The Stop

The Stop

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The general features of The Stop are as follows: Terrain. The lands in this area are low rolling grass hills with patches of wooded areas. It is not rocky and ideal for farming. Crooked Creek meanders across the countryside and must be forded several times when approaching on the Tradeway from the east. Weather. A looming downpour threatens a pleasant day. The humidity is thick and strong gusts blow dust and occasional large drops splat down. Light. The setting sun provides bright light for the few remaining minutes of the day. Smells and Sounds. There is a strong smell of the rain and increasingly frequent rumbles and flashes from the east. Streets and buildings. The Stop is surprisingly cosmopolitan considering its rural setting. A few of the major streets are even cobbled. Most of the shops are artisans and craftsmen who have closed for the evening. The Tradeway. The well-traveled road that stretches from Hillsfar to Yulash is known as the Tradeway, a common trade route. Through town it follows Crooked Creek as the two bisect the town into a north and south side. Farming. There are many surrounding farms that must be passed through to reach the city no matter the approach. Town Center. The center of town is a large paved plaza and displays a round pool of water, in the middle of which is an expertly carved statue of a woman with her palms facing down as if calming the waters in the pool. The woman is the goddess Eldath. The construction looks recent, a gift to the town from a local half-elven sculpture.

The general features of The Stop are as follows:
Terrain. The lands in this area are low rolling grass hills with patches of wooded areas. It is not rocky and ideal for farming. Crooked Creek meanders across the countryside and must be forded several times when approaching on the Tradeway from the east.
Weather. A looming downpour threatens a pleasant day. The humidity is thick and strong gusts blow dust and occasional large drops splat down.
Light. The setting sun provides bright light for the few remaining minutes of the day.
Smells and Sounds. There is a strong smell of the rain and increasingly frequent rumbles and flashes from the east. Streets and buildings. The Stop is surprisingly cosmopolitan considering its rural setting. A few of the major streets are even cobbled. Most of the shops are artisans and craftsmen who have closed for the evening.
The Tradeway. The well-traveled road that stretches from Hillsfar to Yulash is known as the Tradeway, a common trade route. Through town it follows Crooked Creek as the two bisect the town into a north and south side. Farming. There are many surrounding farms that must be passed through to reach the city no matter the approach.
Town Center. The center of town is a large paved plaza and displays a round pool of water, in the middle of which is an expertly carved statue of a woman with her palms facing down as if calming the waters in the pool. The woman is the goddess Eldath. The construction looks recent, a gift to the town from a local half-elven sculpture.

Government

The town has historically been governed by a Magistrate, serving as the leader of the town, and backed by a platoon of Red Plume soldiers from Hillsfar. In gratitude to the HAMR for investing in the town, Malthiir granted the merchant guild the right to appoint the Magistrate of the town, provided they maintain a majority ownership of the holdings. The position of the Magistrate of The Stop was, in part, established to support and manage the import of local goods into the city. It was an important and attractive position that came with many benefits

History

Once Maalthiir, the archwizard and first ruler of Hillsfar, conquered Yulash, he established a Way Station to support the Tradeway traffic between the two cities. Initially, it was nothing more than a small roadhouse and barn. As traffic increased, so did the needs of The Stop, and a small town naturally grew up around it. Hillsfar began to enjoy the exports, particularly the farming goods and the artistic creations of the talented local craftsmen. Eventually, a regal chateau and an accompanying livery was built, primarily through the investment of the Hillsfar Alliance of Merchant Representatives. The Stop instantly became an attractive destination outing for the very well-to-do. Merchants, politicians, and nobles from Hillsfar would “brave the dangers” outside the city walls to bless the common folk of the countryside with their patronage. A typical excursion would consist of one or two carriages escorted by Red Plume soldiers. Travelers would enjoy a play at Cloverwall Roadhouse
the first night and then on to The Stop for a day of exploring the many shops. Capped by an evening meal The Chateau, this was an expensive outing and a sign of status

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Owner/Ruler

Maalthiir, the archwizard and first ruler of Hillsfar

Characters in Location

• Captain Remy Leduc