Timbervale

Timbervale is an official Trading Post of the Kingdom of Raelen and is located near the intersections of two major trade routes:  the Mad King's Road running north-south and the Owlbear Run running east-west.  It is not a residential settlement per se like most villages, but an incorporated town set up specifically to take advantage of the plentiful traders and caravans passing through the Kingdom's southernmost province.

Timbervale has a populations of about 350 permanent residents, though on most days during busy travel months, more than twice that can often be found in and around the town. 

It is an incorporated town, meaning that it was set up through heavy investments from private merchant interests and the crown as well, all of which have a stake in all the businesses and residences in town. No one is allowed to set up permanent residence without the permission of the Burgomaster (mayor) and the town residency council.  The applicant must also have some useful trade that either directly services the town and/or can be offered to visitors. 

The town has a garrison of about 80 soldiers, half of which are usually on duty during the daytime. The main gate is on the west, facing the Mad King's Road, and a second gate is on the east, behind the Burgomaster's mansion.  Garrison quarters are attached on both sides of the mansion 

Some features of Timbervale:

-- Large open camping areas outside the walls for caravans and travelers to camp.  Many merchants in the caravans are usually open to trade if approached

-- A dozen taverns and Inns

-- A public bathhouse

-- Commercial horse stables

-- Highly skilled craftsman capable of creating and repairing items of  quality

-- Temple district, dominated by the Temple of the Nature goddess, but with a dozen smaller temples and shrines to various pantheons and deities

-- A small sorcerer's guild with numerous magical specialists for hire.  Rumored to have a secret sorcerer's shop and tavern somewhere in town.

-- A small but well-stocked library, attached to the Burgomaster's mansion, which may be used for a small fee

-- A moneylender/moneychanger/bank with security boxes.

-- An open market along the north wall

(more may come)