Maethelburg

Maethelburg was founded in -459 when Osric a Marwhini noble of the House of Bran received permission to found a settlement on the upper reaches of the Fola Salenin with a view to controlling the profitable tin trade in the nearby Cloudy Mountains. Although Osric payed taxes to the Buhr Fram the town soon prospered and in due course also became a centre for the grain trade.

Many Marwhini look down on the commercially-centred Maethelburg inhabitants with jests such as 'they could be Reets' but it well known the leaders of the tribes keep an eye on the financial ventures of the town to see if they are worth copying in other settlements. With far less emphasis on horse breeding in the town the Thain contributes levies to the Sankhar army in the form of spearmen and archers.

Highlights from the map are keyed as follows:-

• Warehouses (2).
• Inns (5, 17, 27). There are 8 inns in the town ranging from The Wharf Rat (complete dive) to the Old Longship which in addition to good fare provides rooms with a superb view of the waterfront and the valley.
• Taverns (no accomodation) (6, 18, 28). In addition to the inns there are a further 6 taverns.
• Private Residences (15, 25, 39). There are over 60 private residences in the town not including the Great Houses.
• Great Houses (43). The 8 Great Houses of the wealthy merchants.
• Theatre (24). Frequently showcases travelling bards.
• Weaponsmith (31). Axes, swords, spears and daggers for sale.
• Fletcher/Bowyer (32). Longbows, shortbows and arrows are for sale. Non-magic +1 items can be made quickly to order.
• Armourer (33). Only sells leather armour and wooden shields. Metal armour can be ordered but may take two months to arrive.
• Healer's House (40). Somewhat rustic and diffident in manner Chilperic is a skilled healer well appreciated by the townsfolk. He will buy and sell herbs and healing potions.
• Burgsael (Town Hall) (47). The most impressive of the wooden halls in the town the Burgsael is used for public meetings, ceremonies, elections and meetings of the Ealdarmot.
• Thain's Tower (49). The tower is sturdily built with 10' thick walls. Up to 60 men at arms (Burgwarders) will generally be present on the lower floors.