundance of flowers on the hills surrounding the town. Fertilizer is also an export, though of less note than the previously listed.

## Architecture

The modern city of Mareddus is nothing special; one to three story buildings populate the denser city streets, while the outskirts slowly fade to two story apartments and single story houses. Seemingly thrown up a plot at a time, there is little congruence between the buildings or their color. The only unifying factors are the sigils painted on each building, thought to symbolize peace, prosperity and stability.

## Points of Interest

The Mayor's House is of note, located on the top of the only four story building in the city. It has fallen out of fashion for the Mayor to live in this opulent house, though most Mayors still work there.

The Sodden Cistern is of note to the more constitutional; it is the central hub of the sewer, and is as unusual as it is impressive. Several different branches of the sewer dump into this central well. An unknown algae grows on the inside of the cistern, purifying the water. Rumor has it other, less-kindly organisms also inhabit the well and its surroundings.

Another sight worth seeing is the Mareddus Gardens, located in the center of the city. Some of the ruins pierce the ground here and there, and have been woven into the charming aesthetic of the garden.

## Shopping Centers

The city boasts the following major establishments:

#### Laird's Secondhand Weapons

Some say Laird is the biggest crook west of the Monta. Others say he's got underworld contacts. Still others say he keeps the "good stuff" in the back. Whatever the case, he sells lightly used weapons at suspiciously low premiums, and trades in favors as well as coin.

#### Boneman's Grotto

Looking for meaning in this world of senseless commerce and shallow relationships? Come and hear the word of The Boneman in his aesthetically decorated cave. Surely if life is for the living, death is for the dying?

#### Tuners and Tonics

Byntaa and Bournze, wife and husband gnomes, run this dual-faceted emporium. Byntaa is one hell of an alchemist, capable of brewing health potions, blade oils, and tonics of many varieties and strengths. Bournze is a burn-out bard who was better at theory than performance, and settled for selling instruments and wares alongside his wife.

#### The Wretching Goblin

Maybe don't ask about the name, but do ask for a table with a view of the bustling gardens. Carspani the butcher opened this quaint little tavern after something put him off raw meats forever, and all are welcome to join in the merrymaking. Ask about the Cisternwasher, the Murderballad, or the Sweet Aurozoche Cider. Also makes a magnificent Lag Hollen Mint Tea, for the more tempered clientele.

#### Ol' Wonky Wendy's Boarding House

Wendy grew up right here in town, and has never let her injury get her down. The staff is like family (because they are, in fact, family), and takes care of the chamber pots, linen washing and light faire for the peckish.

#### The City Pound

If you've lost a pet, chances are it's here. Boasting of being cruelty-free most of the time, many animals sit aging in their small yet comfortable cages, waiting for the right person to come and pay their way to friendship.

#### Nehman the Roving Arcanist

Nehman has the bearing and voice of a second-rate quack, but has enough rumors circulating about him to make people wonder: could he really be a magician? Whatever the case, he sure has a lot of colorful powders and vials of colorful liquids. And whatever he gave Ms. Witherlash, she's never been the same, so there's gotta be magic in there somewhere.

#### Bon Von Baubles

Bracelets and necklaces of all kinds are in-stock and ready for purchase or barter. Also a few B-rated books in-stock, but only the one's Bon Von Gohvii has already read during the slow hours.