Stonewood
Stonewood is a small outpost settlement that is home to mostly hardy warrior-folk, who frequently travel the mountain's base and smaller passes to cull the beast and monster population and prevent overflow into the region. Those who settle here live a simple and hardy life, with few materialistic or luxurious pleasures and constant patrols or building repair to be done. A pair of blacksmiths, a stonemason, and a carpenter along with a small general store that keeps small sundries and simple medical supplies on hand, are the only businesses here. There is a moderately sized temple that is cared for by the town clergy, who hold a weekly religous service and handle most of the medical care for the town. Due to a constant threat of roaming beasts, a constant group of watchmen keep vigil throughout all hours of the day to ensure no dangers slip into the outpost.
Government
The outpost is under the charge of an appointed official who foregoes their previous name and is then referred to as The Captain, who handles the division of everything in the outpost. This individual is selected from a pool of military veterans by the King's Council, and a replacement is only sent when the current Captain is rendered unable to properly handle their assigned duties.
Defences
A large stone gate built to blockade the wide mountain pass topped with a pair of ballistas and catapault are the cornerstone of the town's defense.
Industry & Trade
The settlement is provided a government-provided stipend each month based on how many people are currently living there and monster trophies sent in, then distributed by the town's head official.
Infrastructure
There is a single windmill used to mill flour and a large well linked to a nearby stream that provides most of the settlement's fresh water.
Assets
A warehouse filled with weapons and armor supplied by Silverkeep is maintained by the blacksmiths of the outpost.
History
Stonewood was established as a border between the Cartamundi Mountains and the fertile, green lands of Prateria when warriors of the western part of the island were constantly seeking new land, and sending war parties in order claim it. It blockaded the only passable point within the whole range capable of moving more than a handful of people, animals, carts, or siege weapons. This highly strategic location was enough to put an end to the majority of the roaming war bands, as they could not breach the gate with their forces at the time, or get their war beasts and supplies over the mountains safely any other way. Since then, peace treaties have been formed amongst the nations of Dele, and the gate stands mostly to deter wild animals and other beasts of the mountains that venture into the pass.
Points of interest
Around the perimeter of the settlement there is an almost perfect ring of petrified trees, due to an incident where a sorceror named Jemia Flought caused a surge of wild magic to spring forth while helping fight off a rabid manticore in the year of 1417.
Tourism
Very few have any interest in the tiny outpost of Stonewood, but artists and botanists alike frequently travel to this remote location just for a chance to find inspiration from the petrified trees, or simply gaze upon their unusual beauty.
Architecture
The buildings in the settlement are made of cut-stone slabs from the mountain and sturdy lumber beams to support them.
Climate
Being based at the bottom of a mountain range, the temperature tends to run a bit cooler here during the year, with steady winds blowing down from the peaks.
RUINED SETTLEMENT
1849
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