The Barony of Siolynburgh

Amid the hustle an bustle of the business of trade, the barony of Siolynburgh remains relatively unaffected. The relaxed halflings that make their home there generally steer clear of the unnecessary complications of life, and focus on a good morning's work, delicious food, plenty of ale, good-natured pranks, and the kindly company of friends and family. You'd be hard pressed to find a structure higher than two stories in the riverside city; the halfling prefer things closer to the ground, and find high-dwellers somewhat distasteful. But beneath the thatched and sod roofs lie a folk with hearts of gold and a twinkle in their eye.

The beating heart of the town is **Dockside**, the district of Siolynburgh right on the bend in the river. Folk arrive from all around, and are generally taken aback by the quaintness of the widely-renowned trade port. More often than not, when the tremendous rafts laden with goods pull up to the dock, the pilot is greeted by a fat old halfling with a tobacco pipe, puffing away and smiling at them. He only lifts with one hand, and he unloads it all himself. He'll take all day at it, but it doesn't put him out any. Yes sir, Smokey Sombol knows his business, and why don't you go get a pint while he takes care of it? Quick as a wink, all the requested barrels are safely stowed under the clay-shingle roof of the shipping shed, smartly labeled and secured with locked chains.

Heading north of Dockside, you arrive at the small district of **Seamuston** (SHAY-mus-tun). While small in size, Seamuston is absolutely packed with taverns, temples, small family-owned stores, and pawn shops. The most famous restaurant in the region is known simply as "Spoons". This shoddy-looking pub has some of the best, magically-infused cuisine in the realm. The proprietress, Simmerin' Jania, refuses to be swayed regarding what magical effect her food is infused with. This quirk has led to many unsatisfied customers, which just adds further to the mystique of the establishment. Out on the streets, you'll find throngs of folk at various levels of inebriation, playing music, playing dice, and generally whiling away the afternoons and evenings in peace and comfort.

**Eld Tarna**, as the name would suggest, is one of the older districts in the barony, and has been burnt down and rebuilt may times over the years (most of these being linseed or fireplace ash accidents). It is located to the west of Seamuston, and mostly houses the elderly and otherwise quietly-employed. Every gran and pops says their the best herbalist in the region, and for good reason- they're all quite good. But as far as who's the best? That has yet to be decided. Besides farms and apothecaries, Eld Tarna also boasts the presence of one Washerlass Binnie, well known for being a shrinecrafter of the highest quality. She is largely credited for keeping Siolynburgh safe from malicious spirits and fey alike, though in talking with the half-orc, you wouldn't know it--she's about as shy and retiring as they come.

Going back to Seamuston and heading east this time, you will reach **Brewer's Alley**, and originally, it *was* just an alley. These days, however, it has evolved into more of broad plaza, choked with small huts and shops, each creating and selling their own unique goods. It is here that you can find the flirtatious halfling known only as Mixer, tough as nails and pretty as a daisy. She can mix a drink so strong it will take the rage off a barbarian, or so subtle it would slip past a teetotaler. You can also find Netty the Burst here, one of the best glassblowers in the world. Word has it, the day she dies, the elven glassmasters will mourn her passing and breathe a sigh of relief at the same time, as she's siphoned a great many of their customers away.

And to the north of Seamuston, you will come upon The Manors, or what the common folk snidely call **Glisterville**. Built for the upper-class, Glisterville is made from polished bricks, mildly enchanted mortar, and tastefully formed wrought-iron fences, spiked on the top in case of fey invasion. This district is welcome to neither salespersons or beggars, and the constabulary is quite brutal to both, if they are found within the district's borders. The baron and baroness are found here, though their neerdowell offspring seems to spend most of his time in Brewer's Alley or Mahoney's Corner.

Speaking of which, **Mahoney's Corner** is the *other* rich area in town, located to the northeast of Seamuston. It largely resembles Seamuston, but with better architecture, more order, and a whole lot more money changing hands. Mahoney still owns the establishment the town is named after, which makes him quite old. Contemporaries of the old halfling opened their own shops in the area, all upper-class, but none have outlived the old haggler. Gambling houses, pool halls and dance halls can be found dotted around the broad street, guilt and glorious.

Opposite of Mahoney's Corner (southwest of Seamuston), you will find **Rin and Rikkedee’s Projects**, which were originally constructed to bring inexpensive yet comfortable housing to the poor. The former is still accurate, but the latter has ceased to be. Now a run-down, crumbling burg filled with crime and illicit substances, the Projects are not to be traversed by the heavy-of-wallet or light-of-heart.

The last area of note in Siolynburgh is **The Fenvigult Peatlands**, a sparsely populated area at the north of the barony. Filled with dangerous pits and pools, the bog will preserve and mummify anyone foolish enough to get caught in them. For the seasoned ranger, though, it's an area of great bounty, as the city will buy peat off anyone who can find a harvest it, as it keeps the city running, and the alchemical calcinators churning out medicines and cures.