Arwin's Rest

**Arwin's Rest** is a settlement along the southerwestern coast of the Freelands, inhabited by mankind mostly. It is located on the continent of Falion.

By the late Ninth Age, it is one of the few barely-populated areas left in the Freelands. Its name's origin lost to time but attributed to a great hero named Arwin being buried here. Contrary to popular misconception, Arwin's Rest does not technically fall under any kingdom's jurisdiction, not even Lord Bragg of the Freelands.

At some unknown period of time, over the course of the changing of ownerships from one civilization to the next, Arwin's Rest emerged among the ruins and muk of the swamp and has held out here against the elements.

## Geography

The Clearspring River bordered Arwin's Rest from the North. To the West lay the Unshackled Sea, and to the East the wilds of Mount Starlight. Arwin's Rest has no topographical borders to the South, rather it is bounded by a crude palisade wall.

Arwin's Rest is lightly populated only by those that can't leave, with most of the villagers squatting in collapsed and sinking ruins. Most of the town is open to the swamp air and decaying stench of dead fish, poor sewage, and whatever putrid unknowns hide in the bog.

### Climate

The climate of Arwin's Rest is very similar to that of South America; hot, sticky, and damp, with a cold breeze off the coast to chill a person just as much as they overheat. Rainfall was rather frequent, with snow being much more rare. Usually, Arwin's Rest was warm enough that the river hadn't frozen since the Eighth Age.

## Traditions

Arwin's Rest was never able to hold on to much but some traditions have emerged. The Spring Equinox Festival signifying the end of Spring and beginning of Summer was one such event that would draw the townsfolk together to celebrate with song, dance, and merriment.

Other smaller traditions included:

* Open bathing, with people living close together, surviving together, there was little to no secrecy or modesty anymore. Bathing, sleeping, and even relieving yourself was done without judgement or shame.
* Communal dining at Hobb's Lodge. Most people rarely cook for themselves, instead choosing to dine together in the local tavern. Also a place where many slept.

## Government & Defense

Arwin's Rest has been so long in decay and struggling to maintain its own existence from the start that there was never any importance put on establishing districts and courts and the like. However if one were to really insist, then the settlement would be made up of 4 districts. Those being Plank Road, The Rise, Old Town, Blitsquare.

The towns small size, relative lack of importance in terms of geographical position, natural resources, or even concerning the people themselves makes it too modest an objective for conquest from the more dominant races of the East and South.

However the limited government of the town does hold its own voluntary police force known as the Watch that helps to keep the town safe, usually from trespassing beasts and collecting lost farm animals, rather than from enemy forces. The only foreigners to enter Arwin's Rest are the Emerald Enclave sailing occasionally this far North for the rare trade opportunity or requisitioned goods. Also the occasional scouting parties from the Petty Kingdoms of Anton and Meddia, moving North to survey the area and report back to their leaders. Despite this, one battle has been fought near Arwin's Rest, The Battle of the Bleak. The area also shows signs of great battles from the older ages whose history remains unknown.

Arwin's Rest derives its laws from the common sense of the Elders and the Watch with loose rules such as please don't kill each other or rob from your neighbor. The people of Arwin's Rest raised an individual to Elder status based on wisdom, loyalty to the towns survival, and capabilities. This title is merely a symbolic one, holding no true weight.

While the governance of Arwin's Rest was mainly left to the common people, some few were seen as "higher officials" such as the Elders, the Watch, and the Hunt Captain who was made into a sort of independent lawman. None of these positions were elected or hereditary, but instead just sort of developed over time.