7. DESARROLLO DE LA INVESTIGACIÓN
7.2. Recolección de datos y análisis de datos
York was originally built by the Romans during their conquest of Britain. As they moved northward, they established a garrison here called Eboracum. This site was of great strategic importance because it controlled a key north-south route, and was thus a focal point of older Celtic roadways. This site was also adjacent to two rivers which were both suitable for trading and which even provided access to the North Sea. As the Romans continued to occupy this site, they built their roads on top of the older roads, making York more important as a trading hub. These factors attracted a civilian population to York, and when the city was Christianized, a bishopric was established here. Lastly, a major ley line runs right beneath the city, making it a source of great power for magicians, and a natural place for them to build their homes and conduct their studies. All of these factors have combined to make York one of the most powerful and influential cities in Britain.
After the Roman occupiers departed from Britain, York’s strategic importance led to it being quickly conquered and occupied by the Saxons, who called the city Eoforwic. During his Twelve Battles to rid England of Saxon rule, Arthur lays siege to York and recaptures it.
Map Key
1. Cathedral Precinct
This area is the home of York-minster, dedicated to St. Peter, the largest cathedral in all of England. The Archbishop who rules here is an ardent foe of the “devil’s children” who seem drawn to the city for reasons the churchmen do not understand. Sermons denouncing the practice of witchcraft are given here weekly, and sentiment against the “children of the night” seems to be building to a fever pitch.
2. Bootham Bar
This gate guards the major entrance into the city from the north, and can be dated back to Roman times.
3. Monk Bar
This gate is extremely elaborate and well-fortified, having had a portcullis recently installed.
4. Layerthorpe Gate
Not nearly as well-defended as the true bars (a term for the principal gates into a medieval city), this postern gate is a simple pair of iron-bound wooden doors.
5. Fishergate Bar
This gate is named for its access to the river, and for the fishermen who live in the nearby neighborhoods.
- Arthurian Adventuring -
- Arthurian Adventuring -
Legends of Excalibur
51
- Arthurian Adventuring -
- Arthurian Adventuring -
6. Castle
This motte-and-bailey castle is the home to the Lord who rules and protects the city on Arthur’s behalf, the Warden of the Northlands, Lord Brastias. Having served Uther and his son Arthur with distinction, Lord Brastias is now in his 70’s, and is rumored to be in ill-health. Only his influence has prevented a popular uprising against the witches of the city, but mages and those who practice the Old Faith throughout York are preparing for the day the venerable lord passes away, because they fear that day they will have to fight for their lives.
7. Clifford’s Tower
This tower was the original defensive fortification of the city, and predates the current castle. It is named after a man who was hanged here, and is rumored to be haunted.
8. Franciscan Friary
This Friary was personally associated with Francis of Assissi, and its proximity to the castle leads many visiting dignitaries, including the King himself to take residence here.
9. Foss Bridge
This stone bridge is lined with many shops and stalls, including a chapel dedicated to St. Anne, and the city’s main market for saltwater fish. A representative of the King is stationed here to collect all appropriate taxes and fees from the fish trade. The Foss has been dammed, and the bulge in the river (at the extreme right of the map) is a lake created by this dam, which is an official royal fishery. Only those with the proper licenses (and according fees paid) are allowed to fish here under penalty of death.
10. Merchant Adventurer’s
Hall
This powerful guild, which specializes in foreign trade (and indeed holds a monopoly over such trade and travel), has paid handsomely for a Royal Charter making it independent of all local rules and regulations. Only the King himself may place any limits or restrictions on this guild, which he chooses not to do as long as they support him financially.
Legends of Excalibur
52
- Arthurian Adventuring -
- Arthurian Adventuring -
- Arthurian Adventuring -
- Arthurian Adventuring -
11. Carmelite Friary
These monks have a charter to run boats across the King’s fishery, and have built a small dock to allow boats crossing the lake to bring supplies to their monastery.
12. The Shambles
This area is the city’s butcher market. Those new to the city can quickly find this area because of the charnel smell, blood soaked streets, immense population of bugs, or the sounds of animals being slaughtered when it is open. When it is closed, the area still reeks.
13. Marketplace
This area not only hosts a variety of shops, but also an open-air market every Thursday. This area is commonly referred to as the “Thursday market” for just that reason. Vendors can begin selling their wares at 5 a.m., or 7 a.m. in the winter months. A town warden is always present at the Thursday market to assess fees for the vendors, called “stallage”, which is a major source of revenue for the city.
14. Stonegate
This neighborhood is one of the most important in the city, and the road leading through this area is an important route for official processions in the city. Many of the buildings in this neighborhood are owned by the Church, and many of the shops here sell religious books. There are also many goldsmiths in this part of the city, who are important allies of the Church, who in turn are some of the biggest purchasers of gold for their elaborate cathedrals.
15. Common Hall
This hall is the home to the powerful Guilds of the city. In addition to guild meetings, this hall is able to support large gatherings, and the Great Hall is where the city’s Mayor is elected every year. When the Lord of York is powerful and well respected, as Lord Brastias is, he will be asked to approve the guild’s choice of Mayor. There is no popular vote.
16. St. Leonard’s Hospital
This facility, run by the Abbey of St. Mary (with
considerable help from the other religious institutions of the city), is dedicated to caring for the poor. Alms are collected here, and local farmers are required by law to contribute corn to help the hospital carry on its work.
17. Abbey of St. Mary
Home to a powerful and influential order of Benedictine monks, this large, self-contained, and self-governing abbey is a source of tension and bitterness among the rulers of York. There is a separate temple for the use of the monks, so they may worship privately in the center of the enclosed abbey yard.
18. Dominican Friary
This monastery is dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene.
19. Ouse Bridge
This bridge was originally built by the Romans. The building at the northwest side of the bridge houses the Mayor and his administrative staff, including the city treasury and gaol. There are numerous shops on the bridge, a chapel, and even one private residence. No area on the bridge may be owned, and are all rented from the city.
20. Holy Trinity Priory
This Benedictine monastery owes its allegiance to Bors, the King of Benwick, who established this monastery during his campaign to aid Arthur during his War of Ascension. Although the locals view it with suspicion for this reason, Bors is a staunch ally of Arthur.
21. Old Baille
Although called “old,” this small, imposing castle is actually much newer than the Lord’s castle, and has only recently been completed. It is controlled by the Archbishop of York, and its stated purpose is to act as a prison for priests and monks who violate the Archbishop’s orders or commit other infractions. Many believe it will also act as an Inquisitional Court to root out the city’s witches, serving as a place of execution as well when the time is right and the Archbishop feels free to act.
22. Micklegate Bar
This gate guards the main entrance to the city from the south, and is the most important and well-defended gate in the entire city. There are only three keys to this gate, in the hands of the Sergeant of the Guard, the Mayor, and Lord Brastias. This gate will be locked at night, but may also be locked during external attack, or internal strife.