Littlegrove

Quaint town of Littlegrove, located in the center of the Unified Empire of Hilan.

Legend has it that some centuries ago, a traveling group of Halflings attempted to make their way from the coast to the capital city, but halfway there, they had run out of provisions and energy to move on. Desperate, they prayed to Eldath, goddess of life and nature, for aid. She provided them blessings from the lake and streams nearby, in the form of fish and rich vegetation, and the travelers were spared. Rather than continue on their path, they settled down right there, and started the peaceful town of Littlegrove.

That was, of course, many years ago, and Littlegrove has grown since then. Travelers often find themselves there since it is a very convenient stopping place since it is very central to most locations on the continent of Hilan. Even as a major crossroads to the world, it still manages to hold on to it's peaceful reputation.

Littlegrove has made a name for itself as a center of commerce. It's government is one of a small council of selectmen, who are voted in for life. The town pays taxes to the capital, but it mostly maintains it owns roads, resources, and security. All the shops in the town are family owned, mostly passed down through the generations. There is a focus on lodges, taverns, and restaurants, as well as individual artisans. These goods, however, are more focused on appearance and luxury as opposed to practicality for adventurers (with a few exceptions,) though anything bought in Littlegrove might make a fine souvenir. No one would call it a center for any kind of worship, with, of course, one exception...

It is a commonplace for worshipers of Eldath to take pilgrimages to. While it is not located in town, many travelers stop in Littlegrove itself before venturing to the temple of Eldath, located in a peaceful clearing nestled between the forests and Lake Emora. The temple attracts the faithful, but it also makes a fair amount as a health retreat for those seeking wellness and recuperation. It is said that the waters of a nearby waterfall, when drawn by the priests and priestesses of Eldath, have restorative properties that can renew strength and vitality to those who seek treatment at the wellness resort.

There is something about this place that seems to gather those interested in the arcane arts. No college or elevated center for arcane education is here, but there are a number of casters who seem to settle here to be either career casters or as researchers. Many of them take on apprentices, with promises that they will not lead a dangerous or otherwise adventurous life so long as they study and practice in Littlegrove. Many arcane practitioners find themselves here when they retire, and open up little shops to ply their trades in simple ways. There is a presence of a Arcane Guild in town, though it is more of a social club than anything else.

Of course, every city has its underbelly. There is a healthy criminal underworld here, complete with a Rogue's Guild that operates clandestinely. Many of the rogues will pickpocket off of and grift the tourists. There is not much of a call for political or professional assassinations, Littlegrove is a good place for people to lay low should they need to. Short of careers criminals who live off of tourists, this town serves as a place for most rogues to briefly stay, and then move along.