Farrcross
Farrcross is a small, peaceful town nestled on a coastal promontory overlooking the vast and tumultuous Shrieking Sea. Home to 5,000 residents, the town is known for its strong sense of community and unwavering trust among its inhabitants. With no formal walls or defenses, the people of Farrcross rely on each other for protection and support, living simply off the land through fishing and small-scale farming. Its architecture is humble, reflecting the resilience and resourcefulness of its people. Farrcross offers a haven for weary travelers seeking tranquility and a close-knit, welcoming community.
Demographics
Primarily human, with a small number of halflings and half-elves. The town’s inhabitants are mostly families that have found refuge in Farrcross, united by shared experiences and hardships. Their history of survival and overcoming adversity has led to an ingrained culture of trust and reliance on one another.
Government
Farrcross is governed by a town council of five elected elders, each representing different aspects of the community, including trade, agriculture, and family welfare. Decision-making is communal, with the elders consulting the townsfolk for major decisions, maintaining a strong sense of unity.
Defences
The town does not have walls or a formal militia. Instead, it relies on the trust and camaraderie of its people for defense. In times of need, the entire town bands together to protect themselves, a reflection of their resilient spirit. However, its isolated location and natural terrain act as a buffer from many potential threats.
Industry & Trade
Agriculture, fishing, and craftsmanship form the foundation of Farrcross’s economy. The town’s small farms and fishing boats produce enough to sustain the population, with surplus items sometimes traded to nearby towns or merchants passing through. Basic crafts such as pottery, weaving, and small woodworks are produced in the community.
Infrastructure
The town's infrastructure is humble, with winding streets made of packed earth or simple stone. There are no grand public buildings or facilities, but there are community meeting spaces, including a modest town hall and a marketplace where the townspeople gather. Freshwater is drawn from wells scattered throughout the town, and basic amenities are provided for the residents.
Districts
Coastal Quarter: Homes clustered along the edge of the Shrieking Sea, providing stunning views but also exposed to the elements.
Hearth Row: The heart of the town, with homes, communal kitchens, and gardens used by most families.
The Marketplace: An open-air market where goods, food, and crafts are traded, with emphasis on locally produced goods.
Assets
Farrcross's primary asset is its community and their strong bonds. Their location overlooking the Shrieking Sea allows for trade and fishing, though they don't rely heavily on external commerce. Their main strength lies in the self-sufficiency of the community, along with the agricultural output from small farms and fishing along the coast.
Guilds and Factions
There are no official guilds or powerful factions in Farrcross. The town thrives on cooperation, with communal efforts taking precedence over individual ambitions. However, the Farrcross Traders Circle is a loose collective of families who handle external trade relations, particularly for local goods like fish, produce, and simple crafts.
History
Farrcross was established by survivors of a great migration during a turbulent time in the Ancient Reach. These early settlers sought refuge along the coast, where they could live peacefully and begin anew. The town has been shaped by generations of people who value peace, trust, and community above all else.
Points of interest
The Lighthouse of Farrcross: Though simple, this lighthouse helps guide ships along the rocky coastline of the Shrieking Sea.
The Clifftop Garden: A communal space where residents plant crops and herbs. It overlooks the sea, offering a place of reflection and beauty.
The Meeting Hearth: A central gathering space where families come together to share meals, celebrate festivals, and tell stories.
Architecture
The homes and buildings of Farrcross are simple and functional. Built from wood and stone sourced from the surrounding areas, these structures are designed to withstand the coastal winds. Circular and square windows give homes an airy, open feeling, and many buildings have overgrown gardens or vines creeping up their stone walls, blending with the landscape.
Geography
Farrcross sits on a coastal cliff, with winding paths leading down to the sea. The Shrieking Sea provides both opportunity and danger, its waters unpredictable and often rough. The landscape around Farrcross is dotted with rolling hills and fields, giving way to rocky cliffs at the edge of the town.
Climate
The coastal climate of Farrcross brings mild, temperate weather with frequent rains that nourish the farmland. Strong winds often sweep in from the sea, carrying the salty tang of the ocean and the occasional storm. Summers are pleasant but humid, while winters are cool and breezy.
Natural Resources
The primary resources come from the sea and land. Fish and other sea creatures provide the bulk of the town’s food, while the small plots of land around the town grow hardy crops like grains and root vegetables. The rocky cliffs yield little in the way of minerals, but the people of Farrcross have learned to live simply and sustainably off the land
Founding Date
910 BGW
Type
Town
Population
5,000
