The northern reaches of the Freelands, also known as the Frontier Lands, starts north of Isleholm, Myrbridge, and Ashmount.
It is a dangerous land and an area where nature and all that lives within it are dangerous.
Dolfar
Dolfar (meaning far meadow) was built primarily as a place for outriders to gather and meet in relative safety. It has grown into a small town of 600 or so souls, including outriders, who have formed a loose network of scouts and protectors defending the area from the many dangers of the north.
Garburg
With a population of just over 300, Garburg isn’t what you would call a thriving metropolis. It was settled by herders as a place to meet, and has since expanded and is now known for making quality papyrus which it exports throughout the north.
Over seventy years ago a battle was fought in the area between the local militia led by some local druids, and a horde of goblins led by a witch-necromancer from the Dragonspine Mountains.
Garburg was the epicentre of the final battle and was almost entirely destroyed in the conflict, before being rebuilt.
Herders still tend to their sheep, goats, and other domesticated animals in the northern and western rolling prairies surrounding the town.
Riverbend
Located two days north-east of Myrbridge, this small town is known for two things: an island prison and “Brandy Floats”.
The latter are river vessels made from barrels of brandy strapped together and ridden downstream and into Myrbridge and beyond.
The prison is located on the smaller of the two islands that makes up part of the town and houses prisoners from miles around.
Due to the prison and local issues with a thieves’ guild, the militia presence in the town is significant and tends to be heavy handed.
The local thieves’ guild focus their efforts on supplying prisoners with contraband and smuggling brandy and other illicit substances out of and into the town.
There is a war raging under the peaceful veneer of the town – a war between the militia and the local thieves’ guild.
And unfortunately, the locals are the ones paying the price.
Woodhove
Woodhove (population: 3,000+) is known for two things: wagon-making and pit-fighting.
In the warmer months the population swells as pit fighters and spectators (and gamblers) descend upon the town for the annual gladiatorial contests.
These take place on the western side of the town which has many “pits” where fighters from all over the Freelands (and beyond) come to test their mettle and win prize money.
The owner of the pits – a self-made wealthy individual by the name of Garm Ringbold (Hu M NE; Greed, Bushy sideburns, Uncivil) – has recently started using monsters and other dangerous animals in the pits as well. And he is paying well for captured monsters from hunters and adventures, alike.
Using native animals, no matter how dangerous they appear to be, does not sit well with Jarob, the local druid. He is pondering what his move will be against this act (which may include a partnership with the elves from Ashwood).
Woodhove also has a strong fishing population who fish the river for trout, salman, and freshwater carp. Many end up wood smoked and sold to locals who then export them to other places in the north.