Hampton Hill
Framed by rolling hills and light forests, the brightly-painted cottages and buildings of Hampton Hill pose a colorful contrast to the surrounding area. The town and surrounding region have become a popular vacation destination for the wealthy, with some families maintaining homes in nearby Horrik Forest. Not only is the climate here generally pleasant, the region is well-sheltered from storms and well-patrolled by guards from Hampton Hill as well as private guards employed by visiting nobility and merchants.
History
Hampton Hill began centuries ago as a mining community focused on pulling silver from the nearby hills to the west. After these mines played out, some workers turned to nearby Horrik Forest for lumber while others extended fields away from the village. Over time, the pleasant surroundings attracted visitors and travelers, particularly when the region was under the firm control of the Kingdom of Foere. When powerful, wealthy families began building vacation homes in nearby Horrik Forest, the area became much more secure as patrols began clearing the more dangerous creatures out of the forest and surrounding areas.
Officially, Hampton Hill is no longer a part of Foere, nor is it a part of any other kingdom at this time. Present independence is maintained in part by the fact that some of the wealthy visitors to this area come from Olduvar, Foere, and Vast, and it is considered to be in the best interest of all of them that this vacation area remains independent. The presence of Londar Brightrain, a wizard of great power and renown living in nearby Horrik Forest, helps support continuing independence as well as the safety of the surrounding area. Londar Brightrain’s colorful displays of magic at the Fall Festival every year help draw in additional visitors at that time of year.
The presence of nobles from many different nations, however, can make Hampton Hill a hotbed of rumor and intrigue. But only the vilest noble would risk any action that would affect the neutrality of Hampton Hill.
Trade and Commerce
Although a small city, Hampton Hill does trade in some high-end luxury items that would normally not be found in an area this small. The demands of the wealthy visitors and travelers drives the trade in these items, which is usually restricted to expensive wines, liquors, and luxury food items. A variety of grains, fruits, and vegetables are grown in the fields along the rolling hills outside the city.
Government
Mayor Strybyorn Arthand is elected by the property owners of the city once every four years. He has been the mayor for some time now as he has generally done a good job and the trade and taxes here help support enough guards to keep the city safe. The city has no major defenses against an attacking force and would certainly surrender if an organized army attacked.
Settlement
Hampton Hill, Town of
Type
Town
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