Hey @TheEdVerse I have a simple question: Im reading the FRCS from 3rd edition and I am looking at Asbravn, and the population mentioned is over 5000. Now isn't that too big for a town of only 50 buildings, or does that figure include the surrounding farmlands?
Thanks!— Alex McClay (@AlexMcclay2000) January 19, 2020
1)
Asbravn was the market town for the surrounding farmlands, so the local census (that the Riders in Red Cloaks used to plan patrols and budget for trainees and overall strength and deployment) was conducted there, and included… 2)
…everyone coming in from the hinterland to market. Also, at the time that the 3e FRCS was current, local population figures were augmented due to extensive copper and iron mining in the Far Hills, a short-lived industry…#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) January 19, 2020
3)
…because the near-surface deposits were worked out in a little over a decade. At that time, the Zhentarim were tightening their grip on Iriaebor (see Mark Anthony’s Harper novel Crypt of the Shadowking), so some folk from 4)
…that city got out and relocated to Asbravn—and so did many many Zhent agents, to get in on the metals trade by running smelters in the Asbravn area. (So, a “perfect storm” to temporarily bump up local population figures.)#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) January 19, 2020