Crossroads

Crossroads was a town founded in the early years of Tumult. It emerged at a key conjuncture along a highway connecting the Felicity Hills region with both the southern wheatlands of Pinecone and Vigil (as well as other southern farming towns and cities) and the northern regions of Dusk and Third. It bypassed the hills and mountains of Eastern Tumult, so it was easier for caravans of trade to pass along this route. Thus a major trading hub emerged, and many prominent merchant families and banks set up shop here.

Demographics

People of every sorts can be found here. Not many are native, as it is city built on business ventures along the main highway of Tumult.

Government

It is a merchant oligopoly. The city guard are privately funded, and the federal government of Tumult only has a monitoring presence here. They pay well for their existence, thus the Tumult king and aristocracy tend to leave it be.

Defences

Crossroads is a city without walls. Defense is privately managed by hiring mercenaries. But, being in the center of Tumult, they are far from any military threat.

Industry & Trade

Trade is their industry. Much of the industry of the Felicity Hills is traded for the primary goods of the northern and southern Tumult here.

Guilds and Factions

There were five key families ruling the town before they faced the brunt of the demonic problem that Tumult faced between 1030-1040 often referred to as the Demon Troubles. These families weren't completely eradicated, but it is uncertain how they will recover with the oncoming war with the Dormant. These five were the Rowland Family who dealt with trade and tariffs along the northern highway up to Dusk. They were the ones most affected by the demon troubles, as their head was kidnapped and replaced by a shapeshifter demon, and their basement was being used to open a portal to the Nine Hells. Adventurers were able to clear that up and reestablish the Rowland household, but the reputation damage was dealt. Then there was the Varconas bank, which experienced a crash at the same time but was once an investment hub. Three other families, the Roxley's (whose head was assassinated), the Blackstrands and the Webbs also help much influence in the region, holding large stakes in the industries surrounding the city. While they are wealthy, they are nouveau riche, leaving them outside of Tumult aristocracy.

History

A city built from the profitable trade along this crossroad. 
A key event that occurred here was the Second Expulsion of Hell (also known as the Devastation of Crossroads) during the Demon Troubles. There were four expulsions before the ultimate defeat of that strange and foreign demon cult.
Another event, though not highly publicized, was the resurrection of Gloranna which brought about the Blood Mist in the north. Not many know of this connection.

Geography

It is located in the prairie region in between the Felicity Hills and the Western Fey Wilds.

Natural Resources

While most their wealth is derived from trade, Crossroads has a sizable share in the wheatlands directly south of them and in the grazing lands to the west of them.

Founding Date

750

Type

City

Population

Approx. 50,000, but three times that pass through it every year.

Location under

Tumult territory

Owning Organization

Tumult