History: The earliest records of Oakhearth date to ~70 BGW, being a small, agrarian community of homesteaders. Nothing dramatic has been noted since Oakhearth’s inception until the Great War, where one resident, Silvanus Waldstein, earned significant prestige and glory due to his victories and exploits in the Great War. After returning from the Great War, Silvanus became the leader of Oakhearth, modernizing the town at breakneck speed. A recent proposal from radicals in Oakhearth was secession from Vale, though the majority of citizens seem to support the status quo.
Government: Oakhearth had no official government until Silvanus Waldstein’s reforms after the end of the Great War, with experts describing its pre-war government as “social anarchism”. Since the reforms, a political organization of Oakhearth citizens was established, colloquially called “the Druids”. The Druids encompass adult citizens of all genders and races, and they serve as the legislative and judicial body of Oakhearth’s government. Another duty of the Druids is to elect a town Elder, who serves as an effective leader of Oakhearth. A series of checks and balances exist between the Elder and the Druids, ensuring neither side becomes too powerful. All duties are carried out via debates and discussions. Overall, the traits of Oakhearth’s postwar government can be described as a “popular democracy”.
Geography and Climate: Oakhearth is surrounded on the north, west, and south by dense forest. To the east, the forest thins out to the treeline and gives way to mountains. Oakhearth is approximately three miles west of the treeline. Oakhearth exhibits a temperate climate with warm summers and cold, harsh winters. The average annual temperature recorded in Oakhearth is 45°F (7°C). The highest temperatures recorded in summer typically reach 80°F (27°C) and the lowest winter temperatures reach 10°F (-12°C). Being situated on the windward side of the mountain range, Oakhearth receives approximately 45 inches (115 cm) of precipitation per year.
Notable People:
- Forrest Waldstein (born July 21st, 62 AGW). Student at Beacon Academy.
- Rowan Waldstein (born February 14th, 32 AGW, died June 21st, 62 AGW). Beacon Academy Alumnus and renowned Huntsman, married Hazel Waldstein (nee Holt) in 60 AGW.
- Hazel Waldstein (born August 31st, 32 AGW, died September 13th, 79 AGW) Doctor of medicine, married Rowan Waldstein in 60 AGW.
- Silvanus Waldstein (born Spring ~40 BGW) Famous soldier in the Great War, Elder of Oakhearth 2 AGW-present.