Fighollow
Ruler: Master of Revels, Oathsworn of Waeldstone, Falk Royce of Fighollow, Master Woodwright.
Population: Large Town, 4361 people
Exports: Figs, wine, ore and leather
Defenses: Strong stone walls, and watch towers lining the fig groves.
~ Bio ~
Nestled in a lush river valley, Fighollow’s wooden gate welcomes you with warm colors, hanging flowers, and the banners of House Royce. Sunlight filters through the leaves of countless trees that line the wide, well-paved roads, casting dappled shadows across the stones. The air is thick with the honeyed scent of ripe figs, smoke, and fresh bread.
The streets beyond are broad, and orderly, leading to a public square where musicians play for those generous with their coin. Colorful banners flutter from balconies and the laughter of children rings out as they rush through the trees. In the distance you hear the clanging of hammers, and see the occasional cart loaded with barrels and ore, as the local miners head home or to work.
~ Founding And History ~
206 years ago: Fighollow was founded as locals discovered the fertile river valley and natural fig groves. What started as a small supply camp grows into one of the largest settlements in all of Waeldstone.
184 years ago: Discovery of the rich iron vein leads to an insurgence of locals, working the mines.
43 years ago: The stone walls were erected around the town, and the streets were paved during a period of peak prosperity.
15 years ago: Falk Royce was named the Ruler of Fighollow.
14 years ago: Fighollow is taxed heavily, and the funds go to repairs, and expanding both the town’s mining and fig production.
13 years ago: Falk personally leads a raid that captures the notorious bandit lord Garren “The Grim Wolf” Shermer. The bandit is publicly executed in the town square, his body displayed as a warning.
8 years ago: Falk issued the harsh “Purity Edict,” banning gambling, public drunkenness, and “frivolous” entertainment. The Tusk enforcers gain sweeping powers to enforce it.
1 year ago: Grand Marshal Taniya Aetherian ends the long standing trade deal with Fighollow for their iron and figs, sparking ongoing economic strife.
Enforced by the Roycemen and Tusk
The Purity Edict, which forbids gambling, drunkenness, and “frivolous” entertainment.
Public Brawling, Indecency, and Disturbance are to be fined 1-10 gold.
Fig Groves are considered an extension of House Royce. Any damage or crime committed to them is considered direct treason.
Taxes are collected often and without mercy.
~ Extra~
Famous For: Figgy Wine, The Fig Harvest Festival, and for the public execution of the Grim Wolf.
Economy: Fighollow enjoys a thriving economy based on fig cultivation, iron mining, and livestock. Trade caravans frequently stop here, boosting inns and crafts.
Nearby Landscape: Surrounding the town is a fertile river bed and ample grass fields.
The Fig Harvest Festival:
Once per year, immediately following the main fig harvest, the town of Fighollow holds its most important celebration. The week-long festival begins with a grand procession from Fort Fighollow to the Revel Hall, led by the Tusk in formation and Roycemen carrying the first baskets of the harvest. Master of Revels Falk Royce delivers a rousing speech about the virtues of labor and the dangers of unchecked desire, after which offerings are made at the base of the Old Mother Fig. The next two days are known as the Labor of Plenty, during which citizens are strongly encouraged to participate in communal work.
Midway through the week comes competitions including archery, wrestling, log splitting, and crafting contests. Winners receive public praise and rewards from House Royce. The fifth day features the largest public meal of the year, where food and non-alcoholic cordials are served in abundance, accompanied by music and dancing. The final two days are more of the same, and are concluded with Falk Royce bestowing honors upon the most worthy citizens of the year. Throughout the week the streets are decorated with fig leaves and House Royce banners, and the Tusk and Roycemen maintain a highly visible presence to ensure order.
~ Local Landmarks~
Nobles
Falk Royce: Master of Revels, Oathsworn of Waeldstone, Falk Royce of Fighollow, the Dependable, Master Woodwright.
Airis Royce (Aetherian): Oathsworn of Waeldstone, Dame Airis Royce of Fighollow, the Skilled, Master Architect.
Sofia Royce (Aetherian): Oathsworn of Waeldstone, Dame Sofia Royce of Fighollow, the Weeping.
Commoners
Arcel Fleetwood, Captain of the Tusk
Aerin Gavell, Tusker
Xanner Rowe, Tusker
Drack Sedley, Capital Royceman
Cira Latham, Rocyeman
Colby Waydebrook, Royceman
~ Local Laws ~
The Revelry: Before you stands a large open-air amphitheatre, nestled in the very center of Fighollow. The impressive structure is made of pale stone and dark timber, giving it an almost checkered exterior. Within, tiered seating surrounds a wide stage, flanked by House Royce banners.
~ Notable Characters~
The Fig Grove: This sprawling orchard of fig trees lies surrounded by fences. The ground is well groomed, and pruned in orderly rows. Heavy clusters of green and purple fruit hang from the branches, filling the air with a thick, sweet, honey-like fragrance, while members of the Tusk patrol the fence and rows within.
Old Mother Fig: The largest and oldest tree in the grove. Its massive, gnarled trunk is so wide that it would take six people to wrap their arms around it. The air around it is especially rich with the scent of ripe figs, and small offerings of fruit and coins rest at its base.
Fig Watch Towers: A ring of sturdy wooden towers line the fence surrounding the grove every one hundred feet, providing scenic views of the surrounding valley and ample defense against intruders to the grove. Guards in green and brown can be seen moving along the walkways high above, bows resting at their sides.
Iron Mine: A large, dark opening cuts into the rocky hillside, framed by heavy timber supports. Within the sound of picks and hammers rings out alongside the sound of rumbling cart wheels.
Riverside Market: All along the riverbank running through Fighollow, colorful wooden stalls and tents hock their wares. The air buzzes with voices, laughter and surly trade deals, while fish splash up from the river, and barges pass by slowly.
Drak’s Spot: This well-kept two story timber house, boasts a fresh coat of paint, flowerboxes on the windowsills, and a multicolored thatched roof. A wooden sign sings above the door depicting a sword, while the scent of roasting meat and herbs wafts out into the streets.
Fort Fighollow: This large stone keep sits on a low rise overlooking the town. Its thick walls are reinforced with iron bands, and numerous House Royce banners. Watch towers surround the keep, and armed figures patrol the battlements.
The Hanging Gate. The only gate to Fort Fighollow, is made of heavy iron-reinforced wood. Dark iron chains hang from the archway, while the thick timbers show old dark stains.
Tusk Barracks. This long, stout building boasts the banners of House Royce, while a number of archery lanes fill the yards surrounding it.
Roycemen Barracks: Near Fort Fighollow, a number of sturdy longhouses and training fields dot the surrounding fields. The smell of smoke, horses and sound of rowdy men fills the air.