Meadowspring

City of Boroughs
large Halfling city

The city of Meadowspring, located in the southern end of the Collar in Lutien's Vale, is capital to the Halflings of the Vale. The Halflings on this side of the continent represent what it means to be Halfling in a historical sense, and they enjoy all the comforts of home. They are relatively safe, have excellent trading partners, find protection when needed, and benefit from the luck of Lutien often.

Society

Three distinct sub-races exist for the Aerithian Halfling; the Lightfoot, the Tallfellow, and the Stout. All three share most of the same qualities with each other, particularly about their welcoming approach, lighthearted nature, and love of food, drink, hearth, and home. Meadowspring has a majority of Lightfoot Halflings, with a smaller group of Tallfellow, or Stouts that also reside amongst them.
Meadowspring is an extremely communal city, with the opinion that those who visit are to be given the same considerations as family, while they are there. Residents take pride in their boroughs, but they never appear arrogant or rude to those from other areas (even outside of Meadowspring). In fact, most Halflings are eager to hear what life is like elsewhere, even as close as an adjacent borough, and they love to share stories. They are gregarious and outgoing, with a penchant for embellishment. Central Meadowspring is where all the business, trade, government, and productive aspects of city-life occur, but those who work there manage to maintain their happy Halfling demeanour, even in the face of difficult work, or dangerous situations.
Each borough has a shrine to Lutien, but the main temple to the Halfling Pinnacle is in Central Meadowspring, called Journey's End. Many Halflings have the desire to travel, and most will leave their home at some point in their early youth, before eventually tiring and returning to their home. Journey’s End is maintained by an elderly, but still spry Lightfoot by the name of Jeremy Figtooth.
Halfling hospitality is legendary, and they make any lodging, be it temporary or permanent their home. As such, they are always ready to host guests, keep it presentable in case of visitors, and try to keep it stocked as much as they can, with good food and drink.
Halflings do not really take stock in nobility as such, and they have no royalty. They do, however, have some old families, called Heritage Families, that can trace their lineage as far back as the times of Haven. They take great pride in their histories, and these families engender interest and hold a place of honour, but they do not have any other powers over those of newer familial origins.

Crime and Law

The Halfling sense of proprietorship is a bit less strict than in other cities. As many Halflings consider the needs of others, with the same consideration given for themselves, many crimes are not even considered crime to most. Halflings that need something will most often just ask for it of their neighbour or friend, but if they cannot connect, the assumption is that the answer would be yes anyway, so taking something is not frowned upon (for the most part).
Major crimes are rare in Meadowspring, but if they do occur the constables of the guard react swiftly (for Halflings) and ensure the public is safe. Patrols of constables can be seen roaming through Central Meadowspring and the various boroughs, but they are as likely to engage in conversation, or share an apple with people as look for any crimes that might be committed.

Government

Meadowspring is made up of multiple boroughs, with the main city centre at its core. Most businesses, government, trade, and military happens in Central Meadowspring. It is surrounded by anywhere from seven to nine boroughs, of various sizes, which houses all the residences of the city.
Each borough is headed by a burgher, who ensures his area is running smoothly, everyone has what they need, and any surpluses are shipped to needed areas. In turn they coordinate the import of needed resources from the surrounding boroughs and Central Meadowspring. They attend the council meetings in the city proper, adding their opinions and wishes of their constituents to any proceedings regarding the running of the city as a whole. The High Mayor, Eddie Fatrabbit ensures that all boroughs’ needs are addressed, the running of Central Meadowspring is smooth, and all residents and guests of the city are cared for.
Halfling government can sometimes move slower than other cities, as they like to listen to all who have a concern or idea. The decisions Halflings make in general are to ensure the happiness of as many citizens as possible. Eventually they achieve success, but it can take a while. Halflings in the city have no problems with the government, but visiting dignitaries or non-Halfling residents can sometimes get frustrated with how long it takes to decide.

Defences

The people of Meadowspring have a small military presence, and they rely on the kindness of their allies to protect them in serious times of strife. Slingers and javelin-tossers continue to be the forte of the Halflings and most of their units contain at least some of these. Halflings are very protective of their family and friends by nature so the favoured skills of their warriors include protective tactics, or those that aid their allies.
There is a specialized cavalry unit that ride large war dogs into battle, fit with barding and trained to heed their rider’s orders. Most underestimate the Halflings and this can provide them with a great advantage, particularly against those of the larger folk.
The Halflings rarely go to full war, but they have been known to send out parties to ward off the Gnolls of the area, or sometimes some gathering beasts that threaten the farmlands or villages. Meadowspring has the largest group of full-time warriors and may send troops down to other villages or towns to support their needs.

History

Post Fractioning
The Luck of Lutien spared the Halflings from most of the truly horrific effects of The Fractioning, as well as their positioning between the two mountain ranges. Aside from the connection they had with the Humans and the Dwarves, the Halflings of the Vale continued to prosper and live. They brought much-needed supplies to the Humans of Essillion and continued to trade with both the Dwarves and Humans of the region to try and bring some normalcy back to the area. Their good nature and gentle spirit lightened the hearts of many who needed such cheer. Even after the world began to right itself the Halflings continued on as they have always lived, helping those in need and combatting fear and despair.

Geography

Orchards surround Meadowspring, growing mostly apples, pears, berries, grapes, and the like. They also farm a lot of potatoes, lettuce, and a wide variety of produce. Wheat and grains make up a good portion of Halfling diet also and they love their cakes and sweets. They also have a wide selection of cows, pigs, chickens, goats, and other livestock. The Avonshire River flows along the eastern edge of the city, giving the residences of the east boroughs a wonderful view, and access to riverfront activities. Many residents will make a trip to North Riverside to enjoy the water, swim, fish, or go boating. There are a couple of places to ford the river and it is guarded heavily by the militia of Meadowspring. A crow’s nest is situated on both sides of the river at Fordbridge.
Meadowspring, like many places in the Vale are blessed with pleasant weather, and rarely have climate issues. They get to enjoy the four seasons, with light snow in the winter, pleasant summer days with cool breezes, and temperate conditions during the spring and fall. Meadowspring is a bit north of the centre of the Vale and their temperatures may get colder in the winter months on the odd occasion, but they typically have consistent weather that rarely gets harsh.
Meadow's Spring is a large and naturally forming spring that has been around since before the founding of the city. It has since grown larger, but there is no threat of it overflowing (so far). It is an immensely popular spot to fish, have picnics, or just lie and enjoy the cool breeze.
The Crow's Nest is a popular attraction in Meadowspring drawing children and adults alike.
Glenfellow Park is a large greenland space named after one of the founders of Meadowspring, Pentis Glenfellow. Marigold Glenfellow takes great pride in the Park and ensures it is maintained all through the year.
Journey's End - North is not just a temple to Lutien, but it also serves as a tavern, inn, and dancehall. The temple proper is separated from the entertainment establishment, but there are passageways that lead underground from one to the other. Both are run by Jeremy Figtooth, and a small group of Lutien priests and acolytes.
The Journey's End - south is located at the southern edge of the city, and is run by Jeremy’s cousin Thea Kettlewhistle. Thea has done a remarkable job of keeping the general theme of Journey’s End but making it her own.

Central Meadowspring

While Meadowspring is technically a city, it is really made up of the surrounding boroughs. Central Meadowspring is not terribly large, but it contains the government buildings, infrastructure, and mercantile endeavours.

Community Corner

The main part of Central Meadowspring is Community Corner, a large area dedicated to the running of the city. The main seat of government is in the High Mayor's Hall, but some other government buildings are nearby, like the Meadowspring Commerce Building, The Warehouse, and the Meadowspring Centre for Cultural Affairs (which is a fancy way of saying ‘Halfling Party Planners’). Also, within Community Corner is the Militia House, which is less organized than their commander would like. However, when it comes to serious threats the members of the militia are more than competent; and follow orders strictly.
High Mayor's Hall is where the High Mayor of Meadowspring lives, and conducts the business of the city.
The heads of trade, and local businesses both work out of the Commerce Building. In addition to the offices of the heads, the Commerce Building also houses the treasury, the money exchange, and the permit office. Quite often the two work in conjunction with each other but there is enough separation to warrant their own separation within the building itself.
The Warehouse is a large building on the north end of Community Corner, and is where all the supplies from the surrounding boroughs, as well as any supplies from outside the city are stored. It is the responsibility of the head of resources to reallocate the supplies to the most needed areas, supplying all of Meadowspring with whatever is crucial at the time.
Halflings like nothing better than to relax and celebrate after a hard day’s work (or an easy day’s work). Meadowspring Centre for Cultural Affairs works hard to make sure that the citizens of Meadowspring have entertainment, fairs, local pastimes, and activities to keep their people happy. The Equinox and Solstice Fairs of Meadowspring are great parties, and many from miles away come to celebrate with them. People as far as Essillion, and even some ambitious merchants from Hollow’s Point will make the trip.
Militia House is a small building within Community Corner, where the guards, militia, and small contingent of full-time soldiers stays or practices drills.

Local Businesses

Applebottom's Orchard and Gourmet Pie Shop has an outlet in the city, but their orchard is a few miles out of the city borders. The pies sold here could rival any baker in Essillion or Avandar, and some people come from miles around to taste their special apple pie.
Halfings are very fond of sweets, so it is no surprise that they have a premiere confectionary. Figtooth's Fine Confections is run by Bolly Figtooth, the brother of Jeremy Figtooth, the priest of the Journey's End temple.
Located just south of The Warehouse is a simple and affordable tavern named The Windy Duck. With its namesake duck on the signage, this comfortable, yet sometimes dark tavern is run by an Earth Dwarf named Belloril Bigtoe .
In Community Corner, near the botanical garden, and the Meadowspring Centre for Cultural Affairs is a moderately expensive restaurant called Wise Acres. It caters to the wealthier merchants, or families that just want to celebrate something fancy.

The Boroughs

The boroughs of Meadowspring are all interconnected and the boundaries can shift sometimes, depending on the needs and distribution of resources. Currently there are eight boroughs, but it has gone as high as ten, or as low as six. Within each borough is a burgher’s house, which is larger and holds some staff to help them with their duties and responsibilities. The rest of the residences are all typically the same size, though they are decorated to individual taste. Halflings do not normally get jealous of each other, as they all share the same space openly. Those on the river’s edge do not complain about ‘trespassers’ during nice days, just as those on the western side do not complain about people picking their fruits.
All boroughs have a burgher’s house, but only four of them contain the Heritage Homes. These are the ancestral homes of the founding families of Meadowspring, and only four remain – Brightmoon, Glenfellow, Swiftwhistle, and Tosscobble.

Glenfellow Grove

The most northern central borough is called Glenfellow Grove, and contains the Glenfellow Heritage Home.

North Riverside

In the northeastern section of Meadowspring is the borough of North Riverside (or just plainly Riverside).

Fordbridge

Though officially called South Riverside, the borough just below North Riverside is most often referred to as Fordbridge. The Brightmoon Heritage Home is found here, and the current resident is a single father named Alton Brightmoon.

Bountyborough

Bountyborough is the southernmost borough and is closest to the southern exit down towards the heart of the Vale. Many travelers from Berrybracken Hill, or even as far as Stonebridge will travel through Meadowspring entering here. The Journey's End - south tavern and inn, while not technically located in this borough, provides Bountyborough with much interest and activity.

Tosscobble Estate

Directly south of Community Corner is the old and honourable borough of the Tosscobble Estate. Many fine Halflings going back as far as Haventimes have come from this borough, the most famous being Lyle Tosscobble, the mage of great repute.

The Glen

The Glen is a relatively new borough, that formed about a year ago. Some small shops and popular cottage industry businesses have popped up and required some representation. A small pond near the northern end of the borough feeds a small ravine that forms the centre of the Glen.

Springwhistle

Springwhistle is another borough of great heritage, headed by the Swiftwhistle family. The matron of the Swiftwhistle family is Grammy Verna, an old and wise Halfling woman who loves telling stories of the past.

Crowsfield

Similarly to Bountyborough, Crowsfield greets visitors from the north, coming from Essillion, Shalehaven, or even as far as Hollow's Point or (rarely) Aspenshield. Located near Meadow's Spring, The Crow's Nest, and Journey's End(north), this borough is extremely popular and full of activity.

Ruling Family:
Eddie Fatrabbit, High Mayor

Heritage Families:
Brightmoon
Glenfellow
Swiftwhistle
Tosscobble

Sites:
Meadow's Spring
Community Corner
The Crow's Nest
Glenfellow Park
Fordbridge

Temples:
Journey's End – Jeremy Figtooth (m/halfling)

Shrines:
Lightwind's Blessing (Anamare) – Euphemia Elderberry (f/halfling)

Restaurants, Taverns & Inns:
Journey's End – tavern, inn, dancehall (moderate)
Applebottom's Orchard and Gourmet Pie Shop – restaurant/shop/attraction (inexpensive)
Journey's End - south – tavern, inn (inexpensive – moderate)
The Windy Duck – tavern (inexpensive)
Wise Acres – restaurant (moderate – expensive)

Notable Merchants, Shops and Places of Interest:
Fiddleswitch's Fancy Foam
Figtooth's Fine Confections
Meadowspring Museum

Boroughs:
Glenfellow Grove
Riverside
Fordbridge
Bountyborough
Tosscobble Estate
The Glen
Springwhistle
Crowsfield

Notable Personalities:
Marigold Glenfellow (f/halfling), Glenfellow matron; Alton Brightmoon (m/halfling), Brightmoon patron; Perrin Tosscobble (m/halfling), Tosscobble patron; Grammy Verna (f/halfling), Swiftwhistle matron
Wenner Whistlewind (m/halfling), Glenfellow Grove burgher; Vani Hogshollow (m/stout halfling), Riverside burgher; Callus Boondoggle (m/halfling), Fordbridge burgher; Cora Brightheart (f/tallfellow halfling), Bountyborough burgher; Reed Copperkettle) (m/stout halfling), Tosscobble Estate burgher; Stacee Chubbycheeks (f/halfling), The Glen burgher; Euphemia Elderberry (f/halfling), Springwhistle burgher; Daniel Silvereyes (m/tallfellow halfling), Crowsfield burgher
Marcus Tosscobble (m/halfling), Meadowspring Museum curator; Filo Fiddleswitch (m/halfling), Fiddleswitch’s Fancy Foam owner; Bolly Figtooth (m/halfling), Figtooth’s Fine Confections owner; Thea Kettlewhistle (f/halfling), Journey’s End South innkeeper; Sam Wiseacre (m/halfling), chef/owner of Wise Acres; Belloril Bigtoe (m/earth dwarf), Windy Duck owner
Braeg Darkcoal (m/minotaur), jack of all trades

Type

Large city

Population

87,156 (including surrounding boroughs)
Dominant: Halflings (Lightfoot)
‌Minority: Halflings (Tallfellow, Stout)
‌Group: Dwarf; Gnome; Humans
‌Individual: Goliath
‌Singular: Minotaur

Inhabitant Demonym

Luteians

Location under

Lutien's Collar

Included Locations

• Bountyborough
• Central Meadowspring
• Crowsfield
• Fordbridge
• Glenfellow Grove
• Journey's End
• Journey's End - south
• Riverside
• Springwhistle
• The Glen
• Tosscobble Estate

Owner/Ruler

Eddie Fatrabbit

Characters in Location

• Braeg Darkcoal
• Jeremy Figtooth
• Jillian Jamjar

Related Professions

• Halfling Whistler

Eddie Fatrabbit - High Mayor
Andry Brushgather - Head of Trade
Fildo Goldfind - Head of Local Business
Bester Hardknuckle - Head of Resources
Gilbert Goodbarrel - Head of Cultural Affairs
Ulmo High-hill - Head of the Militia