Fischbach
The town of Fischbach is a small community along the western coast of Columba. Built directly against the peaceful beaches here, it is best known for the fishing industry and occasional collection of clams from the beaches, with a handful of pearls. Trade caravans along the Waldkuste Road occasionally stop here to sell goods, but most simply pass through to more profitable destinations in either direction. Some offload a handful of goods here, but for the most part, even the wealthy of the town rarely spend more than a pittance on passing traders, making it an unprofitable market. Fischbach is known by some as a good place to disappear and live simply and peacefully, away from the cares of the busier parts of the world.
Demographics
Fischbach is nearly entirely human residents, primarily Columban. A handful of half-orcs and dwarves have settled here over the years, but they represent a miniscule minority of nonhumans. Nonhumans are viewed with relative suspicion compared to others, and few stay in the town for more than a few years.
Government
The government of Fischbach is governed directly by the local lord of the surrounding province. The lord appoints delegates and representatives to manage the house's affairs in the town, and to keep track of any taxation that needs to occur. Some of these delegates stay on until dismissed, and in effect, a civic position in the town lasts for life, helping to main consistency in the government. Any special needs or efforts that come up are dealt with either by the lord directly, or a suitable representative is appointed.
Defences
Fischbach has never built a wall, and has maintained that openness to this day. The only material defenses of the town is the old castle built when the community was first founded. Many years old, the structure is decaying and woefully out of date for defending against modern spellcraft and weaponry. There are twenty full time guards and constables that maintain order in the town, but the true defense comes from the local levies of the lord, around one or two regiments of trained warriors. The townsfolk can also rally around four hundred militia in the case of dire need.
Industry & Trade
The majority of the settlement's economy relies upon fishing and scavenging along the coast. There are a handful of farms in the surrounding areas, including citrus orchards and most of these foods are sold locally only. Occasionally salvage washes up on the coast and any real relics are sold to traveling merchants.
Infrastructure
The roads of Fischbach are mostly unpaved, with exception of the main thoroughfare and a handful of roads by the fishing docks. Efforts have been made to provide lighting via whale oil for the majority of the community, but these have been allowed to lapse in recent years, and have been either scavenged by the townsfolk or simply allowed to fall apart to the elements. The local blacksmiths provide only for residential needs, and much of the town has fallen into disrepair, with only the fishing docks kept properly maintained and attended.
Assets
The marketplace of Fischbach services local demands only, and has very few amenities for travelers and wanderers, boasting only a single inn. Occasionally merchants from other towns stop here briefly and will sell more exotic goods, but the harbor is too shallow to welcome anything but the shallowest keeled trading vessels. This means very little trade from beyond the seas, and no variety of product beyond what is locally grown or caught. The one draw that does exist here is a well stocked alchemist shop, which has gained a reputation for high quality potions and reliable service.
Founding Date
833 AF
Type
Town
Population
4,100
Related Ethnicities
Inhabitant Demonym
Fischbachan
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
Comments