Kalmmenburg

The bustling city of Kalmmenburg is the second largest on the Eastern Continent, trailing only behind the Moiran capital of Mittagard. Kalmmenburg is under Moirai Empire rule but largely operates independently with a council of high ranking merchants.

One of the most flourishing industries for the city are the nearby mythril mines. The second-most prominent industry and guild is the Golemcrafters Union. Because of the magical properties from the mythril seeping into nearby rock formations the area lends itself as an easier path for creation of magical constructs such as golems. Finally, the third-most profitable industry for Kalmmenburg is within the area of reed-crafting because of the neighboring vast marshlands. Reeds are utilized in baskets, diffusers, decoration, construction, and many other areas vital to the day-to-day of Gaia.

## History & Hierarchy

One of, if the only, city to go relatively unscathed and unchanged during the Moiran crusades to unify the Eastern Continent under one empire. Kalmmenburg (sometimes shortened to Kalm) is a highly influential merchant city with a strategic control over the largest cave and mining network of mythril on Gaia. Also, with its proximity to Mittagard and being on a major trade route for the Eastern Continent and beyond, Kalmmenburg finds itself lush in gil and renown.

The city is governed by a twenty member council. All of which are highly powerful and rich merchant families either originally from the city or their family houses took residence in Kalmmenburg several generations ago. Anderon Theo is the current Council Chairman and also the Guild Master of the powerful Mythrilweavers Consortium.

Origins of the city is mixed in its true history. House Theo like to consider themselves one of the founding families of Kalmmenburg--if not ***the*** founding family--while House Schilf purport their ancestors as being the original settlers. Whatever the case, Kalmmenburg indeed had humble beginnings as a simple hamlet utilizing nearby natural resources. Several years later the discovery of mythril in the local mountains and the later invention of extraction and utilization made the hamlet quickly flourish and grow.

## Commerce

### ***Mythrilweavers Consortium***

* *Leader:* Master Anderon Theo
* *Guild Focus:* Magical Crystal Mining and Enchantment Crafting

The Mythrilweavers' Consortium is a guild that combines practical mining skills with magical craftsmanship. Led by the esteemed Master Anderon Theo, the guild members are skilled miners who delve deep into the nearby enchanted mythril mines to extract mythril crystals. These crystals are then used to craft a powerful metal also known as mythril which is the utilized in countless creations, from metal lanterns all the way to artisan armor for nobility.

### ***Golemcrafters Union***

* *Leader:* Master Artisan Ignatius Rancent
* *Guild Focus:* Golem Construction and Animation

The Golemcrafters' Union is a guild of skilled artisans who specialize in the creation and animation of golems. Master Artisan Ignatius Rancent leads the guild members in sculpting and imbuing life into massive, magical constructs. These golems serve various purposes, from guardians of ancient ruins to laborers in bustling cities.

### ***The Reedwrights Guild***

* *Leader:* Master Reedwright Bethel Schilf
* *Guild Focus:* Reed crafting for high quality baskets, diffusers for religious organizations, and more

The Reedwrights' Guild is deeply rooted in the Eastern Continent tradition of marshland craftsmanship, specializing in the art of reed crafting. Under the skilled guidance of Master Reedwright Bethel Schilf, guild members are experts in weaving and manipulating reeds to create exquisite baskets, delicate diffusers, and various other artisanal items. Kalmmenburg-crafted reed items are well known across Gaia.

Above are the three largest guilds and industries for Kalmmenburg. However, numerous industries with their own merchants and crafters can be found within the commerce-focused city. Other prevalent ones include jewelers, blacksmiths, silversmiths, timber crafters, and bakers.

## Districts of the City

### ***Alderman's Square***

Alderman's Square serves as the political, administrative, and city-defensive center of Kalmmenburg. The Alderman's Keep, an imposing structure, houses the city's ruling council and administrative offices as well as an area of the city guard, training grounds, and barracks. Surrounding the keep are government buildings, courthouses, and the residences of wealthy nobles and officials. The square itself is a meeting place for citizens, where important announcements are made and public gatherings take place.

### ***Hanseatic Quarters***

The Hanseatic Quarters serve as the bustling heart of commerce and trade within the city. Merchants from near and far converge here to engage in lively exchanges of goods and services. The district is characterized by wide cobblestone streets lined with market stalls, warehouses, and trading houses. The Hanseatic Quarters are also home to the city's stock exchange and banking institutions, making it a hub for economic activity.

### ***Greenwood Heights***

Nestled on the outskirts of Kalmmenburg, Greenwood Heights is a district of lush gardens, parks, and estates. This residential area is home to the city's affluent merchants and aristocrats who seek a quieter and more scenic environment. The district features grand mansions, expansive gardens, and leisurely parks. Greenwood Heights is not only a residential haven but also a cultural center, hosting theaters, art galleries, and exclusive social events.

### ***Cobblestone Commons***

As a lower-income residential district, Cobblestone Commons is characterized by tightly packed, modest dwellings. The district is named after its somewhat ramshackle cobblestone streets and simple architecture. Despite its humble appearance, Cobblestone Commons is a lively and vibrant community with its own unique charm. Local markets and communal areas foster a sense of camaraderie among the working-class residents who call this district home.

### ***Sable Alley***

Sable Alley is the district where the city's skilled craftsmen and craftswomen practice the highly exclusive and lucrative trade of mythrilweaving and golemcrafting. The district is known for its mythril smithies, imbued item boutiques, and golemcrafting workshops. Sable Alley is a place where the arcane and the natural converge, making it a destination for those seeking artisanal magical items and enhancements.

### ***Meadowgate Market***

This district is a vibrant and colorful marketplace where farmers, growers, and traders gather to sell their agricultural products. Located just beyond the city walls, Meadowgate Market is known for its open-air stalls bustling with activity. It provides the city's residents with fresh produce, livestock, and a variety of goods. The district also hosts seasonal fairs and festivals, drawing crowds from both the city and surrounding areas.

### ***Bergfried Bezirk***

Nestled against a natural rock formation, this district draws inspiration from Dwarven mountain fortresses. The architecture features sturdy stone walls, watchtowers, and wooden elements. It serves as a residential area for miners, skilled craftsmen, and those drawn to the rugged beauty of the mountains.

## Notable Areas Near Kalmmenburg

### ***Mythril Mines & Caves***

Within the mountain system nearby, also known as the Sablevein Range, are the highly coveted and well guarded mythril mines and caves. The mountain range is the largest on the Eastern Continent and is not fully mapped out even by highly trained Dwarven delvers.

### ***The Wyrmfen Marshlands***

The expansive marshlands cover several upon several acres of land near Kalmmenburg. Different areas of the marshes have their own names, however, the overall expanse is collectively known as the Wyrmfen. In the further reaches of the marshes and flood plains can be found a very large species of flightless wyrm known as a *zolom*.

### ***Sablemere***

While a district is dedicated solely to the residential needs of miners and their families behind Kalmmenburg walls, that housing is largely occupied by the Dwarven workers and their families tied to the mythril mining trade of the local area. Sablemere on the other hand is a predominately human town entirely built and dedicated to the nearby mythril mining. It is a town funded and 'managed' by the Mythrilweavers Consortium.

## Misc. Notes

* Kalmmenburg is the town of Kalm at its height of commerce and power, with the main inner 'core' of the city later becoming the small and quaint town simply known as Kalm thousands of years later. Much of the city's might giving way to the march of time and planet-wide conflict with Jenova. The Mythrilweavers Consortium eventually 'shuts down' and turned into the mining union of Kalm that later becomes mostly inoperative because of the Zolom.
* Kalmmenburg continues on the cultural influence of medieval Germany and England within its naming conventions and lifestyle in order to properly match up with Mittagard and the rest of the Moirai Empire.