Oakholm
Oakholm is a bustling medieval town located in the southeastern region of Markia. It is situated between Sunrise Peaks and the Barren Heights, and is nestled between a perennial river and the coastline. The town is primarily populated by humans but has seen an increase in halflings in the current decade moving into the outskirts.
Demographics
The Markians are the largest demographic in Oakholm, making up about 70% of the population. They are primarily traders, merchants, and craftsmen who work with wood, metal, and textiles. They came to Oakholm to take advantage of the town's strategic location between the hills and the coast, and have since established a bustling market district that is the heart of the town's economy.
The Serran, Telnans, and Drayns, on the other hand, are a smaller demographic, making up only about 23% of the population. They are primarily farmers and herders who live on the outskirts of the town, where they raise crops and livestock on the fertile land surrounding Oakholm. Many of them have lived in the area for generations, and have strong ties to the land and the natural world. They also provide much of the food and raw materials that sustain the town's economy.
Despite their different backgrounds, the Markians, Serrans, Telnans, and Drayns have learned to coexist in Oakholm, each contributing their unique skills and perspectives to the town's growth and prosperity.
Defences
The primary means of defense for Oakholm is a sturdy wooden palisade that encircles the entire town with wooden watchtowers at strategic points along the walls. The walls are manned by a small contingent of soldiers who are trained in the use of bows and crossbows. In times of crisis, the town can also call upon the Markian army for additional support.
Industry & Trade
Oakholm's main exports are trade goods and raw natural resources. The town is located near several forests, which provide a steady supply of timber for use in construction and other industries. Additionally, the town is a major producer of wool and other textiles, which are sold throughout Markia and beyond. Finally, Oakholm is a major center of trade for exotic spices and other goods brought in from the East, which are highly sought after by the wealthy merchants of Markia.
Infrastructure
Given Oakholm's location between the coast, a river, and a forest, its infrastructure and architecture reflect a blend of the resources available to its inhabitants. The town is built primarily of wood and stone, with houses and buildings featuring sloping roofs to protect against the rain that can come in off the coast.
Districts
Oakholm is divided into three distinct districts.
- The first is the market district, which is situated closest to the river and serves as the primary hub of commerce for the town. Here, one can find a variety of shops, stalls, and merchants hawking their wares. The district is home to the town square, where weekly markets are held, and a large stone warehouse for the storage of goods.
- The second district is the residential district, which is located further inland and consists of tightly-packed rows of homes made of wood and stone. The houses are typically two to three stories high and feature multiple chimneys to keep them warm during the cooler months. Streets are narrow and winding, with alleys and shortcuts connecting various parts of the district.
- The third district is the industrial district, which is situated closest to the forest. Here, one can find sawmills, lumberyards, and other industries that make use of the town's abundant timber resources. The district is also home to a number of craft workshops, where skilled artisans produce goods such as textiles, pottery, and metalwork.
History
Oakholm was founded over a century ago by a group of settlers from Markia seeking to establish a new settlement in a fertile and strategically advantageous location. They chose the site for its proximity to both the coastline and the river, which provided easy access to trade routes and allowed the town to flourish as a center of commerce.
The town was named Oakholm after the many ancient oak trees that grew in the surrounding forest, which the settlers believed to be a sign of the land's fertility and abundance. Over time, the oaks have become a symbol of the town's strength and resilience, and are featured prominently in the town's coat of arms and other symbols of civic pride.
The symbol of Oakholm is a large oak tree, which stands in the center of the town square. The oak tree represents the town's deep connection to the surrounding forest and the importance of nature in their lives. The tree is also a symbol of strength and resilience, as it has weathered many storms and has stood the test of time. Legend has it that the town's founder, a Markian explorer, discovered the oak tree and was so impressed by its size and beauty that he decided to build the town around it. Today, the oak tree remains a cherished landmark and a source of pride for the people of Oakholm.
Points of interest
The forest to the northwest of Oakholm is known as the Greenwood. It is a dense and verdant forest that stretches for miles, and is home to a variety of creatures both benign and dangerous. Deer, rabbits, and other small game animals are plentiful, making it a popular hunting ground for the locals. However, there are also wolves and bears that roam the woods, as well as giant spiders and venomous snakes that can prove deadly to the unwary.
Despite the dangers, there is a minor trade route that runs through the Greenwood, connecting Oakholm to Loxhurst. This route is used primarily by hunters and trappers looking to sell their wares in the larger city, as well as by merchants looking to transport goods between the two settlements. Those who use the route are advised to be cautious and travel in groups, as the forest can be treacherous to those unfamiliar with its many hazards.
