Stone's Mouth
Stone’s Mouth is a small, resilient village nestled in the heart of a rugged arboreal rainforest, where the air is damp with mist, and the trees stretch high into the heavens. Known for its veins of copper and coal, the village has long served as a modest yet vital trade hub for nearby settlements due to its location. Its population, though dwindling after a recent raid, is defined by its indomitable spirit and its people’s tenacious ability to endure hardship. The village is built along the edge of a rocky ravine, with narrow paths leading to forested hills and caves rich in minerals.
Though its name evokes permanence, Stone’s Mouth has been uprooted and rebuilt once before, a testament to its people’s ability to adapt and survive. The village now faces a precarious future as it struggles to recover from a devastating attack by Vector’s forces, leaving its leadership and resources strained.
Demographics
Total Population: 68
Children (under 13): 24 Adults (40 and older): 38 Adults (14–39): 6 Taken or killed by Vector: 32 villagers, primarily men and women aged 14–39, including the village's strongest workers and defenders.
Before the raid, Stone’s Mouth had a balanced population, with a mix of miners, farmers, and artisans forming its core. The loss of many able-bodied adults has left the village’s survival reliant on its older residents and children.
Children (under 13): 24 Adults (40 and older): 38 Adults (14–39): 6 Taken or killed by Vector: 32 villagers, primarily men and women aged 14–39, including the village's strongest workers and defenders.
Before the raid, Stone’s Mouth had a balanced population, with a mix of miners, farmers, and artisans forming its core. The loss of many able-bodied adults has left the village’s survival reliant on its older residents and children.
Government
Stone’s Mouth is governed by an elder chosen by the community to serve until they are no longer able to fulfill their duties due to age, infirmity, or death. The elder is expected to be a figure of wisdom, pragmatism, and stability, guiding the village through its challenges. Decisions are made collectively with input from trusted advisors or community meetings, but the elder’s word is final.
The current elder, Akris Holm, has held his position for eight years. He was chosen for his steadfast demeanor, sharp mind, and deep understanding of the village’s history and resources.
Defences
Before the raid, the village maintained a small militia of able-bodied men and women who acted as guards and first responders to threats. However, the militia was forcibly conscripted by Vector’s forces during the raid, leaving the village defenseless. Basic fortifications, such as watchtowers and a few reinforced gates, remain, but they are currently unmanned.
Infrastructure
The village’s modest infrastructure reflects its practical needs and access to local resources:
Housing: Simple wooden and stone structures, designed for durability in the damp rainforest climate.
Mines: Entrances to coal and copper mines dot the nearby cliffs, supported by timber reinforcements and basic pulley systems.
Market Square: A central gathering area used for trading, communal gatherings, and festivals.
Storage Facilities: Large sheds and underground cellars for storing coal, copper, and food supplies.
Water Supply: A natural spring near the village provides fresh water, supplemented by rain collection systems.
Mines: Entrances to coal and copper mines dot the nearby cliffs, supported by timber reinforcements and basic pulley systems.
Market Square: A central gathering area used for trading, communal gatherings, and festivals.
Storage Facilities: Large sheds and underground cellars for storing coal, copper, and food supplies.
Water Supply: A natural spring near the village provides fresh water, supplemented by rain collection systems.
Assets
Stone’s Mouth is rich in natural resources, particularly coal and copper. These resources are mined by the villagers and traded with neighboring settlements in exchange for food, tools, and other essentials. The copper is particularly prized for crafting tools, ornaments, and basic weaponry, while the coal fuels forges and heating systems in other villages.
History
Stone’s Mouth was rebuilt 60 years ago after its predecessor, located just over the nearby rise, was destroyed by bandits. The survivors chose the current location for its proximity to rich mineral veins and its natural defensibility, with steep cliffs and dense forest shielding it from larger threats. Over the decades, the village grew modestly, forging trade connections and establishing itself as a stable, industrious community.
Climate
Stone’s Mouth lies within an arboreal rainforest, characterized by towering conifers, frequent rainfall, and a cool, temperate climate. The air is damp year-round, with moss carpeting the forest floor and mist rising from the ravine each morning. Winters are mild but wet, while summers bring bursts of sunlight through the dense canopy.
Natural Resources
Stone’s Mouth’s survival and modest prosperity stem from its access to abundant natural resources:
Coal: Mined from rich seams in the nearby cliffs, providing fuel for trade and local needs.
Copper: Extracted from the same cliffs, used for crafting and trade.
Lumber: The surrounding forest supplies timber for construction, repairs, and fuel.
Game and Foraging: The forest teems with wildlife, offering game such as deer and boar, as well as edible plants, berries, and mushrooms.
Fresh Water: A natural spring and abundant rainfall ensure a steady supply of clean water.
Stone: Quarried from the cliffs for construction and trade, particularly for reinforcing mines and homes.
Stone’s Mouth’s resources are both its greatest strength and a potential target for exploitation, as the raid by Vector demonstrates. Despite this, the village’s people remain determined to rebuild and protect what remains.
Copper: Extracted from the same cliffs, used for crafting and trade.
Lumber: The surrounding forest supplies timber for construction, repairs, and fuel.
Game and Foraging: The forest teems with wildlife, offering game such as deer and boar, as well as edible plants, berries, and mushrooms.
Fresh Water: A natural spring and abundant rainfall ensure a steady supply of clean water.
Stone: Quarried from the cliffs for construction and trade, particularly for reinforcing mines and homes.
Stone’s Mouth’s resources are both its greatest strength and a potential target for exploitation, as the raid by Vector demonstrates. Despite this, the village’s people remain determined to rebuild and protect what remains.
Population
68
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
Characters in Location
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