The Crossroads

"Not much to see at The Crossroads. It's the middle of nowhere, but the gateway to everywhere." - Hig Jaffer, Owner of Roundabout General
The Crossroads is a small village set in the heart of central Astora. The town sits in a position between Vinheim, Haven, Marklund and Ironwood Forest, making it the perfect location for an intersection along the Astoran Road. The formation of the Astoran Road and the crossroads came first, while the town naturally grew around the site, eventually taking the same name.
The town itself is quiet and peaceful, with most of it's business and rumors carried in on the backs of travelers. The Crossroads serves as a pitstop to most traveling the Astoran road, as their destinations typically lay further on the road.
The town's day to day operations are mostly handled by the Astoran Military guard detachment, currently led by Sergeant Cartwright. The Town-Master, Carac Burns, is not often heard from, allegedly preferring to communicate by letter only.

History

Status During the Ironwood War

Because of the site's importance being a waypoint along the Astoran Road, Astora's most important supply route, The Crossroads were heavily guarded at all times. Citizens of the area were evacuated near the beginning of the war'larger

Disappearances

In AoR 594, The Crossroads was the site of a grisly scene. Reports from the area state that the Town-Master, Rue Yannik, had engaged in cult-like behaviour, even going so far as to indulge in cannibalism. Citizens during this time sought refuge in their homes, rarely leaving for fear of being swept up in what they believed to be wild animal attacks. Many people went missing during this time, the most likely scenario being swept up in the Rue's vile activities.
Luckily the Town-Master and his ilk would be dispelled by an adventuring party in AoR 595. It's said that a cave was discovered nearby with evidence of Yannik's activities. Although unconfirmed by local officials, rumours say that a tribe of Orc were discovered to be in collusion with Yannik. Whether these were allied with the The Quaan Empire is unknown.

Places of Interest

• The Sign Post Inn: The Crossroad's only tavern, The Sign Post is quite busy, usually bustling with the activity of incoming and thirsty travellers.

• Hollowguard Mercenaries: The Hollowguard are a small outfit of mercenaries, led by Articus Faust of Astora. They specialize in the guarding of caravans and travellers, often escorting them to Marklund, Vinguard or Haven.

Basic Information

Type: Village
Region: Central Astora
Population: 990

Society

Races: Humans (62%), Elves (25%), Dwarves (8%), Other (5%)
Notable Inhabitants: Articus Faust, Bard Truegust

Politics

Ruling Type: Townmaster
Townmaster: Carac Burns