High Dale
The southernmost and most isolated of the Dales is the High Dale. The Dale occupies a mountain pass, and stark cliffs tower over the rocky land. Over the centuries the Highdalesmen have built miles of terraces and high pastures in the pass. The High Dale is very old, and was one of the first Dales settled. It can trace its history back more than 700 years.
Those who were born in High Dale swear by its crisp air, its splendid views of the Thunder Peaks between Cormyr and Sembia, and its citizens' self-sufficient, self-determined lifestyles as shepherds, small farmers, craftsfolk, or stonecutters. Those not born in High Dale regard it as nothing more than a convenient or strategic mountain pass just barely below the tree line.
Culture
The people of High Dale have one huge advantage over their low land cousins: Except for their land's strategic importance as a between Cormyr and Sembia, they don't have anything anyone else wants.
The Highdalefolk live relatively free of the political intrigues and mercantile competition that frequently intrude in the lowland Dales. Vigilance against monsters that don't care about politics and economics is always necessary, but if simple lives are happy lives, the people of High Dale are happy.
History
High Dale is among one of the oldest of the Dales, being founded sometime in the 600's DR. Over the centuries, the Highdalesmen have terraced the mountainside, creating pastures for herding and farming.
The most notable event in High Dale's recorded history took place on Flamerule 26, 720 DR, in the Dancing Place known as the Gathering of the Gods. Several deities of nature, peace and magic all directly spoke through their respective priests and granted their blessing over a joint effort between clerics, druids, dryads and elves to combat a malevolent faction of allied, evil-aligned clergies.
Perhaps due to its remote location, High Dale has historically never taken part in the majority of the conflicts of the dales. Outside of small skirmishes, it has seldom seen significant battles, even during the occupation of the Zhents.Additionally, despite its central location between the two nations, High Dale has markedly never been a site of conflict between Cormyr and Sembia.
Conversely the dale was home to a small battle of note during the Time of Troubles. Shortly after the Zhents began occupation oh High Dale, they were fought off Elminster and a group known as the Rangers Three before any real harm could come to the region.
Demography and Population
Population: 8,179 (humans 86%, gnomes 10%, half-elves 3%)
Territories
High Dale lay on the southwestern edge of the Dalelands, in relative isolation to the others, at a strategic crossroads between Cormyr and Sembia. It was nestled in a steep mountain pass in the Thunder Peaks, between Hooknose Crag and Wyvernfang.
Right in the center of the dale was the keep known as High Castle, with a surrounding town that grew below its northward steppes, arising from its protection and borrowing its name
Mountains
Wyvernfang: This summit at the apex the Thunder Peaks served as roost to a number of wyverns who would ambush travelers along the Thunder Way.
Valleys
Copper Gulp: This small valley was full of small pockets rich in copper.
The Dancing Place: Another hidden valley within the dale; it was preserved as a sacred site to both the Harpers as well as a number of nature-related deities.
Hidden Vale: Tucked away, and obscured by distracting alpine wildflowers and winter fog, the walls of this valley were home to a distinct population of reclusive gnomes.
Roads
Thunder Way - This wagon trail through the Thunder Peaks led out of Thunderstone in Cormyr, passed through High Dale, and wound down to the small Sembian city of Saerb.
Notable locations
Fortifications
Arrowpoint - An earthern stronghold just outside the castle that was home to the Pegasus Archery Company.
High Castle - A castle that protected the surrounding town of Highcastle, and commanded a great view over the Thunder Way and the rest of High Dale.
Settlements
Highcastle - The largest settlement in High Dale was the village nestled in, and protected by, the castle after which it was named. Home to the Dale Council.
Military
Due to its naturally defensive terrain, High Dale seldom had to worry about raiding parties, monster invasions or conquering armies. The defense of the dale fell mostly on the shoulders of the militia, under command of the constables. They were supported however by the mercenaries of the Pegasus Archery Company and the Flying Auxiliary, a score of pegasi-mounted archers led by the young commander Sothinar.
Religion
There are no major temples in the High Dale, but there are several small shrines scattered throughout the mountain pass. The most famous is the Dancing Place, a sacred glen located in a hidden valley near the head of the pass.
Laws
The High Constable was supported by six subordinate constables, who in turn were responsible for training and leading the town's militia. These militia were quickly rally-able and would rapidly respond to bring criminals to justice.
Trade & Transport
High Dale was a mostly self-sufficient domain. They had their share of local craftsmen including smiths, woodworkers and tanners. Farmers in the area grew hay, turnips and potatoes while raising sheep and goats.
While they had no permanent merchant houses or trading costers, the dale's strategic location between the nations of Cormyr and Sembia saw a bustle of caravans through the warmer months of the year. Travelers and merchants could pick up supplies or local products from small shops or general stores.
Copper
Armor, books, metalwork, paper, textiles, weapons
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