Oakwood - Town
Oakwood is a fortified woodland settlement located in The West Forest, serving as the political and economic heart of Oakwood Pact. Positioned directly along the Oak Trade Road, the primary route linking forest communities to The Serenity Barony and Arlandia, Oakwood’s strategic location enables it to prosper as a commercial hub and transit checkpoint. The settlement functions as both a civic centre and a defensive bulwark against regional instability.
Demographics
Population estimates range between 400–700 residents. The majority are Alderian civilians, with a mix of merchants, craftsmen, foresters, caravan workers, and Pact administrators. A modest foreign presence exists due to trade traffic, including travellers, traders, and occasional adventurers.
Wealth is unevenly distributed, but Oakwood maintains a notably higher standard of living compared to other West Forest settlements due to toll income, trade tax, and Pact support.
Government
Oakwood is governed by Oakwood Council, chaired by the Elected Head of Oakwood. Civic authority is centralised, with appointed Chiefs handling administrative roles including justice, religious affairs, trade management, and diplomacy. While elections occur, true power rests with the Elected Head, who may replace council members at will and holds emergency authority over Pact forces.
Government acts to ensure stability, regulate commerce, and maintain security along the Oak Trade Road.
Defences
Oakwood maintains layered defensive infrastructure and trained personnel:
Timber palisade and gate fortifications
Stone reinforcement around key civic structures
Watchtowers overseeing road approaches
Village militia and Pact security units
Emergency levy capability from surrounding hamlets
Security focus prioritises protection of trade caravans, road patrols, and deterrence of bandit incursions.
Industry & Trade
Oakwood’s economy is driven by:
Toll and trade duties from the Oak Trade Road
Timber and forest goods
Merchant guild activity
Inns, trading halls, and caravan resupply stations
Pact administrative presence
History
Oakwood originated as a small forest waypoint settlement and waystation for travellers on the ancient trade path that later became the Oak Trade Road. Rising regional instability prompted the village to centralise authority, formalising the Oakwood Council and establishing alliances with neighbouring communities. This led to the formation of The Oakwood Pact, elevating Oakwood from a local village to a regional administrative and defensive centre.
Its prosperity and political influence are directly tied to the trade route, providing wealth, relevance, and leverage within the West Forest.
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