Post by Trippy Hare on Sept 6, 2006 23:51:37 GMT -5
The medium-sized village of Swordstroke Moors is located south of the capital city of Waeleden, close to the border of Waeleth's control. Unlike many border towns, it is not a lawless frontier run by squabbling criminal groups or bandits. It's citizens are a peaceful, law-abiding sort, due mostly to their unusually open-minded attitude towards newcomers, foreigners, and nonhumans. The town constables and peacekeepers are as friendly as the rest of the townsfolk, and rarely resort to jailing someone.
Make no mistake, Swordstroke Moors is not an easy, soft-bellied target for bandits and robbers. Almost all the citizens are armed, and many are former or current militia members. Magic may not be in large supply, but capable fighters certainly are. The town is ruled by a Magistrate, who in turn answers to a regional Governor, who in turn answers to a District Vassal, who reports directly to the King. This long line of rule ensures that unless something incredibly drastic happens, there is little, if any, royal interference in running the town. However, the government of 'the Moors' is a miniature version of the government of the kingdom: the Magistrate's authority is absolute, and he acts as head of the local militia as well as governing body.
Swordstroke Moors is also famous for its largest tavern, The Matchless Mine, and especially the ale produced and sold exclusively at said tavern. The recipe for this ale is a closely guarded secret despite its popularity, and many foreigners have tried - unsuccessfully - to mimic it's distinctive flavor. It is this distinguished, and delicious, ale that draws a wide variety of guests to Swordstroke Moors, from rich nobles all the way to foreign dignitaries and kings, and their entourages as well.
With so many influential people coming and going in the village, it is a wonder that security is not a problem. Though most dignitaries have a cadre of bodyguards, as do many nobles, King Waeleth is not above sending a Templar or two to both ensure his security should he visit, and remind the populace and their guests that the village is still in Waeleden and subject to his rule. Though locals are often resentful of any royal presence, there is no open hostility to any noble, vassal, governor, or Templar. The people of the Moors go on about their lives as best they can, and are far enough removed from the capital and of minuscule enough strategic value that they can continue their way of life with little risk from outside aggression.
Make no mistake, Swordstroke Moors is not an easy, soft-bellied target for bandits and robbers. Almost all the citizens are armed, and many are former or current militia members. Magic may not be in large supply, but capable fighters certainly are. The town is ruled by a Magistrate, who in turn answers to a regional Governor, who in turn answers to a District Vassal, who reports directly to the King. This long line of rule ensures that unless something incredibly drastic happens, there is little, if any, royal interference in running the town. However, the government of 'the Moors' is a miniature version of the government of the kingdom: the Magistrate's authority is absolute, and he acts as head of the local militia as well as governing body.
Swordstroke Moors is also famous for its largest tavern, The Matchless Mine, and especially the ale produced and sold exclusively at said tavern. The recipe for this ale is a closely guarded secret despite its popularity, and many foreigners have tried - unsuccessfully - to mimic it's distinctive flavor. It is this distinguished, and delicious, ale that draws a wide variety of guests to Swordstroke Moors, from rich nobles all the way to foreign dignitaries and kings, and their entourages as well.
With so many influential people coming and going in the village, it is a wonder that security is not a problem. Though most dignitaries have a cadre of bodyguards, as do many nobles, King Waeleth is not above sending a Templar or two to both ensure his security should he visit, and remind the populace and their guests that the village is still in Waeleden and subject to his rule. Though locals are often resentful of any royal presence, there is no open hostility to any noble, vassal, governor, or Templar. The people of the Moors go on about their lives as best they can, and are far enough removed from the capital and of minuscule enough strategic value that they can continue their way of life with little risk from outside aggression.