History
In the chaos that followed the Shattering, Ressik's once tight grip loosened enough for the small town of Brellin to slip free of it's grasp. For near two centuries it was able to maintain its independence.
With the opening of the spans, there has been an influx of other races. There has also been an uptick in crime, which, in the year 722 of the sixth age, culminated in the murder of the Lord Aldrick of Brellin as well as his only offspring, his 4 year old daughter, Thuvia. This left the town in a short term of chaos before martial law came into effect under the control of the garrison commander, Gunther Dratius.
Recently, the army of Ressik has come to reclaim Brellin and the surrounding territory. Still plagued by high crime rates, some of the humans in Brellin were not unsympathetic to Ressik's army. Gunther Dratius was only able to hold off Ressik's army for a few months before Brellin succumbed.
Rumor has it that there are freedom fighters there still, biding their time, waiting for an opportunity to strike at the Ressik forces and free themselves from the heavy yoke of the Ressik Church.
Local Traditions and Culture
With the vast Fields of Brellin to the southwest, there are many shepherds among the people of Brellin. While they primarily raise sheep, they also raise a breed of stocky horses known for their hardiness and high endurance.
The sheep and horses are often stolen and preyed upon by the hordes of goblins that live in the mountains edging the vast fields. In an effort to keep the goblin population in check, every spring Brellin holds a goblin hunting competition where prizes are awarded to the hunters and adventuring parties that return with the most goblin ears.
Trade and Commerce
Travel to Brellin has been somewhat limited due to geography and the goblin threat, but when caravans do make the trek, they are mostly interested in procuring the Brellin horses. There is also a small trade in precious gemstones that come from the mountains.
Influential Groups
Recently, the Church of Ressik has reasserted it's authority over Brellin, diminishing the power of others within the town. However, the Handmaidens of Istensia, who operate a convent and offer their healing expertise to all, still hold some influence. The horse masters of Brellin, warriors who were once protectors of Lord Aldrick, have managed to hold onto some power by pledging their services to Ressik.