Ashton (Ash-Tun (ˈæʃtən))

Nestled next to the ridge of The Flats and not far from Mana's Sunder, Ashton is a dusty little town built upon a historically rich foundation.
Established 85 years before the Awakening, Ashton quickly grew to be one of Matar's most promising cities, lying on the edge of the Mana Plateau, Ashton overlooked the salt flats toward the east.
Very quickly, Ashton's premier spot within Matar's landscape changed as the Watchers were awakened. A gargantuan series of cave-ins beneath the earth caused the Mana Plateau to sink and form a basin, with Old-Ashton being buried beneath countless layers of rubble.
Slowly, the denizens would rebuild in this confusing land, and people would begin to arrive from far reaches of this side of Taruon looking for Refuge. Ashton grew to become a commune of individuals looking to reform some sembelance of society in a more harsh modern world.
Twenty years ago Nyrius Stormweaver established the Ashton Council, a group of voulenteers to manage the quickly expanding town, although they consider themselves in charge they have little authoritative power over the citizens. Despite this lack of power, they are well respected by the denizens of ashton for their well meaning guidance through some of the tougher periods.

Government

Ashton is a form of commune in which resources are distributed dependent on the needs of the individual, but luxuries and other futher amenities must be bought and sold in a market economy style system.
A taxation is collected on all land owners, based on the purpose of the land, and given to the commune treasury to be used to purchase basic supplies for those in need.

Industry & Trade

Farming in ashton is notoriously difficult, as the soil surrounding the town is dry and relatively infertile. Hearty crops that dont require fertile soil make up most of Ashton's food production. Notably, tomatoes make up a large amount of the vegetable production as they seem to grow quite well in Ashton's soil.

Points of interest

Ashton's most beloved dish is "Fan-Dan", made by stir-frying ankheg egg, tomatoes and dense tubers known as 'Dwarfbone'.
Fan-Dan is served daily alongside bread and a variety of other cured, preserved, or otherwise unperishable goods.

Founding Date

85BA

Type

Town

Population

1372