Weshade
I watched my Pa work in the mines. They worked him to his grave. So I took up his pick in time, and I'll die down in these cavesAlong the Western side of the Westwall Mountains the Royal Mining Company of Korinthia has dotted the land with copper, tin, and silver mines. The village of Weshade sits at the halfway point of the stretch of mines, serving as the seat for the RMC in the area and a place of refuge for miners in the camps to come and spend some of their gains. It is also the site of the largest copper mine in the area.
Royal Mining Company
The RMC holds jurisdiction over the major mines along the Westwall Mountains. They hire the labourers, handle supply contracts, organize shipments, and report to the King. From their office in Weshade they also distribute mining claims to would-be prospectors willing to explore deeper into the mountains in search of fame and fortune. A successful prospector has the opportunity to sell their claim back to the RMC or try to mine it all themselves. Those who have found riches tend to keep their prize, but strange things happen in the mountains and sometimes selling back to the RMC is the safer route. The RMC owns several buildings in town, including two dormitories and a large stable. Around 200 people are currently employed by the RMC at the local copper mine.Oh Weshade's boring as a dead horse, but it's the best town around.
A Quiet Village
The Riverside Inn offers rooms to out of towners at the South end of town just across Prospector's River. They provide a large pub space on the main floor which fills up most nights with workers from the mines. Occasionally a travelling performer will come through with a song or two at hand, but on other nights it's not unusual for the miners to take up fiddle and bow and find a tune. Heading North across the river and past the tannery, one comes to Dr. Madison's Barbery where a worker with extra coin can treat themselves to a good cut and shave, or have a bad tooth pulled. Dr. Madison has many a tonic or cordial to treat almost any condition. Some in search of healing may prefer to try their luck across the street at the Church of Myander. Continuing the journey, Shandliwine's Breads & Cakes sits on the West side of the road across from Goderick's Dry Goods. Owned by Kerriwise & Gianne Shandliwine, the bakery was one of the first independent stores to open in Weshade. It has become a favourite spot for wives to gather while comparing their husband's alibis. Goderick's is the general supply store for the town, handling everything from tack and harness to dried beans, to children's toys to winter garments. North of Goderick's is the Leatherworker's & Taxidermist. Norbert and Mirriam Dalestout, a halfling couple, run the shop. Norbert is the senior leatherworker with three apprentices, his two sons Konni and Aldin, and the Shandliwine's second son, Roban. Mirriam is teaching Taxidermy to the Dalestout's youngest son, Jenneth. One of our last stops is the Copper Cup, the towns other tavern. The Cup's patrons swear by the pasties, handmade by the owner Almathea DeBlaine and her daughters. A widow of some fallen nobleman, she keeps her customers on a leash and doesn't stand for any nonsense. That's what the Riverside is for. Of a ways to the North West, just past the trees sits Madame Juno's house. The town knows what happens there. Some suppose the RMC keep her staff on retainer. Others feel its a trade far older than any other and not worth worrying over. At the North Eastern end of town sits the manor housing the leaders of the RMC.Infrastructure
The village has a central well in the village square. The square is surrounded by the RMC offices, the church, and the dry goods store.
The RMC owns a large stables for donkeys and horses to aid in their operations, and they contract the town blacksmith, with a small public store under the name Shoes and Shod. The dwarf Lorbeck Opalheimer oversees the operations of the smithy.
Several outlying farms also serve the town and provide a variety of resources.
Most businesses lie along the main road, one of the old Ursian highways. Most travelers will be on business related to the RMC, but there are the occasional wanderers looking for a shortcut from Goodemete to Dalestone or other points North.
Natural Resources
Weshade is the location of the largest copper mine along the Westwall Mountains, and probably the largest belonging to the Korinthian court. After decades of mining, it is still easily turning up copper veins and has been very important to the kingdom. Copper is used for a wide variety of items, most obviously the copper coins of the realm. Common uses include candlesticks, bells, measuring instruments, basins, and pots. It is also used in many decorative arts, including in clothing as sequins or buttons, aquamanilia, and monuments. Nearby tin mines are a great resource for making bronze as well.
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