Forksbury’s neighborhoods are distinct, each with its own charm and character, ranging from wealthy districts to areas of industry and trade.
- Aldgraves is the city's heart, home to the Caelan Basilica, with its grand catacombs and beautiful orchards. The Cindermarket and the Town Square, with its gleaming fountain, serve as bustling centers for trade and daily life. Here, you’ll find the City Hall, the Carpenter’s Guild, and the headquarters of the Midguild, which oversees trade across the Midsea.
- Ironmongers, often called Old Anvil by locals, is the district where blacksmiths and metalworkers ply their trade. This northern area of the city is also home to the Chandler Guild and Randolph's Emporium, a reputable shop for potions and tonics.
- Mayfair, stretching along the northwest city wall and riverbank, boasts views of the Trent River, with access to Northport, where river traffic from the north docks. This is a quieter district, favored by wealthier merchants and officials.
- Kingsburg, south of the Emberkeep, houses some of the city’s wealthiest families. The Emberheart family has ruled Forksbury for 200 years, with Baron Rogard residing in the Emberkeep alongside the Trent River. The grounds include orchards, gardens, and ponds, making it a beautiful yet secure stronghold.
- Tannery Row, running along the south wall of the city, is a hub of labor and industry. Parallel to Red Street, this district is known for its leather trade, a constant bustle of workers and tanners. Nearby, Almshood and St. Owain’s Church mark one of the poorer areas of Forksbury, where the Five Fingers gang is rumored to hold sway over the local criminal underworld.
- Panyers, near the Rivergate, leads travelers across the Milusbryg Bridge to Fort Caerberdin. It is a lively district, full of traders, inns, and riverfolk. If you're looking for a warm meal and good company, The Blue Fork Inn and Blackswan’s Tavern are favored stops for both locals and travelers.
- Vulcan’s Kitchen, in Ironmongers, is famed for its blacksmiths, while Poulters, south of the Arena of Mercia, offers a taste of Forksbury’s less glamorous, working-class life.
Landmarks and Notable Buildings
- Caelan Basilica: The religious and architectural marvel of Forksbury, the Basilica dominates the skyline. Its sprawling catacombs attract pilgrims and scholars alike, and its peaceful orchard offers a rare moment of quiet in the bustling city. The Bishop Ewina leads services here, presiding over the city’s religious affairs.
- The Arena of Mercia: This grand arena is a symbol of Forksbury’s Mercian heritage. Here, festivals, games, and grand tournaments take place, bringing in crowds from nearby towns and villages.
- Emberkeep: The seat of Baron Rogard and his family, the Emberhearts, this imposing fortress by the Trent River is both the city’s defense and a reminder of its noble lineage. The Baron’s influence over Pelshire and the surrounding lands makes this a seat of power worth respecting.
- The Curiosity Cabinet: One of Forksbury's more intriguing shops, Guthri's Curiosity Cabinet is renowned for rare and magical items. Located near the Masons Guild, it draws adventurers looking for that perfect enchanted weapon or trinket.
Guilds and Commerce
Forksbury’s wealth is driven by trade, both local and international. The Midguild regulates much of the city’s dealings with the Midsea, ensuring a steady flow of goods through Southport and Northport.
- The Mariners Guild oversees the ships and cargo that come through Port Mercermarch, located just outside the Portgate. This district is a maze of warehouses, shipyards, and taverns, a vital hub for those seeking passage or to trade goods from across the sea.
- The Mercer Guild controls much of the textile and cloth trade, ensuring the city's merchants remain competitive with neighboring cities like Juna. Their guildhall lies near the town square, close to the Masons Guild.
Points of Interest for Travelers
- Taverns and Inns: Whether you seek a lively evening of music and ale at Blackswan's Tavern or a comfortable stay at the Ramshead Inn, Forksbury offers a range of accommodations. For travelers wishing to explore the city’s seedy underbelly, the Red Goose Tavern in Almshood offers a less savory but interesting perspective on life in the city.
- Markets: The Cindermarket by the Town Square is the city’s primary open-air market, offering everything from fresh produce to finely crafted goods. Those venturing to the outskirts of the city may find unique treasures in The Brambles and Pellwick Orchards, just outside Northgate.
History and Legends
Forksbury’s history is entwined with the myth and legacy of the ancient Eotan, giant titans who once ruled much of the world. Legend holds that the Eotan brought necromancy into the world in their final years, leading to the eventual fall of their empire. Their influence is still felt in the limestone caverns beneath Forksbury, where ancient ruins, crypts, and dungeons attract explorers and adventurers eager to uncover the city’s forgotten past.
The city itself was settled over 1,000 years ago by the Mercians and has since grown into a key trading hub, though its turbulent history of conflict with the Avalar and rival baronies is never far from memory. Baron Rogard, who presides over Forksbury and its lands, remains ever watchful of his feuding neighbor to the west, Baron Sigulf of Walcastra.
