Goldmead

Goldmead is a Large Town at the confluence of the Ashflow and Shield Rivers.

Overview
Commanding the inland trade routes of the Ashflow and Shield Rivers means that Goldmead, after Ashport and Shield, is the most important settlement in terms of trade in the entire Crucible. It also shares major trade up the Ashflow from Blackfalls. From here, the Mayor and his group of cronies command several of the major trade routes not upon the Old Dwarf Road. It is also here that the finest Mead in all of the Crucible is made and shipped.

Goldmead contains a large canal that is used for river barge traffic. This canal was built long ago, cutting off a portion of the town that is now on what is known as Mayor's Island. The island serves as the administrative hub, as well as where the wealthiest folks in town live. They are plutocratic by nature, seeing only wealth as a sign of true significance. The ruling class look down their noses at the poor folks of the mainland, called Wall Town.

There are many farms in this area because the soil is very high quality. This is used to grow both grains and flowers to support a thriving population of bees. These bees, in turn, supply the honey which produces Goldmead's mead.

Goldmead might command the trade in the area, but its might doesn't truly project beyond its walls. Groups of ravening bandits, Goblin warbands, and even a Green Dragon have plagued the town in recent memory. Were it not for the garrison of Andari soldiers stationed at the Lord's Manor, these troubles may've proven more than Goldmead was capable of dealing with.