Westford:
This moderately populated village is located on the northern-most branch of the Southern River, which the local Markidians call the King's Far Branch. Most residents just shorten the name to Far Branch. The town of Westford was originally a small Spiofthest village that became integrated with Markidians only about 50 cycles back. The credit of the successful integration and introduction of the Religion of Light is credited to a benevolent priest named Kittrep, who died more than 30 cycles back and was honored with the title of Lumen and has a marker stone placed for him along the river just north of town. There is a celebration held each cycle, during the Shifting Season in his honor. The man was apparently born or died during the Shifting Season, no one can remember which and no one finds it to be of much importance, hence the time of the celebration. Copious amounts of alcohol, made from cherries are consumed during the celebration. This is also the time that the cherry trees blossom and the Spiofthest are used to celebrating that, as their indication of the rebirth of the Cycle.
Though technically under the control of the Kingdom of West Cove, the village is physically situated much closer to Boga City, it being about 4 days' walking distance to the East by a definitive path called the Western Road. Outpost is about 6 days' walking distance to the West along the same path. The path, which fords the river, hence the name of the town. The ford has been improved by the relocation of a considerable amount of river rock, making the crossing much more shallow and sturdy than it was naturally.
Population:
Expanded upon an original Spiofthest village, the residents are now composed of about 60% Spiofthests and 40% Markidians. Being on a main trade route, other peoples will often be in town, especially those of the Centrin tribe from Boga City. Spiofthests and Markidians are rather similar in height and build, though Markidians are Aedamans and Spiofthests are Faethrins. Markidians tend to be on the thinner side of the Aedaman species. There is no possible confusion between the two tribes, however, since Spiofthests are pale skinned and have pale hair, while Markidians have gray skin and dark hair. There is, now, some amorous integration among town members but, as yet, no mixed offspring, since the likelihood is negligible, due to being two different species of people. If such couplings did produce a child, it would be a non-viable hybrid, called a Bajinin, which would likely create new problems with the natural prejudice of less educated or religiously fanatical people. Many Spiofthest residents actively participate in the Religion of Light, though some still hold to their older beliefs. All Markidians participate in the official religion.
Government:
The town, like the region, is ruled by edict from the ordained monarch, currently King Pierre, who resides in the Castle in West Cove. Commerce is regulated by edict from the Divine Praetor, who resides in the Cathedral in West Cove and represents the interests of the Ministry of Light. Law and order are maintained by a stationed Constable, Halcion, who has a single unit of Kingdom Regulars and a single unit of Kingdom Archers under his command. The constable also has a say in local commercial activity. The Constabulary is on the west side of the river.
There is an official representative for the interests of the village, called the Voice of the People, a Spiofthest man named Spe'ir gan Scamall, who was decided by general assembly. There are no specific qualifications for this position, and it is, as yet, not campaigned, being decided based upon unadulterated local reputation. There is no official building for the spokesperson, who lives in his own home, or for town meetings.
A Priest of Dawn, Bishop Roqueir, who was sanctioned by the Cathedral in West Cove is the other voice in local commerce. The Homage to Dawn is on the east side of the river. There are three Dedicated Clergy under the command of the bishop. One is to audit trade from caravans that stop on the east side of the river, one is to audit trade from caravans that stop on the west side of the river, and one does the audit for general town commerce.
Commerce and Agriculture:
The base currency is a coin, called a Mark, manufactured from Ocrin, the alloy of tin and zinc, and minted in West Cove. Being on a branch of a river that empties into the relatively cold, deepwater bay of West Cove, salmon make their way upstream once every Cycle to spawn, late in the Shifting Season when the water levels are fairly high. The Drenching Season will sometimes produce even higher water levels. Since this river originates in the Dragon's Spine Mountains to the North, the water is unusually cool and holds plenty of fish, even without the salmon run. The fish are consumed locally, not being much necessary as a trade item.
To the north of the village proper, on the east side of the river is a native apple orchard that has been cultivated even beyond its natural potential. Apples are the main trade item of the village, all of which are sent to Boga City. The orchard attracts a significant amount of game animals that are also harvested for local fare. On the west side of the river, farther north than the apple orchard, is a smaller cherry orchard that has also been cultivated to a greater potential. Cherries can be traded whole but more often brewed into an alcoholic beverage, that is more readily desired.
For the benefit of locals and travelers alike, the town has competent craftsmen. On the West side of the river, there is a trade plaza, brewery, butcher, tavern, brothel, logger, cooper, grist mill, and fish market. On the East side of the river, there is a tannery, tavern, bathhouse, apiary, grist mill, bowyer, and smokehouse. It may seem less efficient to separate the butcher from the smokehouse but the aroma of cleaning animals is not so appealing and is not wanted near where the meat is cooked.