Lehigh

Lehigh was a small village located in the kingdom of Callidyrr on the island of Alaron within the Moonshae Isles Lehigh, a picturesque village nestled within the heart of the Moonshae Isles, can be found on the Island of Alaron. Unlike the bustling coastal towns that dot the Moonshaes, Lehigh is a serene and secluded settlement that resides along the border of the Dernal Forest. The village is known far and wide for its most striking feature – the towering, ancient trees that define its landscape. The heart of Lehigh is marked by a majestic grove of colossal trees, their massive trunks reaching skyward, their canopies casting cool, welcoming shade. These trees are more than just a natural wonder; they are considered sacred by the villagers, and each one has a name and a unique history. Legends speak of benevolent forest spirits who watch over the village, drawn to the towering sentinels that make Lehigh their home.
Homes in Lehigh are built in harmony with the forest, using sustainable and non-invasive construction methods. Treehouses, made from the abundant wood of the surrounding trees, are a common sight and serve both as dwellings and places of meditation. The architecture of Lehigh reflects the village's deep reverence for nature, with living roofs covered in vibrant mosses and gardens filled with colorful, native flowers.
The villagers of Lehigh are a close-knit and self-sufficient community, relying on the bounties of the Dernal Forest for their sustenance. They are skilled hunters, gatherers, and herbalists, with a deep understanding of the forest's secrets. In return, they take great care to protect and preserve their natural surroundings, practicing sustainable forestry and maintaining a delicate balance between their needs and the forest's.
Lehigh is also known for its artisans who craft intricate wooden carvings, jewelry, and musical instruments from the forest's abundant timber. These artisans often trade their wares with neighboring villages, providing Lehigh with valuable resources from the outside world.
The village's central gathering place is the ancient Arbor Square, where villagers come together to celebrate festivals and perform rituals to honor the forest spirits. At the heart of this square stands the grand Arborian Oak, a massive tree that is said to be the oldest and wisest in the village. Elders often gather beneath its branches to share stories and wisdom with the younger generation.
Life in Lehigh is peaceful and harmonious, a testament to the deep connection between the villagers and the natural world that surrounds them. Travelers who visit Lehigh often find solace in its tranquility and leave with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and majesty of the Moonshae Isles.

Demographics

40% Elves 59% Humans 1% Other

Industry & Trade

Woodworking and Artistry: The primary industry in Lehigh revolves around woodworking and artisanal craftsmanship. Skilled woodworkers create intricate carvings, finely detailed jewelry, and exquisite musical instruments using the abundant timber from the Dernal Forest. These handcrafted goods are highly sought after in neighboring villages and occasionally in the wider Moonshae Isles. Herbalism and Potion-Making: Given its proximity to the Dernal Forest, Lehigh is renowned for its herbalists and potion-makers. They gather rare herbs, mushrooms, and other magical flora from the forest to create remedies, potions, and salves. These herbal concoctions are often traded with other villages for goods and services.
Forest Products: The villagers practice sustainable forestry, carefully harvesting timber, nuts, fruits, and other forest products. The wood is used for construction, crafting, and heating, while the nuts and fruits are both consumed locally and traded with neighboring communities.
Trade Routes: Although Lehigh is a secluded village, it maintains trade relationships with nearby settlements. Villagers occasionally venture out to trade their handcrafted goods and forest products for items they cannot produce themselves, such as minerals, exotic spices, and rare textiles.
Barter System: While some trade is conducted using standard currency, Lehigh also retains a barter system, especially for items of cultural or artisanal value. It's not uncommon for a finely crafted wooden instrument to be traded for an equivalent value of herbs, for example.
Festivals and Markets: Lehigh hosts seasonal festivals and markets, inviting traders from neighboring villages to participate. These events provide opportunities for both commerce and cultural exchange, with music, dance, and storytelling playing a significant role in attracting visitors.
Hospitality and Tourism: The village occasionally welcomes travelers and adventurers seeking respite in its serene surroundings. A small number of guest lodges, constructed with minimal environmental impact, offer accommodations and meals for visitors in exchange for goods or services.
Forest Guardians: Some villagers serve as forest guardians, ensuring the protection of the Dernal Forest and its magical inhabitants. Occasionally, they may engage in mutual agreements with other settlements to safeguard the forest in exchange for trade benefits.

Infrastructure

Treehouse Dwellings: Many of the village's homes are built as treehouses, utilizing the towering trees of the Dernal Forest as the foundation for their construction. These treehouses are interconnected by a network of rope bridges and wooden walkways, creating a picturesque and practical living environment. Arbor Square: At the center of the village lies the Arbor Square, a communal gathering place beneath the shade of a colossal Arborian Oak tree. The square is adorned with carved wooden benches, offering a space for villagers to come together for meetings, celebrations, and ceremonies.
Harvesting Platforms: Elevated wooden platforms are built around the taller trees, providing access for the villagers to gather nuts, fruits, and herbs from the canopy without harming the trees. These platforms also serve as lookout points for keeping an eye on the forest.
Wooden Bridges: To navigate the village and cross streams that meander through the forest, Lehigh features an intricate network of wooden bridges. These bridges are not only functional but also works of art, adorned with intricate carvings and designs.
Sustainable Farming: The villagers practice sustainable agriculture, using clearings in the forest for small-scale farming of crops such as grains, vegetables, and herbs. Raised wooden beds are common in these areas to protect crops from forest wildlife.
Forest Spirit Shrines: Scattered throughout the village and the surrounding forest, you can find small shrines and altars dedicated to the forest spirits. These sacred sites are adorned with offerings and tokens of respect, often in the form of carved wooden sculptures.
Workshops and Craft Studios: Lehigh boasts various workshops and craft studios where artisans create intricate wooden carvings, jewelry, and musical instruments. These structures are nestled among the trees and provide a space for artistic expression while utilizing the forest's resources sustainably.
Council Hall: The Council Hall, where the Council of Sylvaheart convenes, is an impressive wooden structure near the center of the village. It features a grand hall with open walls that allow the forest's sounds and breezes to flow through during meetings and gatherings.
Water Management: Clear mountain streams provide a source of fresh water for the village. Wooden aqueducts and channels are used to transport water for daily needs, ensuring a minimal environmental impact on the forest.

History

Lehigh was recently struck with economic turmoil ever since Nagah burnt down their biggest tree and caused a forest fire near the area.

Points of interest

Arbor Square: The heart of the village, Arbor Square is a serene gathering place beneath the massive branches of the Arborian Oak. It's where villagers come together for meetings, celebrations, and rituals. Visitors are often welcomed to participate in these communal events.
The Woodcarver's Grove: A tranquil glade filled with wooden sculptures and carvings created by the village's skilled artisans. This open-air art gallery showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of Lehigh's residents.
Sylvaheart Sanctuary: A secluded grove deep within the Dernal Forest, where villagers go to connect with the forest spirits and seek guidance. It's a place of deep reverence and tranquility.
The Elvenwood Library: A modest but well-maintained library filled with books on herbalism, forest lore, and the history of the Moonshae Isles. It's a valuable resource for villagers and visiting scholars alike.'
Trawlindy Farm: The biggest non government building in Lehigh it is soley owned by a girl named Felicia Trawlindy
Lehigh Orchard: A huge apple and orange orchard.
Hayes Bakery: High quality baked goods with magic embuement
Kesslors Masonry: Masonry owned by Kessler

Tourism

Dead

Population

120

Location under

Alaron

Owner/Ruler

Elaris Windrider

Additional Rulers/Owners

• King Derid Kendrick