Highwater

Home of the Grey Tower, and the Ducal seat of Kalid of Highwater in the Kingdom of Norlan, Highwater is one of the largest cities in the world, although it is certainly not on the same scale as Zentrum in Oestreich or Langberg in the Kingdom of Zerithia.

## History

The city evolved from a community that built up around the Grey Tower as it grow from a small research outpost for the legendary wizard Terin Zauber, to the most important magical university in the world that it is today. The first name attached to the community was Howa, an old word that refers to the fact that the area was perennially flooded. Eventually, the Tower was prevailed upon to help provide a permanent solution to the flooding, and the community was able to grow significantly. As Howa grew, the Emperor appointed a local noble to be responsible for Imperial justice, law and order, and the County of Sumpfen was born. Even before the dissolution of the Zerithian Empire, the northern territories had broken away to form their own Kingdom of the Northland. Eventually, the city was renamed Highwater, and then became the seat of a Duchy of the same name. Today, the Count (or Countess) of Sumpfen is a subordinate title of the Duke, and is traditionally used as a courtesy title by the Duke’s heir apparent. There are many local stories and legends that tempt would-be adventurers.

## Geography

Around the same time that the city became Highwater, a wall was constructed around it to make defending the citizens easier. The area inside the wall, or the Old Wall as people call it now, is known variously as the City, the Old City or Alton. This is where the Ducal Palace, Merchant Quarter, Platingeld (nobles’ quarter), Alton Platz (the main square), Temple Square and Old Market are all located. Outside the wall are the rougher areas, the Docks, Newmark, Erzel (a vast, sprawling neighbourhood), Southgate (sometimes called South Market), and the roughest area of them all, Eastgate.

## Miscellaneous Organizations

* City Watch - Soldiers of the Realm charged with maintaining peace and security (numerous guardhouses and a headquarters on the grounds of the Ducal palace)
* Holy Order of the White Hart – Paladins of Relnon (a temple and a martyrium)
* Sword of Justice – Paladins and clerics of Relnon (a temple and numerous shrine-offices)
* Shield of Honour – Clerics of Relnon (several shrines)
* The Grey Tower – Wizards (an enormous university)
* Arran Sisterhood – Clerics of Arra (a temple, a chapterhouse and two convents)
* The Ancient and Faithful Church of the Children of Creation – Clerics of the Children of Creation (the Grand Temple and numerous shrines)
* Tollplatin – Shrine of Bahamut Dragonking
* Kunsraub – Secretive sect of Saro often associated with the Upright Men
* The Leisturm Order – a culturally-Zerithian Holy Order dedicated to Orom (Quartal House)
* Weigard – a Holy Order dedicated to Orom
* The Grey Brotherhood – Rogues
* The Upright Men – Rogues
* The Fallingbrooks – Assassins
* Green Treiber – A prominent merchant company that deals in livestock
* Kauffmans – A prominent import/export merchant company
* Holzen – A prominent merchant company that deals in lumber and finished wood products
* The Harn Company – Largest arms and armour manufactory in the Kingdom
* Fenhand Company – Major producer of glassware
* Heften – “Public” library (requires membership)

## Royal Societies

The Royal Societies are trade organizations that have been given official status by the Crown. They were established in Highwater when it was still the royal capital, and have maintained their bases in the city. They have a quasi-legal power to set standards and regulations for their industry, and to assess fines and punishments for members who transgress. Their ultimate authority boils down to being able to eject members from the Society. It is illegal in the Kingdom to carry on business in a trade without being a member of the relevant Society. Even though their authority is Kingdom-wide, they are closely associated with Highwater.

* Royal Society of Mercers (general merchants)
* Royal Society of Grocers (spice merchants)
* Royal Society of Drapers (wool and cloth merchants)
* Royal Society of Fishmongers (Fish and seafood)
* Royal Society of Goldsmiths (bullion dealers)
* Royal Society of Skinners (fur traders)
* Royal Society of Merchant Taylors (tailors)
* Royal Society of Haberdashers (clothiers in sewn and fine materials, eg. silk and velvet)
* Royal Society of Salters (traders of salts and chemicals)
* Royal Society of Ironmongers
* Royal Society of Vintners (wine merchants)
* Royal Society of Clothworkers
* Royal Society of Dyers
* Royal Society of Brewers
* Royal Society of Leathersellers
* Royal Society of Pewterers (pewter and metal manufacturers)
* Royal Society of Barbers (incl. surgeons and dentists)
* Royal Society of Cutlers (knife, sword and utensil makers)
* Royal Society of Bakers
* Royal Society of Wax Chandlers (wax candle makers)
* Royal Society of Tallow Chandlers (tallow candle makers)
* Royal Society of Armourers and Brasiers (armour makers and brass workers)
* Royal Society of Girdlers (belt and girdle makers)
* Royal Society of Butchers
* Royal Society of Saddlers
* Royal Society of Carpenters
* Royal Society of Cordwainers (fine leather workers and shoemakers)
* Royal Society of Painters
* Royal Society of Curriers (leather dressers and tanners)
* Royal Society of Masons (stonemasons)
* Royal Society of Innholders (tavern keepers)
* Royal Society of Founders (metal casters and melters)
* Royal Society of Poulters (poulterers)
* Royal Society of Cooks
* Royal Society of Coopers (barrel and cask makers)
* Royal Society of Tylers and Bricklayers (builders)
* Royal Society of Bowyers (long-bow makers)
* Royal Society of Fletchers (arrow makers)
* Royal Society of Blacksmiths
* Royal Society of Joiners and Ceilers (wood craftsmen)
* Royal Society of Weavers
* Royal Society of Woolmen
* Royal Society of Scriveners (court scribes and notaries public)
* Royal Society of Fruiterers
* Royal Society of Plaisterers (plasterers)
* Royal Society of Stationers
* Royal Society of Broderers (embroiderers)
* Royal Society of Upholders (upholsterers)
* Royal Society of Musicians
* Royal Society of Turners (lathe operators)
* Royal Society of Basketmakers
* Royal Society of Glaziers and Painters of Glass
* Royal Society of Horners (horn workers)
* Royal Society of Farriers (horseshoe makers and horse veterinarians)
* Royal Society of Paviors (road pavers)
* Royal Society of Loriners (equestrian bit, bridle and spur suppliers)
* Royal Society of Apothecaries
* Royal Society of Spectacle Makers
* Royal Society of Clockmakers
* Royal Society of Glovers
* Royal Society of Feltmakers (hat makers)
* Royal Society of Framework Knitters
* Royal Society of Needlemakers
* Royal Society of Gardeners
* Royal Society of Tin Plate Workers
* Royal Society of Wheelwrights
* Royal Society of Distillers
* Royal Society of Pattenmakers (wooden-shoe makers)
* Royal Society of Glass Sellers
* Royal Society of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers
* Royal Society of Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers (threadmakers for military and society clothing)
* Royal Society of Fanmakers
* Royal Society of Carmen (cart and carriage drivers)
* Honourable Company of Master Mariners (former Private Company granted Society status)
* Royal Society of Farmers
* Royal Society of Tobacco Pipe Makers and Tobacco Blenders
* Royal Society of Furniture Makers