Riparia
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Map of Riparia
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Map of Centripax
Overview
Riparia is a city that enjoys much industry in the form of mining and logging, and trading with several other cities. Merchants come from afar to sell their wares in what is perhaps one of the busier cities of the Empire. Situated in the Northwest corner of Centripax Province, it has much business coming from the Lauryl and Arakmat Provinces while still being able to remain tucked away from the rest of Centripax. The mines to the Northeast are mined by a large dwarven community in the city and this provides almost half of Riparia's revenue. There are logging operations to the West in the Ashkin Woods which also provide much income. Finally, the city is always busy with trade and commerce, merchants and peoples coming from all over to buy and sell goods.
This fusion of different industries and peoples has led to a multi-racial and multi-cultural city. It is predominantly human, with a healthy mix of elf and dwarf, but the other races of Alleria also arrive in large numbers. Thanks to the diversity in race, all seem to be welcome with very little prejudice. Vysticchi and orcs can roam freely here without hinderance. In any case, those looking for trouble would have to first contend with the Riparian Guard who act as the city's army and police at the same time. They are a proud force of soldiers dedicated to the safety and preservation of their city. Recreation in Riparia includes the beautiful Riparian Falls, a Temple dedicated to the Gods, and the Amphitheatre presents various kinds of performing arts.
Only a few eras ago, the volcano Aslan's Forge which sits in the mountains to the North-East, erupted and destroyed most of the city. Many people decided to leave and rebuild their lives elsewhere. But those that stayed were strong and filled with courage and determination. This is why the average Riparian is proud and strong, more resilient to the troubles of everyday life than most others.
City Gates - Everyone knows that to enter a city a visa must be shown. Here is no exception and even more so thanks to the Riparian Guard. The gates in fact includes a military barracks built into the wall so that there are plenty of Guards present at any time. Riparia takes the defence of its city seriously so it is likely that newcomers will find the best trained and prepared Guards manning the gates.
Government District
Here can be found the most important people and buildings of the city. The Thanal palace sits here surrounded by other such buildings as the Riparian Bank, the City Aedile and so forth. It is of course heavily guarded at all times and people are required to show their visas upon entering, just as they would at the city gates. Here, the streets are lined with strips flourishing with grasses, flowers and trees, to make the area seem more lush and beautiful.
Locations in the Government District- The Thanal Palace - This is of course where the Thane of the city resides and carries out his duties. Currently there is no Thane installed but with the arrival of the Governor of Centripax, it is hoped that the new Thane will be announced shortly.
- Aedile's Office - While the Thane is responsible for running the city as a whole, it is the duty of the Aedile and his assistants to carry out other important tasks. This includes anything to do with housing people and businesses, issuing visas, permits and licenses and so on.
- Merchant Guild - Perhaps one of the most busiest buildings in all of the city is that of the Riparia Merchant Guild. Here merchants and traders come to get licenses, hire workers or perhaps look for a job themselves. Mercenaries also come here to look for work, since it pays well by the job.
- Riparia Bank - No city of Riparia's size is complete without a bank. There are several smaller branches dotted around the city, but the main one is located in the Governmental District and highly guarded at all times. It stores the main reserves of the city's wealth as well as records of all the citizens assets and wealth.
Merchant District
Unlike most towns and cities that mix homes and shops in the same areas, Riparia has one long street where all the taverns and shops can be found. It runs from the entrance of the city in the South, through the middle and to the North wall. Either side of the street is packed with inns, market areas and shops. Behind the many shops are endless alleyways that lead to a huge network of warehouses and of course the Residential Districts behind that. The only break in the long street is right at the heart of the city where the Government District is located.
Locations in the Merchant District- Marketplace - This open air market provides the freshest possible foods to the citizens of Riparia.
- Amylas Fine Clothiers - An elven store featuring the finest garments Riparia has to offer.
- Green Goblin Tavern - Perhaps the most popular of all taverns in Riparia, The Green Goblin is certainly the oldest and largest. It attracts merchants, adventurers and businessmen alike and boasts a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, as well as good rooms, food and of course ale.
- The Silver Daggers Tavern and Inn - A Newer tavern than the Green Goblin. It attracts many by its cut-price rooms food and ales. Friendly and well trained staff help out in this addition to the Merchant district.
- Paragon Arms and Armory - One of the better known weapon shops in Riparia is the Paragon Armory. It has a good reputation for producing blades, armor and shields of the highest quality. It is also one of the oldest shops in the city.
- Tannery, Cobbler and Leathergoods - Dwarven owned leather goods ranging from saddles to clothing, hides and camping goods. Also sells a wonderful fragrant soap.
- Hawkmoon's Bows and Staffs - Much like Paragon Armory, Hawkmoon's is a traditional weapon shop with much reputation and good reviews. Here can be found the best bows and staffs in the city. The prices are also fair, considering that the items are of the highest quality.
- Pepper's Stables - Naturally a trade city such as Riparia has much use for horses and wagons, since goods are being transported around all the time. Of all the stables, Pepper's is by far the biggest and well known. There are several kinds of steed available here as well as wagons and carts and other services.
- Silverwood's Bookshoppe - A small shop tucked into the corner of Merchant's Road that sells books, parchments and stationery.
Residential Districts
As the name suggests, this is where the people of Riparia live. At one time the population of the city was small and the homes were rather spread out. But as industry and trade grew, so to did the number of people living there. The city's population is currently estimated to be in the region of
75,000. The residential districts have spread so that all previously vacant land is now filled. Instead of free-standing homes, Apartment houses now rise several stories into the sky. The New Court district to the West is the more densely populated of the two while the Phoenix Court district contains more expensive houses for the nobles and the rich.
- Madame Jefferson's Visual Arts - A small home located in the New Court housing district that has been converted into a studio for practising and teaching visual arts; including painting and sculpture.
Parks and Recreations
The city of Riparia is not without culture and beauty. Several locations provide a quiet peaceful place for citizens and visitors to visit.
- The Riparian Falls - A beautifully landscaped park and gardens lying to the north of the city, against the base of the mountain. Landscaped and cultured gardens are surrounded by lush streams, grasses and the thundering waterfalls that supply the city with water.
- Amphitheatre - Part of the Newly Rebuilt Riparian Waterpark, the Amphitheatre is home to at least two shows per brightening, and the occasional special event.
- Temple to the Gods - This elaborate and ornate sandstone building is hidden away along the quieter edge of Merchant's Road, and was constructed to allow the faithful of many cultures to worship every God and Goddess of Aetheria. (Plus a few others.)
Riparian Mining Company
Accounting for almost half of Riparia's annual income, it's no wonder that a separate company was set up to oversee the mining operations to the Northeast of the city. While it is the mountains themselves that are mined for a variety of minerals, it is in fact within the city walls that all processing is carried out. There can be found a huge industrial sector in the East part of the city, open only to the miners themselves. They have also a private entrance which leads into the mountains to make sending materials back and forth much easier.
- Inner Wall - The Inner Wall is an interesting feature that will not be found in any other city. Apart from the Riparian Mining Company, nothing else can be found in this area. The ground has numerous deep ditches and trenches which act as protection against a future eruption from Aslan's Forge. The idea is that these ditches and the Inner Walls itself will hold lava at bay, or at least slow its progress while the city is evacuated. Since its purpose is to serve and protect the city, it has become cornered off from the public and remains empty to this day.
Riparian Guard Command Center - Located towards the entrance of the City, The Guards have an Compound that includes many buildings.
![[Map] Beginner's Guide to Riparia](http://www.playbypost.com/forums/iconimages/riparia/map-beginners-guide-riparia_ltr.gif)
[Map] Beginner's Guide to Riparia
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