Lakefall

Lakefall was hit hard by the industrialisation of Grand Marin and the closure of the lumber yards at Hardwood. The water powered lumber mills were no longer needed, as timber ceased to flow down the Shimmerush.

Situated on the Southern edge of Lake Silverspire, Lakefall was established because of the natural power that could be harnessed from the Silverspire waterfalls. Waterwheels were set up in the narrow gorges and a settlement grew.

Gravity also proved beneficial in transporting the lumber. Barges would arrive at the head of the waterfall carrying roughly hewn trunks. These trunks would be dropped to the mills by the fallers. Fallers specialise in using pulleys and counterweights to drop heavy objects with little effort and maximum control.

The waterfalls either powered the larger wheels directly, or their water redirected to offshoot wheels. The wheels drove the saws, and gravity was utilised yet again to feed the timber.

Once cut the wood floated down flumes to waiting barges at the bottom of the gorge, to be carried further down river to Sumshire where they would be aged and treated.

The entirety of Lakefall revolved around timber production. When this industry was undercut by the Neywood yards Lakefall was sent crashing into poverty.

Now, the derelict wooden manors, including the Palace of the Oakenfell, are only occupied by wintering shepherds. The mills and warehouses are silent except for the bleating of sheep. In the Old Town, down in the deepest gorges, only ghosts and lost birds wander.

Lore

There is a tale about the first mill being haunted by a foul ghoul. It started when mischievous children ventured into the ruined mill under the Silvroar, the biggest of the falls. Having crept along the decaying flumes and through the rusting machine floors, they found themselves in the dingy office of the old foreman. A desk of oak heartwood stood where it had been left and the children tiptoed round to riffle through its drawers.

They found an old, tarnished key wrapped in greased paper. When they picked it up an eruption of luminescent gunk came from the rear of the office with a harrowing roar. The sodden children sprinted from the office, through the mill and back along the flumes to the safety of their families.

One of them had taken the key.

That key has long since disappeared, rumoured to be carried by the child who found it. None know what door it opens, or what treasure it protects.

RUINED SETTLEMENT
1574

Type

Town

Owning Organization

The Marinian League