Birch Keep

The village of Birch Keep is a small village nestled within the Rivena Forest. Although on the outskirts of the Empire's borders, time moves slowly in Birch Keep. However, despite that the community of Birch Keep is very interwoven and the sense of community within Birch Keep is strong. It's unknown when the village was settled, as time was lost to the forest, but Birch Keep has sort of evolved and became a checkpoint for the Empire. This is because of the Yuleski Mountain Range being to the left of Birch Keep, more and more citizens from the Kingdom of Dumont have made that treacherous journey across the Yuleski Mountain Range in hopes to make a new living in the Pine. This has brought a bit of conflict between the Druids in the village, as they aren't ready to handle the influx of refugees and immigrants from abroad.

### Demographics

**The Demographic make up of Birch Keep is the following:**

* Elves, Humans and Firbolgs make up a majority of the population.
* Halfling, Gnomes, Half-Elves and some T'Chai (Tieflings) live in the village and call Birch Keep home.While not necessarily a Ward within the city, in the outskirts of Birch Keep, there is the Castle of The Crows, a local adventuring group from The Empire that keep watch of the city. Recently, there was an attack on the city of Birch Keep by a group of Alakai from the forest. Over 267 people were lost in the attack and subsequent fire. This dropped the population of Birch Keep from 766 people to 499. The city will likely not recover for a long time.

### Government

Birch Keep is ran by 3 Druidic Elders and the Archdruid of Birch Keep. The Archdruid is named **Archdruid** **Elromorn Eveldren** (M Eladrin Elf) and he has led Birch Keep since it's founding. He is known for being graceful and serene, but if he needed too he is very skilled at using the blade as well. After the recent events of the Alakai's attack on Birch Keep, Elromorn has **left** the village alongside Karla. With the three druids now missing in action, more than likely deceased, the leadership of the village falls upon the capable hands of both **Crowmaster Arcandia Glen** (F, Firbolg) and **Ennio Northstar** (M, Human). Both of whom are the leaders of the faction of explorers and protectors of Birch Keep, the Crows.

### Defences

Birch Keep is heavily defended by highly capable mercenary group known as The Crows. Their Keep is located right on the outskirts of the village close to the Yuleski Mountain Range. Other than the Crows, the village is defended by highly capable druids and mages who can manipulate the forests and the creatures living their to their liking.

### Industry & Trade

Birch Keep, like many of the other settlements within the Empire of the Pine are very self-reliant. They focus on themselves and their village and very rarely trade. However, what the village of Birch Keep does trade is their signature berries that they cultivate here. These berries are a delicacy all across the Empire as they are infused with magics and make great snacks as well as wine.

### Infrastructure

The Infrastructure of Birch Keep is very High Fantasy. The houses are made of a mixture of stone and organic wood from trees. There are small farms in the city as well that grow crops that the city consume.

### Guilds and Factions

Other than the Crows, which operate as an adventuring faction. There is also an underground or hidden "group" going around. They are known as **The Cult of the Herb** (also known as just The Herb). The Herb are a underground religious order that follow the preaching of Eveticism, specifically Aizar (The Saint of Herbalism and Health). The practice of Eveticism is strictly prohibited, but is starting to gain traction within the village (as well as the Empire itself) as refugees and immigrants have flocked to Birch Keep.

### Architecture

The architecture within Birch Keep is very unique. Primarily the buildings are made out of stone, but also made in Trees. It is common to see moss growing on roofs, or seeing live trees taking up half the houses. As the people of the Empire strive to be one with Nature.

### Geography

The geography of Birch Keep is very simple. The village is nestled deep within the hilly and forested Rivena Forest. There is a wide variety of life living alongside the settlement here. There are small lakes and ponds around the village that have ample fish and the ground here is very fertile due to the Fae interference in the area.