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

### Sterling District

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 a 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 center of the district, the market specialises in selling goods, food, and drinks popular within Ralmulash. The market sits in an 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.

### Three Rows

The Three Rows are formed around the roads three roads leading into Zamestko. Around these 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. Along the river warehouses have formed. The river is relatively undeep, so along the banks people can be seen washing their clothes, or bathing. The southern section of the Three Rows were particularly well known for their slaughter houses, leather tanners and other foul smelling industries. Over time several laws were passed to move this form of industry further away from the main road going south. First banning them on the east side of the road and later on fully banning them on both sides. Now the slaughter houses and related industries can be find 1-2 rows east behind the main buildings along the southern road, in what is generally the poor district.

Right at the centre of the three roads a large square is found, to the north sits a large temple dedicated to the different Berokian deities. In the east the town hall can be found. The square itself functions as the primary market within Zamestko and is filled most days of the week with different stalls selling an assortiment of varied goods. Right on of the corners with the square and the road a Drunken Dwarf Tavern can be found. Which is a newer structures, build after the original tavern in Zamestko became to crowded.

### Vojda Quarters

Located in the south-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 on 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.

### Middle Rows

The Middle Rows are generally inhabited by the middle class of Zamestko and can be divided between three different areas. The most wealthy area is located in the south-east in between the Three Rows and the Marquess's Quarters. To the north of the eastern gate another middle class area can be found. And in the south-west another middle class area can be found.

### Poor Rows

Similarly to the Middle Rows the Poor Rows are not one unified area. Instead it consist of two larger areas, one located in the south-west and the other located in the north part of the city. In between the south-western Poor Rows and the south-western Middle Rows lies the alms house, setup by beneficiaries of the middle class area. While in the northern Poor Rows an informal training area can be found, namely one to train agility. Its low but close together roofs make this the ideal place to perform stunts on top of the roofs.

## 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.