The Cities of Saxum

Introduction to the Cities of Saxum

The Cities of Saxum document offers a comprehensive look into the diverse and dynamic locations that form the backbone of this vibrant nation. From the bustling capital, Fortune City, to the rugged landscapes of Goldrock, Tamarillo, and Wheatstan, Saxum is a place of contrasts, where innovation and tradition, industry and nature, clash and coalesce in remarkable ways. This guide delves into the unique characteristics of these cities, providing insight into their people, culture, and the stories that shape them.

Fortune City

Fortune City

(Central, city state, national capital)

Fortune City, the capital of Saxum and the first true mega-city, stands as the political, financial, and spiritual heart of the nation. It is the seat of The Assembly, Saxum’s government, where leaders shape the fate of the nation. The city's skyline is dominated by the Basilica of The Divine Church of Saxum, known as The Gate, its twin spires reaching skyward, with chains strung between them forming a symbolic passage for the soul to ascend. Around it, government institutions rise in towering grandeur, including the Federal Mint, where the nation’s currency is forged, and the Federal Bank of Saxum, which safeguards its wealth. The Stock Exchange pulses at the core of the city's commerce, while museums, universities, and colleges cultivate the minds of the next generation. The city is also home to the armed forces, with both the Army and Navy stationed within its vast expanse, ensuring the security of the nation.

Fortune City is a place of extremes, where unimaginable wealth and devastating poverty exist side by side. Grand hospitals provide world-class care to those who can afford it, while the destitute seek solace in the shadow of The Gate. The city’s great parks include Grand Central Park, Federal Park, and Metropolis Green, each offering a rare moment of respite from the relentless pace of urban life. Many come here seeking fortune, drawn by the promise of prosperity, but just as many find themselves crushed beneath the weight of failure. It is a place where riches can be won and lost in an instant, where the powerful wield influence over markets and politics while the desperate cling to dreams of salvation.

Yet beneath this veneer of ambition and reverence, Fortune City is rife with conflict. Its diverse population, drawn from the states of Goldrock, Wheatstan, and Tamarillo, has led to a volatile mix of cultures and religions, resulting in bitter rivalries and gang warfare that spill into the streets. These tensions create an undercurrent of unrest, with factions constantly vying for control in the shadows of the city’s wealth and sanctity. Fortune City is a place of towering ambition and desperate struggle, where the forces of power, faith, and survival collide in an endless cycle of triumph and ruin.

The Districts of Fortune City Fortune city has rapidly expanded to become Saxums first and only mega city, in truth it is a sprawling capital surrounded by many villages and towns that fall under the jurisdiction of Fortune City itself marking out the capital's geographical borders. Although these districts answer directly to Fortune City, in truth each district has its own governing body for local administration which adds yet another layer of bureaucracy to the already complex area known as Fortune City. These governing bodies are located in the largest towns within each district lending them their names. Although officially towns by name they are equivalent in size to most small cities in the rest of Saxum and are often marked as cities on maps.

Burnt Bends

Burnt Bends, a district on the northern border of Fortune City, stands as a gateway to the neighbouring state of Goldrock. It pulses with the energy of constant reinvention, shaped by its industrial past and its relentless push toward the future. Once an industrial powerhouse, the district still bears the scars of the fires that ravaged its factories during the Great Industrial Reformation. The landscape is a clash of old and new, where crumbling brick façades stand alongside sleek, modern structures, reflecting both its history and its resilience. As the main hub for trade and transport between Fortune City and Goldrock, Burnt Bends is a place where industry never sleeps, and ambition is the driving force.

Despite its economic importance, Burnt Bends is often seen as a harsh and unforgiving place. The people who live and work here are known for their grit and determination, forced to navigate the district’s volatile mix of opportunity and hardship. Entrepreneurs, traders, and inventors push forward in an environment where success can be fleeting, and failure can be brutal. The streets are alive with the sounds of machinery, market stalls, and the constant movement of goods and workers, but beneath this energy lies an undercurrent of struggle. The district’s strategic location makes it a battleground for control, with powerful factions vying for dominance over its markets and industries.

Burnt Bends is also home to some of the most dangerous gangs in Fortune City, a result of the district’s melting pot of cultures and influences from both Saxum and Goldrock. These rival factions fight brutal turf wars, turning parts of the district into conflict zones where law and order are fragile at best. Yet, despite the violence and the ever-present tension, Burnt Bends remains vital to the city's economy and spirit. It is a place where fortunes are made and lost in an instant, where survival depends on ambition and resilience, and where the fire of industry continues to burn, refusing to be extinguished.

Grifton

Nestled in the lush, tranquil landscape between the Monterey Hills and Rye Lake, Grifton stands as a peaceful district of Fortune City, yet its strategic location gives it a unique importance. Known as the "gateway to Tamarillo," Grifton has long been a crossroads of cultures, where the vibrant rhythms of city life meet the calm serenity of nature. The district’s beautiful setting, with its tree-lined avenues and vistas of sparkling waters, creates a harmonious blend of urban and rural influences, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The air here carries a mix of fresh forest scents and the bustle of commerce, as Grifton remains a crucial point of trade and transport for goods flowing between Fortune City and the south.

However, Grifton is more than just a picturesque enclave; it is a hub of cultural exchange and political influence. The district has long been home to influential families and powerful figures, with many of the city’s highest-ranking officials residing here. While the atmosphere may seem calm and idyllic on the surface, there is an undercurrent of ambition that runs deep. Grifton has seen its fair share of political scheming, and many of its residents are as ambitious as those who live in the heart of Fortune City. At times, this ambition spills into open conflict as rival factions clash for control over the city’s political future. In the more affluent corners of Grifton, gang violence has also found a home, as wealthy and powerful groups fight for influence in the corridors of power. Yet even with its power, Grifton never loses its natural charm, its tree-lined streets and peaceful lakesides always inviting those who seek refuge from the city’s more chaotic districts.

Angels Canyon

At the foot of the majestic Divine Peaks lies Angels Canyon, a district of Fortune City that mirrors the vast landscapes that surround it. The air here is cooler and crisper, and the rugged beauty of the mountains contrasts with the urban life that pulses through the canyon's streets. A gateway to some of the most breathtaking vistas in Saxum, Angels Canyon is both a place of pilgrimage and of bustling commerce. Its winding streets lead visitors up to the Seraphim Gardens, where carefully cultivated flora and tranquil pathways offer solace to the weary. The district is known for its serenity, yet it is also a thriving cultural and economic hub that is deeply connected to both Fortune City and Wheatstan.

Angels Canyon, with its deep connection to nature, has long attracted artists, philosophers, and dreamers who find inspiration in the stunning landscapes and the quiet hum of urban life. Yet, despite its beauty and tranquillity, the district is not untouched by the political currents of Fortune City. Its close proximity to the Divine Peaks has made it a site of many spiritual gatherings, as pilgrims come to the district to seek enlightenment and a glimpse of the heavens. The peaceful atmosphere of this district is not without its tensions. Ambitious individuals and groups have sought to harness the spiritual significance of the area for their own gain, sometimes resorting to violence to secure control over the pilgrimage routes and the valuable land that surrounds them. Just as the mountains can both comfort and challenge those who come to them, Angels Canyon reflects the duality of Fortune City, beauty and ambition, peace and tension, spiritual devotion and worldly pursuits.

The Weston territory of Caldera

(Western, prospective state. Owned by Fortune City)

Lifton

Lifton is a unique town set up and owned by Fortune City, comprising three distinct parts, each with its own character and purpose. This fascinating town serves as the gateway to the unexplored wilderness of the Caldera, offering a blend of opportunity, challenge, and adventure.

Lower Lifton

Stands as one of the fastest-growing areas in Saxum, teeming with opportunity but also plagued by crime and corruption. The government's heavy investment in this area has resulted in a significant law enforcement presence, striving to contain the illicit activities of the various gangs under a tenuous truce. Despite its harsh living conditions and low life expectancy, Lower Lifton attracts individuals willing to take risks for potential financial gain.

Upper Lifton

Although smaller than Lower Lifton, is far from quiet. It serves as the last notable town before the Caldera's wilds, bustling with activity as people prepare for their journeys. It provides essential services such as non-denominational churches and supply shops. Most importantly, it has the Orientation Center, which functions as a registry office and information centre for those venturing into the Caldera.

The Lift

Arguably the most important part of Lifton, making the venture into the Caldera viable. This essential structure not only facilitates access to the Caldera but also serves as a crucial means of transportation between Upper and Lower Lifton.

Tamarillo State

Fort Gulch

(Capital City)

Fort Gulch, the capital of Tamarillo, has a rich history as a former military outpost of the Golden Empire. Strategically located, it once housed imperial forces, and after the empire’s collapse, it was chosen to be the new capital. Over time, the city transformed into the political and economic heart of Tamarillo, symbolizing both the rise of the new government and the state’s industrial potential.

By Tamarillo's standards, Fort Gulch is a sprawling metropolis, with all major railroads and trails converging at its heart. This critical transportation hub connects the state’s vast regions, allowing goods and people to flow freely. The city is famous for its expansive cattle market, where livestock from across Tamarillo is bought and sold. Cattle are often transported by rail from rural ranches to the city’s markets, reinforcing Fort Gulch’s vital role in the state’s agricultural trade.

Though the city thrives on commerce and industry, it maintains a frontier spirit, with many saloons and inns welcoming weary travelers from long cattle drives or railway journeys. Fort Gulch blends the bustling energy of a major city with the rugged character of Tamarillo, embodying the spirit of both its past and its future.

Wood Drift

Wood Drift is a bustling logging city in southwestern Tamarillo, originally founded as a port settlement along the Sapphire Sea. Named for the countless broken branches that once drifted down a tributary of the Great Green River, the city has grown into a vital industrial hub. In recent decades, a major logging company has expanded operations upriver, using the Great Green River to transport logs over long distances, and now the city is a central point for processing and selling timber.

Connected by rail to the rest of Tamarillo, Wood Drift's efficient railway system allows timber and processed wood products to be quickly shipped across the state. The city’s busy docks also serve as a key point for exporting lumber, while the sawmills and lumber yards work around the clock to keep up with the growing demand. The air is thick with the scent of fresh-cut wood, and the constant hum of industry echoes throughout the city.

Though focused on lumber, Wood Drift’s strategic location near the Sapphire Sea has turned it into an important trade hub, linking the region’s inland timber resources with broader markets. With its rail connections, bustling port, and thriving mills, Wood Drift continues to fuel Tamarillos economy, contributing significantly to the state’s industrial and agricultural sectors.

Mount Jakaloupe

Mount Jakaloupe, nestled at the foot of the Wheatridge Mountains in western Tamarillo, owes its name to the abundance of jackfruit trees along the lower slopes and the thriving deer population in the region. The city’s picturesque location is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, which contribute to its reputation as both a natural and economic haven.

Best known for its exports of jackfruit and game meat, Mount Jakaloupe plays a key role in Tamarillos agricultural trade. However, it is perhaps most renowned for its locally distilled jackfruit spirits, which have garnered a strong following across the state. Traders and travelers flock to the city not only for its fresh produce but also to sample its prized liquor, making it a key destination for those seeking the region’s unique flavors.

While the city thrives on its agricultural products, Mount Jakalope's vibrant distilling industry adds an unmistakable character to its economy and culture. The spirit of entrepreneurship is alive here, where local distillers craft some of the finest spirits in Tamarillo, drawing both connoisseurs and tourists eager to taste the city’s signature offerings.

Lake Inyo

Lake Inyo, a bustling lakeside city, thrives at the heart of a vibrant fishing industry, where the abundance of salmon and trout makes it a key hub in Tamarillo. Each year, between 7.5 and 16 million adult salmon migrate up the Gulch River, which flows into Lake Inyo before continuing on to the Sapphire Sea. The lake’s waters are rich with fish, drawing both locals and traders eager to capitalize on the seasonal bounty.

The city’s economy revolves around fishing, with much of the catch being salted and shipped across Saxum to satisfy demand. Fisherfolk race against time each day, securing prime spots along the river and lake before the competition arrives. It’s a fast-paced, relentless industry where quick reflexes and sharp instincts are vital to success.

Despite the urgency of the fishing trade, Lake Inyo remains a city of vibrant community and industry, with its docks and waterfront markets filled with the hum of activity. Its local businesses cater to the constant flow of workers and traders, while the pulse of the fishing industry continues to drive the rhythm of life for those who call the city home.

Greenhills

Greenhills is a city nestled amid the rolling, verdant grasslands of southwestern Tamarillo, where cattle ranchers are blessed with the rare advantage of never needing to drive their herds far to find grazing land. The city’s outskirts are dotted with sprawling ranches that take full advantage of the fertile terrain, allowing livestock to graze on the lush pastures year-round. This bountiful environment has fostered a thriving cattle industry that drives the city’s economy.

Unlike the drier regions of Tamarillo, Greenhills enjoys ample rainfall, which keeps the hills vibrant and lush throughout all seasons. The constant greenery has earned the city the nickname “The Emerald Hills” among locals, a fitting tribute to the thriving, fertile lands that make the area so unique. The abundant natural resources also attract farmers and other settlers seeking a peaceful life amidst the beauty of Tamarillos countryside.

Despite its pastoral charm, Greenhills is a city on the rise, its agricultural prosperity fueling local trade and providing a reliable source of beef for Tamarillos bustling markets. The pastoral beauty, combined with the flourishing cattle industry, makes Greenhills an essential player in the region’s economy and a key fixture in Tamarillos agricultural heartland.

Dripping Springs

Dripping Springs is a city nestled in the marshlands of eastern Tamarillo, one of the most humid and waterlogged regions in the state. Fed by the constant flow of water from the Wheatridge Mountains, the city is prone to regular flooding, which has shaped both its landscape and architecture. In many parts of Dripping Springs, homes and ranches are built on stilts, elevating them above the waterline to keep living spaces dry during the frequent floods.

The city is best known for its thriving herds of water buffalo, which are raised in the marshy terrain for their meat. These hardy animals have become a staple of the local economy, with Dripping Springs serving as one of the key suppliers of livestock throughout Tamarillo. Their meat, prized for its rich flavor and tender texture, is in high demand across the region, ensuring that the city remains an essential part of Tamarillo's agricultural trade.

Despite the challenges posed by its humid environment and frequent flooding, Dripping Springs has carved out a unique identity in Tamarillo, combining resilience and agricultural prowess. The city’s water buffalo industry not only sustains its economy but also positions Dripping Springs as a vital supplier in the broader agricultural landscape of the state.

Lone Pine

Lone Pine is a small but essential city nestled in the northwest of Tamarillo, named after a single, resilient pine tree that stands at its heart. The city was founded around this iconic tree, which has become a symbol of endurance in the harsh, barren landscape. Situated along the vital route to the southern coast, Lone Pine serves as a crucial waystation for both travelers and trains making the long, arduous journey. It provides much-needed supplies and rest to those passing through, offering a brief respite before they continue on their journey.

The lone pine tree at the center of the city stands tall, representing the city’s spirit of perseverance and its role as a lifeline in the otherwise sparse region. This enduring tree, with its twisted roots and weathered bark, offers a constant reminder of survival against the odds. It attracts travelers, traders, and those seeking shelter, making it a notable landmark for anyone on the way to the southern coast.

Though small, Lone Pine has grown into a bustling waystation, where merchants and weary travelers alike stop to trade, rest, and replenish their supplies. The city has come to symbolize the resilience of life in a region that can be unforgiving, and in this role, it plays a crucial part in the movement of goods and people throughout Tamarillo.

Burnt Ranch

Burnt Ranch, once known simply as West Ranch, earned its current name after a devastating fire tore through the dry grasslands, ignited by an unwitting ranch hand. The blaze spread quickly, ravaging much of the city and leaving half of it in ruins. In the aftermath, survivors rebuild their homes and businesses from the ashes, and as a grim reminder of the disaster and the dangers of employing unskilled workers, the city was renamed Burnt Ranch. The fire's lasting impact is a central part of the city's identity, a constant reminder of the importance of caution and preparedness in a land that can be unforgiving.

Despite the tragic past, Burnt Ranch has flourished as a major cattle hub, continuing to serve as a key center for livestock trading and ranching. The fertile soil, enriched by the ash carried by the wind after the fire, has allowed ranchers to diversify their crops, balancing their otherwise meat-heavy diet with produce grown on their lands. The combination of rich soil and abundant grazing land has made the area a thriving agricultural center in the heart of the grasslands.

Today, Burnt Ranch stands as a testament to the resilience of its people. The city has rebounded from its fiery past to become a vital part of Tamarillo's cattle industry, with ranchers, traders, and travelers coming from far and wide to buy and sell livestock. Though its name serves as a reminder of its tragic history, Burnt Ranch has turned that history into a foundation for growth and prosperity.

Redscar

Redscar is a rugged mining town built around a vast open-pit iron mine, making it one of the few such towns in all of Tamarillo. The land here is rich with iron ore, staining the earth a deep maroon hue that marks the very soil beneath the city's feet. At the heart of Redscar lies its immense open-cast mine, a gaping wound in the landscape that dominates the town and its surroundings. When viewed from the towering peaks of the Compass Mountains to the north, the mine resembles a colossal scar carved deep into the earth, a stark reminder of the town's dependence on the extraction of iron to fuel the region’s growth.

This massive mine has become both the city's lifeblood and its curse. The constant clatter of machinery, the dust of industry, and the shouts of miners echo through the day and night as the people of Redscar work tirelessly to feed the state's insatiable demand for iron. It is a place where every piece of earth excavated holds the promise of wealth, but also the threat of danger, as the mine claims lives just as easily as it yields its bounty.

Despite its harsh conditions and the constant reminder of its industrial roots, Redscar has a resilient, hard-edged spirit. The town thrives on the commerce brought by the railways, where the iron is transported to be smelted and shaped into the machinery and goods that power the state. The people of Redscar may live with the scar of the land, but they have learned to forge their own mark on the world, turning the land's unforgiving nature into a symbol of perseverance and strength.

Lake Cruel

Lake Cruel is a city nestled around a small, perilous lake in western Tamarillo, named for the treacherous conditions early settlers faced. When the first pioneers arrived, they found the lake teeming with alligators, making it almost impossible to draw water without risk. However, these settlers displayed remarkable resilience, adapting to the danger by farming the very creatures that once threatened them. Over time, they turned the alligators into a valuable resource, harvesting them for meat, leather, and other byproducts, transforming what was once a deadly obstacle into a thriving industry.

The city’s economy flourishes thanks to its rail connections, allowing the valuable alligator products to be shipped efficiently across Tamarillo. The constant flow of goods, from alligator meat to leather goods, keeps the railway bustling, making Lake Cruel an important stop in the state’s industrial network. The city’s air often carries the scent of smoked meat and processed leather, a reminder of its unique and gritty origins. As one of the key transportation hubs in western Tamarillo, Lake Cruel thrives not only from its own industry but also from the vital rail links that connect it to the broader economy.

Though Lake Cruel has evolved into an industrial success, the lake’s alligators remain a constant presence, lurking beneath the surface and reminding the city’s inhabitants of their dangerous past. The resilience of Lake Cruel's settlers is reflected in its continued growth, and the city’s position along the railway ensures that it remains a vital piece of Tamarillos industrial and commercial landscape.

Goldrock State

Goldrock City

(Capital City)

Goldrock City is a smog-choked metropolis, dominated by soot-stained brick and towering iron factories. The clatter of steam engines fills the air as trains thunder through sprawling rail yards, their cargo of gold, silver, coal, and iron bound for the city's foundries, refineries, and mills. The labyrinthine railway network stretches far beyond the city, connecting Goldrock to the rest of Saxum, allowing its industries to supply the state with raw materials, goods, and the machinery that fuels its relentless growth.

Despite its industrial grandeur, the city’s wealth is starkly divided. Gilded mansions belonging to ruthless industrial barons and aristocrats loom over the crowded slums, where desperate workers toil in the factories and railways that keep the city's engine running. The streets are filled with soot-covered urchins, peddlers, and the ever-present hum of life amidst the grime. The contrast between opulence and poverty is evident, but the power of industry binds them together.

At the heart of this industrial city stands the Church of the Divine, its influence spreading across both the pious and the powerful. Its priests preach salvation through hard work, their power woven into the fabric of Goldrock’s social and political life. Amidst the smoke-streaked cathedrals and factories, the city's underworld also thrives, with gangs vying for control of the streets and factories, often clashing in the shadows of thundering locomotives and roaring furnaces.

Weeping Willow

Weeping Willow lies deep within the sprawling West Weald, where nature and industry are locked in a quiet, uneasy struggle. The city is best known for its vast lumberyards and paper mills, where the scent of fresh pine mixes with the acrid tang of chemical dyes. Massive locomotives transport felled timber along soot-streaked railways, feeding the insatiable demand of Goldrock’s factories. The mills churn out textiles and processed wood, ensuring Weeping Willow remains a key supplier for the state’s growing industrial machine.

Despite its industrial prominence, Weeping Willow retains an air of contrast. Aristocrats, whose wealth once stemmed from the land, resent the ceaseless expansion of industry. In their candlelit manors, they plot not to preserve the forests, but to reclaim them as their private hunting grounds. The relentless march of progress threatens their way of life, even as the city’s industry thrives on the same forces they oppose.

The railway, ever-present in Weeping Willow, acts as both a lifeline and a battleground. It fuels the city’s expansion, transporting timber and goods to distant markets, while simultaneously carrying away the very resources the aristocracy longs to keep. The tracks thread through the city like veins, connecting it to Goldrock and beyond, but also serving as a symbol of the ongoing conflict between old wealth and the unstoppable tide of industrialisation.

Coalton

Coalton is a city of eternal twilight, where thick coal dust lingers in the air, casting a perpetual gloom over its streets. The skyline is dominated by massive pitheads and towering smokestacks, their furnaces roaring day and night. Endless trains rumble through the city on the Valley Line, hauling coal to fuel Goldrock’s factories and power the state’s relentless industrial growth. The railway is Coalton’s lifeblood, ensuring a constant flow of coal, but it also serves as a battleground for control over the city’s wealth.

In the shadow of the trains and furnaces, conflict brews beneath the soot-streaked streets. Miners, company enforcers, and unionists clash over the riches buried beneath the earth, each group fighting for control of the city’s primary resource. The railway, while essential for the flow of coal, also amplifies the tensions, with trains becoming symbolic of the divide between the exploited workers and the powerful mine owners who profit from their labour.

Above the chaos, the wealthy mine barons live in opulent mansions, far removed from the suffocating haze and grinding labour below. They look down on the strife from their luxurious homes, safe from the dangers of the mines, while the workers toil in the darkness, their lives bound to the railway that keeps the city moving, but also serves as a reminder of their oppression.

Port Joyous

Port Joyous is a city of ceaseless motion, where towering clipper ships and sturdy schooners crowd the bustling docks. These ships load goods from across the state, coal from Coalton, timber from Weeping Willow, and manufactured goods from Goldrock, before setting sail for distant shores. The air is thick with the scent of salt and coal smoke, and the cries of merchants, dockhands, and swindlers fill the atmosphere as they vie for a piece of the trade flowing through the port.

The railway lines that snake into the city ensure that the goods flowing from the interior of Saxum reach the waiting ships, solidifying Port Joyous’ role as a crucial link in the state’s economy. Grand trading houses and corrupt shipping barons rule from opulent offices overlooking the wharfs, orchestrating deals that stretch across Saxum’s waters, while the steady movement of goods keeps the port alive. The railways are essential, constantly delivering freight that fuels the port’s continuous activity.

Yet, beyond the order of the docks, Port Joyous has a darker side. In the back alleys and seedy taverns, smugglers, would-be pirates, and revolutionaries whisper of fortunes to be made beyond the law’s reach, always seeking ways to exploit the cracks in the system. While the trains bring goods and commerce, they also serve as a reminder of the city’s undercurrents of crime and rebellion, ever present beneath the surface of its bustling trade.

Devine

Devine is a city of sacred reverence and bustling trade, where its towering cathedral stands as a beacon for travellers arriving from Fortune City. As the first stop in the state for those journeying to Goldrock, it serves as both a spiritual haven for returning pilgrims and a vital trading hub. The city’s markets are filled with fine fabrics, exotic spices, and rare metals sourced from across Saxum, offering a diverse mix of sacred and commercial pursuits.

The railway weaves through the heart of the city, ensuring a steady flow of goods and worshippers alike. Trains arriving from Fortune City bring merchants seeking profit, while carriages filled with faithful followers journey to the grand halls of the Church of the Divine. The rail connections help maintain the city’s prosperity, facilitating both spiritual pilgrimages and the constant movement of trade goods, ensuring that commerce and devotion thrive side by side.

Yet, despite its devout exterior, Devine’s true prosperity relies on the city’s ability to balance its pious identity with the relentless demands of trade. The cathedral may serve as a spiritual focal point, but it is the railway and the commerce it fuels that ensure the city’s place as a key crossroads in Saxum’s growing economy.

Shafton

Shafton is a city of shadows and industry, where the land is scarred by deep, yawning mine shafts that stretch far beneath the earth, tapping into rich veins of tin that fuel the state’s insatiable demand for metal. The skyline is dominated by the towering headquarters of the Goldrock Mining Corporation (GMC), the oldest and most powerful company in the state. GMC's influence stretches from the depths of the mines to the vital rail networks of both East Bluevale and West Bluevale (EBRC & WBRC), making Shafton an industrial hub at the heart of the state's economy.

The railway is the lifeblood of Shafton, with trains thundering through the city day and night. Locomotives haul tin ore and refined metals toward Goldrock’s factories and beyond, while GMC’s private rail lines ensure that the corporation’s dominance in the industry remains unchallenged. The railways not only connect the city to the larger industrial machine but also serve as a constant reminder of the corporation’s far-reaching control over both the mines and the movement of raw materials.

Beneath the clattering of locomotives and the ceaseless drone of machinery, the air is thick with dust and tension. Miners and railway workers alike grumble under the weight of GMC’s monopoly, their toil feeding the ever-growing hunger of the corporation that looms over their lives. Shafton may be a vital cog in Saxum’s industrial engine, but the cost of its prosperity is paid in sweat, dust, and the simmering resentment of its workers.

East Bluevale

East Bluevale was once a quiet town along the Bluevale River, but now hums with the energy of its textile and glass industries, a transformation brought on by the legacy of the East Bluevale Railway Company (EBRC). The city’s skyline is dominated by towering mills and glass factories that produce fine linens and crystal. These goods are shipped across the state via the railway network that originally spurred the city’s prosperity, with rail tracks crisscrossing the area, connecting East Bluevale to the larger industrial hubs of Saxum.

The rivalry within the Bluevale family, the founding family of both East and West Bluevale, played a crucial role in the city’s growth. One cousin, who lived in East Bluevale, controlled the EBRC, which led to cheap rail fares that dramatically increased trade and attracted workers and merchants from all corners of the region. This railway boon brought prosperity to the town, with goods flowing through the city’s mills and factories. The competition between the cousins, however, eventually resulted in the family’s bankruptcy, leaving East Bluevale to continue thriving on the industries that had been built upon their conflict.

Today, East Bluevale is a testament to the power of its railway connections, with the wealth from textile and glass production still fuelling its economy. Though the Bluevale family is no longer in control, the city remains a bustling industrial centre, with its railway serving as a critical lifeline for trade, industry, and the workers who keep it all running.

West Bluevale

West Bluevale, located on the opposite side of the Bluevale River, was founded by the Bluevale family and has grown into a thriving industrial hub centred around metalworking and machine manufacturing, all thanks to the West Bluevale Railway Company (WBRC). The cousin who lived in West Bluevale and controlled the WBRC was instrumental in the city’s development, driving it to become a powerhouse in steel production. Massive foundries and machine shops dominate the city’s landscape, producing the essential components needed to fuel the state’s relentless industrial growth. The city's prosperity was further boosted by cheap rail fares, which allowed goods and workers to flow freely, connecting West Bluevale to other key industrial cities across Saxum.

Despite the fierce rivalry between the cousins, which eventually led to the family's bankruptcy, West Bluevale has flourished. The city's industries remain strong, and it continues to serve as a vital contributor to the state’s expanding industrial machine. With the WBRC still operating, the railway remains a lifeline for the transportation of goods, from steel to machinery, reinforcing West Bluevale's place as a key industrial player.

Today, West Bluevale is a city where steel and machines are forged in the heat of competition. Though the Bluevale family’s influence has waned, the legacy of their railway and industrial empire endures, with the city continuing to thrive on the foundations they laid

Black Heath

Black Heath is a city where the land itself seems wounded, its once-green valleys and rolling moors now scarred by endless black pits and sunken slag heaps. Unlike the rigid company rule of Coalton, Black Heath is a city of independent mines and warring coal barons, where bitter rivalries spill into the streets in the form of sabotage, bribery, and outright bloodshed. The air is thick with the acrid scent of burning coal, and the glow of countless forges turns the night sky a sullen red. Though the city’s railway network is not as vast as Goldrock’s, it serves as a vital lifeline, connecting the independent mines to the rest of the state and ensuring a constant flow of coal that fuels the region’s economy.

The railways are the backbone of Black Heath’s coal industry, with trains running day and night, hauling coal to Goldrock, Coalton, and beyond. The tracks, worn and weathered by decades of use, carry the lifeblood of the city's industry, even as the barons battle for control of the resources and profits. Amidst this chaos, mercenaries, opportunistic workers, and desperate miners forge their own paths, with fortunes made and lost in the shadows of the forges and mine shafts.

In the backrooms of taverns and offices, coal barons plot and scheme, knowing that the trains and tracks that carry their precious cargo are both their power and their curse. The rivalries between the independent mine owners threaten to tear the city apart, yet the demand for coal ensures that Black Heath remains a crucial cog in the industrial machinery of Saxum.

Mirror Springs

Mirror Springs is a gritty, industrious city built around its valuable mineral springs and the booming clockmaking and precision machinery industries. The once-calm waters now serve as a vital resource for extracting rare metals, which are used to craft high-end timepieces and intricate mechanical components. These products are shipped across the state, with trains frequently arriving and departing from the city's rail terminals, laden with raw materials or finished goods destined for larger industrial centres. The city's factories and workshops hum constantly, workers forging delicate gears, assembling clocks, and smelting ore, while the air is thick with the scent of oil from the machines and the faint metallic tang of the smelting process.

Rail connections to the state’s larger industrial hubs, including Goldrock and West Bluevale, have significantly fueled Mirror Springs’ growth. The trains, carrying both raw minerals and refined products, ensure that the city remains well-connected and competitive, feeding its bustling economy. The city’s railway network, though not as vast as that of Goldrock, is crucial in maintaining the flow of resources, ensuring the city remains a linchpin in the production of precision machinery and timepieces.

Despite its name, Mirror Springs is defined by its relentless industrial drive. The once-pristine waters have given way to the clang of metal, the whir of machinery, and the clatter of locomotives. The quiet of nature has been replaced by the constant hum of progress and profit, making the city a testament to the strength of industrial ambition.

Deep Valley

Deep Valley is a bleak and isolated city, nestled in the shadow of the towering valley walls that give it its name. As the last public stop on the Valley Line before the tracks vanish into restricted territory, the city serves as a vital supply hub for miners, railway workers, and the ever-curious drifters seeking fortune in its coal yards and iron foundries. The railway connection is crucial for transporting resources from the surrounding hills, keeping the furnaces stoked and the forges hot, ensuring Deep Valley remains an industrial backbone despite its remote location. Trains from Coalton and other mining regions rumble through daily, laden with coal, iron ore, and the raw materials needed to fuel the city’s small but essential industries.

Occasionally, prison trains thunder through under heavy guard, their destination unknown to most. These trains cast a grim shadow over the city’s weary populace, who have learned to keep their heads down and their questions to themselves. The constant flow of trains through the city serves as a reminder that Deep Valley is more than just a supply hub, it is a place marked by secrets, whispers, and hidden agendas. The railway, while essential, is also a conduit for things best left unseen.

Alongside the coal and iron trade, another secretive industry thrives. Massive ice-laden trains emerge from the restricted zone, their cargo processed in Deep Valley’s insulated warehouses before being shipped to the lavish homes of the state’s wealthy elite. It is a luxury few in the city will ever taste, furthering the divide between the working-class inhabitants of Deep Valley and the distant, privileged few who benefit from the city’s hard labour.

Iron Hill

Iron Hill is a city of unyielding stone and ceaseless labour, its foundations built atop rich iron deposits that have fuelled its forges for generations. Situated along the Fortune City–Goldrock line, between Devine and Black Heath, it serves as a crucial link in the state’s industrial chain. Iron ore is mined, smelted, and shaped into the raw materials that feed the factories of Goldrock, with the railway connection ensuring that these vital resources flow swiftly to where they are needed most. Trains laden with ore, coal, and finished steel crisscross the city, reinforcing Iron Hill’s role as a backbone of the state’s industrial might.

Beyond its iron and steel production, Iron Hill is best known for its firearms manufacturing. Gunsmiths and munitions factories craft everything from revolvers to rifles, supplying both lawmen and less scrupulous buyers alike. The railway network facilitates the swift movement of these weapons, with railcars rumbling toward Goldrock and beyond, ensuring that Iron Hill’s arms reach their destinations quickly, whether they be destined for the factory floor or the hands of those with more dubious intentions. The city's industries, powered by the ceaseless movement of trains, churn day and night, never ceasing.

The skyline of Iron Hill is dominated by towering blast furnaces and endless rows of worker tenements, their inhabitants toiling under the glow of molten metal. The constant clatter of trains, hauling pig iron, steel, and crates of freshly minted firearms, echoes through the streets, a reminder of the city’s unwavering role in the machinery of war and industry.

Shallow Valley

Shallow Valley is a restless crossroads of industry and ambition, where the Valley Line meets the main rail network leading to Goldrock City. As the first stop on the Valley Line before reaching the coalfields of Coalton, the city thrives as a major transport hub, with rail lines from Sunnyside and Weeping Willow also converging here. This makes it one of the busiest junctions in the state, with trains constantly arriving and departing, hauling coal, iron, timber, and factory goods between the state’s industrial centres. The railway network is the lifeblood of Shallow Valley, ensuring that the city remains a critical link in the chain that powers the region's economy.

The freight yards are always filled with the clatter of trains, while the crowded streets bustle with merchants, railway workers, and travellers moving between lines. Here, the buzz of industry is accompanied by the constant flow of people, some arriving seeking fortune, others simply passing through, while many disappear into the haze of steam and soot that lingers over the city’s ever-moving heart. The railway lines may divide the city’s sections, but they also unify it in the ceaseless energy that drives the town forward.

Though industry keeps Shallow Valley alive, the city has a transient, restless air. Its position as a major junction draws people in, but few stay long, as they follow the tracks to their next destination. In the ever-present shadow of the trains and the smoke-filled skies, the city remains a symbol of the ambition and fleeting nature of those who pass through it.

Smoulderbury

Smoulderbury is a city of sawdust, smoke, and relentless industry, carved deep into the heart of the West Weald forest. What began as a quiet logging settlement has transformed into a vital manufacturing hub, where timber from Weeping Willow, metals from Mirror Springs, and goods from East Bluevale all converge before being shipped to Goldrock and beyond. Its railway connections make Smoulderbury a crucial link in the state’s supply chain, with trains constantly arriving and departing along tracks that cut through the dense woodland like scars. The city’s growth owes much to these railways, which allow for the efficient transportation of raw materials, bolstering its industrial strength.

The air is thick with the scent of fresh-cut timber and the ever-present haze of burning sawdust, as sawmills, charcoal pits, and factories churn out everything from processed lumber to wooden cogs and reinforced railway ties. These industries keep the wheels of progress moving, making Smoulderbury a key contributor to the state's industrial machine. The constant hum of saws and the clatter of trains fill the air as goods are loaded and unloaded, feeding the factories and ports that drive the region’s economy.

Despite the constant motion, Smoulderbury retains an air of relentless toil. Its workers are the lifeblood of the city's growth, but the demands of industry come at a cost, with long hours in sawdust-choked factories and the ever-present danger of accidents. In the shadow of the smoke-filled skies and the rhythm of clanking machines, Smoulderbury stands as a testament to the power of industry and the resilience of those who keep it alive.

Ashford

Ashford is a city built into the rugged hills of the West Weald, where the clash of industry and nature is felt in every smokestack and felled tree. Known for its vast paper mills and woodworking industries, the city processes the endless supply of timber flowing in from Weeping Willow and Smoulderbury, turning it into everything from fine stationery to packing crates bound for factories across the state. The city’s rail connections to West Bluevale make it a key supplier of wooden supports and mining equipment, reinforcing the deep shafts that fuel the state’s hunger for metal. Trains arrive daily, hauling freshly cut timber for processing, while finished goods are dispatched along the same tracks, feeding the industries and towns that depend on Ashford’s wares.

Though industry thrives here, the city’s winding streets and steep inclines give it the feel of a lumber camp turned boomtown. Workers navigate between sawmills, workshops, and railyards, all under the ever-present shadow of the dense forest that still threatens to reclaim the land. The railways are vital to the city's operation, connecting it to the broader network and ensuring the steady movement of timber, goods, and materials. The rumble of trains through the city’s narrow streets is a constant reminder of Ashford’s role as a critical hub in the state’s supply chain.

Despite the ever-encroaching forest, Ashford has become a bustling centre of industry, with factories and mills turning raw timber into the materials that fuel the state’s growth. Yet, the city’s workers live in the constant tension between nature and progress, the trees of the Weald still looming close, as if waiting for a chance to take back what industry has claimed.

Graypool

Graypool is a bustling industrial hub nestled on the shores of the vast Grey Pool Lake, where raw materials from Black Heath, Mirror Springs, and Goldrock City converge to fuel the state’s growing gas industry. Its extensive rail connections make it a key point for transporting natural gas and coal, which are refined and processed in the city’s gasworks before being sent to power the factories and homes of the state. Trains laden with fuel and raw materials constantly rumble through the city, ensuring a steady supply to meet the ever-growing demand for energy that drives the state’s industries.

The constant sound of machinery, the hiss of steam, and the sharp scent of gas fill the air as Graypool becomes the heart of energy production. Its factories and processing plants hum with activity, turning raw energy sources into fuel for the engines of the state’s economy. Despite its importance, the city retains an eerie quality, with the dense fog from the lake creeping through its streets and casting an unsettling stillness over its relentless industrial activity. The contrast between its essential role in powering the state and the creeping fog gives the city a haunting, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Graypool’s role in the state’s industrial network cannot be overstated. It is a vital cog in the machine, its rail connections ensuring the continuous flow of energy to fuel the growth of factories, homes, and transport across the land. Yet, in the midst of its industrial significance, the city remains shrouded in mystery, with its fog-filled streets offering an eerie, almost ghostly contrast to the ceaseless movement of trains and machinery.

Sunnyside

Sunnyside is a city defined by its towering chemical factories and the hum of industry, where raw materials are transformed into essential products that power the state’s industrial machine. At the heart of the city is its chemical production, with vast plants churning out everything from industrial solvents to explosives, including the highly sought-after gunpowder that fuels both factories and military operations. The constant clatter of machinery fills the air as the city thrives on producing vital materials that keep the gears of industry turning and the state’s military strength intact.

The city’s extensive rail connections to Weeping Willow and Shallow Valley ensure a steady flow of coal and other raw materials, which are processed into chemicals, dyes, and munitions. Trains laden with these essential supplies rumble through Sunnyside’s tracks, fueling the continuous activity of the chemical plants that line its streets. The air is thick with the sharp scent of sulfur and chemicals, and the ground often trembles with the blast of gunpowder being refined, a constant reminder of the city’s central role in both industrial production and military power.

As a key supplier to the state’s industrial and military needs, Sunnyside remains a crucial cog in the network of cities driving the state’s economic and defensive strength. The roar of the factories and the movement of trains fill the air, while the air itself is alive with the sharp, acrid scent of chemicals, a testament to the city’s role in shaping the course of industry and war.

Riverside

Riverside is a bustling industrial city located along the winding banks of the Greyhound River, just south of Goldrock City. Positioned between Goldrock and Mirror Springs on the main rail line, Riverside serves as a crucial transportation and manufacturing hub, where goods are moved both by rail and river. The city's extensive rail connections ensure the swift transport of raw materials like coal and metal, while the river provides an additional route for barges carrying coal, metal, and finished goods to and from the nearby towns.

The city’s primary industries are centered around metalworking and machinery production, with massive foundries turning out essential components like gears, cogs, and steam-powered machinery that keep the state’s industrial operations running smoothly. The rhythmic sound of hammer strikes, the hiss of steam engines, and the steady flow of trains are constant in the city’s bustling industrial landscape. The air is thick with the scent of molten metal and the constant noise of activity, creating a gritty, smoky atmosphere that defines Riverside’s role as a powerhouse in the state’s economy.

Despite its significance as a key center of industry, Riverside retains a raw, unpolished feel. Its docks and factories are always filled with workers, merchants, and the ceaseless motion of trains and barges, making the city a vital and ever-active link in the state’s vast network of trade and manufacturing.

Wheatstan State

Bandarra

(Capital)
Bandarra is the capital and largest city of Wheatstan, sprawling across a vast expanse to accommodate the annual grandeur of The Great Market. As the most densely populated metropolis in the state, it serves as the central rail nexus, connecting to key cities like Northport, Seamouth, and other vital areas through major rail lines. The city’s rail connections are the lifeblood of its economy, facilitating the swift movement of goods and people between regions and helping maintain its position as the heart of Wheatstan’s trade network.

At the heart of Bandarra lies The Great Market, an immense yearly gathering that transforms the city into a bustling centre of commerce, celebration, and religious significance. Shepherds from across Wheatstan travel with their livestock, farmers bring their best produce, and traders set up elaborate stalls offering everything from handcrafted goods to exotic wares. The festival lasts for weeks, beginning with feasts, fairs, and religious ceremonies before the real business begins. At its conclusion, the Market Council convenes where Shepherds and merchants debate economic policies, settle disputes, and appoint new representatives to the Grand Choir and Market Council, ensuring that Wheatstan’s traditions and trade continue to thrive.

Beyond The Great Market, Bandarra remains a vibrant hub of culture, faith, and finance throughout the year. By day, its streets are alive with merchants, railway workers, and travellers, all engaged in the ever-flowing commerce that defines the city. By night, the air fills with music and revelry as its people embrace both the hard work of trade and the joys of celebration. With its thriving docks facilitating the transfer of goods between rail and sea, and its markets constantly in motion, Bandarra is more than just the capital. It is the beating heart of Wheatstan, where tradition and progress walk hand in hand.

Moss Point

Moss Point, located at the northern tip of Wheatstan, was originally founded as part of an ambitious project to connect Wheatstan and Goldrock by rail. Although the rail link was never completed due to a collapse in agreements, Moss Point has remained a vital logistical and trading hub, connecting the two states. Goods from Goldrock continue to flow through its bustling port, while rail connections from both sides of Wheatstan converge in Moss Point, linking it to the broader state.

Moss Point’s strategic location near Goldrock has made it a cultural crossroads, blending the attitudes, accents, and traditions of both states. This fusion gives the city a unique, cosmopolitan atmosphere, where influences from across the region are felt in both everyday life and local commerce. The city serves as a transit point for goods ranging from raw materials to fine metals, with shipments passing through Moss Point on their way to destinations throughout Wheatstan. This constant flow of trade infuses the city with prosperity, creating a dynamic environment where industry and culture meet.

Though the grand vision of a direct rail connection to Goldrock may have faltered, Moss Point continues to thrive as a key link in Wheatstan’s transportation network. The city’s rail connections ensure that goods and people travel efficiently through the state, while its status as a trading centre adds to its growing importance in the region.

Silverton

Silverton grew out of a once-thriving silver mine, which remains the lifeblood of the city to this day. The mine itself, with its blasted walls and deep, yawning tunnels, dominates the landscape, giving the city an almost ominous appearance, an open maw of industry. The majority of Silverton's residents are employed directly by the mine, with a network of surrounding businesses providing goods and services to support the mining operations.

Rail connections from Northport and Moss Point bring essential supplies to Silverton, while trains laden with valuable ores and minerals are constantly sent to processing centres and markets across Wheatstan and beyond. These rail links are vital to the city’s economic pulse, allowing it to tap into wider markets and ensure that the silver and other ores mined here continue to fuel both local industries and the broader state economy.

The city's wealth and growth remain inseparable from the productivity of the mine, and though the town’s infrastructure has expanded to accommodate the needs of its residents, the core of Silverton’s prosperity still lies deep underground, where the ore continues to flow.

Northport

Northport stands as the northernmost city in Wheatstan, once the primary trade hub connecting the southern parts of the state to the rest of Saxum. However, with the rise of Moss Point's expanding rail connections, Northport now faces increasing competition. Despite this, the city retains its strategic importance, with its larger, purpose-built docks continuing to make it a vital player in the transport of goods and resources.

The addition of a direct rail line to Silverton has solidified Northport's role as Wheatstan's engineering heart, as railcars constantly haul precious ores and materials from the mines to factories and workshops across the state. This rail link is crucial for facilitating the transport of resources that fuel Wheatstan’s industries, particularly the burgeoning metalworking and manufacturing sectors.

Despite growing competition from Moss Point, Northport remains a bustling centre of trade and industry, where old-world shipping traditions and modern rail technology converge at its busy docks and transport hubs, ensuring that the city remains integral to the state’s economy.

Seamouth

Seamouth stands at the crossroads where rail meets sea, serving as a vital gateway to the Highlands and a key transportation hub in Wheatstan. Positioned where the tides meet the land, the city thrives on both its bustling docks and its rail connections. The railway brings timber from Deepwood, ore from Silverton, and other raw materials, while the docks bustle with fishing boats bringing in fresh catches. As the linchpin between the highlands and the mainland, Seamouth is crucial for the transport of goods, which are either refined or shipped out to markets throughout the state.

The city’s strategic location makes it a vibrant crossroads of trade, where trains thunder through, transporting resources to be processed and distributed. Its railway links not only connect Seamouth to the rest of Wheatstan but also make it a focal point for goods flowing from across the state. The mix of land and sea transport ensures that the city remains an industrial stronghold, with the docks and rail yards working in tandem to support the local economy.

Though known for its industry, Seamouth's maritime heritage is never far from the surface. The people of the city, shaped by both land and sea, are a resilient and jovial community. Shipwrights, fishermen, and sailors are integral to life here, and their influence can be seen in the city’s culture. The streets hum with activity, as traders, dockworkers, and travellers move through, their lives marked by the changing seasons and the rhythm of the tides.

Applewheat

Applewheat, nestled at the foot of the Wheatridge mountains, is best known for its expansive orchards, where the crisp, sweet apples have made the city famous across Wheatstan. The city serves as a major agricultural hub, processing apples and apple-based products for shipment throughout Saxum. Strategically placed on the direct rail line between Fortune City and Bandarra, Applewheat is a key point for both trade and travel, with trains transporting crates of apples and cider to markets far and wide. The scent of fresh cider fills the air, drawing visitors to experience the region’s famous orchards and relax in its cider houses.

Beyond its agricultural fame, Applewheat is also an important gateway to the highlands and the Divine Peaks. The railway that cuts through the city offers travellers the first step on their journey to these mountainous regions, making it a common stop for both workers and adventurers alike. The railway ensures that trade flows smoothly, with goods from across the state, including timber from the highlands and other produce, being transported in and out of the city.

The city has a transient yet welcoming atmosphere, as visitors stop to enjoy its markets and cider houses before continuing their journeys. The people of Applewheat are as warm and hospitable as the fruit that grows in their orchards, and the streets hum with the activity of traders, farmers, and travellers passing through. The mix of agriculture and industry ensures that Applewheat remains a vital and vibrant part of Wheatstan’s economy.

Port Abundance

Port Abundance, once a quiet fishing town renowned for its seafood, has evolved into a bustling logistical hub, playing a vital role in supporting the needs of Bandarra. Though the city still retains its culinary fame, particularly with its renowned Fish Market, the rise of Bandarra has shifted Port Abundance's focus toward commerce and trade. Warehouses and storage facilities now line the docks, where goods are swiftly offloaded from ships and transferred to the railway network. The city’s strategic rail connections to Bandarra and other key locations ensure that products, from fresh seafood to manufactured goods, are constantly moving through the city, keeping the supply chains of Wheatstan running smoothly.

Situated where the sea and the rail meet, Port Abundance thrives as a vital intersection of water and land-based transport. The sound of steam engines and the scent of saltwater mix in the air as the city’s docks remain busy around the clock, facilitating the swift transfer of goods. The railway’s connection to Bandarra allows the city to act as a key logistical point, with goods being dispatched across the state and beyond.

The people of Port Abundance, while still proud of their fishing roots, have adapted to the demands of industry. The rhythm of trade now defines daily life, as trains come and go, ferrying the bounty of the sea and the products of local industries. It is a place where old traditions and new enterprises coexist, making Port Abundance a vital, ever-changing city in the heart of Wheatstan.

Deepwood

Deepwood, nestled deep within the ancient Deep Wood forest, thrives as a city harmoniously intertwined with nature. Originally founded as a quiet logging settlement, the city has since evolved into a vital manufacturing hub centred around woodworking and carpentry. The city’s unique charm lies in its integration with the surrounding forest, with buildings nestled in natural glades and towering trees, creating an organic, woodland atmosphere.

The railway connections to Port Abundance in the east and the Standing Point–Applewheat junction in the west ensure that lumber from the forest is swiftly transported, feeding the city's bustling sawmills, workshops, and carpenters. The steady flow of timber through Deepwood's rail links fuels its vibrant industry. The scent of fresh-cut wood lingers in the air as skilled workers craft everything from fine furniture to intricate wooden products, drawing on the forest’s abundant resources. The city's workshops hum with activity, producing goods for markets across Wheatstan and beyond, all the while maintaining a deep respect for the natural world around them.

The people of Deepwood are intimately connected to the forest, with their way of life rooted in the balance between industry and nature. Their craftsmanship and dedication to sustainable practices reflect the long-standing relationship between the city and its environment, making Deepwood a unique and vital part of Wheatstan’s industrial heart.

Standing Point

Standing Point, strategically located at the crossroads of Wheatstan and Tamarillo, serves as the primary trade point between the two regions. Perched upon a rocky cove, offering natural protection from the Sapphire Sea, the city’s winding streets descend to the port, where the steady rhythm of the waves merges with the constant hum of commerce. While fishing remains an essential part of the city's economy, providing an abundance of seafood for both locals and traders, it is the regional trade routes that bring Standing Point its greatest wealth. The city thrives as a crucial distribution hub, particularly for Wheatstan’s denim, which is shipped across the Tamarillo coast.

Although Standing Point is not directly situated on the major rail lines, its role in Wheatstan’s transportation network is indispensable. Rail shipments of goods such as denim, textiles, and manufactured products flow from the interior of Wheatstan to the port, where they are loaded onto ships for distribution across the Tamarillo coast. These rail connections to both Wheatstan and Tamarillo ensure that goods move swiftly between the two regions, cementing Standing Point’s place as a vital logistical link.

The city reflects the influence of both regions, with its architecture and customs blending the traditions of Wheatstan and Tamarillo into a unique cultural fusion. Standing Point’s significance as a bustling port and trading powerhouse makes it a key player in the broader economic landscape, facilitating the flow of goods and enhancing the ties between the two neighbouring states.

Little Big Well

Little Big Well is a city built on the edge of the Wellrun River, where the land is swampy and the waters rise frequently. Raised streets and towering buildings are a testament to the city’s resilience, designed to withstand the constant threat of flooding. The city’s boardwalks and bridges, bustling with traders, street vendors, and revelers, take on a lively atmosphere, particularly during the renowned Market Day celebrations, when visitors from all over Wheatstan flock to the city. Off-season, the pace slows, with a quieter focus on supporting the local agricultural industry, where farms and produce supply much of the surrounding region.

Though not as directly connected to the rail network as other cities, Little Big Well still plays a crucial role in the transport of agricultural goods, with produce and local goods being moved to other parts of Wheatstan by both rail and water. Railcars bring in supplies and distribute the harvest from the surrounding farms, while the nearby waterways provide a vital link to both the interior and the sea, making Little Big Well a key point in the transport chain for the region’s agricultural output.

The city’s unique position, where the sea, river, and railways converge, gives it a vibrant, almost otherworldly energy. While it may be chaotic at times, Little Big Well remains an essential hub of trade and commerce, its market days echoing with the convergence of cultures and goods from across Wheatstan.

Johnstown

Johnstown, nestled at the southernmost tip of Wheatstan, offers a serene and open atmosphere with its wide streets and low-rise buildings, spreading out along the coast. As the southern terminus of Wheatstan's rail network, it plays a pivotal role as a port and trade hub, connecting the mainland to its surrounding archipelago and the southern seas. The city’s stunning beaches and clear waters have made it a sought-after tourist destination, attracting visitors drawn by the warm climate and relaxed vibe. Despite its growing reputation as a retreat, Johnstown retains its role as a key point of commerce, where the rhythm of trade continues alongside the ebb and flow of the tides.

The town’s strategic location on the rail network makes it a critical stop for goods coming from more distant corners of Saxum, such as exotic fruits, unique flora, and the wares of the southern seas. Rail lines transport these goods swiftly across Wheatstan, while fresh seafood remains the lifeblood of Johnstown’s economy, shipped to other regions to meet demand. The town is equally known for its seafood markets, which bustle with activity, providing a steady supply of fish for both locals and tourists alike.

Johnstown seamlessly balances its dual role as a transport hub and a coastal getaway, offering both economic significance and a laid-back charm. The convergence of the southern rail lines, the sea, and the growing tourism industry has helped the city thrive, making it a place where commerce and leisure coexist harmoniously.

Notable Wanderers camps

Moonshiners Run in the West of Goldrock

The Moonshiners Run, deep in the western reaches of Goldrock, is a place where the shadows of the forest hide more than just trees. Amidst the dense canopy, hidden stills distill moonshine, filling the air with the pungent scent of fermenting fruits and the unmistakable tang of alcohol. The paths here are worn and uneven, often meandering through tangled underbrush and steep ravines, leading to small, creaking shacks. These modest homes are the sanctuaries of outlaws and moonshiners, people who have turned the craft of brewing into both a livelihood and a statement of rebellion. This remote camp is often shielded from the law, its denizens living under the thick cover of secrecy and silence, known only to those willing to seek them out.

The folk of Moonshiners Run are a hardened bunch, accustomed to both the isolation of their environment and the harsh realities of life in the woods. With no official law, the camp is a self-regulated community where everyone plays a part. The moonshine brewed here is potent, and the stories shared among the campfire circles are even more so. Each bottle of the moonshine is passed down through word of mouth, a testament to the lore that grows with every bottle poured. These people live on the edge, aware that any slip-up could lead to a bounty hunter tracking them or a raid by the authorities, yet the thrill of evading the law and the camaraderie that comes from a life lived dangerously creates a bond that is unbreakable.

The moonshiners' existence is intertwined with the surrounding wilderness, and the landscape itself becomes part of the story. Their campsites are hidden among the trees, nestled in valleys or tucked into overgrown hollows, so even the most daring adventurers must know the area well to find them. The forests of Goldrock are their home, a place where survival skills are sharpened daily, and the thrill of the outlaw way of life never dulls. Whether it’s avoiding the law or competing with rival camps for territory and resources, the residents of Moonshiners Run continue to thrive by embracing their dangerous and mysterious way of life.

Hangman Woods in Fortune City

Hangman Woods, nestled on the outskirts of Fortune City, is a place that even the bravest Wanderers approach with caution. The woods themselves seem alive with a history of strange happenings, whispers of lost souls, and dark, forgotten stories. The mist that clings to the ground creates an ethereal atmosphere, making the forest feel as though it’s suspended between worlds. The cabins scattered throughout the woods are as weathered as the land itself, their timbers creaking under the weight of time. They house a resilient, gritty crowd that thrives on the camp’s mysterious reputation, living on the fringes of the city while avoiding its prying eyes.

The folk who inhabit Hangman Woods are not easily frightened, yet they are a superstitious bunch, keenly aware of the long history of the forest. With many believing the woods are haunted or cursed, the locals have grown accustomed to living in the shadows, always mindful of the dark secrets the forest holds. Whether by choice or circumstance, the inhabitants have found solace in this eerie sanctuary. The camp is known for its rough-and-ready crowd, those who might find trouble in the bustling city and come to Hangman Woods to hide away. Yet for all its mystery, there is a sense of camaraderie among the inhabitants, who bond over tales of adventure, strange occurrences, and the strange, often inexplicable things that happen in the woods.

Despite the forest's ominous reputation, Hangman Woods is more than just a haven for misfits; it’s a place where the community thrives in their own quiet way. The bond formed here is one of survival, but also one of shared purpose. The members of this camp know that, beyond the shadows and whispers, life goes on. The dense canopy of trees provides shelter, the mist keeps them hidden, and the long history of Hangman Woods offers a kind of protection, one that only those willing to brave its depths can understand. In this mysterious corner of Fortune City, the lines between adventure and danger are blurred, and each day feels like walking a thin line between the living and the forgotten.

The Trappers Trail in the Northern Highlands of Wheatstan

The Trappers Trail in the Northern Highlands of Wheatstan is a harsh and unforgiving land, where survival is not a given but a constant challenge. This rugged stretch of wilderness is bordered by towering ancient pines, their branches reaching skyward, and icy streams that cut through the valleys. The trail itself is treacherous, winding through rocky passes and dense forests, making it a place for only the most seasoned of Wanderers. The camps along the trail are scattered, often nothing more than humble shelters built from timber and stone, erected by trappers, hunters, and survivalists who live off the land and the bounty it provides. These individuals have an intimate knowledge of the terrain and the animals that roam it, using their skills to carve out a life in the wilderness.

The inhabitants of the Trappers Trail live a life dictated by the land, constantly facing the raw elements of the wilderness. They hunt, trap, and forage to survive, their every move dictated by the unpredictable nature of the land. The community here is sparse but tightly knit, formed by those who share a deep respect for the wilderness and the constant struggle it presents. Every face tells a story of survival, whether it’s a seasoned trapper who’s survived the harsh winters or a young hunter learning the ways of the wild. Life on the Trappers Trail is not for the faint of heart, and each day presents a new set of challenges, whether it’s finding enough game to feed the camp or battling the forces of nature that constantly seek to reclaim the land.

Despite the hardships, the trappers’ existence is one of quiet pride, a life that values resourcefulness, patience, and a deep connection to the land. Their campsites, though humble, are crafted with care, and the land they live on is both a source of sustenance and spiritual connection. Every successful hunt or trap set is a victory, and every failure is a lesson. The Trappers Trail is a place where only the strongest endure, a rugged and untamed land where every day is an adventure, and survival is a hard-earned reward.

Whisper Falls in the West of Tamarillo

Whisper Falls, tucked away in the lush, green heart of Tamarillo, is a place of haunting beauty and mystique. The constant murmur of the falls, as water tumbles over ancient rocks, seems to carry secrets, with each whisper telling tales of times long past. The air is thick with the scent of moisture and verdant foliage, and the landscape is dotted with moss-covered stones and trees that have stood for centuries. The camp here is sheltered by the dense greenery, hidden from view by the dense foliage and the cascading water. The locals, drawn by the beauty and solitude of the place, live a life attuned to the rhythms of nature, finding comfort in the constant presence of the falls.

The people of Whisper Falls are deeply connected to the land, their lives shaped by the natural beauty and the mysteries that surround them. The ancient rock carvings scattered throughout the area speak of a rich history, of those who came before and the stories they left behind. The locals are storytellers, sharing tales of their ancestors, the spirits of the land, and the wonders of nature. They are also skilled in the old ways of survival, using the resources of the land to sustain themselves and their families. Life here is challenging, but it is also fulfilling. The constant presence of the falls reminds the inhabitants of the power and majesty of nature, and they are grateful for the protection it offers.

Though it may seem like a place of tranquility, Whisper Falls is also a camp forged through resilience. The land is both beautiful and wild, and the community here is bound together by their ability to endure its challenges. The hardships of the region are not easily overcome, but the people of Whisper Falls share a sense of wonder and resilience that keeps them going. The stories of the area, from ancient legends to the tales of the Wanderers who call it home, only deepen the camp’s mystique, making it a place that attracts those who seek solace, adventure, or the chance to connect with something far older than themselves.