Shaw

Demographics

90% Human, 1% Gnome, 9% Other (including Genasi, Half-Elves, Halflings).

Government

Shaw is a self-sustaining town, which doesn't have much to do with people from outside it's boarders. The town doesn't have any formal leadership, however being part of The Heartland Forest puts it under the protection of Melora's Conclave. As such a small number of forest gnomes from Alosbar, lead by Jinxie Timbertopple, live in the town and act as the go-between for the residents and the conclave.

Infrastructure

Shaw is a dedicated farming community. A such, most of the land surrounding the village is arable and filled with a variety of crops. Shaw is also home to a variety of livestock. Outside of this, there are a couple of notable locations.
The Dancing Dryad. A tavern located in the center of town. It acts as a roadhouse to all travelers who pass through the village as well as a popular place for local people to socialise. It is run by Jinxie Timbertopple and his extended family.
It is a large, but simple structure, made from large, stacked and interconnected logs. The roof is thatched and there is a stone chimney coming out of the eastern wall. The bar rests on the wall opposite the front door. At the center of the room is a sunken floors (approximately 1-2 feet) which acts as a dance floor for when musicians come to perform on the stage, located on the east wall. On the west side, across from the stage is a large stone fireplace, used to heat the interior. The surrounding space is filled with tables and chair, enough to sit over a hundred people. The corners of the room are decorated with large, potted cherry blossom trees and above the bar is a large painting of The Mothertree. Bedrooms are located through doors to the left and right of the bar and circle round the tavern's kitchen in the center of the building, which is reached by doors behind the bar.
The Dawnfather's Cradle. A humble, wooden church dedicated to Pelor located on the south side of the village. It is regularly busy as many of the inhabitance of the village are devout followers of The Dawnfather due to their profession. Regular services are run on the 10th, 20th and 30th of every month, although the local priest, Alywyn Truebloom, can be found there most days.
There are two, large windows on the front and back wall of the building, facing east and west to allow the light from the sunrise and set to come in. The interior is filled with simple, wooden pews with an alter at the far end of the main space. The side walls are decorate with carvings of the local people, each carving done by an individual who lives in the town. This tradition builds a sense of community around The Dawnfather. To the right of the alter, on the wall, is a beautifully carved depiction of Calida of the Wildfire and Aquila. To the left of the altar, opposite Calida's mural, Baran of the Wildfire carved a depiction of Cinderaga. The church was rebuilt 15 years ago with the help of Calida, of the Wildfire and her fire elemental companion Aquila, the eagle.
Shrine of the Stormlord. Created by Shaman of the Lake Tribe, this is a triangle of of large stones, each marked with a giant rune; one for strength, protection and god. Between them, is a flat stone surface depicting further Stormlord symbiology and runes. The shrine is located just to the south of the town's boarder.

History

Shaw is a relatively young village, only 150 or so years old. It was established around The Dancing Dryad at its center and has slowly grown into a humble farming community. Most of its inhabitances' ancestors were merchants which travelled down The Heartland Trail and decided to settle here for the peace and tranquility it offered.

Tourism

Almost all visitors to the town are travellers simply passing through, as such most of the village will not pay outsiders much heed, but will still be friendly towards them. It is uncommon for travellers to stay at The Dancing Dryad more than a single night. Occasionally, an individual will come looking to get in contact with Melora's Conclave, in which case they will end up in the same place.

Maps

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  Shaw

Founding Date

350

Type

Village

Population

800

Location under

The Heartland Forest

Owner/Ruler

Jinxie Timbertopple

Owning Organization

Melora's Conclave

Characters in Location

• Alywyn Truebloom
• Jebeddo Timbertopple
• Jinxie Timbertopple