Solemnwood

When people wish for true freedom - even within the borders of a government - they will often flock to remote and undesirable locations. Solemnwood's story is very much in the same vein, with it's founders seeking refuge from the ever-growing demands of a then developing nation. In 7a 913, the small cluster of stilted homes in the bayous of The Eastmarsh was granted the officially recognized title of "hamlet", allowing for legal zoning of build sites for homes and businesses. At the time, the kingdom viewed the settlement as a grand source of clay for brickwork - something that to this day is still exported by the residents of Solemnwood.

Where the mud flows

Initially, the people of Solemnwood agreed to their government trade contract with the kingdom to ensure that the monarchy would stay out of the hamlet's affairs - an idea that the king (at the time) was very open to, as it allowed him to stay clear of the swamps and bogs as a whole. In modern times, the settlement's exporting of clay is both a way to ensure their relative independence and ensure their people are able to afford minor conveniences out of Selthame , realistically the only settlement that Solemnwood frequently trades and speaks with outside of mandated and grandfathered contracts.

Demographics

Solemnwood is quite unique in it's population. Around sixty percent of it's inhabitants are human, of course, but the majority other forty percent is made up of races quite uncommon in the rest of the kingdom. Tritons, Firbolgs, Goblinoids, and Lizardfolk have all made their way to the swampy environment either to avoid the eye of the kingdom or to better expand on their natural abilities.

Government

Solemnwood's loose government system sees a proxy-ambassador - elected every month - who is tasked with bringing reports not to Acaron, but instead to Selthame. Selthame acts as a ruling family for the settlement, and uses their ambassador to bring up exceedingly rare issues that are plaguing Solemnwood that the town can't simply resolve alone.

Infrastructure

Being built in the deep marshes, Solemnwood's infrastructure shows some amazing resolve and resilience on the part of the citizens. Smaller waterways of the swamp are walled off with clay bricks, and often times even capped. These waterways act as a naturally disposing sewer, using the tides of the Frigid Channel to carry waste away. The larger waterways have been dug deeper and again lined with clay bricks, and allow for residents to take gondolas through and out of the town.
Buildings - all on stilts - have been erected around trees and often use them as primary supports instead of the soft ground. Connected by wooden walkways and bridges, the town proper is a unique sight to be sure.

Assets

A general store, a blacksmith, a few artisans, and some basic hunter's clubs and bog farmers make up the goods and services of Solemnwood, and outsiders can take advantage of any number of businesses offering gondola transit.

Founding Date

7a 913

Population

316