Highherd

Ravencrest Mountains in the distance.

**Highherd** is a small, picturesque village nestled on the slopes of the Ravencrest Mountains in the Wallendian Empire. Its position near the beginning of the River Dunwich and its proximity to the mountains have made it an important trade hub for centuries. The village has a population of 1429, mostly consisting of Trueborn elf peasants with some nobles, and a few halflings and other races.

## Description

The villagers of Highherd are known for their skill in sheep herding, which has made wool one of their main exports. The village is also home to several tea plantations and tobacco fields, which are grown in the high altitude climate. The wool, tea, and tobacco are exported to other parts of the empire and beyond, bringing in a steady stream of income for the villagers.

The village itself is a quaint and charming place, with small cottages made of stone and wood. The village square is the heart of the community, with a central fountain and a few shops and stalls selling local goods. The village also has a small temple dedicated to the elven goddess of agriculture and fertility.

Highherd is governed by a local baron who reports to the Wallendian liege in Twinport, a town to the north. Despite being a small village, Highherd is a bustling and lively place, with a strong sense of community and tradition that has been passed down for generations.

Highherd is most famous for its natural beauty and wool industry, which has been a cornerstone of the village's economy for centuries. The villagers of Highherd are known for their skill in sheep herding, and their wool is highly regarded throughout the Wallendian Empire and beyond.

## History

In the lore of the Wallendian Empire, the region where Highherd is located has been inhabited by the Trueborn elves for centuries. The Ravencrest Mountains are considered sacred by the elves, and they have long held a spiritual connection to the land.

According to legend, the elves were drawn to the region by the powerful magic that emanated from the mountains. They believed that the mountains were imbued with mystical energies that could be harnessed and used to empower their magic.

Over time, the elves established small settlements in the area, including Highherd, as they sought to live in harmony with the land and its natural resources. The proximity of the River Dunwich, which flows down from the mountains, provided a reliable source of water for irrigation and farming.

The wool industry in Highherd has its roots in the early days of settlement, as the elves discovered the natural abundance of sheep in the region. The tea and tobacco crops were introduced later, as the elves experimented with different crops that could thrive in the high altitude climate.

Before the arrival of the elves, the region was mostly uninhabited, with only a few scattered tribes of nomads and hunters passing through on occasion. The mountains were believed to be home to various magical creatures, and the elves had to learn to coexist with them in order to establish their settlements.

Today, Highherd remains a vital part of the Wallendian Empire, serving as a hub of commerce and trade in the region. The elves continue to honor the land and its magic, and their connection to the mountains and the river remains a central part of their culture and traditions.

### Chronology

1. **Circa 1500 BH**: The Trueborn elves settle in the region and establish the village of Highherd on the slopes of the Ravencrest Mountains.
2. **Circa 1200 BH**: The villagers of Highherd begin to develop their skills in sheep herding, which eventually becomes their primary industry.
3. **Circa 800 BH**: The elves of Highherd begin to experiment with growing tea and tobacco crops in the high altitude climate, expanding their industries beyond just wool.
4. **1027 AH**: A powerful earthquake rocks the region, causing significant damage to the village and disrupting the wool and tea industries for several years.
5. **1243 AH**: Highherd experiences a period of significant growth and prosperity, with the population increasing to over 1000 residents.
6. **1356 AH**: A severe drought hits the region, causing a devastating crop failure and leading to a famine that lasts for several years.
7. **1412 AH**: The village of Highherd becomes an important waypoint for traders and travelers making their way to the capital of Twinport to the north.
8. **1418 AH**: A massive flood caused by heavy rainfall damages the village's crops and infrastructure, causing significant economic losses for the residents.
9. **1423 AH**: Highherd experiences a smallpox outbreak, which kills dozens of residents and further disrupts the village's economy.
10. **1429 AH (present day)**: Highherd remains a vital part of the Wallendian Empire, with a population of 1429 and a thriving wool, tea, and tobacco industry. The village continues to be governed by a local baron who reports to the Wallendian liege in Twinport.

## Symbol

The coat of arms of Highherd features a green shield emblazoned with a golden sheep and a silver shepherd's crook. Above the sheep and crook is a depiction of the Ravencrest Mountains in white, with the image of the River Dunwich running below. The shield is topped with a golden helm, with a green plume rising from the crest. The colors of the shield - green, gold, and silver - are the same as those used in the coat of arms of the Wallendian Empire, to which Highherd belongs.

## Legendary Heroes

Eryndor the Brave - A legendary Trueborn elf warrior who defended Highherd from a goblin invasion. It is said that he single-handedly fought off an entire battalion of goblin soldiers and saved the village from certain destruction.

Seraphina the Wise - A powerful Trueborn elf wizard who was revered for her deep understanding of arcane magic. She is said to have studied in the mystical glades of the Ravencrest Mountains, and her knowledge of magic helped to protect Highherd during times of war and strife.

Theron the Just - A wise and fair-minded Trueborn elf judge who presided over the village's court system for many years. It is said that he was able to settle even the most difficult disputes with wisdom and compassion, and that his leadership helped to maintain the peace and harmony of the village.

## Notable Noble Households

House Dunwich - A prominent noble house that can trace its lineage back to the founders of Highherd. They are known for their deep connection to the land and their reverence for the natural world.

House Silverleaf - A noble house that has recently risen to prominence due to their success in the wool industry. They are known for their shrewd business sense and their ability to negotiate favorable trade deals with other noble houses and merchants.

House Brightblade - A noble house that has a long tradition of military service. They are known for their bravery and their willingness to defend Highherd from all threats, both foreign and domestic.