Oxwain
The legendary home of the Ochs, one of the original Heldring clans, Oxwain in recent years has found itself increasingly dominated by the nearby capital of Kingsgardt. A proud folk, many Oxwains chafe under what they consider the overbearing rule of the hledwaldas. This has made the town a ripe target for intrigue by its mountain neighbor, the heretical city of Thunderhelde. More than a few nobles and leading citizens of Oxwain are rumored to have become initiates of the Lady of Pestilence.
Situated on the Long Road, much trade moves through the town of Oxwain and brings a not insubstantial amount of wealth to the residents. The nearby farms and fields are productive and provide a decent surplus that can be sold to merchants passing through or brought to the larger markets in Kingsgardt. Several lucrative mines are also maintained in the nearby Cumorian Mountains. It is said that some of the mines employ professional laborers from Thunderhelde, a folk particularly experienced with the craft of carving ores and gems from the mountain rock. Such allegations are unproven, however, as commerce with the excommunicated residents of that city is illegal among the Heldring.
Ealdorman Ealdric Mundgard does his best to convince his people of the value of being loyal servants to the crown. He makes a point of honoring all of his obligations to Kingsgardt to the letter and ensures that the hledwalda in turn honors all of his obligations to Oxwain. So far, at least among the other nobles, these efforts have silenced any talk of rebellion.
Ealdric, though married, has fathered no children as of yet. As a result, the current heir to Oxwain is his younger brother, Earrim Mundgard, who serves as the captain of the city guard. A few have noted Earrim’s unusually frequent visits to the mines in the Cumorian foothills where he meets with locals living in the mountains. Moreover, tongues wag that Earrim never seems to attend services at the temple of Eostre and Thyr in the city.
Goblins and orcs from the Cumorian Mountains are always a threat to Oxwain, as are other dark creatures that live in the peaks and valleys. But the greatest threat may be the one recognized but left unspoken, the gradual infiltration of the influence of Thunderhelde and the worship of Hel into the city. What plans that mountain citadel may have are unknown, but a rebellion in Oxwain, which would undoubtedly bring down the wrath of Kingsgardt, would certainly be welcomed there.
Settlement
Oxwain, Town of
Type
Town
Owning Organization
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