Tessin
Tucked into Farscape Peaks' eastern most foothills is the small town of Tessin. Rarely visited by travellers this small community of recluses avoid getting involved in the politics of the peninsula but welcome those who wish to settle here.
Demographics
The harder lifestyle here draws those who can survive alone, though there is a strong sense of community between all residents. Its close location to a known Underdark entrance has resulted in a large population of Drow and Duergar giving it a sinsiter reputation to outsiders.
Government
Ruled by an elected elder the town rarely needs a single person to make a decision, with matters of importance being put forward to the populace.
Defences
The town is flanked by a high wooden palisade and small trench. There are a few towers for guards to rest in and observe the countryside and rolling dales. A single wooden gate bound in iron grants entry into the town which can be barred from the inside.
Industry & Trade
The town rarely trades with the outside world but does welcome travellers with goods should they venture this far north. They will often pay a premium for high quality tools and weapons, fine garments or jewellery from distant lands, though traders may be disappointed in payment as coin is seldom used.
Infrastructure
The settlement's isolation means that Tessin has everything a settlement would need to survive on its own. Farmers tend to hardy crop fields and beasts such as oxen and goats, hunters venture into the northern edge of The Heartwood for game and wild herbs. Miners delve into the foothills for ores and minerals, shoremen dig the river for clay and fish.
History
Since Tessin's founding over 500 years ago it has had little of note happen to it. During the many conflicts that have torn across the land Tessin has always escaped unharmed. In 992 the town was captured and held for a decade by the Dale Clan until an army from Witchbark liberated it in a bloody fight.
During the War of Tears Tessin sent representatives to both Stockcross and Phancaster to announce their neutrality in the conflict and desire to be excluded from it.
Architecture
The buildings here are made from dark wood felled in the The Heartwood topped with soil to trap heat from hearths. Some newer buildings have been built from fieldstone and cut rock to weather harsh storms that batter the region. One structure at the heart of the town is made from stone, the keep. This structure stands nearly 40ft tall and the same wide. Its top is lined with crenellations to provide cover for archers and spellcasters.
Geography
Being flanked by The Heartwood and Farscape foothills the terrain is varied. To the north the land undulates with tall bald hills falling into deep valleys drenched in shadow, to the south the trees paint the horizon in an unending sea of emerald. A spring bursts from the ground within the town that supplies it with cold, fresh water, causing the ground to be wet underfoot. The plantlife here is hardy and rugged, lonely pine trees decorate the hillsides while gorse and heather clutch where they can.
Climate
The climate here is cold year round, seldom does the temperature climb above 10c. In the winter the town can be buried in deep snow that residents curse and struggle to clear. Should the wind blow in from the northwest it bites at the skin, on days where it scurries from the south it blows the thick fog and clouds away bringing a welcome warmth. On rare occasions terrible thunderstorms can decend from the coast bringing dark rumors from the distant Deadlands.
Founding Date
924
Type
Town
Population
Around 4400
Inhabitant Demonym
Tessite
Included Locations
Comments