Arroton

Arroton

Arroton is the largest city in the vicinity of the Brokenstaff mountain range. It sits along the Ruby River on an alluvial plain. Once the river passes Arroton, within twenty miles, it begins to turn west and toward the sea. Arroton is essentially a trading city, it was started by human settlers into the region centuries ago, and if the local legends are to be believed, the very first permanent structure on the site was a merchant stall, where the fellow would trade food, tools, and anything else he could get his hands on. Soon enough, there was a camp, then a town, then the city we see before us today. It’s not the largest nor most impressive city, no, but it has stout walls, and the citizenry feel safe for the most part. Even the river side has walls between the docks and the city proper, with large arches built into them that can be sealed off by portculli if the city were to come under attack. The city is home to 10,000 residents, but there are always visitors coming and going to buy and sell for mostly whatever they can imagine. There are weapons and armor, magical services, numerous churches to numerous deities, alchemical goods, food, clothing, lodging, even a few magic items and unusual spell components. It may be the best place in the area if gems are needed for spellcasting. In addition to this, it is the last place one might be able to consider a true city before reaching the Brokenstaff range and the untamed wilds there and beyond. This makes the city a popular place for adventurers and fur trappers to stock up on necessities and have a last few days of warm beds and hot meals before they venture forth. The road north from here splits after a dozen miles or so, the right fork takes you into the foothills, up to Hollyhead and into the lower mountains, while the left heads toward the high peaks, and slightly intersects the borders of the Wodenweald. The south road follows the river for a while, before continuing south when the river turns west and winds through low valley farms and over windy bluffs, eventually veering west itself and paralleling the coastline and passing several settlements before reaching a great city, Austberg.