Sable
Upon entering the modest town of Sable, there's a word that often comes to mind. That word is 'potential', which is something of a rarity in this sun-bleached Hinterland. It's a town built on sturdy foundations and healthy soil - another rarity in these parts. It's a place rich enough to afford the expense of a true glass church, complete with a beautiful garden. Traces of this greenery can even be found in other spots around the town, in such places as the trees sparsely dotted along Main Street, or in the occasional flower basket found perched upon a windowsill.
Sable is a true frontier success story. Most boomtowns come and go, but this is one of the lucky few that will be here forever - it might even become a city someday.
Demographics
The people of Sable are mostly working class industrial laborers. They came to do work on the railroad and all surrounding infrastructure as it was passing through, and decided to stay because the strong soil had formed a strong bond between the workers, built off hard work and camraderie. Most of this workforce is comprised of humans, with significant communities of gnomes and (to a lesser extent) half-elves scattered throughout. As is the case in many parts of Bastollo, full-blooded elves make up the smallest percentile of the town's population, and can most often be seen occupying roles of power within the town center, as high-ranking clergymen and executives.
In addition to these general demographics, many of the former railroad workers in these parts of the Hinterlands have had their share of encounters with the fey. Such encounters can have lasting physical impacts, visibly making people appear more strange. But the shared struggle of these workers, and the life they chose to carve out for themselves regardless, established a culture of mutual respect that does its best to ensure the old-timers are treated with respect and dignity, even in more well-off areas like Main Street.
Infrastructure
After construction of the railroad had moved on further up the line, the people of Sable that were no longer able to physically sustain such a burden were eager for a new trade to ply. As luck would have it, the Mister Sable had recently expanded his ventures into glass production, and so within a few short years Sable was home to a fully-functional glassworks, that produced glass for industrial and luxury ends and ship it back down south. With this investment into glass manufacturing, the construction of a proper glass church was ordered in the place of the ward at the town center which had been there for as long as anybody could remember. That ward was moved to the front of the station at the south side of town. The little gree roof of the glass case had become almost emblematic of the town and their vibrant community, and the urban planners thought it a perfect way to welcome visitors and newcomers.
Points of interest
Without a doubt, the most impressive building in Sable is the church, made of wrought iron and glass brick. It has a characteristic roof made of green glass panels. These panels are a subtle expression of gratitude for the town of Sable and its people, serving as a visual homage to the town ward that had been here for years before the church was built, and still remains in pristine condition for all to see at the other end of main street.
Tourism
Right now Sable has the allure of being the furthest north one can get in Bastollo via train, and it attracts a lot of rich tourists in Cressentime who are looking to explore new places in the world.
Architecture
The town is one of many on the frontier that was built to resemble a Fork of Lombra in its overall layout, with the church denoting the head of the fork, as is custom.
Climate
Situated on the arid flats of the Imperial Steppe, Fossen in Sable tends to run long, while Cressens are short and balmy.
Natural Resources
Sand from the desert nearby is shipped into Sable's glassworks, and goes on to produce a variety of industrial and luxury goods, while grains and other agricultural products are imported from farms and ranchland outside the town.
Type
Town
Included Locations
Comments