Colony Hill
Always abuzz with activity...
Nestled within the lush farmlands of the southern Empire, Colony Hill is not, in fact, a geopolitical settlement but rather a small township founded by gnomish beekeeper Nettie Folkswing and her father Elias. Named after the numerous colonies of bees housed within the hillsides of the town, Colony Hill is the primary supplier of beehives and colonies to the surrounding farms and orchards. Trained beekeepers on retainer travel to maintain the hives and ensure that the bee colonies are protected while out in the fields. They keep the hives free of other invading insects while also providing extra protection from wandering predators and thieving fingers. Specialized clockwork mechanisms invented by Nettie and Elias allow the beekeepers to collect honey from hives without causing undue stress to the residents, and frames are rotated regularly to prevent a buildup of old wax. In town, other Colony Hill residents make and export quality beeswax and honey-based products throughout the Empire. One specialty, the seasonal "Summersquash Mead", is especially sought after. The squash-blossom honey used in the fermentation is very unusual and has to be collected carefully to maintain purity. Generally gathered in late summer, most of the honey is bottled for sale, with a small portioned kept back to make the mead. This then ferments for several months and is ready to drink just as the next summer begins.
The town of Colony Hill is built up along the side of one large hill. Two roads snake their way up to the top while two others run lengthwise, one cut into the hillside itself while another wraps around the base of the slope. Workshops line the "Low Road", past which a fence encircles most of the hill and the town. Residences fill much of the "High Road", with networks of stairs and platforms leading from building to building. Near the crest of the hill is a town square, planted with flowers and fruit trees, and a small stone building used for meetings and other town business. This is also where the town's extensive records are stored. Once they retire from hive maintenance, older beekeepers join what they jovially refer to as "The Dancers". When a colony bee finds a new source of nectar and pollen, the insect will "dance" and use a series of turning steps to give the other bees directions to the food source. The Dancers take their work just as seriously, keeping seasonal notes on what has been planted in the surrounding area and when each local field and orchard is blooming. They also record the location of every hive, details about colonies and queens, and keep all of the contracts held with landowners and farmers.
Comments