Virewood

Virewood is a rural locality comprising a small town and surrounding woodland in the northern part of the fictional continent of Eldara. It sits on the banks of the Vire River, near the foothills of the Graycrest Range. The area has a temperate, maritime climate with frequent rainfall, supporting extensive hardwood forests and peat wetlands. The population centers around the town and a network of hamlets that form a sparsely connected community.

Virewood originated as a fort and timber mill settlement in the 14th century, established by traders seeking river transport. It grew along the river crossing and a water-powered mill, becoming a local hub for timber, flax, and grain. The arrival of a rail service in the late 19th century linked Virewood to larger markets, prompting modest industrial growth while preserving much of the surrounding forest.

Today the economy relies on sustainable forestry, small-scale milling, woodworking crafts, and agrarian production. Forest management emphasizes certification and cooperative ownership, balancing timber extraction with habitat conservation. Protected areas along the riverbanks and peat bogs preserve species such as the common kingfisher, woodland orchids, and several bat populations. The local government supports apprenticeships and regional markets to reinforce the rural economy.

Virewood is governed by a parish council within the regional district. Cultural life centers on the Harvest Festival and autumn markets, with regular fairs, folk music, and craft exhibitions. Notable landmarks include the Old Mill ruins, the Vire Bridge, and the Virewood Arboretum, which maintains a collection of trees for education and research.