Fireside

"One last breath of safety before the smoke takes you."

Fireside is a lonely bastion in the most unforgiving stretch of Everwealth, a town where the scent of ash never truly fades and the distant glow of embers on the horizon serves as a constant reminder of the inferno beyond. Situated at the edge of The Ashwood, it stands as the only civilized settlement along the grueling 50-mile road through the burning forest, making it both a vital refuge and an inescapable waypoint for those traveling between Everwealth’s heartland and its war-torn eastern front. Despite its small population of 6,000, Fireside is one of the kingdom’s most heavily fortified towns, reinforced not for its own sake, but for the war effort. With Everwealth locked in conflict with the Elflands of Kibonoji, this settlement has become a critical stronghold, the second line of defense after Stargaze, designed to weather sieges, hold the roads, and delay any invading forces long enough for the close by military town of Bordersword’s legions to arrive. Yet for all its strategic importance, life in Fireside is isolated, harsh, and driven by fear. The land is fertile but thirsty, with no nearby freshwater sources beyond inconsistent rainfall. The farms here produce only the hardiest of crops, tubers, cabbages, and bitter greens that require little to survive. Worse still, shipments are unreliable, with wagons, guards, and even entire caravans disappearing along the western road; For Bandits, not just beasts and vengeful spirits, haunt the Ashwood, their numbers shifting like the other ghosts in the firelit haze, striking at supply lines, payroll carts, and lone travelers before vanishing into the smoke. Within Fireside’s walls, paranoia festers. Lacking an established schoolhouse, most of the town’s citizens are illiterate, their knowledge shaped by word-of-mouth rather than books. The result is a people driven by fear, of outsiders, of betrayal, of unseen horrors beyond their understanding. In times of crisis, mob mentality and wild speculation often take root, with accusations, superstitions, and rash decisions shaping the fate of those unfortunate enough to fall under suspicion. Even so, Fireside endures. It must. As the last breath of safety before the road west, and the first bastion of Everwealth’s inner defenses to the east, its fall would spell disaster. With its thick walls, hardened warriors, and sheer necessity to the kingdom, it stands strong against all odds, but for how long?

Demographics

Fireside’s population are overwhelmingly Humans, though a significant number of Dwarfish reside within the town, particularly among the blacksmithing and fortification trades. The town’s role as a military stronghold rather than a traditional settlement has shaped its demographic composition, few families settle here permanently, and the population is largely composed of soldiers, smiths, caravan guards, and transient workers. The presence of the Ashwood and the warfront to the east has resulted in a high turnover of residents, with many arriving only to leave once their service or contracts expire. Fireside is one of the few towns where social class matters little, as survival and duty to the kingdom are prioritized over wealth or heritage. The few wealthier merchants and quartermasters who oversee supplies are vastly outnumbered by hardened laborers, craftsmen, and military personnel. Despite its grim reputation, Fireside is not entirely devoid of diversity. Mercenaries and war refugees from the frontlines occasionally settle here, adding to the mix of cultures, but few non-human races beyond dwarves linger for long, the harsh climate and militarized rule discourage most from calling it home.

Government

Fireside operates under a strict, militarized governance, overseen by Mayor Cassius Rothwald, a former officer appointed by Everwealth’s military command rather than elected by the people. Unlike most settlements where leaders must balance trade, diplomacy, and public opinion, Fireside’s governance is entirely based on efficiency, survival, and maintaining order. Rothwald is a disciplined but unyielding leader, prioritizing fortification, rationing, and military readiness over all else. Civilian concerns are secondary to the town’s role as a defensive stronghold, and any threats to its security, whether external or internal, are dealt with swiftly. Taxation is high, though it is more accurately described as “war contributions”, as much of the town’s resources go directly toward military upkeep. Strict curfews are in place, rationing is enforced, and all major trade is monitored or restricted to prevent hoarding and price gouging. While many resent the lack of autonomy, Rothwald’s rule is largely respected out of necessity, without him, the town would likely collapse under the pressures of war and external threats.

Defences

Fireside is a fortress before it is a town, designed to hold against siege, invasion, and prolonged isolation. Its thick stone walls, reinforced by local quarries, encircle the settlement, ensuring that it can withstand both battle and the ever-present dangers of the Ashwood. Towers line the perimeter, manned at all hours by watchful sentries, ever wary of both enemy forces from the east and raiding parties from the west. The western Ashgate is the most heavily reinforced, as it faces not only external threats but also the unpredictable chaos of the burning forest. The Ashwardens patrol the town constantly, though they are spread thin trying to keep both internal order and external threats at bay. Fireside’s defenses, while formidable, rely on reinforcements from Bordersword, as the town is not meant to win wars, but to hold the line long enough for Everwealth’s true armies to arrive. Despite its small size, it is one of the most prepared settlements in the kingdom, knowing that one day, its walls will be tested, and that the only choice is to endure.

Industry & Trade

Unlike other frontier towns, Fireside is not built for production, it is built for survival. Its industry is entirely based on necessity, with a focus on fortification, blacksmithing, and subsistence farming. The few crops grown here are immediately consumed, and while timber is harvested in limited quantities from the Ashwood, it is often too unstable or charred to be of true value beyond local use. Instead, Fireside’s economy is entirely dependent on the movement of goods, soldiers, and merchants through its gates. Trade is unpredictable at best, with shipments arriving sporadically and supply lines constantly threatened by raids. What does arrive is taxed heavily, both by the military and by the Coalmarket Traders, ensuring that nothing comes cheap. Weapons, armor, and tools are the most valued commodities, as the town must be prepared for war at all times. While Fireside exports little beyond basic provisions and repaired equipment, its true value to Everwealth is its ability to hold firm, acting as a final barrier before the war-torn east and the untamed west.

Infrastructure

Fireside’s infrastructure is designed for defense and efficiency rather than comfort. Its thick stone walls and reinforced gates are the most prominent features, built to withstand sieges and frequent raids from the Ashwood. The roads leading to and from the town are well-maintained but treacherous, often requiring guarded escorts to ensure travelers make it through safely. Military barracks and watchtowers line the perimeter, ensuring constant vigilance, while the town square is a tightly controlled hub of trade and ration distribution. A well-fortified blacksmithing district supplies the town with weapons, armor, and tools necessary for survival. Unlike other settlements, Fireside has no formal sewer system, relying instead on rudimentary drainage ditches and underground channels that prevent flooding from the occasional heavy rain. Freshwater is scarce, and large cisterns collect and store rainwater for public use. While homes and businesses are built to endure the harsh conditions, comfort is a secondary concern to security and function, making Fireside a town of hardened structures for hardened people.

Districts

• The Ember Bastion - Fireside’s military district and central fortification, housing the garrison, barracks, and command center. This is where Mayor Cassius Rothwald governs from, and where the town’s strategic decisions are made.

• Ashgate Ward - The westernmost district, where travelers coming from Twinpeak and Merchant’s Meet first arrive. This area is frequently patrolled due to the dangers of the Ashwood, and trade is heavily monitored to prevent contraband or war profiteering.

• The Hollow Market - Fireside’s economic center, though far from prosperous. It consists mostly of ration stations, supply stores, and smithies, with few luxuries available. Prices are high, and goods are controlled by strict regulations.

• The Red Row - A densely packed residential area, named for the red-painted rooftops that supposedly ward off bad luck. It is where most civilians and off-duty soldiers reside, though living conditions are cramped, cold, and far from comfortable.

• The Smoldering Forge - The blacksmithing and armaments district, where weapons, armor, and tools are produced. Fireside’s most skilled smiths work here, many of them dwarves, crafting weapons for both local use and the warfront beyond.

Assets

Fireside’s most valuable asset is its strategic location, serving as the last safe haven before the Ashwood and the first defensive line beyond the warfront. Its fortified walls, military presence, and skilled blacksmiths ensure its survival, even in the face of frequent threats. The Hollow Flame Tavern, one of the few comforts available, serves as a meeting place for travelers, mercenaries, and war scouts, making it a valuable center of information and recruitment. The coal and stone quarries nearby provide materials for reinforcing defenses, while the limited farmlands supply enough hardy vegetables to sustain the town, barely. Fireside’s weapon and armor production is its most profitable industry, as the war effort demands a constant supply of quality steel, making the blacksmithing guilds among the wealthiest in town. Despite its limited comforts, Fireside’s true wealth lies not in gold or goods, but in its ability to endure.

Guilds and Factions

Fireside is home to few traditional guilds, as its industries are limited, but several factions hold sway over its daily life. The Ashwardens, a militarized guard force, oversee the town’s defenses and maintain order, though their numbers are stretched thin covering both the eastern and western roads. The Ironbrand Smiths, a small but skilled group of blacksmiths and armorers, ensure that the town remains well-armed and that its defenses are properly maintained. They are in constant demand, producing everything from spears and swords to replacement armor for the soldiers stationed here. Trade, though unpredictable, is controlled by the Coalmarket Traders, a loose but influential faction that manipulates pricing and supply chains within the town. With shipments often disrupted or lost, merchants set steep prices on what little reaches Fireside, making them both necessary and widely resented. Meanwhile, the Ember Harbingers, a fanatical religious sect, believe that the Ashwood’s flames are a divine test, preaching that only those strong enough to endure its trials will be granted the right to rule Everwealth’s future. While dismissed by most as lunatics, their influence is growing, particularly among those who have suffered losses to the burning woods.

History

Fireside’s origins are far more humble than its modern fortifications suggest. It was not built as a fortress nor as a stronghold, but rather as a simple waystation along the Ashwood Road, a trading post where merchants, couriers, and weary travelers could rest before braving the long and perilous stretch between Twin-Peak and Merchant's Meet. The town was officially established over a century ago, when a group of caravanners and enterprising merchants saw the need for a permanent resting point between the two major trade hubs. At first, it was little more than a collection of wooden buildings, a general store, a stables, and an inn that offered beds for those too exhausted to travel further. However, as more traders began using the route, and as more travelers sought shelter from the dangers of the Ashwood, the settlement grew into a small but steady town, sustained by trade and those who had nowhere else to go. Fireside’s fate changed dramatically when Everwealth went to war with the Elflands of Kibonoji. With Stargaze serving as the first line of defense in the east, it became apparent that another fortified position was needed further inland, a stronghold that could stall enemy forces should the frontlines falter. Fireside, with its central position between Twinpeak and Merchant’s Meet, was the only viable option.
The town was militarized seemingly overnight. The Everwealthy Crown, recognizing the strategic importance of the settlement, poured resources into reinforcing its walls, fortifying its defenses, and transforming it from a waystation into a proper stronghold. New barracks were constructed, watchtowers lined the perimeter, and an active garrison was permanently stationed to protect the road and prevent the enemy from gaining a foothold deeper into Everwealth’s interior. However, this transformation came at a cost. As the military presence grew, so too did restrictions on civilian life. Trade became, more tightly controlled, rationing became the norm, and civilians found themselves trapped between serving the war effort and barely scraping by. As the conflict with the Elflands dragged on, Fireside’s importance only increased, but its prosperity did not. While it remains one of Everwealth’s most fortified towns, it is also one of its most uneasy, forever waiting for the war to come knocking at its gates. Despite this, the people of Fireside endure. Many resent the constant military oversight, the heavy taxation, and the knowledge that their town is not valued as a home, but as a strategic asset. Yet few leave, for those who remain have nowhere else to go, and their lives are now deeply entwined with the fate of the town itself. Whether Fireside will stand the test of time or burn like the Ashwood it borders remains to be seen, but for now, its walls still hold.

Points of interest

• The Ember Bastion - Fireside’s primary fortress, heavily fortified with stone walls, reinforced gates, and garrisoned soldiers. It serves as both the town’s administrative center and its last line of defense should an attack come from the east.

• The Hollow Flame Tavern - Fireside’s most frequented establishment, offering stiff drinks, cheap food, and a warm hearth for weary travelers. It is often filled with soldiers, merchants, and mercenaries, making it one of the best places to hear news, rumors, or recruit a guard for a dangerous road ahead.

• The Gloammarch Gates - The heavily reinforced eastern gates, leading toward Merchant’s Meet and the war-torn frontlines beyond. Guarded day and night, this gate is the most secure part of the town, a symbol of its importance as a military hold.

• The Ashgate - The western checkpoint, leading into the dreaded Ashwood. Travel beyond this point is risky, with supply caravans and lone travelers frequently vanishing into the flames and smoke. The guards stationed here are some of the most hardened in the kingdom, their presence necessary to ensure that whatever lurks in the Ashwood does not wander into Fireside.

• The Watchtower Line - A series of stone and wooden watchtowers, built along the walls and scattered along the western road, meant to monitor bandit movements and warn of approaching threats. Many of these towers are abandoned, their occupants either slain or driven away by whatever hides in the burning woods.

Tourism

Fireside is not a place for leisure. Few visit for pleasure, and those who pass through often do so out of necessity rather than curiosity. The town’s greatest draw is its location, as it serves as a critical resting point for soldiers, merchants, and mercenaries traveling between Everwealth’s interior and the warfront. Despite its grim nature, some are drawn to Fireside out of morbid fascination. War chroniclers, adventurers, and reckless gamblers sometimes make the journey to witness the harsh realities of life on the edge of the Ashwood and the battlefront beyond. The Hollow Flame Tavern serves as the primary lodging for those passing through, though a handful of privately owned boarding houses offer shelter for the right price. The town’s most infamous visitors are those who seek to test their luck in the Ashwood. Some believe there are ancient artifacts hidden in the burning woods, while others simply wish to prove their courage, though most who set out never return.

Architecture

Fireside’s architecture is sturdy, practical, and built to endure both war and siege. Most structures are built of thick timber and stone, designed to withstand fire, bandit raids, and long periods of isolation. Buildings are low and fortified, with narrow, reinforced windows and heavy wooden doors, ensuring that should the town come under siege, even homes can serve as defensive positions. The town’s walls are constructed from quarried stone, reinforced with iron gates and thick watchtowers. Despite its militarized appearance, Fireside still maintains some charm, rooftops are often painted with a deep red hue, a tradition meant to ward off bad luck. Carved wooden sigils, believed to bring protection, are common sights on doors and walls, a mix of military pragmatism and old Everwealthy superstition. The Hollow Flame Tavern stands as an exception, with a massive central hearth that never burns out, fed by an unknown source of fuel. Some claim it is an old relic of magick, a flame that refuses to be extinguished even in the coldest of winters.

Geography

Fireside is situated at the southeastern edge of the Ashwood, at the meeting point of the warfront road and the main trade route leading deeper into Everwealth. It is surrounded by scorched land, where the creeping embers of the Ashwood never seem to fully die. To the west lies the burning forest itself, a near-endless expanse of smoldering trees, shifting embers, and choking smoke. The land here is treacherous, with deep fissures, hidden sinkholes, and old ruins long since consumed by the flames. To the east, the land flattens into more navigable terrain, where the road leads toward Merchant’s Meet and the battlefields beyond. This road, while safer than the Ashwood route, is heavily patrolled, as it represents one of Everwealth’s most vital supply lines to its war effort. Despite its harsh environment, Fireside’s strategic location ensures it remains an essential part of Everwealth’s infrastructure.

Climate

Fireside experiences extreme and unpredictable weather. The town’s proximity to the Ashwood means that airborne embers and drifting smoke frequently sweep through the area, creating a constant haze that dims the sun even on clear days. The summers are dry and hot, with temperatures rising as winds from the burning forest carry waves of heat into the town. Winters, however, are bitterly cold, with freezing winds rolling in from the east. Fireside is one of the few places where one can stand in the snow and still feel the heat of a distant inferno creeping through the air. Rain is inconsistent but essential, as it is the town’s only source of fresh water for crops and drinking. Long dry spells are common, forcing strict rationing of supplies. Despite its harsh climate, Fireside endures, its people hardened against both the fire to the west and the war to the east.

Natural Resources

Fireside’s resources are limited, but crucial. The Ashwood provides timber, though harvesting it is extremely dangerous, as the forest is unpredictable and often deadly. The wood itself is resilient, often fire-hardened, making it valuable for construction and fortification. Fireside’s farmlands are meager but sustainable, growing only hardy vegetables such as potatoes, cabbages, and bitter greens. These crops rely entirely on rainfall, as there are no natural freshwater sources in the region. The town relies heavily on imported goods, particularly iron, fresh water, and grain from deeper within Everwealth. Its most valuable asset, however, is its strategic location. Fireside sits at a critical junction between Everwealth’s interior and the warfront, ensuring that it remains a necessary stronghold despite its many hardships.

Founding Date

364 CA

Alternative Name(s)

'Last Breath', 'The Start and the Finish'.

Population

5,300

Inhabitant Demonym

'Fire-Watchers'.

Owning Organization

The Monarchy