Heerlen

Location

Heerlen is a town located on Aanvang Island - one of the three islands that make up the kingdom of Thorast.

Population

As of the year 343IC, Heerlen has a population slightly exceeding 1200 people. The predominant race in Heerlen is Human although nearly 10% are Dwarves. A handful of Elves and Gnomes also make this town home.

Description

The outside of the town is notable in that it is the only one on the island to be fortified. Given it's central position on the island it makes sense for this to be a designated "safe haven" for the surrounding townsfolk to head to in the event of any trouble. Unusually for a town of this size, Heerlen has it's own militia, although it comprises of just 30 men. The militia acts as a local police force and also collects the taxes of people entering town.

Should the town require it, additional military muscle can be obtained from Fort Aanvang.

Heerlen itself is a single, cobbled main road (running about three-quarters of a mile) with numerous narrow side streets.

Notable places

Heerlen has a number of inns and taverns:

• The Emperor's Crown

Just off the north road, a couple of miles from Heerlen, are the "stone trees", a standing stone circle that is Elven in origin and is probably about 10,000 years old. In the centre of the circle is a much more recent, human built, stone pool (less than 500 years old).