Swellberg

The largest of the 'forest towns' of eastern Craysilt, Swellberg's biggest industry is selling things that make surviving in the eastern wilderness easier. Adventuring gear of every stripe, meaning adventurers from everywhere, can be found here. It is a market economy.
Swellberg is a large-ish merchant town nestled within the foothills of eastern Craysilt. There are several settlements out here that house the workers providing raw materials to the The Unified Kingdoms of Craysilt .
The living is rough out here, but not as rough as many of the residents would have you believe. These are well established work settlements, where it is in the The High King's Seat 's best interest to make them as safe and productive as possible. Therefore, money has been sunk, resources have been siphoned, and tax collectors have been notoriously lax. These towns and villages are safe. Or, at least as safe as any town or village in the rural heart of the Kingdoms.
The High King 's influence is strong 'round these parts, manifesting as fierce patriotism and rugged individualism. People with names like 'Foothill Pete', or 'East Passage Jake' simply litter the place, each with their own unique and colorful stories.

Demographics

Of the towns and villages of eastern Craysilt, Swellberg is by far the most diverse and accepting socially. Elves , Gnomes , Dwarves , and Humans all intermingle as neighbors and fellow businesspeople.

Government

A democratically elected council of Speakers.

Defences

Standing militia and rapid response unit

Industry & Trade

It is an entirely market economy. It is known as the 'last stop before the wilderness', and there are signs and posters claiming so in the strangest places all throughout the foothills, usually graffitti of some sort, or at the crest of some difficult-to-climb peak

Infrastructure

Roads, public housing, public wells, indoor plumbing, sewers, street lights, police force two hundred people strong, standing fire department, public bathhouses, bridges, culverts, public open-air markets, public health ministry, public celebration ministry, public works, lamplighters, rapid response team, standing militia

Assets

Gold (measured in tons, not ounces), in a secret vault beneath the Town Hall, freshwater fish, hardwood lumber, private salt supply (absolutely vital for food preservation), prime location, adventuring gear of all types

Guilds and Factions

The Merchant and Sailors' Guild has a steady and strong presence here; they are, in fact, the rapid response team.

History

The very first of the 'frontier towns' started by The High King's Seat a couple of centuries ago.

Tourism

There is a booming 'wilderness safari' demand, and the locals are happy to help. For a price, of course.

Architecture

Stone buildings, built with arches and swooping roofs rather than the standard post and lintel affairs.

Geography

Built around two lakes on a natural isthmus, every so often one side or other gets wiped out in a spring flood.

Natural Resources

Freshwater fish, salt, venison, leather