Farmstead

Farmstead is a small hamlet along the Imperial Highway, a half-day ride west from Redwater, along the Red River. It is made up of roughly two hundred people, and is the locus of activity in the area known as Farmland Township, which is a collective of independent farmers and homesteaders. The residents raise their families, farm communal land, and generally work together for the betterment of their community. The proceeds of their surplus crops go directly into community improvements, such as mechanization, sewers and irrigation, and community building construction.

History

When the Western Settlement Act established Pitchwood County, there was a small group of political and religious dissidents, the Farmers of Atroa, already established in the area. Their once vast holdings were quickly claimed by homesteaders and individuals who would later become land patrons, and soon they were without land, and removed from their traditional means of religious cultivation. Jeremiah Fullblood, Count Pitchwood, took pity on them, and allotted them a swathe of land to them from the Fullblood Range, between the Imperial Highway and the Red River.

Since the allotment, the Farmers have arranged plantations of different crops, and built identical family homes, as well as several large community buildings and chapels, and the community is known for their quality produce and craftsmanship.

Law and Order

There is a small Pitchwood County Marshals office next to the meetinghouse, where a marshal can report to in case of necessity. The nature of the community usually means that conflict is resolved internally, though, and while the marshals aren't actively opposed by members of the community, they are not received warmly. Since Farmstead is along the Imperial Highway, members of the Dustdragon Musketeers also patrol along their lands.

Their secretive nature makes some in the county worried, and their homes and constructions are magnets for vandalization. Some marshals are guilty of victim-blaming in these instances, and will often not investigate major crimes against the Farmers.

Places of Interest

The Orchard is the main focal point of Farmstead. It is the original planting in the community, and it acts as an open-air meeting place, where elections, decisions, and worship occurs. There is also a Message Office.