A Stroll Through: Lomidar
By Aerlith Moonsinger
Rain is a familiar companion in Lomidar, a quiet town nestled among fertile farmland, rolling hills, and lush forests. It was beneath one such gentle drizzle that I met Sebastian Luna, the Lomidar’s leader. We had a pleasant chat, while strolling through the beautiful, calm, serene roads, suburbs and city itself.
Aerlith Moonsinger: « Mr. Luna, thank you for agreeing to speak with me. I am travelling through the Arche Terre, to document its cultures. I took the time to explore Lomidar beforehand. I hope you might accompany me on a stroll while answering a few questions about your people and your realm. »
Sebastian Luna: « I’d be happy to. Lomidar has plenty to offer visitors. Was there anywhere in particular that caught your eye? »
We began to stroll through the suburbs of Lomidar and I noted to Mr. Luna.
Aerlith: « The first thing I noticed was the architecture. Your half-timbered homes are beautifully crafted. Is woodworking a particular specialty of your people? »
Sebastian: « It is, provided the timber is harvested sustainably. We don’t simply cut down healthy forests. We thin sick or malformed trees, allowing the stronger ones to flourish. Rather than wasting those trees, we use them as a renewable resource for our timber. »
Aerlith: « So your people are deeply connected to the land. What kinds of wood do you use? »
Sebastian: « That depends on the purpose. Pine and spruce are excellent structural timbers, while cedar and certain oak species are better suited for furniture, barrels, and other durable works. »
Aerlith: « There is no large sawmill within the town. Do you export only the cut lumber? »
Sebastian: « Most of our timber is shipped as whole logs. It preserves the wood better during transport. We process smaller quantities locally whenever construction projects require it. »
We moved on and came across some fully grown peach trees. Of all trees that would grow on the green fields of Lomidar, I had not expected such an exotic fruit that is more commonly found in more tropical climates.
Aerlith: « The countryside surrounding Lomidar is wonderfully fertile, and I noticed peach trees scattered throughout the city. Are peaches one of your famous exports? »
Sebastian laughed.
Sebastian: « Surprisingly, no. Farming is certainly our focus, though. Years ago, before I became leader, I worked alongside Queen Anne’s court helping local farmers improve their methods. Because of the constant rain, many crops were rotting in the fields. We introduced raised beds, dramatically increasing yields. Production eventually grew enough that we had to build a grain silo. »
As we continued walking, Sebastian paused beside one of the peach trees.
Sebastian: « This one is rather special. I grafted it myself. It produces two varieties of peach, a Fantasia nectarine, and a Blenheim apricot, each fruiting at slightly different times throughout the year. It extends the harvest considerably. »
Aerlith: « Perhaps Lomidar should host a peach festival someday. I can already imagine the pastries, juices, cakes, and preserves. »
Sebastian: « That’s actually not a bad idea. »
While continuing on our path, it lead us to Lomidar’s modest temple.
Aerlith: « Your temple is beautifully designed. It feels humble rather than grand, yet no less impressive for it. Which faiths are most common here? »
Sebastian: « Lathander and Ilmater are probably the most visible. Lathander brings hope, though with all our rain he doesn’t always seem inclined to answer. Ilmater reminds us that hardship eventually passes. »
He smiled.
Sebastian: « Personally, I follow Silvanus. I keep a small shrine in my own home, but I never wanted the town to feel as though its ruler was imposing his faith upon everyone else. »
Aerlith: « I noticed the cemetery as well. Do many also worship Kelemvor? »
Sebastian: « Kelemvor is no major Deity praised by the population here in Lomidar. Chauntea though certainly is popular among our farmers. A good harvest depends on her blessings, after all. Silvanus and Chauntea complement each other nicely. Beyond that, our citizens are generally free to follow whichever deity they choose. »
Aerlith: « Even the darker gods? »
Sebastian chuckled.
Sebastian: « What people do privately is their own affair. As long as nobody starts making blood sacrifices. That would be rather bad for tourism. »
While walking out of the humble house of prayer we strolled past the docks, where little fishing boats and medium sized trading vessels were docked.
Aerlith: « I noticed numerous merchant ships. Lumber cannot be your only export. »
Sebastian: « Certainly not. We export timber, agricultural products, spices furs and fabrics while importing stone, minerals, other goods to complement the needs of our people. »
We have entered the city itself. The picture of half timber framed homes continue on in various shapes and sizes. We walked over to a tavern. A rectangular shaped, half timber framed building, with a big pavilion in front of it.
Even close by a stage, with some wood bench seating. Being a minstrel myself, I did marvel at the venue and noted to Mr. Luna that this place is the perfect location for a concert.
Sebastian smiles and briefly disappeared inside the tavern, before returning with two mugs of the locally brewed ale. The ale was smooth, mildly hoppy, and pleasantly earthy.
Aerlith: « Delicious. Is there a local specialty dish visitors should try? »
Sebastian: « With so many farmers, I’d say our vegetable beef stew. Braised beef, rich gravy, and plenty of fresh vegetables. It’s the sort of meal that stays with you after a long day’s work. »
Having quenched our thirst, by sampling the local brew we came across the market, where vendors praised their merchandise. I could see high quality tools, well made fabrics and furs, well made timber products but also the local, fresh produce offered at the market stands. Then we went deeper to the core of the city and stopped at a large monument cut from stone.
Aerlith: « Tell me the story of this monument. »
Sebastian: « Ah, this is a monument to those citizens who defended Lomidar from the ogre attacks a few years ago »
Aerlith: « Are the ogres still a threat? »
Sebastian: « Not anymore. Since King Surt fell, they’ve become much quieter. There were some attempts to unite the tribes afterward, but things have remained peaceful here, even if other regions aren’t always so fortunate. »
Aerlith: « How would you describe the people of Lomidar? »
Sebastian: « Resilient. Honest. Hardworking. They’re farmers, for the most part, and they’re always willing to help a neighbour in need. »
Aerlith: « Do you want to tell something to our readers? »
Sebastian paused thoughtfully.
Sebastian: « Lomidar is a quaint little village nestled in the forests of the Arches. Come do a little sightseeing, perhaps try out the hot baths and maybe you’ll find a place that might catch your eye. Who knows? You may even find a place you’d like to call home. »
The mention of hot baths intrigued me, and Sebastian insisted on showing them before we parted. Tucked away in a peaceful corner of town. After all this walking, my feet were a little sore and I personally can attest dear reader, the waters of Lomidar’s bath house have the perfect temperature to relax in. While reminiscing about the experience I must say Lomidar is the perfect town for people who enjoy exactly that. A creative, reflecting character, who enjoys a quieter way of life, away from the rushed bustle of the big city. Time truly flows at a different, more relaxed pace here.