Ashford

Ashford is the third largest human city in Awbor, after Zingherra and Caldor. The settlement is a major food trading hub, serving as the administrative centre of the Pantry Plains. Ashford is the home of House Oren.
== Etymology ==
Ashford was named after the original fortification, Ashford Keep, that predates the town. The name comes from the abundance of Ash trees along the Acron River.
== History ==
With the rise of House Oren, Ashford Keep simply became Ashford. The House's expert commercialisation of the agricultural resources in the Pantry Plains turned Ashford into the largest trading hub outside of Zingherra. Food and other produce are exported from Ashford in large quantities. Due to its position deep within the Awbor kingdom, Ashford has rarely been threatened by malevolent forces.
Ashord also hold the largest number of druids outside of Elairana.
=== Desolation of Ashford ===
In summer 744 AP, a dangerous void magic device desolated the Pantry Plains and the surrounding land. Soon thick fog started to creep around the town. Lord Oren, accompanied by his strongest druids and rangers, set out to find the cause of the corruption, but never returned. Every night a thick fog invaded Ashford and kidnapped more inhabitants. Cut away from all forms of communications with the rest of the Kingdom, Ashford slowly fell into starvation and ruin. By the time the source of the corruption was removed, Ashford had become just a shell of its former self, with little food and little manpower to produce it. It is now got a tiny population, practically a ruin. 
After the Desolation, what is left of Ashford is being led by the 4th son of a 4th son of House Oren. A priest-acolyte of pelor by the name of Nutzolt Oren.
== Geography ==
Ashford is separated in two by the Acron River, with the keep situated on the north bank. The city is almost entirely geared towards the task of trading goods. The streets are organised around linking the numerous markets squares in the city. Houses and stalls are built on the many bridges spanning the river. Almost every house is comprised of a shop on the ground floor and living quarters on the floors above.
== Notable Citizens ==
Ashford has given rise to several notable citizens. Belgrin Farmer and Katy Fitzburn both grew up in Ashford.
Category:Locations
Category:Towns