Obarthain

Obarthain is a town in northern Chrichheim, Empire of Man, and is the fourth most populous settlement in the county. It currently has a population of 2,500.
Due to the discovery of ancient villages on the banks of the River Chrich and River Konig, the area around Obarthain is believed to have been settled for at least 6,000 years. Many of the buildings in the modern day town are constructed using locally-quarried granite, which are said to shine like silver on particularly bright days.
Traditional industries of Obarthain include fishing, paper-making, shipbuilding, and textiles. However, the town also sits on the confluence of the rivers Chrich and Konig, making its port one of the most vital in Chrichheim. Also a university town, the heavily respected College of Obarthain specialises in the study of language, literature, theology, and medicine.
== Characteristics ==
=== History ===
There is evidence to suggest that the area on which Obarthain now stands has been settled for around 8,000 years. In its earliest days, it was likely little more than a small fishing village on the mouth of the River Chrich. During the Imperial Golden Age the ruling Duke, realising the strategic importance of Obarthain's location, gave enhanced powers to the village's local Masons Guild in an effort to expand the settlement. This elevated guild exorcised power over the village, swaying the local council to its will. This bought of local corruption, however, did undeniably see Obarthan expand dramatically in the immediate centuries afterwards. The Obarthain Masons Guild is still an influential player in local politics even today - though its control over the town has diminished considerably.
During the Emergeance War, given Obarthain's strategic location, the town was quickly swarmed by Arachi warriors. Upon capturing it, the Arachi destroyed the castle and executed the garrison. Imperial forces burned much of the town in their later recapturing of it but the Empire rebuilt and extended it. Obarthain was also strongly fortified to prevent further attacks.
During the Great Green War the town was attacked by both sides. First, it was ransacked and plundered by Orcish warriors after the Battle of Obarthain and two years later it was stormed and retaken by an Imperial force. After the war eneded, the One Year Pestilence killed 10% of Obarthain's population, adding to the economic damage caused by the war. Nevertheless, intense rebuilding efforts after the wars and disease has seen the town not just recover, but thrive.
=== Geography ===
Obarthain is built on a strategic location where the River Chrich meets the larger River Konig, providing the town with access to vital waterways. The town is nestled within a low-lying basin, surrounded by gently rolling hills and dense woodlands that encroach close to its outskirts. The surrounding terrain is a mixture of fertile river valleys and moorland, with the latter stretching out to the north and east. The rivers themselves are central to the town’s geography, their steady flow carving through the landscape and forming natural boundaries that have shaped the settlement's development over centuries. The banks of the rivers are lined with alder and willow trees, which thrive in the wet, marshy soil, while the higher ground is dominated by granite outcrops and patches of gorse and heather.
The weather in Obarthain is characteristically damp and overcast, with the town experiencing frequent rain and mist due to its proximity to the rivers and the surrounding moorlands. Winters are cold and often harsh, with the moisture-laden air contributing to a pervasive chill that seeps into the granite buildings. The rivers can swell significantly during periods of heavy rainfall, leading to occasional flooding in the lower parts of the town. Summers, while mild, are often brief and marked by sudden shifts in weather, with sunny days giving way to thick fog or sudden storms.
=== Economy ===
Obarthain's economy is deeply rooted in its traditional industries, with fishing, shipbuilding, and textiles forming the backbone of the town’s livelihood. The town's location at the confluence of two major rivers provides a steady supply of fish, which supports both the local diet and a modest export trade. The shipbuilding industry, although small, is vital, producing sturdy rivercraft and coastal vessels that are essential for the Empire's trade and transportation networks. Obarthain's shipyards are known for their skilled craftsmanship, with locally sourced timber and iron being fashioned into reliable vessels. The textile industry also plays a significant role, with the town's weavers producing high-quality woollen and linen goods that are traded across the county.
In addition to these traditional industries, Obarthain has a well-established paper-making trade, supported by the abundant water supply from the rivers. The paper produced here is highly valued for its durability. The mills, powered by waterwheels driven by the rivers, are a key feature of the town's economy. This industry has fostered a close relationship with the College of Obarthain, which relies heavily on the local paper for its scholarly activities. The presence of the college has also led to a small but thriving market for books and manuscripts.
The port of Obarthain is perhaps the most vital element of the town's economy, serving as a crucial hub for trade both within Chrichheim and the Empire at large. The confluence of the rivers allows goods to be easily transported from the southern inland counties to coastal cities and vice versa. The port is a bustling centre of activity, with goods such as timber, textiles, fish, and paper being loaded onto ships bound for other parts of the Empire. However, the town's economy is not without its challenges. The persistent dampness and frequent flooding can disrupt both agriculture and trade and has historically led to more than a few instances of civil disruption.
Granite quarrying was also historically a large part of Obarthain's economy, with the stone being mostly used in infrastructure and construction as well as in monumental and ornamental pieces. However, this economic sector has been on the decline in recent years as cheaper and more easily accessible alternatives are found elsewhere.
=== Culture ===
== Trivia ==
* Obarthain is heavily inspired by the real life Scottish city Aberdeen.