Birch

Birch is a city in western Fleur, somewhat inland from the coast between Oligarden and Sea Star in the Duchy of ---. It is governed by the lesser House Geraldin. 
== History ==
Birch was first mentioned as a small hamlet in 970 AE on maps of the region. By 900 it was called a city, with a newly completed castle of the same name. It became an important hub for farmers in the region to bring their goods to for transportation to Saintown or north to the capital of Skjol. It experienced uninterrupted growth until the Palus Flu outbreak of the 330s AE. The decimated city would never recover and the establishment of Wilemberg as the nation's new capitol in 85 AE distracted settlers away from Birch. In 61 CE the city was instrumental in the Gardener Rebellion as it served as a staging point for the Olivardens during the war. On the 9th of Olea 61 CE, the Pretender's forces met the Olivardens outside of Birch, resulting in a massive victory for the Olivardens. 
Since then, Birch has remained largely untouched by the various wars of the Current Era, save for general hardship. Its nonstrategic location, placed largely among flower fields and fruit groves, makes it a lesser target for invading forces. 
== Description ==
Birch is somewhere between town and city, always on the verge of a rapid expansion that never arrives. Its walls are thick and sturdy, having been reinforced in 58 CE following the Gardener Rebellion. Its style is a mix of Old Northern and Fleurian, with some noteworthy architectural features present at Castle Birch. It is surrounded by orchards, flower farms, and some small mining villages.
Category:Cities
Category:Locations
Category:Fleurian Locations
Category:Fleur