Phandalin
The village of Phandalin is currently the only significant settlement in the ungoverned province between the principalities of Westland and Allenstadt.
Demographics
The population is mostly human, with a few half-orcs, half-elves, and halfings among the permanent residents. Merchant caravans passing through, prospectors from the nearby mountains, or visiting adventurers can shift these demographics substantially.
Government
Although claimed by the kingdom of Wallacia, there is usually little governmental oversight by the distant capital. Until the provincial economy can support being taxed by a local prince/princess, the villagers mostly govern themselves.
Every four years the permanent adult villagers elect one of their fellow residents to be "townmaster". The townmaster acts as the local magistrate for criminal matters, ownership of cattle or other non-land property, etc. He/she is also responsible for directing repairs to the local road connecting the village to the Tri-Boar Trail, but even in this he is dependent upon the villages volunteering labor and supplies as his/her request. The current townmaster, Harbin Wester, was elected two years ago.
Local claims regarding ownership of land, mineral rights, and ownership of ancient ruins and abandoned buildings is, however, under the authority of the Wallacian crown. Currently, Halia Thorton has a commission as “Royal surveyor, clerk of deeds, and arbiter of land claims for the Western hills, lands from the south bank of the Red River to the sea, and the provinces of Thundertree and Phandalin”. Halia's office is in the Phandalin Miner's Exchange.
Defences
There are the remains of an ancient stone wall around most of the village. This appears to have enclosed the lower portion of a motte-and-bailey fortification joined with the ruined manor on the top of the adjoining hell. However, in its current state the ruined wall is little more than an inconvenience to anyone clambering over it.
There are no village guards or standing military force in the province as a whole, let alone any stationed in Phandalin. In the event of a major incursion by orcs, goblins, etc. the kingdom of Wallacian would dispatch armed forces to the area to put down the invaders. They have done so several times in the past, the last operation being about 40 years ago.
Industry & Trade
The local area produces a small surplus of food beyond what the village residents need. The excess is sold to caravans passing through on the Tri-Boar Trail.
In addition, prospectors find small quantities of valuable ores and gem stones in the mountains to the south. Most of this is sold to the Phandalin Miner's Exchange, which in turn exports it to the neighboring principalities.
Other than that, most of the villages needs are met by locally made goods (such as the blacksmith and woodworker). This is supplemented by goods bought from transient merchant caravans. Phandalin's central location on the Tri-Boar Trail makes it a popular stopover for such caravans.
History
Not much is known about the history of this village. It apparently dates to before the Shattering, but it is not known if it was ruined by that event, or if it was abandoned sometime before or after. The only record of the name "Phandalin" was an inscription on a mile-marker on the nearby Tri-Boar Trail which points in the direction of the village.
It was re-discovered by explorers from Wallacia who were tracing the remains of the Tri-Boar Trail from Westland. It has since been re-settled by farmers, prospectors, and people who make their living providing goods and services to both locals and travelers on the Trail.
Points of interest
There is a ruined manor on top of a hill overlooking the village. The manor appears to have been the main keep of a motte-and-bailey fortification. The roof has long ago rotted away, and the upper floor collapsed. However, the Outer walls are mostly intact, indicating that it was at least two stories tall. The manor has remained vacant since the re-founding of the village due to rumors that it is haunted. There have been a few unexplained deaths and disappearances near the manor, as well as reports of an apparition of some sort.
Recently, a band of mercenaries known as the Redbrand have been seen moving in and out of the manor. It remains to be seen if they have evicted the undead from the site.
Architecture
Most of the buildings were erected on the ruins of ancient foundations and partially-collapsed walls. Timber walls, as well as timber and lathe walls predominate. Wood-shake singles cover most of the roofs, though a few thatched roofs are present on some homes. None of the buildings are more than two stories tall.
Geography
Rolling hills border the village on three sides, with a large mountain range to the south. The soil is rocky, but there is enough fertile soil in the lowlands to support productive farms. The land around the village is peppered with the stone ruined walls and chimneys of ancient buildings.
Climate
The southern mountain range blocks most weather patterns from the Solaran Sea. Instead, weather coming the west and the north predominate, giving the area a somewhat cooler temperate climate than it's latitude and elevation would normally indicate. Rainfall typically tapers off during the summer, resulting in streams running low, or even drying up. However, rains in the fall and spring, together with snows in winter, provide enough water for heavy forests and productive local farms.
Type
Village
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
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Related Reports (Secondary)
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