Copperbark
The Artisan’s Haven
Small Town, Known for Unique Timber and Craftsmanship
Settlement Summary
- Population: 2,300 (primarily humans, halflings, and a small number of elves and dwarves)
- Government: Administered by a Mayor elected by local artisans and traders, with oversight from Wildacre’s council
- Alignment: Neutral Good
- Languages: Common, Halfling, Elven
- Notable Locations: The Copperwood Mill, The Artisan’s Hall, The Hillside Market, The Barkside Tavern
Notable Features
- The Copperwood Mill: The town’s primary sawmill processes the distinctive copperbark timber, prized for its strength, vibrant ruddy-orange colour, and unique grain patterns.
- The Artisan’s Hall: A workshop and guildhall where carpenters, woodcarvers, and other artisans create everything from furniture to musical instruments using copperbark wood.
- The Hillside Market: A lively marketplace that attracts traders from Markethome and other towns, offering copperbark goods alongside local produce and crafts.
- The Barkside Tavern: A welcoming inn and tavern known for its carved wooden décor and warm hospitality. It serves as a social hub for residents and travellers.
Special Qualities
- Unique Timber: Copperbark wood is the town’s defining feature, known for its striking colour and exceptional quality. It is highly sought after for furniture, artwork, and ceremonial items.
- Artisan Community: Copperbark is home to some of Wildacre’s finest woodworkers, who have developed techniques to make the most of the region’s distinctive timber.
- Proximity to Faerun: While the town is peaceful, its location near Castle Faerun ensures additional security and trade opportunities in times of crisis. Much of Faerun's furnishings are Copperbark traded for good favour.
Defenses
- Local Militia: Copperbark maintains a small guard of about 50 members, trained to defend the town from bandits and minor threats.
- Trade Road Patrols: The trade road connecting Copperbark to Markethome is sporadically patrolled, though not as secure as more major routes.
- Castle Faerun’s Proximity: In times of crisis, the nearby fortress can provide reinforcements or additional protection, though they are somewhat hesitant to do so, given their relatively abyss-focused training and smaller fighting force than other fortresses.
Notable NPCs
- Mayor Lysa Greenwood: A halfling leader with a deep love for the town’s traditions, Lysa works tirelessly to promote Copperbark’s artisans and protect its trade routes.
- Master Crafter Elden Harrow: A human carpenter whose intricate furniture and sculptures are renowned throughout Wildacre and beyond.
- Millmaster Taron Amberaxe: A stout dwarven overseer of the Copperwood Mill, Taron is known for his efficiency and insistence on sustainable logging practices.
- Trader Maren Fellspar: An elven merchant who coordinates the sale of copperbark goods to Markethome and other trade hubs.
- Rhea Stormglen: A young human ranger who patrols the surrounding hills and woods, ensuring the safety of the town and its trade routes.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Timber Theft: The high value of copperbark wood occasionally attracts thieves and smugglers, necessitating vigilance from the town’s guard.
- Bandit Activity: The northern trade road is not as well-guarded as major routes, leaving caravans vulnerable to attack.
- Overharvesting Concerns: Some residents worry about the sustainability of copperbark logging, urging for stricter regulations to protect the unique trees.
- Artisan Rivalries: While the town is cooperative, competition among artisans for prestigious commissions sometimes creates tension.
The Copperwood Mill
"Heart of the Industry"
The Copperwood Mill processes the distinctive copperbark timber, ensuring its unique properties are preserved. Its saws and tools are enchanted to minimize waste and damage, and a significant amount of the town's profits are used on the finest parts and repairs.
The Artisan’s Hall
"Masters of Craft"
The Artisan’s Hall is a gathering place for Copperbark’s talented woodworkers, where new techniques are shared, and masterpieces are created. The Artisan's Hall was created by Queen Hera during a visit, where the tensions amongst competing artists was starting to hinder the town's productivity and quality. Since the encouragement of congeniality, while competition exists, it is not at the devastating levels it once was.
The Hillside Market
"A Place of Exchange"
The Hillside Market offers a vibrant array of goods, from copperbark furniture to wild game and herbs. It is busiest during festival seasons. Very little coin is exchanged here, as much of the trade that occurs here is for raw copperbark, or copperbark products.
The Copperbark Trees
"Nature’s Treasure"
The copperbark trees that grow in the hills around the town are unique to the region, their ruddy-orange bark shimmering like polished metal in the sunlight.