Winhill

Geography: The Winhill region is surrounded by mountains which make land-travel to and from the rest of Galbadia difficult. There is a single ill-maintained road through these mountains, but it is unusable during the winter months. There is no train station or access to the Trans-Continental Railway within Winhill, making it almost perpetually quiet. The town can be readily accessed by sea at all times of the year. The idyllic countryside location of plains and fields are full of vineyards and farmland, for which the town relies on for income.

Culture: Almost nothing, ever, happens in Winhill, and there is a lot of old money. Many of Winhill’s young people find the quiet village life boring and leave to seek excitement in Deling City or Timber. Most of the town’s citizens are retired elders who appreciate its slow pace and rarely-changing atmosphere. In the spring and summer the town begrudgingly plays host to many weddings and new families, though they typically do not stay long. As a result, Winhill is known as a town for the “newly wed and nearly dead.”

Architecture: Many buildings of Winhill are quite old, though are repaired and maintained frequently by migrant workers from abroad. They typically feature steep, gabled rooftops and large windows framed by decorative woodwork. It’s not uncommon to see columns and trellises festooned with ivy, vines and other crawling vegetation. Even the newer mansions being built follow these patterns. 

Flagstone walkways wind through the town square and the oldest parts of town, though the outskirts typically have dirt roads. Older model lorries and farm vehicles are used for work and transportation by the townsfolk, and when in season, everything, everywhere is covered in colorful wildflowers exploding from planters, gardens, pots and the rolling hills which lend a sweet scent to the entire region.

Industry: Surrounded by privately owned famous vineyards, it is obvious that Winhill’s chief trade is in fine wines. Farmlands that grow hardy produce round out the outskirts of the town, which support the town as exported goods usually shipped out via the Winhill port. Due to the variety of natural land features in the surrounding area, Winhill was always a popular spot for filming by the Timber Broadcasting Company before the war. Now that they can broadcast again, the TBC has begun visiting again.

History: Winhill was founded by a group of peaceful people who embraced small-town life and scorned the presence of outsiders. During the Sorceress War 17 years ago, most of the working able-bodied townsfolk went off to join the war as enlisted volunteers. This created a large amount of single-parent households, so the senior citizens in the town pitched in to help families raise their children while one parent was away fighting the war. 

Due to the shortage of able-bodied folk to keep the town safe, monsters made their way into Winhill and overran its streets, making it dangerous for children to play outside. At some point during this time, Esthari troops raided Winhill capturing young girls to bring to their leader, Sorceress Adel. No further reason was given. Although the townspeople fought back, many were killed and the troops succeeded in capturing several children.

Very few of Winhill’s volunteers returned alive after the war, and many that did found their children had been taken. The town has never fully recovered from the population drain, and to this day they carry a deep mistrust against any outsiders.

Military: See the Galbadian Armed Forces.

Trivia: 

BG Residents from (Location): Morganna & Del Sabazi