Smoothstone Ridge
Smoothstone Ridge is a small town nestled in the Burrowfast Foothills. It is made up of Humans, Halflings, Dwarves, and Gnomes primarily, though some Goblins have made it their home in recent years.
Demographics
The town has a wide and fairly even mix of Human, Halfling, Dwarf, and Gnome residents.
There is a small enclave of Goblins who have made their way to Smoothstone Ridge in their attempt to avoid the Goblin conscription in Golzect's Throne. Goblin merchants were seen in the Ridge previously, but less numerous and did not typically stay long.
Most residents are farmers, tradesfolk, or miners from the nearby limestone, quartz, and shale deposits.
Government
The town was previously run by a mayor, who made the main decisions, but not before meeting with his small council of advisors first. However, the town has moved away from that model and take most of their direction from Delsing, an old Goblin woman who appeared 15 years ago with a small group of Goblins. She also asks for support from the other town leaders, including Fenmaris Lunarspark, the resident Giant Speaker and militia leader, as well as Jorseph Bristlefoot, the previous mayor.
Defences
A wooden palisade surrounds the town to fend off animals mostly, though there are a few archer towers ready to ward off attacks. Typically the gates are open to travel and trade, and the town is very rarely attacked by anything other than some encroaching animals, or the occasional monster. Some watchtowers dot the area to the south, but the main watchtower is on the top of The Drop and provides an excellent view from all directions, but particularly south.
A local militia can be mustered and most able-bodied men and women are ready to fight if need be. A small guard is permanently provided to man the watchtowers, archer towers, and roam the surrounding countryside to protect the farmers, and travelers.
Industry & Trade
The miners, loggers, and farmers all work together to provide a good service for surrounding areas, and those coming down from the mountains to travel to the main road or further to the Steppes of Centos. The trade of Smoothstone Ridge extends as far north as Shardhold, and as far south as Harmhold, and Burrowfast though not in any great numbers.
Infrastructure
Two large watermills operate in the town, and are used to grind wheat, crush stone, and cut wood primarily. The Fallside Lumbermill grinds stone and lumber, while the Lakeside Gristmill does wheat primarily.
The roads are cobbled with leftover stone from the surrounding hills and can make for some bumpy carriage rides. Despite its name there is only one smooth road in the town, and it is called Ridge Lake road. It follows from the east gate to the west. It is not maintained outside the gates and eventually turns into a well-traveled dirt road out of the west, toward Burrowfast. The road to the east is less traveled and not well-maintained.
Fallside Lumber, the Dropside Fishery, and the Town Centre all sit on Ridge Island, located in the middle of the lake, and right in line with the falls.
Assets
The majority of the assets come from the mining, lumber, and agriculture from the surrounding mines, woods, and farmsteads.
Within the town can be found a smithy, an herbalist, a couple of inns and taverns, as well as a general supply store. There is also a gift shop near the falls that caters to any visitors or just residents who like to do some shopping.
Guilds and Factions
Miners, foresters, and farmers all have their own small organizations to consolidate their influence. However, none of these are at odds with each other, and thanks to the continued work Delsing and her advisors they all feel they have equal say. Individuals may become overreaching, but the general organizations do not stray from their established bounds. Prior to the coming of Delsing the guilds did not always work in such close tandem with each other. After her arrival she influenced them to start working together to achieve much greater success and benefit for all.
History
Smoothstone Ridge was founded as a proper town in the Burrowfast Foothills in 897 PF, but it had always had settlements around the area. It was the founder of the town Beredect Fulsomoot who made friendly relations with the Stone Giants of Gravenstan, to the north. He made arrangements for the Stone Giants to redirect the river to flow over the falls and create the landscape the town currently enjoys. Mining and forestry has always dominated the area but the town proper became very popular after the creation of The Drop and Ridge Lake. It now enjoys a good leadership, with some beneficial friendship with Shardhold to the far north.
About 15 years ago a group of Goblins came to live in the town. They were led by a great old Goblin woman named Delsing, who has quickly provided great service to the town. Her council is given much consideration thanks to her forward-thinking and practical ideas. The Goblins under her have made a very nice home for themselves in the borders of Smoothstone Ridge. Word of her success has reached other Goblins trying to escape the feared conscription of Golzect's Throne and many have come to live under her wisdom.
Points of interest
The Drop, or the Ridge Waterfall as it is also known, is the primary point of interest for the town. Many residents will visit the falls to have picnics, get away from their work, or even paint or draw. Some will fish in Ridge Lake, or even boat across its surface, though they don't have too far to go. The Fallsview Gift Shop opened a few years ago, near the middle of The Drop and caters mostly to locals and the few tourists who show up.
Smoothstone Town Centre
Dropside Fishery
Fallside Lumber
Lakeside Gristmill
Fallsview Gift Shop
Smoothstone Smithy
Derwin's Supply Emporium
The Copse
Misty Mug Tavern
East Gate Inn
The Steadfast
Shrine of Cooperation
Tourism
Few people come to Smoothstone Ridge for a visit, but many come to find work in the mines, or to build a new life away from the larger cities. Those who do come to visit can find some out of the way cabins nearby or adventures in nature surrounding them. The town is mostly used for the surrounding industry of forestry, farming, and mining. The Drop can often bring visitors who want to see a natural and beautiful waterfall, but the colder temperatures do not usually keep people for long.
Architecture
The houses of Smoothstone Ridge are made of stone and wood mostly, with a combination of shingle and thatched roofing. The mix of races in the town lend itself to a good strong mix of sturdy and practical structures. Many Dwarven buildings have carvings and etchings lining them, while Gnomish architecture has interesting gadgets and unique sections that showcase ingenuity and cleverness. Halfling buildings tend to be more simple and straightforward, with some community gardens, and many windows to greet passersby (or gossip). Human architecture sometimes has a mix of all of them, but for the most part they are functional and practical.
Geography
Smoothstone Ridge is in the heart of the Burrowfast Foothills, north of the Steppes of Centos and south of the Earth Dwarf city of Shardhold. It is surrounded by woods, green hills, and a large waterfall that flows from a river source straight from the mountains. It ends in a large pool at the base of the falls before trailing off further south. Many mountain peaks loom overhead from the north, but to the south lie farmland and short, stubby plains, all the way to the Steppes of Centos.
Climate
Being further north the climate of Smoothstone Ridge is typical for the Burrowfast Foothills. It can get quite windy and cold most of the year, with the summers being quite comfortable. The spray from the Drop helps keep the town cooler and covered in a fine mist much of the year, though in winter it can get more icy.
Natural Resources
Mining and forestry are prime resources for Smoothstone Ridge as there are extensive mountains and hills or ore, including shale, limestone, and quartz. Further into the mountains are other mines of gems and precious metals, but these are mostly owned by the Dwarves. Fresh water is also a prime resource as the falls that cascade over the Ridge, also known as The Drop provides much water for the area and surrounding farmlands. A new enterprise has sprung up in the past year, providing some more diverse and interesting business opportunities. Grapes have begun to grow in the north of the town, irrigated by the river. The process to make ice wine was suggested and refined by Delsing and the hopes of more business coming to the town is in many people's minds.
Founding Date
897 PF
Founders
Alternative Name(s)
The Drop
Type
Town
Population
2787
Inhabitant Demonym
Ridgers
Location under
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