Highfolk

Highfolk, properly known as the Free Town of Highfolk, is a political city-state of the Flanaess. The region around the town is sometimes known as the Highvale or the Valley of the Velverdyva. It is led by Mayor Anne-Kathrin Ersteader and Lord Kashafen Tamarel of Flameflower.

Overview

The land along the Velverdyva River, from the Clatspurs to the southeastern spur of the great Yatil range, has long been nominally claimed by Furyondy. Here is a land of beauty, of pleasant, bountiful farmlands tended by simple, honest folk. Everything in the Highvale functions upon a spirit of cooperation. Man, gnome, elf, and halfling live together in harmony, and strangers are greeted with a hearty handshake and an invitation to share a place at the table.
The elven folk call the Quagflow Valley the Fairdells. Because of their numbers, many consider Highfolk an elven realm. In reality, though most in the valley defer to the lord of the high elves, representatives from several races and factions have a voice here.
Trade in the valley follows the Quagflow Road from Highfolk Town to the northern town of Verbeeg Hill, there to Perrenland and beyond. Most heavy cargo is transported by barge along the river, which flows at a comfortable pace. The quality of the roadways, and the halfling taverns along it, are unparalleled. The folk of the valley are proud of their home, and care for it accordingly.
Highfolk is protected from harsh winter weather by the Yatils, which block the furious winds common in the north. Light blankets of snow are common in the colder months, and it has been many decades since the last notable blizzard. For most of the year, the weather mimics the spirit of the people, temperate and good-natured.
In times of danger, the laid-back spirit of the chaotic Highfolk vanishes, and neighboir stands with neighboir against the common foe. Despite their easy natures, these are frontier folk; nearly everyone here learns to wield some type of weapon before they learn how to ride a horse. In times of muster, Highfolk can field frightening bands of halfling slingers, as well as dangerous hill and forest troops. Veluna, a strong ally of the Highfolk, has stationed more than two hundred elite cavalry and footmen in Highfolk Town, to assist the mayor and the lord of the high elves. Highfolk’s Knights of the Hart, made up of elite elven and half-elf warriors, represent hope to the people of the valley, and are justly celebrated as heroes.

History

The Fairdells and the Vesve Forest were home to high elves for untold centuries. When humans first arrived, as emissaries from the Viceroyalty of Ferrond, the two races developed a kinship that exists to this day. In the ensuing years, though the folk of the valley remained strong allies with Furyondy, it became clear that they were a people unto themselves, and that the king held no true authority here.
Highfolk has always been dominated by three geographic features. The first, the Velverdyva, provides food and livelihood for many in the vale. The Yatils, home to most Highfolk gnomes, provide gems and precious metals that fuel the region’s economy. Last, the Vesve, the largest forest in all the Flanaess, provides both crucial timber resources and most of the trouble Highfolk has suffered in recent years.
The town of Highfolk is primarily constructed of wood. Many of the buildings feature intricately carved arches and steeples. Elven architecture is as evident here as in any “human” settlement on the continent, matching even Verbobonc's elegant, woodsy style.

Settlements

Cities

• Highfolk

Towns and Villages

• Brannigan's Farm
• Flameflower (Elves)
• Quaalsten
• Tal Aska (Elves)
• Verbeeg Hill

Notable locations

• Serpent Mound

Demography and Population

46,000 - Elf 79% (High 60%, Wood 40%), Human 9% (Os), Half-elf 5%, Halfling 3% (Stout), Gnome 2%, Dwarf 1%, Half-orc 1%

Type

Geopolitical, Country

Government System

Electocracy

Power Structure

Feudal state

Currency

Solar (gp), Great lunar (ep), Small lunar (sp), Wheat (cp)