Westpine

General Description:
Built around the bases of the great pines which make up Vastreach Forest lies the town
of Westpine. From its beginnings as a small secluded settlement away from Imperial
control over 100 years ago the town has grown larger and larger. It’s bountiful timbers
provided a major source of initial trade but exporting rare materials from the giant
creatures which inhabit the land lead to its explosive growth. Overtime the occupants of
Westpine also learned to harness the inherent magic of the forest in their woodworking
leading to the creation of what is now known as Ironwood. The highly sought material is
as strong as metal and does not burn. In times of conflict the town’s mobile force of
rangers on their elk mounts employ Ironwood weapons in hit and run tactics to whittle
away and would be aggressors. Despite their effectiveness Westpine was eventually
overrun by the Imperial Republic who desired their “due portion” of the town’s wealth
and Ironwood for their fleets. The town eventually capitulated and agreed to provide
tithes and resources in exchange for retaining their own government.
Recent News:
After the Imperial Decree the town of Westpine declared its independence almost
immediately and what few imperial forces were in the area quickly found themselves
decimated. However, losing access to imperial trade has hampered the town
economically and they have found themselves turning to the Free Trade Guild more and
more to keep trade flowing. Very recently rumors have started to swirl about possible
conflicts with the centaurs who make their home deep in the forest. Normally reclusive,
the cause of their increased contact with the people of Westpine and the resulting
conflict is not currently clear.

Significant Features:
Vastreach forest itself is worthy of note for the enormity of everything found there. The
trees themselve are massive and many species of wildlife are likewise. There is a larger
proportion of giant creatures to be found in Vastreach than anywhere else in the
Meridian. Giant Frogs, Snakes, and Birds who perch high in the pines are relatively
common to be found along with other species of animals. The overgrown elk used as
mounts by Westpine are said to be the offspring of a majestic Giant Elk which many
legends hold to be the spirit of the forest itself. The physical town is actually constructed
entirely of Ironwood making it well defended and completely resistant to fire.

Vital Information:
● Population: About 4,800
● Races: The town has a relatively diverse population. However, Westpine started
as a small community of elves and humans and as such is one of the few places
in the Meridian where half-elves make up the majority of the population. There is
a significant community of Halflings found in the town as well.
● Governance: The town is ruled by a Governor which is elected by a popular vote
every 5 years. The current Governor is Jonas Blackthorn whose family was one
of the founders of the town. The Blackthorns have a long history of being elected
to office.
● Economy: The town is largely self-sufficient but has a thriving trade in rare animal
parts from the giant creatures which can be found in the forest. Demand for
Ironwood also gave the town a valuable commodity.
● Foreign Relations:
○ Torrin’s Hold - Strong trade relations and shared resistance against
imperial incursions in the past have made these two steadfast allies for
decades.
○ Catarum - A history of Imperial domination had given these two
communities a shared source of resentment that drew them together as
trade partners until recent events.
○ Arrowdale - Being the source of Imperial incursion when Westpine was
conquered the citizens of the town harbor deep animosity towards
Arrowdale. The decree and recent announcement of Arrowdale’s
independence from the Republic have added a new layer to the situation.
○ Centaur Tribes - Initially Westpine lived in relative harmony with the
centaurs owing to their respect for the elves who initially settled the town.
Overtime the centaurs opinions of Westpine has deteriorated as they
believe the human influence has tainted the town’s respect for the wild.
● Prominent Organizations:
○ The Shaper’s Lodge - the largest organization in Westpine the lodge is a
training ground for druids whose primary purpose is to learn to harness
the magic of the forest to shape Ironwood. Their vast complex is part
magical academy and part manufacturing plant.
○ The Free Trade Guild - a more recent addition to the town a small guildhall
has been established in Westpine. The organization seeks to become the
primary distributor of the town’s resources.
○ The Root of Life - A group of shamans who utilize the magic and animal
components of the forest to bless and heal the community. They are seen
as religious figureheads and dedicate themselves to Sylvana.