Barrenhoff
Barrenhoff is a small seaside village in the southwest of Irithyl, with a quaint fishing village feel. There are very few port facilities to speak of, just a bunch of meager docks that house these fishing vessels. The outskirts of the village quickly transition to farmland and hills. The village has never been very large or provided much in the way of industry or goods. Recently, a few people from elsewhere in the continent have begun to move to Barrenhoff and similar quiet villages to start new lives, and the people of Barrenhoff are welcoming -- if a bit suspicious at first -- of newcomers.
Barrenhoff is part of the relatively new kingdom of Baenrae, having historically been part of Hyden. During the time period of the Astorio Empire, Barrenhoff and its neighbors Gestade and Stelle were occupied by the Empire. Because the capital of Dunhall was so far away, they could not muster enough of an army to defend the southern settlements. When the Empire was dissolved, this resentment at not being protected led the three southern settlements to declare independence from Hyden and found their own kingdom.
Demographics
The vast majority of the population are humans, with a few halfling families inhabiting the village as well. A few other races are present, but in small enough numbers to be not worthy of note. Most of the population is poor but stable. The community grows plenty of food and brings in plenty of fish to feed everyone, with the excess occasionally going on carts further inland toward Gestade. The Mayor and the small handful of noble families have a bit more wealth than the rest of the townsfolk, but nowhere near as much as the urban nobles elsewhere on the continent.
Government
The Mayor runs the village, without the aid of a council. The position is life-long, though it is not passed down through heredity. When the Mayor dies or retires, the village gets together to elect a new mayor in a process that can take several hours or several months.
Architecture
Most of the buildings are simple stone seaside structures. Further inland, the farms are wooden French countryside style, but never too flashy or large. The nobles' houses, the town hall, and the main tavern are all two-story stone and wood structures.
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