Salernum

The town of Salernum is located about a day's ride North-East of the city of Vostrum in The Eastern Calradian empire. The town has long been a common stopping place for those on their way to or from Vostrum, and is located on the old Imperial highway to Danustica.
The town first began as a military outpost, founded by the temporarily independant Vostrumite rulers, as a "trip-wire" outpost to alert the city to incoming attacks. Since the rise and divide of the empire, it has settled into the role of a traveller's and merchant's stopping place. However, it's military role is not completely gone, and it's standalone strongpoint (nicknamed locally as "the thorn") has been converted into a military mustering and administration station. It is here that volunteer and drafted soldiers raised by House Antares will arrive from the local countryside to receive training and instruction before being sent to the legions of the archon of Vostrum Helena Antares.
The local economy has also seen a boom in the last few years. Lumber supplies from Cardyyd Forest have been making their way less frequently to Vostrum, as a result of the instability there, and the town has made a name for itself through it's excellent craftsmen who take advantage of the cheap land and large spaces to build their forges and workshops. Thus the town has entered an industrial boom, with lumber yards beginning to open, and workshops attracting labourers and skilled tradesmen. Many refugees have actually settled here, fueling the economic growth. However, growth also attracts less than desirable types, and the guard presence has not grown to adapt, frequently relying on outside contractors to deal with local issues as soldiers are quickly trained and sent away to reinforce depleted legions in the civil war.
The Old Toad Tavern is a well known establishment now, having grown both from the large population of travellers, and the local military presence. It is now one of the largest buildings in town, and attracts patrons of all kinds.
The town, due to it's proximity to Vostrum, is under the direct ownership of House Antares, but is governed by a local mayor appointed by the family.

Type

Town