Featherdale
Featherdale was a pastoral, peaceful farmland, in stark contrast to the surrounding Dalelands. Nestled in the lowlands north of the River Ashaba, it was still considered a "rustic dale" even though it wasn't technically a valley. This quaint community extolled the virtues of common sense, resilience of spirit, and civic virtue.
The region was a frequent way point for travelers moving along Rauthauvyr's Road, with a major trail that continued into the larger Scardale. The dale had no towns or cities, but a number of small villages, with Wright's Ferry serving as a marketplace and meeting area for Feathersdalefolk during their Dalemeets.
Structure
Featherdale has gone through most of its existence without having a singular leader, major city or standing army. Citizens of the dale had a libertarian outlook, believing anyone could do as they wished so long as no harm came to others. Justice was disorderly, bordering on vigilantism at times, and could develop into long standing feuds.
The Featherdarrans' only political gatherings are infrequent four- or five-day meetings called Dalemeets. These free-for-all debate sessions are held in Feather Falls to settle disputes or problems that affect Featherdale's inhabitants. Anyone can participate in a Dalemeet.
Culture
Most of the Feathersdalefolk were farmers, with somewhat antiquated traditions. The community as a whole was known to hold grudges, such as hating all Red Wizards due to one member's mistreatment of a local wizard; however, they have not held similar grudges against the people of Scardale or Sembia dispite numerous invasions. Featherdarrans settle personal disputes in time honored fashion, usually by talking in the presence of respected elder farmers. Around sixty years ago, blood feuds rippled across this valley as several families became embroiled in a bitter dispute over contested land. The families involved in the feuding exhausted themselves until the surviving members were run off toward the Moonsea by a local family of bards and sorcerers who'd had enough.
It was noted for being a haven for aged, retired adventurers. The river men of Featherdale's villages were roguish gamblers and entertaining raconteurs.
Unlike the people from other dales, the folk of Featherdale had little relations with the elves of Cormanthor.
History
Despite having no government or official leadership, it has remained relatively unscathed throughout occupations, including being conquered by Lashan Aumersair in his war to unite the Dales in 1356 DR.
In 1372 DR a Sembian wizard repeatedly attempted to call a "Dalemeet" in order to introduce a system of magical portage to transport goods along the Ashaba. In reality, he was a Zhent slaver who plotted on rallying slaving parties into the dale through portals and passageways from the Underdark to subjugate the Dalesfolk into bondage.
After a number of attempted annexations, Featherdale was finally taken under Sembian control, and thus the control of the Netherese empire in 1418 DR. When returned Netheril collapsed once again in 1487 DR, Sembia was freed from their control and as a gesture of goodwill to the Heartlands, released Featherdale from their control. By 1489 DR the dale was once again free and independent.
Demography and Population
All of Featherdale's citizens put together amount to a small town in Sembia or Cormyr. For the most part, Featherdale is a region that citizens of the Heartlands know only as a wide and pleasant stretch of road in between regions of greater significance.
Population: 14,020 (84% humans, 11% halflings, 2% half-elves, 2% gnomes)
Territories
Featherdale isn't technically a dale, since it is lowland and not a valley like other Dalelands. Featherdale occupies rich farming lands within the sweep of the River Ashaba as it flows east toward the of Fallen Stars.
Bodies of water
- Feather Falls: This waterfall served as the eastern edge of the dale, marking its border with Scardale.
- River Ashaba: The massive river that sprawled through multiple dales and into the Sea of Fallen Stars served as the foundation for Featherdale's society and economy.
Important Locations
Cholandrothipe's Tower - This spire served as home to the mage Cholandrothipe before he was murdered by Thayan wizards.
Blackfeather Bridge - The bridge over the River Ashaba was considered a holy site to followers of Cyric.
Temples
House of Morning - Feather Falls was home to a temple of Lathander.
Temple Beneath the Falls - A series of rumored grottoes beneath the rocks at the base of the Feather Falls.
Settlements
Blackfeather Bridge (village) - This rapidly growing village surrounded the eponymous bridge was Featherdale's largest settlement.
Feather Falls (village) - A settlement located at the bottom of the waterfall of the same name is the main anchorage point for boats and skiffs travelling the Ashaba.
Military
They have no standing army or defense in terms of martial force. In desperate cases, adventurers would be hired to deal with brigands or encroaching monsters.
Cheese, corn, grain, salted meat, vegetables
Armor, fine manufactured goods, weapons, oil
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