Truwold

Prostesa, if not recognized for its industrial revolution, is known for the perils that await travelers should they stray too deep into the wilderness. In Lithia, Prostesa’s northeastern country, lies a forest that sits among the most feared in the continent: Stranglethorn. Named so for its density and thorny treants, Stranglethorn was long thought uninhabitable by many Prostesans because of the forest’s hostility. However, Truwold has managed to survive—thrive even—while surrounded by this danger.
A Truwoldian’s opinion of Stranglethorn is typically contrary to popular belief, as they are the only ones that peacefully live within what would otherwise be a hostile environment. Despite interest in Truwold’s unique and exclusive resources, the costs outweigh the benefits of journeying through Stranglethorn, and the Kingdom of Lithia has left Truwold to its own devices because of this.

Demographics

Truwold is heavily populated by firbolgs, with halflings making up the remainder of the population. Firbolgs were Truwold’s original founders, having figured out how to live in harmony with the environment and deter it from attacking. Halflings, originally thought to have bumbled their way through Stranglethorn, were actually later introduced to Truwold by the firbolgs, who wanted to provide them shelter from the Echoes.

Government

Drawing heavily from firbolg society, the government structure of Truwold is divided into three clans, of which one reigns as the most powerful. The heads of these three clans are referred to as the Sages, individuals that head the cultivation and preservation of Stranglethorn’s natural beauty and wildlife as well as ensuring the safety of Truwold. The branches themselves are each dedicated to one specific task pertaining to the forest itself or the individuals within: one soothes Stranglethorn, one protects naive travelers, and one protects Truwold.

Industry & Trade

Living in Stranglethorn without the proper knowledge is exceedingly difficult, but the land is lush and creates food in excess. Most of this food comes in the form of fruit; the animals that live within Stranglethorn are abnormally large and provide vast amounts of meat for Truwold, so they’re not often hunted. Any excess resources—a common occurrence—are preserved and shipped to the rest of Lithia.

History

Founded in 2230 AA, Truwold was built as a stronghold for a nomadic tribe of firbolgs who sought shelter from the Echo Disaster. Morkarkus, the leader of the Morkarians, was the one responsible for taming the land around Truwold and providing a proper home for his people. He decreed that any and all survivors that found themselves stranded in Stranglethorn or harmed by the Echoes would be hastened away to Truwold and be treated as an honorary Truwoldian.

Architecture

Drawing mostly from the firbolgs, Truwoldian architecture is marked by its minimalistic style. Houses, depending on the intended occupants, can be small in stature or enormous in size. Regardless of this, the designs are simple and focus less on artificial beauty; Truwoldians prefer to let Stranglethorn’s natural beauty elevate their town’s appearance. Because of this, Truwoldians design houses around the base of the trees, using mostly wood and spare amounts of stone. Roads are not paved but form naturally due to frequent walks. The walls surrounding Truwold’s outskirts are designed like those of a fortress, pointed at the tip and surrounded by druids and rangers.

Geography

Truwold is surrounded by Stranglethorn Forest, a densely-packed forest known for its seasonal Echo invasion and aggressive treants. During winter, the treants go dormant, and travel to Truwold is its safest. Despite the dangers of the forest, the landscape itself is beautiful and carefully maintained by Truwoldians. Patches of wildflowers are known to grow in clearings that the trees cannot reach, skirting the darkness of the forest.

Founding Date

2230 AA

Population

Approx. 650+

Inhabitant Demonym

Truwoldian