Layway
A small roadside town that cropped up between the two larger cities of Kiniswell and Marksome. Despite having little of note, it's a frequent stopover point for weary travelers in need of equipment repair or a real bed for the night.
Demographics
This settlement is populated almost exclusively by humans. Technically within the town's borders is a clan of dark elves living in the haunted forest, though they are unknown to the denizens of the town proper.
Defences
Being situated fairly close to the middle of the kingdom and not housing anything of great importance, Layway actually lacks any sort of defences. In fact the only things to tell you that you have arrived in the town are the buildings themselves. The fact that it wasn't established until well after its neighbouring cities probably adds to the lack of thought anyone felt needed to be put into potentially defending from attackers.
Industry & Trade
The livelihood of the town is focused almost entirely on the travellers that pass through on their way to one of the larger cities. The farms are the only businesses that exist solely for the settlement, as even the lumberyard exports most of its goods.
The cart-wright and blacksmith both work to directly serve the traders and travellers passing through the town by repairing tools, equipment, and transportation. The inn doubles as a tavern on its ground floor, giving travellers the opportunity for a hot meal and a soft bed before continuing on the next leg of their journey, but also acts as the main social hub for the town's residents.
Infrastructure
A small watermill sits beside the river at the North Eastern farm.
The main road is mostly packed dirt with the occasional cobbled stone stuck into wagon ruts that would otherwise fill with mud during rainy days.
History
The road between Marksome and Kiniswell is long, with little of note on the way. It became common practice for travelers to make camp at the river before crossing, and the area around the road there was relatively favourable for camping. Soon, temporary campsites grew into more permanent shelters, better and better bridges were built to make crossing the river easier, and enterprising folks wanting to get away from the bustle of city life began to set up businesses around the area.
Eventually the place became an established landmark, with travelers and traders alike often stopping to stay a few nights before continuing their journey. The business folk made families who soon needed homes of their own, farms needed to be established to supplement food supplies brought in by merchants, and the little roadside shanty steadily grew into the cozy little town it is today.
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