Harztal

**Harztal** is a small settlement located in the northeastern part of the Duchy of Pommern, in a valley on the left bank of the Swindt river. It was founded by Maddoix at the end of August 2022, after being awarded the land for his service during the One Hour War. It is the sole settlement in the still mostly untouched wilderness of the Pommern Duchy.

## History

### The first settlement

The newly created Empire of Ostenbourg was a new, developing nation, hungry for resources to fulfill its ambitious building projects. One of the lands rich in material and very crucial for construction (wood) were the Pommern forests, producing the highest quality wood. Soon workers were sent to the area to cut down the trees and supply the growing empire with building materials. At this time the first settlement appeared in the Pommern forests: the Ostenbourg Lumberjack, a simple, yet fairly large longhouse.

### Angel of the Woods legend

The harsh climate of the region combined with its wilderness proved to be challenging for the settlers. As the first winter came they were soon dying of cold and hunger. As described by local legend, however, on one winter evening, when all hope seemed lost, a winged, figure appeared in front of the lumberjacks: they call her the *Angel of the Woods*. Her gaze and words warmed the frozen bodies of the lumberjacks, with the snap of her fingers she reignited the last sparks in the fireplace, creating a flame brighter and hotter than all others. When her feet touched the ground the snow and ice melted and the ground emanated heat for days after. The angel saved them, giving them chance to survive, and asked for nothing in return. After that one winter evening she was never seen again, however. According to local tradition, a black rose sprouted in the place where she bid the settlers farewell. Due to the winged appearance of the figure, the locals believed they had met the Dark Angel herself and started praying to her as devoutly as never before. Afterwards the great winters characteristic of Pommern ceased to be so harsh, giving chance for the civilization to grow. To this day the locals believe that the rapid climate change was done by the Angel of the Woods, who is venerated as a local deity.

### The new town

Although the climate of the Pommern region became more hospitable, the region stayed underdeveloped for quite some time as part of the District West of the Empire. The construction of Harztal as it is known today started after the One Hour War when the Duchy of Pommern was created and gifted to Maddoix. The newly appointed Duke was eager to develop his newly acquired lands, seeing great potential in them. He almost immediately got to work developing a new town. The site for the settlement was chosen in a valley near a riverbank so that the town could easily trade with others and building materials were gathered there. A new lumberjack house was created with the old one being transformed into storage. Soon more buildings were constructed during the fall of 2022: the port's authority building, a tavern, and a blacksmith. The new Duke also took care of the safety of his people by creating an impressive castle on a hill overseeing the town. He also approved of the local cult and created a stone church and invited a priest - all with the agreement of the Patriarch of Storkenkopf. The town's growth also resulted in the foundation of an Ottapost office. A town hall was built shortly thereafter.

## Administration

The municiplaity of Harztal is a separate administrative entity of the Duchy of Pommern possessing its own flag and coat of arms. The town's most important offices inlcude that of the Mayor of the city chosen by the Duke as well as the Chief of the Port Administration chosen by the City Council.

## Demography

The town's populace is rapidly growing, with more and more settlers coming from all over Ostenbourg. 90% of the population is Ostenbourgish, believing in the Dark Gods. Over 50% of those are newcomers, with the ratio of the descendants of the first settlers steadily falling. The town also has 2 minority groups - a family of Sus merchants and one of Ottacorpish post officers.

## Economy

The town's economy is mostly based on its extensive logging industry. The wood coming from the Pommern forests is seen as being of great quality and is used in the production of many commodities, such as pencils.

There is also some agricultural production going on. The harsh climate and low soil fertility, however, allows only for the cultivation of oats and pumpkins. The yields are also not very high, with the production aiming for self-consumption rather than export. Even with its own farms the town needs to import supplies from outside to be secure for the winter.

## Buildings

### Old Lumberjack

It is the oldest building in the city. Originally constructed as a residential building, after the creation of a new lumberjack was transformed into storage for wood and agricultural produce.

### The Castle Tavern

A tavern located just below the hill on which the Harzburg Castle is located, from which its name comes from. Possesses 3 rooms to rent. The tavern is supplied with original and authentical Ottakringer thanks to a trade deal between Duke Maddoix and Lord Mayor of Póla HWieniawsky.

### Port Authority's building

One of the tallest buildings in the town. On the ground level, we can find a branch store of the Pruliks sp. z o.o. ran by a Sus merchant. The first and second floors are used by the overseer of the port.

### Ottapost office

One of the newest buildings in town, run by an Ottacorp postman, Robert VII.

### Angel of the Woods Church

A church dedicated to the local cult. Inside we can find a display of the famous black rose.

### Townhall

A two-storied building that functions as home and workplace for the mayor and his officials. The building also possesses a library, conference room and an aula. Here we can also find the nether portal, connected to the highway. The tower of the townhall is fitted with a giant clock and a bell, to inform people about the time during the day.

### The City Walls

CIty walls are a defensive structure that surround majroity of the town from west to south. They were constructed to better safeguard the city as well as control the flow of people and goods. They walls consist of 7 towers and 4 gates.

Other buildings include:

* New Lumberjack
* Sawmill
* Priest's House
* The Blacksmith
* Hunter's Hut
* Stables
* Farmer's house
* Windmill
* Fisherman's Hut