Musterdrift

Musterdrift is a fictional settlement used in fantasy fiction and tabletop role-playing. It is commonly depicted as a small market town at a crossroads or river crossing, serving as a hub for trade and local administration. Typical depictions feature a central market square, a town hall or guildhall, an inn, and a defensive watchtower.

The name Musterdrift is a constructed toponym; different authors provide varying in-universe explanations. Outside fiction, the compound evokes gatherings and movement, aligning with common fantasy themes of frontier life. There is no single canonical origin for the name.

In many portrayals, Musterdrift originated as a waystation or waypoint that grew with trade routes or mineral resources. Its economy is often described as mix of merchants, artisans, and travelers; the town can be depicted as prosperous, struggling, or politically tense depending on the story. Local factions may include guilds, militia, or noble households.

Musterdrift has appeared across novels, game modules, and fan-made settings, with no universal canon. The lack of a fixed core allows creators to adapt geography, customs, and governance to fit their narrative, making Musterdrift a versatile backdrop for frontier towns in speculative fiction.