The Homestead
The Homestead is an enclave of survivors living in peace, established by the man called Job sometime after the Great Cataclysm. Since then, it has become home for more than two hundred refugees and travelers and is one of the largest permanent human settlements left in the entire North American continent. The population of the Homestead lives in harmony, practicing goodwill and kindness, and remains perhaps the last bastion of human morality and pre-Cataclysm culture in the lawless, desolate world of Ashrain.
Demographics
The population of the Homestead is comprised of a great variety of individuals. Job has taken in stragglers off the roadside, travelers beset by enemies, entire groups of survivors, members of other hostile organizations in flight from their previous communities, and even enemies planted in his community to destabilize it from the inside. Gangs such as the Carvers and the Birthers have sent agents into the Homestead to help breach its gates from within, but they have been turned away from their wicked ways by Job's genuine kindness and defected to the Homesteaders themselves.
Government
There is no centralized government of the Homestead, though virtually everybody who is a part of its community considers Job to be the leader and the voice of authority. His advice is treated as law, though enforcement is rarely necessary. Disputes are settled man to man, and in cases where that is not enough council to council. In most cases of conflict, Job steps in to act as an arbiter and an impartial observer, facilitating a peaceful resolution. As many of the survivors who are a part of the Homestead come from much more hostile places, an oasis of peace is not something taken for granted. The majority of the Homesteaders come quickly to resolve their issues, preferring to keep their precious slice of peace intact.
Infrastructure
The Homestead is heavily fortified against external attack, with thick walls, embattlements, defenses around the outer perimeter, and a heavy metal door that can only be opened from inside. If the perimeter wall is breached, the inhabitants can then retreat to Job's Barn, the central building of the settlement. The Barn is an additional fortified position designed to withstand a prolonged seige while protecting those within it. It is also the center of culture for the Homestead. Around it, throughout the compound, various rudimentary buildings have been erected for shelter and habitation, though the majority of resources go to the Barn and the perimeter, both being the primary focal points of protection and activity.
Founders
Type
Town
Population
200-300 individuals
Inhabitant Demonym
Homesteaders
Location under
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Related Tradition (Primary)
Characters in Location
Comments