Summershaw
Farming & administrative town west of Balcoth Bridge
Coming of Age
Located on the east side of Taurduin (S. Forest River), Summershaw has long been a stopover for travelers heading further into Mirkwood proper, or approaching through the Mountain passes. Initially a small trader town, its most recent generations of patrons have facilitated its growth as a banking and notary town. Most notably, loans and letters of intent are the town’s new currency, and folk come from afield to settle fiscal debts and search for lines of credit. Hagen Brandywood serves as leader of the banking guild and therefore one of the more powerful people to be found in the area.
Guilds
Other than the banking guild, the town also has a small but skilled Dwarvin population, and they head up the Craftsmen’s Guild, headed by the dwarf Lubeac Whitbranch. Lastly, located in the lee of the valley, the soil is rich, and as such the Farmer’s Guild also holds some power, and is the main source of Summershaw’s export of vegetables and herbs.
The Bridge
Balcoth Bridge is strategically positioned as the only viable crossing for a large force heading to the northern territories. As such, Summershaw, located on the eastern approach, is at risk from a southern army that would need to pass over the bridge into the mountain passes.
Government
Summershaw is a gerontocracy, reserving the major decision for its town elders and most experienced citizens
Defences
None to speak of. Initially a farming hamlet, and now little more than a small town, the locals never considered the amount of protection they would need if the bridge was ever compromised.
Industry & Trade
Summershaw trades in vegetables, fruits, and wheat. Additionally, administrative work like notary, banking and loans have accelerated and become another main source of income.
Infrastructure
Recently Summershaw, led by Hagen Brandywood, set about on an improvement campaign, focusing on housing, roads, and rebuilding the mills on the edge of town. This, along with its renewed focus on administrative and notary work, has risen the town's profile and increased its growth, both physical and economical.
Assets
The only town in the area that grows a specific type of bean used in certain ethnic celebrations. Also, the best location to find Southern Star Pipe Weed.
Maps
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3. Summershaw Village
Located on the east side of Taurduin (S. Forest River), Summershaw has long been a stopover for travelers heading further into Mirkwood proper, or approaching through the Mountain passes. Initially a small trader town, its most recent generations of patrons have facilitated its growth as a banking and notary town. Most notably, loans and letters of intent are the town’s new currency, and folk come from afield to settle fiscal debts and search for lines of credit. Hagen Brandywood serves as leader of the banking guild and therefore one of the more powerful people to be found in the area.
Points of Interest
Bravit Bitterchin’s Brewery, Notary & Guild Street, Old Grist MillLocation
South of the Grey Mountains, North of Mirkwood, East of Balcoth BridgeWeather
Largely protected from the worst of the arctic weather by the bulwark of the Ered Mithrin, it is fairly hospitable land and wildlife is plentiful.
Type
Village
Population
3,500
Related Reports (Secondary)
