Arvid

Demographics

Arvid is a diverse settlement, mixed predominately with half-halves or other people of mixed race. Many of the villagers were infants recovered from the sacred rock used by the nearby elvish clan to abandon children of mixed blood.

Government

Arvid is ruled by an alderman who's elected from a council of elders. The alderman serves for as many years as they would like, though many alderman retire after serving for 10 years.

Defences

Arvid is hidden deep within a forest. Rangers regularly patrol the footpaths and roads near the village. A barrier also hides the village in times of crisis, but must be activated by the council of elders and alderman.

Industry & Trade

Arvid is primarily agricultural, with some cottage industries like spinning and weaving. The village is largely self-sufficient.

History

Arvid was created by displaced elves and a few traders that put down roots. After generations, and given their proximity to the local elvish clan, many of Arvid's inhabitants were of mixed or different heritage. Local elves would abandon unwanted "halved" children on a sacred rock that was near enough to Arvid that a few bold villagers would save the infants from exposure to the elements. It became known as the kind of village where "the unwanted" lived.
Over the years, as tensions rose in Dianera and the Brothers' War intensified, the local council of elders decided to seal off Arvid with a barrier and set patrols of the local roads. This largely worked to keep Arvid out of the conflict, until Semia crushed Aesaria's army and the would-be king had to flee. He was found by some of Arvid's villagers after collapsing from a wound.
Once the village elders realized Aesaria's actual identity, it was decided he needed to leave as soon as he convalesced to avoid Arvid being dragged into the war or being "purged" by Semia's soldiers as Beacon Hill had been. At some point while he recovered, Aesaria began an affair with a local woman. This woman would give birth to a girl nine months later.
When he failed to convince the local villagers and the council to join his cause, Aesaria left with the few men he had with him. Arvid was peaceful in the years that followed, until several mages arrived to announce that Aesaria was dead. Furthermore, the mages told the alderman that Aesaria had confided in one of his advisors he believed he had fathered a child, making them a potential heir to Dianera's throne and the next leader of his rebellion. The child was identified and then taken, along with her foster-sister, to the Forgotten Valley where the Coalition was rallying.
Arvid, throughout the years, remained the same obscure farming village. Its claim to fame as the birthplace of the current queen of Dianera has meant its secrecy has only intensified.

Type

Village

Population

<1,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Arvidians