Oakengarde

The largest and oldest town in the Valeran Archipelago, Oakengarde looks surprisingly new for a town existing since the early 2nd Era, none of the original buildings continue to stand, the timber structures long since demolished or replaced after storms, raids and monster attacks. The town receives some protection from storms by the lone mountain, and is largely considered the safest settlement in the Archipelago, and boasts the largest contingent of Talons.
On a clear day, standing at the small dock of Oakengarde, you would just be able to make out the tops of the walls of Sien. Occasionally ferries or traders make their way across, but even as the largest town in the Archipelago, Oakengarde has little to offer in terms of trading goods outside of animal products.

Foodstuffs

The food of the Archipelago are often simple, there is little seasoning or 'treats', the meals are filling, and nutritious, the flavour often comes second, outside of expensive imported foods for important festivities.
Stews, fish, wild green salads and soups, fleshed out with breads, red meats or tubers are common. Salted, dried and smoked meats are also common, as storing away food for the harsh winters are an absolute necessity. Honey is the only locally sourced sweetener that is often reserved for festivities like Midwinter, or for medicinal purposes.
The Archipelago is lucky enough to always have access to freshwater due to the streams, water, milk and imported beer are common drinks. Strong local alcohol called Poitín (Potcheen) is brewed in a pot using whey and sugar beets.

Industry & Trade

The Archipelago has little to trade, though they will with their spare resources, largely fish, animal products like leather and meat, various scavenged goods from the woods or coastline, and occasional Fey trinkets and goods. Oakengarde is largely self-sufficient, trading largely only for iron and linen from Sien.

History

The Valeran Archipelago was settled around the mid-2E, by Northern sailors that sailed down the coast on the eastern side of Eleron, eventually coming to land on the string of islands after months of travelling, and never leaving.
These original settlers founded Oakengarde, and these settlers endured the fey and harsh conditions, the first hunters that ventured into the woods and protected the people eventually becoming the first Talons. Despite the initial hardships and losses, the stubborness of the settlers means they refused to give in, and in their dealings with the Fey, found a unique system of living, where working with the Fey is just another facet of everyday life.
Since they were first settled, the settlements of the Archipelago have been self-sufficient and independent.

Type

Town

Location under

The Valeran Archipelago