Northriver
| settlement name | duchy | district/province | type | population | founding year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northriver | Barban | Royal District of Kova | village | 1,500 | 4532 |
Northriver lies in a charming valley in east-central Barban, at the confluence of the Ess and North Rivers. A magnificent, large three-way stone bridge spans this confluence. It is the focal point of an annual river festival.
Biche Estate, the imposing ancestral home of Viscount Adstan Biche and viscountess Kaelya Biche stands on the northern bank of the Ess, just west of the village.
Northriver is surrounded by extensive and astonishingly productive farmlands, delivering far above-average yields. The vast majority of the crops are harvested for supply to Staven and Harden, a burdensome task which engages most of the population.
The most prominent structures in Northriver are the public meeting hall, the stately home of Lady Aelijah Ales (noted architect), and a large market covered with huge swathes of fantastically coloured cloth.
Northriver’s civil authority is mayor Thomys Sandflats. Notable residents include Maxymer Ships (merchant), Aliya Chestnut (Senior Judge Advocate) and Jasmyne Glasier (jeweller).
Several skilled artisans and craftsmen work as pewterers, furriers, marblers, apothecaries, coopers and tilemakers.
The extensive farmlands surrounding the village are a strategic food supply and this important task is the responsibility of the Biche family, currently led by viscount Adstan Biche, a peer of the realm. Lord Biche is an accomplished poet and story-teller. Lady Biche is a sage, specialising in poisons and how to counteract them.
The viscount has also been given dominion over Linmill’s agricultural output, but Northriver’s surrounding farmlands are so productive that Linmill has rarely been given a quota to fill.