dAches

Daches is a fictional municipality used here to illustrate a typical small Central European town. Located in the Lenor river valley of the imagined country of Valoria, it covers about 28 square kilometers and has a population of roughly 3,600. The landscape includes farmland, mixed forests, and a winding river; the climate is temperate with four seasons.

History: Settlement dates to the 12th century. Daches developed around a parish church and a weekly market, and a hilltop castle ruin overlooking the valley stood until the 16th century. The town expanded in the 19th century with railway access and small workshops and became part of Valoria in 1815.

Economy and infrastructure: Agriculture—dairy, apples, and cereals—remains central, complemented by small manufacturing in woodworking and textiles. The local economy also benefits from tourism tied to its historic center and riverside trails. Transportation includes a regional road network and a short railway spur, along with schools, a library, and basic services.

Demographics and governance: Daches is governed by a nine-member municipal council and a mayor. It participates in an intermunicipal association to coordinate waste management, transport, and schooling. The population tends to be aging, with a modest foreign-born community.

Culture and landmarks: An autumn harvest festival, weekly markets, and traditional crafts such as woodcarving characterize local culture. Notable landmarks include a 14th-century parish church, a well-preserved timber-framed town hall, and a riverside promenade.

---