Most misunderstand what Kingsmeet is, understandably so. After all the name appears on maps, the King resides there, the Hall of Records is there, the Kingsmeet is held there. Naturally one would assume it is the capital city of Westreach, it is not however. At least not in the sense most kingdoms would understand the term. Kingsmeet is first and foremost a gathering place. Long before permanent structures even existed the peoples of Westreach gathered here to settle disputes, forge alliances, elect leaders, and determine matters affecting the whole of Westreach. The gathering became known as Kingsmeet, eventually the place where it is always held became known by the same name. Over the centuries a handful of permanent buildings were constructed but the purpose of the location never changed.
Appearances
Visitors expecting a grand capital are often disappointed as most of the year Kingsmeet is remarkably quiet. As permanent structures there are only The Hall of Records, Royal Host Barracks, a handful of storehouses, a set of stables, couple of basic workshops, and a small handful of private homes. The permanent population is small outside of officials, record keepers, stable hands, messengers, and members of the Royal Host. During much of the year it resembles more of an outpost than it does anything remotely close to a city.
The Hall of Records
The Hall of Records is the largest and most important structure in Kingsmeet. Within it's walls are preserved centuries of agreements, obligations, treaties, census records, voting rolls, judgements, land claims, and historical accounts. The hall serves as both archive and administrative center for much of Westreach. As well it houses the King, simply within are a set of offices and private chambers maintained for the purpose of carrying out the responsibilities of the office, most Westreachers consider this entirely appropriate. After all the King is expected to work, and the Hall of Records is where much of that work occurs.
The Assembly Grounds
At the center of Kingsmeet lies the Great Assembly Grounds, a massive amphitheater like depression carved into the landscape generations ago. Stone seating rises along its sides, speaking platforms stand below. Most of the year the grounds serve practical purposes, members of the Royal Host train, horses are exercised, and drills are conducted there. When Kingsmeet begins however, the grounds become the political heart of Westreach. Thousands will gather upon the stone benches, speeches are given, arguments made, votes cast, disputes settled, and kings are elected. For a few short weeks of the year the future of Westreach is decided there.
The Fields of Kingsmeet
Surrounding the permanent settlement are vast open fields, remaining largely undeveloped. They are not reserved for farming, construction, or private ownership but instead existing for the Kingsmeet. When the gathering begins these fields transform nearly overnight, tents rise, livestock pens appear, merchants establish markets, campfires spread across the countryside, roads fill with caravans, and entire temporary districts emerge. For those few weeks the populations swells dramatically, then when the gathering ends, the camps vanish once again almost overnight.
A place of purpose
Unlike many capitals, Kingsmeet was never built to display wealth or power but because it was needed. Every structure exists for a reason, every field serves a purpose. Even the King resides there not because it is grand but because it is practical. Many travelers leave Kingsmeet surprised by how little there is to see returning later to discover they missed the point entirely. Kingsmeet isn't important because of its buildings, but because for a few weeks every couple of years it becomes the place where all of Westreach gathers as one people.