Helmsdale
Helmsdale suffered greatly throughout the reign of the Witch-King, serving as Zhengyi's base of operations in Damara from his first invasion until his defeat almost 12 years later. Now the town is often referred to as "the cursed village."
Originally a quiet farming community, Helmsdale once harbored a population of 500, mostly farmers whose produce largely went to support the dwarves of Ironspur. The Last Outpost was a favorite tavern for anyone traveling the King's Road north of Goliad.
Helmsdale's population exploded to 4,000 when the Witch-King's army rolled in. None of the original inhabitants of Helmsdale managed to get out before the army overran the city. Of the 500 who surrendered to Zhengyi during the first year of the Vaasan War, only 78 survived to see the Witch-King defeated. Most of those have since remained in Helmsdale, and a few newcomers have trickled in.
Like every other community in Damara, Helmsdale is stubbornly determined to survive. With help from Ironspur and from the Bloodstone army, the final reminders of Zhengyi's vile reign have been swept from the village. On unanimous decision of the people of Helmsdale, the first structure rebuilt was the Last Outpost.
Demographics
Demographics: Human (70%), Dwarf (17%), Halfling (10%), Others (1%)
Government
Sheriff William Redstaff lives in Helmsdale, although his responsibility is the entire county. Willam is one of the commoners to have risen to the rank of sheriff. He is a good and loyal servant, yet his simple, straightforward thinking is a source of many jokes and mockeries. Fortunately, Willam is as good-natured about his own limitations as he is fervent in overseeing the lands of Helmsdale. If Dormythyrr is ever confirmed as Duke by the Council, his first act would be to raise Redstaff to Count of Helmsdale.
Defences
William has a staff of about a dozen men. Helmsdale is small enough not to need much of a guard. In case of an attack, the entire village heads to the Last Outpost Inn to defend themselves. Rumors persist that some of the townsfolk of Helmsdale are a lot more dangerous than they let on.
Industry & Trade
Helmsdale exists as the last stop before Ironspur, almost 50 miles north. It caters mainly to travelers heading to the dwarf-hold. The two other villages in the county are Croaker Gorge and Black Hill. Croaker Gorge makes its living off the nearby moor with the same name, and Black Hill is a mining town. Both send their goods through Helmsdale.
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