Larger and more accurate version of the map :
archoshr.jpg (276 k)
Archos
1. Road to Crovik
2. Road to Andar and Achal
3. Temple of ThoDemus
4. Temple of Achali
5. Center market
6. Castle of count Beramurin
7. Inn: Oaken barrel
8. Inn: Castle hall
9. Grove of An'Gaia
10. Grave swamp
Short overview
Archos is a busy town of about 5100 inhabitants and located on a riverbank. There is both river-route and land routes leading to town. Architecture follows common Alcandian architecture and about two thirds of buildings have been constructed from stone and rest from logs. Most buildings have shingled roofs and are have two stories. Archos is completely surrounded by a sturdy wall, except from the riverside. The wall is about 8 meters height and three meters thick.
History
Archos has been built around a castle on the riverbank. The castle was built by a respected count Odereal in the beginning of the Age of miracles. When the castle was ready, at first a small village consisting of mostly servants dwellings was formed around it. By degrees also other settlements appeared and the village became a town. Archos survived of the war of the Black sun with a quite small damages even though the town was conquered.
Town management
Archos is ruled by a count Beramur, who lives in a great castle close to the river. The count is already old man and has ruled Archos over 30 years. He don't have any heirs and his wife died over 20 years ago. It is rumored that there would already be a great machinations behind the curtains about who would be the next ruler of the town and "inheritor" of the castle after count's death. Laws of the town follow typical Alcandian line and for example spellcasting is strictly forbidden at the town.
Maintenance of the law
Order in the town is maintained by a town guards. The count himself is their superior. The guards consist of about 150 guardsmen and they have equipped by swords and chainmails and carry Alcandian emblems on their armors and blue cloaks. The town don't have own garrison. Should the town be threatened, soldiers from Crovik are alarmed for help. Journey from Crovik to Archos however takes some time, so the citizens of Archos must defend themselves their town until reinforcements arrive. For this reason the castle has stock of chainmails, swords and shields for about 200 men.
Livelihood
Archos is very well known of its good quality books. Archos produces more books than any other town in Alcandia. Numerous competing bookbinders produce books all-year. Fertile land around the river guarantees plenty of grain for the citizens, river gives fish and near forests give pretty well game. Trade routes via the river and road take care that citizens have enough commodities from outside world.
Demographics
Most inhabitants of Archos are alcanians. Among constant inhabitants there is also some ceenal. Other races represented now and then are wood elves, half-elves, hill dwarves and sometimes even paladri. The language spoken in town is alcean. All merchants also speak at least a little saage.
Else
Traditionally dead are buried into the grave-swamp located on the other side of the river. The town don't have any actual temple of An'Gaia, but a sacred grove outside the town where people can visit quieting down.
Written by : MoR
Translated by : MoR
