Elderfield

< 1,000 (88% halfling, 8% human, 3% half-elf, 1% other)

Along the busy and bustling Pentapass Road, tucked away in the Pentapine Thicket, the quaint and humble hamlet of Elderfield welcomes all travelers. This small hamlet, which at any one time has fewer than 1000 people, is a haven for the weary and woeful that travel along Pentapass Road. Primarily centered around entertainment and lodging, the denizens of Elderfield lead very simple lives either providing for travelers and competing for business, or farming to sustain the hamlet's small population.

Government

Like all of Tura, the governmental rule is held by a Bishop and orchestrated through whatever bastion of faith is present. In Elderfield, the Bishop works out of the Dawnhouse and carries out the normal duties while also maintaining and managing the village's only ceremony. In recent times, the old Bishop, Bishop Holden, has gone missing and the Dawnhouse has been closed ever since, under the direct order of the Luminous. In their wake, the wealthiest family in the hamlet, the Tristan's have taken quasi-control over the governmental affairs, often saying that they are "in communications" with the Synod for a replacement Bishop.

Commerce

Being such a small place off the beaten path, not much money flows in and out of Elderfield. The economy is based almost entirely around attractions and lodging for travelers and merchants that require respite on their way along Pentapass Road. Containing only a single tavern and inn, most of the money that is accumulated in Elderfield flows through the entertainment related businesses.

Despite being a economy based on entertainment, the wealthiest and most powerful family in the hamlet, the Tristans, have control over much of the farms and fertile lands. They have the largest house in the hamlet as well, known as the Manor House, and has been passed through the generations of Tristans. With their wealth and control over Elderfield, some have speculated that they were responsible for the disappearance of the Bishop and are being purposefully slow to replace him. Whatever side you land on, one thing is certain: the Tristans are certainly benefiting from this disappearance and have made more money than they ever have before as a result.

Geography

Located within the Pentapine Thicket, the general geography of Elderfield is that of a clearing carved out of a forest. Surrounding most of the hamlet are the thick trees that make up the Thicket and serve to shield Elderfield from plain view. Additionally, being very close to the base of the Cinderpeak Mountains, Elderfield is customed to being plagued and pursued by the wild animals that call the mountains home. Whether it be Giants, Trolls, or all manner of flying beasts, the people of Elderfield are always on alert and moving through the thickets with caution.

This natural state of danger has made it advantageous for a group known as the Shade Watch to take hold. Originating in Answood, the Shade Watch is a group of experienced travelers and experts in the area that are hired to escort and protect cargo and individuals all along Pentapass Road and beyond. The chapter in Elderfield particularly does well in keeping away the Wargs and the other beasts that call the Thicket home. Due to their aid, Elderfield has been able to grow slightly in population and in traffic and a symbiotic relationship has sprouted as a result.

Places of Interest

The Dawnhouse

The Dawnhouse is the only sanctuary located in Elderfield and it is devoted to the Raven Queen. Presently, the Dawnhouse has been closed down of the strange disappearance of the previous Bishop, Bishop Holden. Since its closing, the denizens of Elderfield have been forced to hold makeshift sermons and prayer sessions in the town center, and without a Bishop running things, some are worried that their small village is slowly sinking into ruin.

Aside from being a place of worship, the Dawnhouse also oversees a small cemetery where the deceased citizens of Elderfield are located. Many people can be seen putting flowers on graves of their loved ones, holding small memorials, and or placing candles in remembrance of those that have passed. Since the abrupt leaving of the Bishop, the cemetery has been unwatched for quite some time, leaving some of the stones and gardening untouched to fester and grow unkempt. Many of the citizens are upset and worried by these developments and have made it known that they wish to have the Dawnhouse reopened.

Burnt Barrel

The Burnt Barrel is the life of Elderfield and where you can find most people in the evenings. At one point a fully functioning barn, the Serella family converted it into a multi-story tavern and brewery. Live music, singing, and dancing are seen here nightly, with drinks and food served fresh by the order.

Being the only tavern in town, the Burnt Barrel does quite well, at least as far as business is concerned, with weary travelers finding relief and comfort in the grogs of ale and plates of food served here. Like any good tavern, bards that travel the continent sometimes appear and perform their songs and sonnets. Most importantly though, the Burnt Barrel is often a place where laughs are shared, fun times are had, and the occasional punches are thrown.

Inn and Out Inn

The Inn and Out Inn is the only place of lodging in Elderfield and as such attracts all of the passersby that pass through the hamlet. Whether it be a night, or a week, the Inn and Out Inn is very rarely full and always happy to accommodate and Miriam, the owner, is as sweet as can be. Hot eggs and toast are served for free in the morning, and your steeds and mounts are taken care of for you. The Inn and Out Inn is a place of respite, comfort, and humble beginnings.

Feobee's Fungi

For any ingredients or recipes involving natural elements or otherwise, Feobee's Fungi is the place to go in Elderfield. Managed by Feobee herself, everything in the shop is home grown and taken care of solely be her. Whether it be healing salves, potion ingredients, or creature repellants, Feobee has everything a traveler looking to brave the Thicket needs to make his or her journey as easy as possible.

While not particularly skilled in the arcane herself, Feobee's knack for nature and her inclining for growing goods have made her the go-to source for anything nature related.

The Manor House

The Manor House is the largest, most luxurious house in all of Elderfield. Owned and operated by the Tristan family, this manor house has been around almost as long as Elderfield, with additions and modifications made every so often. Presently, it's lavish gardens and high quality construction draws the attention of most wanderers that find their way to the farms.

Along with housing the Tristans, the Manor House is also used to house the Bishop, at least when he was alive. Being that this is the case, the Manor is heavily guarded by Luminous soldiers so as to protect the Bishop. In present times, and with no Bishop, some people wonder why the Luminous remain.

Tristan Farms

Tristan Farms are a large collection of fields and farmhouses that are owned and operated by the Tristan family. These farms are the main supply of grain, vegetables, and farm animals in the hamlet, and have helped the Tristan's cement their hold and reign on Elderfield. Being the only suppliers of these necessary goods, they set prices arbitrarily high, threaten townspeople with shortages, and use their leverage to push their agenda regularly.

The people of Elderfield strongly dislike the Tristans, with most seeing them as just a necessary evil.