Farvale
Overview
Farvale is tucked in the far Northwest of the Yeomanry and is the region's third largest city. It rests at the foot of the Jotens, the mighty mountain range to the north and west of the city, and is at the northernmost point of a fertile plain that includes both Loftwick and Westburn. Farvale is the terminus of the Old Road, which stretches east through Loftwick to Longspear. As such, a majority of trade arrives in Farvale via road.
Unlike Yeoman cities of similar size, Farvale currently is only partially walled. Instead, it uses the jagged, steep cliffs of the Jotens as defense for a significant portion of the city. Similarly, there is no fort or keep within a half-day's ride of the city to protect it from invasion. Instead, the town has had to rely on citizen militia to defend the town in times of crisis. The local government, including the mayor and Grosspokesman, have pleaded to the Council in Loftwick to provide funds to complete the wall, but Loftwick cites that Farvale locally has lacked both the commitment and the coin to justify government assistance with such a project. Not surprisingly, this is a topic of hot and opinionated debate within the city, and two camps are firmly planted on each side of the issue. Those who oppose fortification of the city claim that such construction will bring unnecessary attention to Farvale (much of it hostile, undoubtedly), which, up until now, has enjoyed a fairly peaceful existence.
Farvale serves as a base of operations for one of the more powerful wizards within the Yeomanry. Brandon Stillshire (NG human Wiz12) resides in a tall tower near the center of town that is said to have a deep complex of catacombs under it. Farvale also houses the headquarters for the temple of Phyton in the Yeomanry. Its high priestess, Janis Coldpepper (CG human female P11) is a warm, loving woman who takes great interest in the agricultural affairs of town.
History
The rich plain in the western Yeomanry has been settled in one form or another for millennia. Earliest records indicate that the region served as a trading post for Suel travelers and entrepreneurs as early as - 1300 CY. That settlement was razed to the ground for unknown reasons, but soon was repopulated by humans who wished to take advantage of the incredibly rich soil in the region. Modern Farvale was founded in 211 CY by Alvin Cornerstone, a farmer who settled along the remains of the aforementioned village. He brought his family north and west from the interior of the Yeomanry and built a homestead along the small rivers and streams in the region. Soon other families settled along the river to share in the bounty of food that grew from such soil. Before long, Farvale had developed into a full-fledged town with a representation in Loftwick.
Despite its proximity to the mountains and its lack of proper defenses, Farvale has had few encounters with aggressors. A particularly aggressive group of ogres, led by the hill giant Surg, invaded the city in 419 CY, but the attack was quickly squelched by the Farvale militia. In fact, the most damaging force recorded in Farvale archives is not an army, but a disease. The Joten Rot, rumored to be spread by rats, killed some 2,000 citizens in and around Farvale between 449 CY and 453 CY. The city has since recovered, and today it serves as a center of commerce and trade for the surrounding Yeoman villages and farms.
Population
Current tax rolls claim that the city proper holds some 4,400 citizens. During festivals and prime trading seasons, this can swell to as much as 6,000, although this lasts for only two or three weeks per year. Unlike Longspear, Farvale is quite homogonous, as demi-human races are quite uncommon. There are a few elves and half-elves from the Sylvan Woods and a number of halflings and dwarves from the hills and mountains, but otherwise Farvale is almost entirely human. However, friendly people of all races are tolerated, if not welcomed, within the city's confines.
Commerce
As mentioned earlier, the primary products in and around Farvale are agriculturally related. The primary crops grown near Farvale are cotton and corn, the latter of which is quite delicious and renowned in the region. A number of products associated with corn, such as cakes, pies, and alcoholic beverages, also are manufactured in Farvale. Of particular pride to its people is Farvale Gold, a strong liquor made with corn and apple juice that is quite popular in the region and elsewhere.
Farvale serves as the center of commerce for the innumerable number of farmers in the region. The town contains a number of silos and granaries used to hold products coming from surrounding farms, and the town's Central Market is a bustling square where said farmers sell their wares. Other, non-perishable, items can be found in the market as well, but they are not quite as common. The stores and shops within Farvale are usually fairly well-stocked, but availability of particular products can vary depending upon season.
Proximity to the Jotens also brings commerce related to mining and minerals to the city. Silver and copper mines litter the surrounding hills and mountains, although not in the quantities found in other nearby towns and cities.
Government
Although Farvale is a relatively 'sleepy' town given its size, it is a city that takes its politics very seriously. The Farvale District regularly has the highest voter turnout in the Yeomanry, and debates about particular candidates or issues can take place within the city weeks or even months before an election is to be held. This holds true whether the election is for Grosspokesman, Mayor, Sheriff, or a lesser position. The citizens of Farvale thus are very knowledgeable about politics and government, and are more than happy to share that information with strangers.
The current Grosspokesman in Farvale is Inge Sheffield, a middle-aged woman with strong opinions and a strong personality to match. In recent months, she has assisted farmers by convincing local druids to thwart a drought and preserve the rice crop. As such, she currently is very popular with the working class of the town. She also works closely with the Mayor and greater landowner of the region to preserve the integrity of the region and to keep the people content. Fortunately for the city, all three of these politicians see eye-to-eye on most issues.
Armed Forces
There is much indecision in Farvale concerning how many soldiers should be garrisoned in town. Some argue that due to the lack of walls and keep, together with its vulnerable location, that Farvale should have a rather large number of militia and soldiers protecting it. Those arguing the other side claim that the city lacks the facilities for such an army, and that few dangers have actually threatened the town. As it currently stands, about 350 soldiers are stationed in Farvale. They are standard troops armed with chainmail, shield, light crossbow, spear, and dagger. A few patrol the outskirts of the city on horseback.