Mungo's Church

Martair is a large village in Chrichheim, Empire of Man. It sits in the Suas area of The Lowlands. It has a population of 770 and is notable for being one of Chrichheim's larger industrial centres.
The village has grown considerably in recent times due to the discovery of coal nearby, a sought-after material for both the Imperials themselves as well as the nearby Dwarves. Chrichheim's best-selling whiskey, JJ's, was established in Mungo's Church and they maintains a major distillery in the village to this day.
== Characteristics ==
=== History ===
The village's precise origins are unfortunately unclear, however it is believed that the settlement of Mungo's Church was established before the founding of the Empire of Man. This settlement is believed to be, and as the village's name suggests, a simple church founded by Saint Mungo - a Chrichheimer folk figure. That being said, Mungo's Church is ascent of any reference in historical records until the Imperial Civil War. Specifics are vague at best, but it is believed that at this time Mungo's Church was still little more than a cluster of dwellings centred around Saint Mungo's church (now nicknamed the Low Church).
By the end of The Restoration, Mungo's Church had expended rapidly. However, all of this progress was negated when the settlement was razed during the Second Vampiric War. Surviving locals were forced out of the ruins of their homes and settled the fields around the area. Nevertheless, upon the war's ending, Mungo's Church was rebuilt.
In recent decades, Mungo's Church has seen an immense population boom and rapid expansion as a result of its nearby coal deposits. This has also consequently seen the village shift away from traditional agriculture and more towards modern industry.
=== Geography ===
Mungo's Church is situated in the Suas area of The Lowlands. The village is located on a broad, flat plain, making it ideal for both agriculture and industrial development. The surrounding terrain gradually rises into gently undulating hills to the north and east, providing a natural shield against the harsher elements and creating a microclimate that is slightly warmer and less windy than the surrounding areas. The recent discovery of nearby coal seams has transformed the landscape, with mining activities carving out new features in the otherwise verdant region.
The climate in Mungo's Church is typically temperate, marked by cold, damp winters and mild, wet summers, which support a variety of crops and natural vegetation. The area receives ample rainfall, which sustains the lush, green pastures and fields that surround the village, contributing to its agricultural output. The small river that runs through the village provides a necessary water source for domestic and industrial use.
=== Economy ===
Mungo's Church has rapidly developed into one of Chrichheim's major industrial centres, significantly influenced by the discovery of coal nearby. This coal mining has become a cornerstone of the local economy, providing fuel for the Empire and the nearby Dwarves of the Monav Urngorr, fostering strong economic ties in the process. The industrial growth driven by these coal reserves has attracted a workforce and encouraged the development of related industries, including the manufacturing of tools and building materials necessary for the mining operations. Additionally, the village benefits economically from various small-scale businesses that support and supply the mining sector, such as transport companies and engineering workshops. As well as the coal, there are also notable clay deposits around the same area. Whilst these are quarried and exported, the village's focus remains on the more economically-viable coal supply.
Another key component of the local economy is the distillation of whiskey, with JJ's whiskey distillery based in the village. Established in Mungo's Church, JJ's has grown to become Chrichheim's best-selling whiskey brand, contributing significantly to the local and regional economy. The distillery not only provides employment for many villagers but also promotes a degree of tourism, attracting whiskey enthusiasts eager to tour the facilities and sample the local produce. This has spurred the growth of secondary services in hospitality and retail.
=== Culture ===
Mungo's Church boasts a vibrant local culture that is deeply rooted in its industries. The community celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year, many of which commemorate the founding of the village and its key industries. These events often feature traditional music, dance, and storytelling that recount the village’s growth from a modest settlement to the vital industrial hub it is today. The whiskey distillery plays a central role in village life, with annual tasting events and celebrations that attract visitors from across the county. Another notable festivity is the Blessing of the Tools, a magical ritual that occurs on the first work day of each month. In this ceremony, the tools of every local miner is blessed by a local priest or cleric. It is said that this blessing will ensure success in the mines and protect the tool's wielder from harm.
== Trivia ==
* Mungo's Church is based on the real-life town of Kilmarnock.