Altstead

Altstead is a town which sits on the Trade Road and serves as a point of rest for travellers and merchants travelling to and from Northsage. It is named for the Altman family, a branch of which continue to reside in the town.

History
In 502 A.R., in response to the growing unrest between the Vor and Altman families, the latter founded a town on a road close to the passage through the Calgo Mountains. The intention behind founding the town was to control the trade which passed through the Calgo Mountains coming to and from Vorchester. The founding of the town was one of the catalysts for the skirmishes which later broke out in the region, as traders from Vor-controlled lands refused to pay tolls and taxes levied by the Altmans in Altstead. After the nation of Northsage was established in 550 A.R., the Altmans stopped levying taxes on the Trade Road and Altstead began to expand as a town.

Notable Locations
The town is of modest wealth but favoured heavily as a place to live by ‘ordinary’ Northsagians because of the trade and stories which pass through. A small district of shops and other businesses exists, but much of the town is devoted to homes.

Inhabitants
A branch of the Altman family continues to reside in Altstead and exert considerable authority over the town council. As it grew, the town attracted people from across Northsage and parts of Ascela.

Culture
Travel. Residents of Altstead have easy access to travel between the nearest towns and cities and many travel to holiday in other parts of the region.

Stories. The Trade Road is well used by traders and travellers, many of whom will share stories of their adventures or encounters with the locals.

People
Lady Fiona Altman. The latest Chair of the Town Council is a direct descendant of a cousin of the first Monarch of Northsage and is herself a distant heir to the throne. She is a cunning human woman who craves power.