Sootridge

Tucked away in the shadowy crevices of the Obsidian Cliffs, Sootridge is a hardworking, rugged town, born of toil and sacrifice. Rich coal seams course through the surrounding mountains, serving as the lifeblood of the community. These veins of black gold have shaped the town's identity, offering both sustenance and hardship to the stoic inhabitants. As day breaks, Sootridge buzzes to life, echoing with the steady rhythm of pickaxes against stone, the deep rumble of loaded carts, and the smoky whispers of coal dust in the wind.
Despite its hardworking populace, the benefits of Traders' Union membership have not trickled down to the laboring masses of Sootridge as expected. The coal miners, upon whose broad shoulders the town's economy rests, find their pay barely covering life's necessities, while the elites continue to profit from their efforts. The Union's focus on more lucrative ventures has left Sootridge trailing behind, a stark contrast to the affluence of cities like Frostvine and Glila. A stark wealth gap has become increasingly evident, a grim testament to the inequalities ingrained in the town's social fabric.
Yet, beneath the grime and struggle, a sense of camaraderie persists among the miners of Sootridge. Shared hardships have bonded the miners into a community that stands together, their spirit as unyielding as the mountains they mine. Despite the widening wealth gap, the people of Sootridge are characterized by their resilience, their shared dream of a brighter future serving as a beacon against the darkness of the coal mines. Their Thane, Jefrem Vorisun, stands as a representation of this indomitable spirit, a beacon of hope in the rough landscape of their lives.

Notable features and locations:
The Miners' Respite: This hardy tavern is the heart and soul of Sootridge. With its rustic, rough-hewn furnishings and warm, flickering hearth, it provides a welcoming retreat from the mines. Here, tales of the day's work are shared over mugs of ale, and rousing songs echo late into the night.
Vorisun Manor: The residence of the Thane, Vorisun Manor, stands as a symbol of authority and leadership in the town. Its sturdy stone structure is one of the few in Sootridge that isn't built directly into the mountainside, highlighting its importance. Despite the relative opulence compared to the miners' humble dwellings, the manor retains a sense of rustic charm.
The Coalfront Market: While not as bustling as markets in wealthier Union towns, the Coalfront Market is a vibrant center of commerce. Vendors sell everything from mining supplies and equipment to home-grown vegetables and hand-knit garments. The market also occasionally sees traders from other towns, bringing a touch of the outside world into Sootridge.
The Sootridge Mines: The veins of coal that thread the nearby mountains are the lifeblood of the town. The mine entrances, hewn into the mountainside, stand as a testament to the labor and sacrifice of the miners. Deep within these tunnels, miners work tirelessly to extract the precious resource.
Blackstone Memorial: This somber monument stands at the entrance to the mines, a tribute to the miners who have lost their lives in the treacherous depths. Its presence serves as a stark reminder of the risks the miners face each day, yet also signifies the resilience and solidarity of the community.

Population: 4,130
Human: 56%
Dwarf: 16%
Halfling: 13%
Elf: 8%
Gnome: 4%
Other races: 3%