Chaumburgh
The town of Chaumburgh sits at a crossroads in the King's Highway near the center of the shire's lands, between the winding Salt Creek to the east and the wide Fox River to the west. Chaumburgh is the center of all trading, martial, and social activity within the shire.
As you can see, the city bustles with all kinds of activity, so much that one can get lost if one is not careful. Tucked within the tall, narrow townhouses of the city is the Rowdy Rottweiler tavern. A battered sign painted with a foaming dog lets all men know that within a full mug and the latest gossip is to be found.
Away from the castle and guildhall is the city's residential district. It is along these narrow, winding streets that the crowded one, two and (in the case of the prosperous) three story townhouses the majority of Chaumburgh's residents are to be found. These are not merely homes for many however. Lesser tradesman and shopkeepers use the front rooms of their homes as their shops, or set up small, streetside stalls from which they sell their goods.
Take a brisk walk down these streets of Chuamburgh and you will be accosted by all manner of shopkeepers and craftsmen, from cordwainers, clothiers, armourers, chanders, blacksmiths, potters and carpenters.
As you can see, you are not the only traveller to come to Chaumburgh. The Buxom Broderick Inn is typical, although much better appointed, than those found in most cities. Not only is the inn known for the occasional noble or clergy visitor, the Buxom is also known for the best people watching in town.
Sprinkled throughout Chaumburgh you will find many houses of merriment. Some like the Rowdy, appeal to a 'certain' clientele while the vast many others are similar to the local taverns you would find in any city this size. The Sands of the Sahara dance house is just one example of these, where the locals come to dance and sing their troubles away.
Nestled against an inner wall of the Castle is the Great Hall of the Compagnie du Soleil, a Tournament Company and their supporters. The feasts held on the celebration days of the companions of the Compagnie du Soleil are related later as dreams by those fortunate enough to attend.
About half a day's walk to the southwest of Chaumburgh lies the Convent of Our Lady of the Invisible Joy, where the good sisters dwell in ecstatic contemplation of Divine Love. These most pious sisters found a strange and wonderful gift from those most high, and thousands come from near and far to ask the Vanished Wood Oracle questions, seeking his most pious wisdom.