Bern-Kastel is a city that started on two different sides of the Mostel River. The city on the western bank was known as Bern, while the city on the eastern side was Kastel. On a small slightly raised plateau just north of Kastel is a small keep. It is from this keep the local government has been established.
Bern-Kastel was very small just 15 years ago. The size of it has greatly increased in the last several years due to refugees streaming in from the west. It started as two small frontier towns, but rapidly grew into a large city. Because of this, large portions of the city are poorly built. The Bern portion is split into three sections called; old city, new city, and Gathersburg. The old city is ringed by a stone wall that is kept in good repair. Within reside the higher classes of citizens, many exiled nobles, and wealthy merchants. Attached to the northern gate is the new city. It is surrounded on the south by the old city stone wall, and on the other sides by a hastily built wooden wall. This contains the merchants, shops, and markets. Surrounding these two is run down, hastily built homes comprising Gathersburg. The people in this area are mostly peasant refugees that have come east as far as they can, and now hope to scratch out a living. The area is filled with beggars, thieves, and cutthroats.
Kastel is also walled with stone. Within reside the craftsmen, and laborers. It is also surrounded by a gathering of poor people. The buildings though on this side are in better repair. Many of these find work with the craftsmen with kastel. They have elected a mini council to handle daily problems for them. They have taken to calling their area Sentari (Our last hope).
New construction has started on new walls to circle the city on each side of the river. The construction though is new and is still mostly in the planning state. This wall is to include the keep. Further out in the surrounding area, are hundred of small farms. The closer ones being more manor like and better built.
The Keep contains rulers for the area -- Baroness Givair. She has established a council that contains members from all 5 sections of the city. This council has decided to build the new walls and a moat to aid in city protection. They are also build new bridges containing draw bridges. The council meets in guildhall with new city. They have established a town guard that is mostly made up of mercenaries, old vets, and young kids. Despite this combination, it is a well disciplined and honest group. It is run by a former General known as Nathaniel Falke. He has instilled a sense of pride, and loyalty in HIS troops.