Duskvale
Located in the south of Beru this small town sits on the edge of the Embercrest Valleys and The Velentrees.
Demographics
The town is comprised of almost all the races that can be frequently found throughout Beru. The most common races within the settlement would be Half-Orc and Drow-Elf as there are esablished communites of both races in the Phirean Dynasty in the near west.
Government
The ruler of Duskvale is voted for by the citizens on an annual basis, this leader is responsible for diplomatic relations with other nations, acting as judge over crimes within the town & officiating the Amber Hunt, a rite of passage for young hunters.
Defences
A large wooden pallisade wall around 20ft tall with a walkway and towers on the interior.
Industry & Trade
Infrastructure
All access to and from the town is done by foot or mounted beast. There is a coastline a few miles south, ships sometimes stop and venture to the town.
History
The town of Duskvale was established during the Age of Ash when citizens from many of the major cities left in search of new lands to settle. Duskvale's location was chosen due to its defendable location atop a single hill in the south of the Embercrest Valleys. This location also granted people here the opportunity to forage in The Velentrees's bountiful fruit trees & berry bushes, as well as fishing in the Bay of Serpents & hunting within the Embercrest Valleys.
Points of interest
The Temple to Emilys god is the only real sight to see in Duskvale. It is known for its hospitality & friendlyness to outsiders, and giving aid to anyone who needs it, regardless of their race, religion or background.
The Stag and Eel tavern hosts a friendly contest of strength once a month for anyone interested. The aim is to lift as many kegs of ale onto the bar within 30 seconds, the winner of this feat of strength wins fame and a small prize purse.
Architecture
Duskvale's architecture is rustic and pragmatic, everything has a reason to its design and function and so it is not the most attractive settlement. The perimiter is a large wooden pallisade standing nearly 20ft tall with a steep incline to its base. Guard towers dot the wall with frequent patrols scouting for raiders, bandits and wild beasts that stray too close. From the outside you can see the thatch-topped roofs peaking over the sharpened timber wall & a single stone building to the centre of the town, this is the Temple of Valenstune built by local hunters and fishermen.
Geography
The town sits atop a small, isolated hill to the south of the Embercrest Valleys. The plantlife here is temperate, with the broadleaf trees of The Velentrees scattered around the base of the town, small bushes & patches of large moorland grasses dot the area too. Due to the towns elevated position, there is a central well that provides groundwater to the locals.
Climate
The land around Duskvale is frequently soaked by rain that blow in from the Bay of Serpents and Stillwater Sound. It rarely snows or freezes in this part of Beru though sleet and hail is common if storms from the The Cloudtops fly in on eastern winds. In the summer the temperature can reach the high 30s for weeks on end.
Founding Date
875
Alternative Name(s)
Hilltop
Type
Village
Population
Around 200
Inhabitant Demonym
Duskers
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