Fairwood

Fairwood is a small town in eastern Chrichheim, located on the shore of Loch Mor. It has a population of about 1,000 people. It is believed that there has been a settlement at Fairwood since ancient pre-Imperial times. Much of the town sits on a natural mound raised slightly above the high-tide of Loch Mor, which would provide early tribes a defensive advantage over rivals and predators. Ancient standing stones and stone circles, found close to the town, speak to this fact. Close to Fairwood is the now ruined Destiny Church, which once housed the Rock of Destiny, on which Dukes and Duchesses of Chrichheim were inaugurated. This made Fairwood a cultural and historical capital for hundreds of years, before the Rock of Destiny disappeared.
The Age of the Republic brought about difficult times for Fairwood, with Republican elements in Chrichheim ransacking the town three separate times. The founding of Fairwood Academy during The Restoration brought new economic industries to Fairwood - most notably production of linen, leather, and whiskey. It also became a key transport centre across Loch Mor.
Fairwood is known locally as "The Fair Town." It is also renowned for its cuisine.
== Characteristics ==
=== History ===
Archaeological evidence from in and around Fairwood indicates that the site where the town now sits was settled thousands of years before the Empire of Man, most likely by hunter-gatherers and later by Old Chrich clans. The most compelling evidence for this can be found in the nearby standing stones and circles found in and around the town, as well as a well-preserved pre-Imperial log boat found in the mudflats of Loch Mor.
In some of the earliest Imperial records, Fairwood is referred to as "Apollod's Fiodh." This name is derived from the Old Chrich word for "wood" and the fact that the church in the centre of the settlement was dedicated to Apollod. However, this name was only used by Old Chrich traditionalists and most, both in Chrichheim and the Empire as a whole, called the town Fairwood. Fairwood originally developed from a small hamlet of two parallel streets. Its close relationship with the Dukes and Duchesses of Chrichheim heavily enhanced Fairwood's early importance, to the degree that it was considered a second, 'royal capital.' Most notably, Fairwood was the site were the Treaty of Fairwood was signed, uniting the twin kingdoms of Albran and Stradclod into Chrichheim. Before the Imperial Collapse, Fairwood was considered one of the richest settlements in Chrichheim and a residence of numerous craftsmen. The Arachi Swarm brought an army to Fairwood during the Emergeance War. and with only a small garrison and a ditch for defence the town fell quickly. It is said that the Arachi swiftly built stronger defences out of the ruins of the town and the corpses of its inhabitants. Controversially, these gruesome defences remained standing until the Emergeance War's end, even after the town was recaptured by Imperial forces. However, allegedly the rotting bodies of Fairwood's previous citizenry were replaced by those of Arachi warriors. A manor for Chrichheim's rulers was destroyed during the Arachi occupation; it was never rebuilt.
After the Emergeance War, Fairwood became less and less important to Chrichheim's rulers. The first nail in this metaphorical coffin was the disappearance of the famed Rock of Destiny, Chrichheim's Object of Union, but it truly was a series of unfortunate events that led to this decline in status. During the Age of the Republic, Fairwood's luck worsened as Republican elements in Chrichheim ransacked the town on three separate occasions. It was only during The Restoration that Fairwood began to improve and, luckily, it is now in a significantly better spot today.
=== Geography ===
Fairwood is situated on the north-east shore of Loch Mor, with much of the town occupying a natural mound that provides a slight elevation above the high-tide mark. The town is surrounded by a mix of rolling hills and dense woodlands, typical of the eastern region of Nasfairwood. The terrain is largely composed of fertile soil, ideal for agriculture, interspersed with patches of rocky outcrops and ancient standing stones. The climate in Fairwood is cool and temperate, with frequent rainfall throughout the year which in turn contributes to the lush greenery found in and around the town. The proximity to Loch Mor moderates temperatures, preventing extreme cold in winter and excessive heat in summer, creating a relatively mild and humid environment ideal for the growth of crops.
=== Economy ===
Fairwood's local economy draws from its historical roots and strategic location. The three most prominent industries are the production of linen, leather, and whiskey. As well as these, the town's skilled artisans and craftsmen are renowned for their high-quality goods, which are traded widely across the province. Agriculture also plays a significant role, with the fertile surrounding lands yielding various kinds of crops. Fairwood's position on the shore of Loch Mor makes it a crucial transport hub, facilitating the movement of goods and people across the sea.
=== Culture ===
Fairwood's local culture is steeped in history and tradition, with a deep connection to its ancient past. The town's residents take great pride in the standing stones and stone circles that dot the surrounding landscape. These ancient sites are often the focus of local festivals and rituals, particularly during solstices and equinoxes, when townsfolk gather to celebrate and honour their ancestors. The ruins of Destiny Church also play a crucial role in the town's cultural identity, serving as a poignant reminder of Fairwood's past importance as the inauguration site for the Dukes and Duchesses of Chrichheim. Local folklore and legends about the Rock of Destiny and its disappearance are commonly recounted in taverns and at family gatherings.
The presence of Fairwood Academy has also fostered a vibrant intellectual and artistic community. The academy attracts scholars, artists, and artisans from across the province, who contribute to the town's dynamic cultural life. Regular lectures, exhibitions, and performances are held, drawing both locals and visitors. Fairwood is also known for its culinary heritage, with celebrated traditional dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The town's inns and taverns are renowned for their hospitality, serving hearty meals and locally produced whiskey.
Notable cultural buildings include Fairwood Academny's Museum and Gallery, Fairwood Theatre, Fairwood Town Hall, and the old Church of Apollod - among others.
== Trivia ==
* Fairwood is inspired by the real-life Scottish city Perth.