Dog's Hollow

Dog's Hollow is a large village in the South Lows, Chrichheim. An ancient village, it has a population of around 840 people. It is also located near the border with the Vampiric Union, which has resulted in more than a few battles against the undead over the years.
During the early years of the Empire, the village grew around the nearby Cù Palace. Meaning 'Dog Palace' in Old Chrich, it is here from which the village derives its name. In more recent history, however, the village is notable for its contributions to leather making and shoemaking, as well as being a market town for nearby agriculture. Cù Palace, for its part, was recently burned out by a fire after being left more-or-less abandoned for decades.
== Characteristics ==
=== History ===
Evidence of pre-Imperial settlement has been found around Dog's Hollow, in the form of fragmented structures in Dog's Loch.
Dog's Hollow developed during the early years of the Empire, growing around the aristocratic residence of Cù Palace. The site was also a logical stop for traders coming and going between the cities of Chrichheim and Mortsanheim, before the latter's fall to dark magic. Despite it being centuries later, Cù Palace is still a prominent landmark in the town, though it has been abandoned for decades and recently burnt. As well as the palace, Dog's Hollow is also home to many historical buildings that have, somehow, remained intact despite the many battles and wars that have taken place in and around the village.
=== Geography ===
Dog's Hollow is situated in the north-east parts of the South Lows. The village has a generally north-south orientation. The terrain is gently undulating, with patches of boggy moorland and dense forest. The nearby Cù Palace, now a burned-out ruin, sits atop a small rise overlooking the village and a more prominent hill overlooks even that. The village experiences a temperate climate with cool summers and mild winters, though the weather is often unpredictable, with frequent rain and mist.
=== Economy ===
The local economy of Dog's Hollow is primarily driven by traditional crafts and agriculture. Leather making and shoemaking are the main industries, with the village hosting several tanneries and workshops. The village also serves as a market town for the surrounding agricultural area, with weekly markets where farmers sell their produce, livestock, and other goods - a norm for many Imperial settlements. In addition to these mainstays, there is a modest amount of mining activity, focused on extracting coal and iron, which provides additional employment for the villagers. That being said, a majority of mining activity can be found outside of the village, with Dog's Hollow mostly serving a place where ores and minerals can be sold and/or refined.
=== Culture ===
Dog's Hollow holds a number of ancient traditions and festivals. One such festival is the annual Riding of the Marches, held every summer to renew protections against the undead. During this event, a cohort of the village's best fighters patrols the frontier surrounding the settlement, whilst local priests and spellcasters renew protective wards on old ritual stones. Meanwhile, regular villagers light bonfires and candles in a ceremonious attempt to ward off evil spirits. Music and dance also play a significant role in these celebrations. Other events include the Gala Day, the Folk Festival, and the Yuletide Street Fair.
Interestingly, religious practices in Dog's Hollow are a blend of Old Chrich pagan traditions and the more contemporary influence of the Imperial Pantheon. The village has several small shrines dedicated to various deities and spirits believed to protect the land and its people. Cù Palace, despite its current ruinous state, remains a site of cultural significance, with many locals believing it to be haunted by the spirits of former residents and soldiers. The arts are also valued, with local craftspeople producing intricate leather goods, pottery, and tapestries that often depict scenes from the Empire's history.
== Trivia ==
* Dog's Hollow is inspired by the real life town of Linlithgow.