Vadbro

Vadbro is the first Blackharbour village travelers encounter when coming along the Imperial Highway from House Hanover lands. It is a relatively small village, but boasts a thriving economy based on the trade lanes established in the northern reaches of Halruaal. Commodities of all kinds flow from the east from cities such as Duchnov and Hurest, while flavorful foods and inventions travel from regions to the west. Otherwise, Vadbro is known for the many herbs and logging opportunities that surround it in the form of the Keilden Forest.  Particular rare woods such as Ironwood and Lightwood populate the area in small clusters.

Demographics

Most of the residences of Vadbro are Human, though it does have a small population of Dwarves, Orcs, and Gnomes.  Those that live here are mostly laborers and tradesmen.  As such a majority are of modest background and answer to the local Baron: Baroness Lida Kingwood.

Government

All in all, the village falls under the authority of the local Baron. House Blackharbour recently elevated a new barony to a station of power, granting power to the newly appointed house of Kingwood with Baroness Lida Kingwood as the head of the house. However, the Baroness has been serving as an Ambassador of House Blackharbour in the city of Corio and has been away since the war started. Having no children (or spouse), much of the day to day governing has fallen to a council of village elders, and an appointed mayor.

Defences

Vadbro is not heavily defended.  They do not boast any walls or a large contingent of guards.  With the Buffer of the Keilden Forest and House Hannover, they don't have to worry about aggression from the war with the Loyalist Houses of Aetius or Odinson.  Nor are they close to the sea and subject to naval raids from House Udaku.

 

What they do have are a number of magical wards from the two apprentices of Baroness Kingwood.  Also stationed within the village is a small collection of guards and hunters under house Kingwood's employ.  These were stationed here by the Baroness to make sure nothing wild (whether beast or elf) threatens the northern road of House Blackharbour.

 

Industry & Trade

While Vadbro is a part of a major trade route, it is also nestled next to a particularly small copse of Ironwood and Lightwood. Loggers tend to the trees, while hunters, and farmers keep the surrounding areas clear and relatively prosperous in their food supply. Much of the benefits in this regard are due mostly from the management of the village counsel along with the caravans from Congregation of Merchants. These are protected in part by various mercenary groups and men loyal to the magisterium.

Infrastructure

Vadbro is first and foremost a trading village.  It serves as a way station among the Northeastern Imperial Highway between Houses Blackharbour, Hannover, Odinson, Clan Oni, and Romanos.  Many merchants and laborers ensure the continued flow of goods along this road between House Hanover and Blackharbour.

Assets

Vadbro host Ironwood and Lightwood in small quantities.  Though much of the surrounding area is dense with healing herbs and toxic plants that alchemists and herbalists can use to make various tonics, salves, and potions with.  

Guilds and Factions

A local branch of the Congregation exists in Vadbro.  While not necessarily a "guild" by any means, an alliance between the general goods proprietor, the smithy, and the local innkeeper have kept the wheels of trade turning.

History

Vadbro started off as a small trading outpost that slowly (but steadily) grew into the village it is today.  Not many have chosen to stick around and expand the village as the work is tough.  Between the unnatural cold in the north, the beast in the woods, and the free elves, not many wizards in the Magisterium have poured effort into growing the village any larger than it has been.  Still, Vadbro has persisted 

Points of interest

As a village, there aren't many points of interest within the limits. Most notable are:

1. Townhall (home of the mayor, meeting hall, and the local seat of administration in Vadbro
2. The Dilapidated Friar (the village inn and secondary meeting hall - at least for the Congregation of Merchants)
3. The Duskkeep (the village cemetery and home of the Silent)
4. The Parish of the Woodsman (the central house of worship for members of the Church of the Seven).

Geography

Vadbro is surrounded by the Keilden forest, with the only major way out along the Imperial Highway to the Northwest and the southeast.  There are also numerous hills and thickets that make venturing into the forest difficult - but not impossible.  However, a trade guide would be needed else the beast of the forest could prove a quick end.

Natural Resources

A nearby pond provides for the water of the village as does the underground water pulled up through wells.  The village itself is cleared of enough trees to have small viable farmland, but most of the food comes from hunting and trade.  Lumber from the Forest goes into the houses, tools, and transportation (i.e. carts, wagons, and carriages).  

Maps

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  Vadbro

Important People in village:

• Mayor: Elliott Phillips
• Village Council member (1): Jonas Butler
• Village Council member (2): Ruben Pearson
• Village Council member (3): Beatrix Shaw
• Village Council member/Wizard Apprentice: Eve Powell
• Village Council member/Wizard Apprentice: Leyla Walker
• Village Council member/Head of the Kingwood Guard: Fredrick Knight
• Priest: Xavier Hamilton
• Inn Keeper: Haider Burke
• General Goods proprietor (Congregation of Merchant's Rep): Samuel Porter
• Smithy: Eli Davies
• Member of the Silent: Ao

Founding Date

1800 AR

Type

Village

Population

250

Location under

The Northeast Region

Owner/Ruler

Lida Kingwood

Additional Rulers/Owners

• Mayor Elliott Phillips

Ruling/Owning Rank

Mayor