The Homesteads

Government

Matters of the village are overseen by the local magistrates, which the towns have long come to prefer. House Nightham in Amersmere technically and legally are the ruling office of the Wilds and the Homesteads but centuries ago the nobles found it more troublesome than it was worth and were content to allow the rise of magistrates to handle local business. That does not mean that House Nightham completely absolved itself of responsibility; should any of the towns of the Homesteads face matters that are beyond the magistrate, House Nightham's guidance is sought and given.

Defences

The Homesteads rely on a cooperation between all their civilian militias who share in patrolling the trade routes between them to keep the roads safe for travelers and caravans during the trading season. Civilian militias also are responsible for the safety of the towns themselves (though roles are really not much more than a 'cakewalk' job), though militia volunteers often much prefer road patrols.

Industry & Trade

Trade and farming are much of the lifeblood between the villages. Not all village farms are alike; places like Witham and Stardenn grow a lot of different grains while farms in Midrest and Bellgrave tend to raise animals like cattle and a breed of sheep brought roughly two hundred years ago by dwarven settlers. One of Faybrook's popular exports are dwarven ales and meads due in large part to the dwarven-run breweries in the town. Town markets can be found in each village, in the case of places like Duskmount hold them just outside due to their size and the volume of traders they see. Caravans from Breakwater Port make their way through the Homesteads during what is known as the trading months, which begins at spring and goes well into the autumn months.

Infrastructure

The towns consists of villager homes, markets and various trade businesses with the farms outside of the town proper. At least one tavern can be found in each, though Fairburn and Dimminster both boast two. Trades like blacksmiths, leatherworkers, stable men are common. Sunwick boasts a couple of herbalist shops as well as an apothecary, quite supported by not only their own supply of materials but trade from Midrest and Bellgrave, as well as the caravans who often bring goods not easily accessible in the north. General goods shops are also common. Magistrate houses are not much different from anyone else's but towns being as close-knit as they are everyone knows which house that is. Barracks are also a staple, though how much use they get often varies.

History

Ravenstone was the first to be established in the Northern Wilds in 2784. It began as a small collection of merchants and townsfolk from a neighbouring kingdom who tired of the monarchy and its impositions. They traveled northward as far north as they could go, seeking out lands free of others' rule. Their travels brought them to the untamed wilderness that would come to be known simply as the Northern Wilds. Gradually other towns followed as more folk made their way to the north, and families moved about, and over a span of roughly two hundred years the Homesteads took shape and grew to the network they have now become.

Geography

Though the lands are predominantly grasslands, some areas around the Homesteads have inclines on which it has made it easier to farm some things over others. Natural water sources come in the forms of ponds and streams of all sizes.

Location under

The Northern Wilds

Included Locations

• Ravenstone