Promise

Heartland City was a thriving mass of stonework and people, sitting in a valley between two towering peaks. The ancient Heartland Forest, which swallowed up the surrounding towns and villages, crept right up to the thick walls. Four major roads flowed into the city, one from each of the main cardinal villages, including Westfall. 

The city was far out of the way of the regular roads of commerce, sitting on the fringes of civilization. The city was technically within Brithlite territory but hadn't seen a royal representative, military patrol, or even a tax collector in years. They effectively ruled as a city-state, utilizing their own militia for protection against large monster threats. The government held close ties with the adventuring guild, which "volunteered" to take on anything smaller.