Bonnifus is a heavily Guthrie populated city, known for its exotic and irresistible cuisine. It is quite common for many travelers to find themselves here especially during the times of the "Great Moot".
The city is large and spacious, a feature that stands them apart from other places is the very wide roads. These paved cobblestone paths are often congested with wagons and workers pulling food supplies to and from different caravans and traders. Since the towns main income is produce these wide forms of transportation are required to keep traffic flowing.
The land that directly surrounds the city is the Heartland Plains, and is the biggest agricultural location on Phantara. These bountiful lands is what provides and nourishes the people of Bonnifus.
The city is not without its defenses, a large expertly crafted stone wall surrounds it. Four strong iron gates slide on vertical grooves in each of the cardinal directions. Its been documented the four gates of Bonnifus have only closed three times, the most known time being during the Silverthorne Civil War. These grand displays of craftsmanship are a proud symbol of friendship to the Guthrie's. They proudly inform visitors they were gifted by the Dwarf's. The letter received by the late Duke of Bonnifus has been duplicated in Bronze and placed before the "Fountain of Alliance".
History
The creation of the city its self has been lost with time. Many claim that a grand collection of like minded Guthrie's began to camp regularly on the land making such wonderful feasts they decided to never leave.
1010 PEW The first open Bonnifus Grand Moot. The citizens of Bonnifus opened the festivities for the Moot to all travelers and came up with the concept of announcing its dates early in the year to prepare for a city wide festival.
1018 PEW - the Duchy of Gilbain joined the Kingdom of Dorchak during the Silverthorne Civil War. This was a fearful time for the city due to its close proximity. All trade with Da'Thannis ceased and Duke Harrison commissioned the Dwarven Smiths to come and reinforce the gates and walls. With the Dwarven Kingdom embodied in a war, they could not afford Bonnifus to become occupied. They also had to find new ways of delivering and receiving supplies since the Bonnifus River opened next to Da'Thannis.
1020 PEW - Silverthorne denounced Dorchak during the Nerezza Wars the after affect creating a sense of safety for Bonnifus in the future.
1021 PEW- Mayor Clementine Benedict was elected.
1022 PEW Bonnifus was able to begin full trade down the Bonnifus River and to Da'Thannis once again opening up the boarders.
Geography
This image is taken from the "Great Continent Map" a collaborative map pieced together by many cartographers.
Bonnifus is located on the East side of the Kingdom of Silverthorne upon the Bonnifus River. The Bonnifus River travels from the Inner Sea (Castelean) East and forks. To the north this river has adapted the name Dorcheck River or its shortened version of "check River". If you follow the Bonnifus River East it will reach the city, and continue into the Dwarven Homeland. This constant source of water has allowed the surrounding plains to flourish. Its nutrients and sediments contributing to the Heartland Plains.
Cityscape
The city its self is a collection of different types of architecture and design. Although most find the houses either to large or to small for their personal liking. In a attempt to create a feeling that everyone could belong to the city they purposely crafted larger and smaller residence.
Average Residence
This section of Bonnifus is where the majority of residence in Bonnifus live. The houses here are smaller then those in the Civic and Nobles district. Although the style of houses are changed according to the individuals size. The buildings here are a bit less cared for, since most who live here are in the working district or the markets from dusk to dawn.
Many people in the Average Residence know each other. It would not be uncommon to find a Guthrie mother cooking for a section of the street to help those that don't have time. Many children play on the cobblestone paths and the sense that it takes a village to raise a child can be spotted quickly.
Bazaar
This collection of tents and colorful booths is the most commonly seen for outsiders. In this area many different bonfires occur.
During Festivals these booths and tents are fully stocked. People come from all over Phantara to witness the art provided, and taste the most unique delicacies they have ever seen.
Caravan Lands
A large segment of land near the Bonnifus River has been dedicated to local caravans for years. These camping grounds have large fire pits built into individual parking spaces. Many outhouses have been built, and a large bath house was constructed to aid travelers on their journey. The hospitality is free for all travelers through Bonnifus.
During festival times these fields are filled with merchants. Since the location is so close to the city it is simple for them to enter the East or Southern gate with their goods. The land here fills with smoke at night, and the mingled voices of travelers floods the night air. Unfortunately with so many travelers from all different walks of life congregating here, frequent brawls and theft happen. To aid merchants against this, many mercenary troupes in need of money will offer protection during the festivities.
Civic District
The Civic District is primarily a living quarters for those that work within the cities government or for Silverthorne officials. Although travelers may come into this district to meet with different political groups, any type of aggressive behavior is frowned upon. The restaurants here, and Inns hold patrons to a higher slandered of etiquette. Those who clearly do not belong to this district are advised not to loiter.
This is the most stylish district within Bonnifus, fancy garb and anything at the height of fashion can be spotted here. Since this district holds any officials from other nations many shops sell clothing from all different nations. The streets here are swept and cleaned daily, and a whole crew has been provided for scrubbing buildings and pruning plants.
Farming Lands
The Farming Lands right next to the city are considered Bonnifus's best lands. The nutrient levels and soil are of higher quality then the lands to the South. These plots are tended to by the highest quality farmers determined each year in the "Vegetable Festival". Since the plots are owned by the city they change tenders every few years.
The produce from these lands are what the Inns/Restaurants/ and Taverns use throughout the city. Some plots have been magically altered to allow the growth of produce from outside the region.
Fishing District
This port is located directly on the Bonnifus River. The smell of fresh fish, rotten fish, fish on ice, fried, and smoked fish permeates the air here. Many of buildings here although solid are still in rough shape, and shops are usually small wagons or stalls. The stead slap of waves against the piers, and the barking orders of dockworkers is constant. The birds fly high in the air hoping to grab a fish as they swoop to and fro.
The fisherman here provide fresh water produce for the main city.
This village is somewhat isolated, and provides a safe haven for the towns small fishing boats. The city of Bonnifus has laws to the water here, demanding any gathering from outside their village be compensated.
A few small boats float in the distance permanently. These have been anchored down and have become floating houses. Many fisherman tend to head to these locations to eat and sell a bit of their wares.
The docks themselves here are not meant for travelers, although they do keep two larger docks open in the Eastern section. These docks are patrolled by a guard, and require coin to stay lodged at.
During festival times however, the citizens of Bonnifus come to help beach all the fishing boats. This action does open the ports for guests.
Fine Shops
Most signs show the name of the shop, and have the creators crest under. This symbol can also be found on the in home crafted items. A great way to tell if what you bought is a original.
Compared to the Main Market, and the Bazaar, this collection of stores is a more slow paced and peaceful district. The shops here are still popular, but the clients are usually of a more upscale nature. Most haggling is done in a polite manner. The shops here are clean, and neat. Most with lettered signs and very eye catching decorations. Also, patrolling this lovely shopping district are official guards of Bonnifus. Although many shops exist in the district, the oldest and most notable are:
- Runes and Relics
- Botanica Magica
- Embers and Ashes
- Brilliant Nymph Designs
- The Wand's Want
- The Ancient Scroll
- The Cheating Blade
- Tomes and Tiaras
- Dancing Lute
- Hocusses and Pocusses
- Second Chance Garments
Inn/Taverns District
This menu was from the spring season at The Little Taste : A Guthrie's Delight. This is an award winning restaurant, with a two year waiting list.
This District is one of the most commonly frequented throughout Bonnifus. Restaurants, Taverns and Inns of all different themes are presented here. You could go from eating Dwarven cooking, to Elven cuisine within a 5 minute walk.
The smell of good food, and the cries of joyous occasion fill the air. This district is considered the most lively all year round. Many travelers stop here for a full belly, and a soft bed.
The locations here range in price from the most affordable to the lapse of luxury. This location is also where the most notable chefs in Phantara go to study and hone their craft.