Ridgford (rɪʤfrd)

When the town was first established, every resident was a member of the Dragonguard. However, following the founding of Eldrya — the permanent resident for the Dragonguard's Headquarters — the presence of the Dragonguard in the town dwindled dramatically.   As the Dragonguard transitioned its focus to Eldrya, only a small contingent remained in Ridgford, primarily to maintain operational readiness as a backup city and to assist with any potential regional crises. It was during this shift that many civilians, particularly family members of the stationed guardians and support staff, began to migrate to the village.   Today, the town has seen some growth, albeit not substantially. The influence of the Dragonguard has waned almost entirely, leaving behind only remnants of their legacy. Now, instead of the watchful eyes of the Dragonguard, the responsibility of maintaining peace and order falls to the local municipal police. However, there still remain Dragonguard staff members who maintain a fortified facility for the Dragonguard Headquarters personnel.

Quarry

Nestled in the southern sector of the village lies a quaint, dormant quarry that once played a pivotal role in the construction of the iconic Dragonguard Headquarters, as well as various other significant structures throughout Eldrya.   Originally bustling with activity, this stone quarry now stands silent and inactive, having been repurposed into a flood control facility. This transformation allows the wuarry to effectively manage stormwater and ice melt runoff, protecting the surrounding village from potential flooding.  

Mine

The Ironheart Mine is located in the eastern part of town, nestled at the base of the mountain. The historic mine played a crucial role in the early Dragonguard and Eldrya's development. The mine originally supplied iron for the production of tools and weapons used by the Dragonguard. However, its most significant contribution to the Dragonguard has been the export of iron for the construction of railway tracks. Though the mine is not of significant size, its proximity to the bustling city of Eldrya has rendered it a key resource for the city's construction.   Today, portions of the mine remain operational and have been transformed into a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history of iron mining and its impact on the Dragonguard.   Local residents of Ridgford continue to engage in iron and steelwork craftsmanship, utilizing the iron extracted from the mine, even as this practice has significantly dwindled in the aftermath of the Draconian War. The once-thriving industry now represents a cherished legacy, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the townspeople.

When the town was first established, it became a vital source of wood, iron, steel, and stone, which were essential for the early Dragonguard and the construction of the city of Eldrya. Today, while the town continues to extract and utilize these materials, its focus has shifted primarily towards meeting local needs. Consequently, the volume of exports has significantly diminished from its heyday.