Erlwood

Erlwood is the shire town of Northwood, in the Kingdom of Weidany. It has a population of around 2,500. It has several temples, a stone keep and is an important market town, being on the main overland trade route between Bryteland and central Weidany.

The lord of the town is Thegn Redwald of the House of Oswald. He is an old warrior, and now enjoys a comfortable life at Erlwood. The Shire-reeve of Northwood is also based here. He is Eapwald Ricbertson.

The town has been built up on a small hill, it's sides protected by a ditch and wooden wall. The keep stands on the highest point at the northeastern end of the walled town, and their are several clusters of buildings built up around other high points on the hill. To the south, there is a loose sprawl of houses, inns and outbuildings. These are actually where some of the wealthiest members of the town live.

Politics

The town is run by the Thegn, and the loyalty of the huscurls to him ensures that his control of the town is quite tight. The Shire-reeve, though he has a say in the running of the shire (and, more importantly, the collection of taxes), does not have much control over the town itself.

Temples and Shrines

Temple of Haltan

This is a simple temple of Haltan. There are three priests and four acolytes.

Shrine of Reas

The Shrine of Reas is tended by two priests. The aspect of Reas the Craftsman is the focus of this shrine.

Temple of Neya

The Temple of Neya is the main temple of this town. The bottom half is crafted from stone, with wood and thatch making up the upper story.

The temple is run by the Silver Daughter Acha, and a second priestess, Cuthburh, is a Shield of Neya.

There are also four acolytes - Sihrith (13), Hereswith (15), Beohild (16) and Adwen (16). The youngest of these was an orphan found wandering lost along the northern road by a merchant and his daughter ten years ago. She was named after the merchant's daughter.

Shrine of Estror

There is a single priestess tending this shrine, and two acolytes.

Craftsmen

There are a number of blacksmiths, weaponsmiths and armourers in the town, for it supplies much of the Shire with arms and armour.

There are two skilled blacksmiths, two highly skilled weaponsmiths and an armourer.

Guards and Defence

Erlwood is quite well defended, and has 15 huscurls currently based here. They are of good discipline, and well trained. Their leader is Eohric Half Ear, a huge man of considerable skill.

In addition to the huscurls, there are about two dozen men who act as town guards, but they are part time, with about a quarter of them taking up their duties in any given month.

Places of Note

The Welcome Heart

A large inn just outside the town walls to the south. It caters for caravans and merchants, and has several good quality rooms.

The Keep

A small stone keep with three floors. The huscurls live here, and there is a stables and a smithy just outside the keep gate.

People

Nobles

Priests

Merchants

Artists