Hargrove

Location

Hargrove is the first and so far only town in Thorpe Territory. Nestled at the northern end of Squall Bay, which is fed by the Twilight Ocean, it is surrounded by thick wilderness on all sides. The only way to Hargrove is by train, and the only train line with service to Hargrove leaves from Breakridge in Killock. Due to the train ride taking 5 to 6 days and the dangers that weather poses to the tracks, passenger trains only run to Hargrove four times a year: twice in the spring and twice in the fall.

Brief History

It was first established in 1878 by the first successful expedition into the west through the Girdle Mountains - a perilous and until that point completely impassable mountain range. The expedition, which started in 1876 and was successful in conquering the mountains in 1877, was headed by Ryan J. Hargrove. He and all who partook in the expedition were certain to return to great acclaim once they returned to Elan proper. However, all of those who originally settled Hargrove disappeared. The town was resettled by the Dauntless Railroad Company in 1891 upon the completion of the rail line to the location As of October 1892, outsiders are now welcome to join in the creation and establishment of the town.

Hargrove is a solitary light among the dark and unending wilderness that surrounds it. When people do venture out into those labyrinthine forests, it is never without the fear of death. Without hard-working folks and an increasing stream of settlers, this small pocket of civilization would most likely be swallowed up by the wild darkness. Civilization in Thorpe Territory greatly, perhaps solely, depends on the success of Hargrove.

The Town Establishment

Hargrove is a company town funded and owned by the Dauntless Railroad Company. Dauntless has a joint partnership with the Silver Pines Trading Company, and so both organizations are greatly involved in the town’s running. It’s unusual for a company town to allow more than one entity say in how it is run, but those were the terms set forth. Silver Pines is fully immersed in Hargrove’s economy, especially the processing of resources and trade of goods (along with the seizing and destruction of contraband). This far away from Elan, they’ve become essential to maintaining the flow of supplies. This unification of the two organizations is what keeps Hargrove going.

As a company town, there is greater stability and structure than a regular new town, but also a level of restriction on the townsfolk. There is always work, steady pay, an established hierarchy, certainly. But there are laws made, set, and enforced by the company. More than that, there’s a small loss of autonomy - people who come are all in some way beholden to Silver Pines and Dauntless. Even the currency is controlled by the corporation as Hargrove uses the Dauntless chit rather than the Elan dollar. Silver Pines also has its say in the regulation of trade and goods. Undeniably, though, it can certainly be worth the constraints in order to enjoy the boons. Afterall, since Hargrove is the railroad’s hub and starting point for further projects in the Thorpe interior, Dauntless makes a great effort to incentivize people to move there.

There is the Director and Foreman of Dauntless overseeing the town. The Silver Pines’ Purser and Assistant Purser oversee economic function and goods. Keeping the peace are the Sheriff and associated Deputies. They’re employed by Dauntless and make certain that citizens adhere to the law - the company law, that is. From the Church has come a Shepherd, devoted to building a thriving flock. Authorities are essential to a budding town - authorities for every part of life.

Although living in Hargrove means a lot of hard work and resourcefulness, many have stepped off the train here in town thankful for the chance at a new life. And, really, it sounds exciting, hopeful, full of adventure and potential. Dauntless actively advertises the opportunities that Hargrove offers and so far few to none have headed back over the mountains. There is an undeniable draw and must be more than enough reason to stay. The future seems closer here, clearer even. More and more people are eager to step forward into it. When trading a past for a future, really, what is there to lose?

The Road to Hargrove

Those who venture across the mountains face few comforts, a daunting amount of work, and the dangers of an untamed land. But there is also promise and that promise is worth more than anything to those who come. 

For the poor and working class, these new lands offer the chance to build a better life. Escaping from factories, mines, feedlots, and other arduous jobs. They dream of something greater - something more than paychecks and company dues. Not all look for upward mobility, but those that do know how elusive it can be when struggling just to make ends meet. Maybe they look for gold to make a quick fortune or a plot of land to develop into their own farm, or even just a small way to make a comfortable living. No matter the differences in how they mean to achieve success, they all have a common wish: an easier life with greater freedom. 

For many with wealth, making a profit is the name of the game. Thorpe is a new market where demand is high, supply is low and there is still little competition. Any foothold in the early days of a settlement can quickly turn a modest fortune into an empire. New land is always brimming with untapped resources waiting to be discovered and exploited. After all, the Dauntless Railroad has already set their tracks along the land, and new settlers get off their railcars every day. The Silver Pine Trading Company is bringing necessities to these new railroad towns and always looking for partnerships. Hargrove has all the makings of a market waiting to be claimed. Every investor worth their salt wants a piece of the pie, regardless of the risk.

Outside of class, there are those who seek something more: anonymity. The chance to disappear and make a new life can draw anyone from the world they knew. When escaping from a troubled past, a place with a small, insignificant chance of being discovered means hope. Especially a place as remote as Hargrove with new people in a wilderness mostly unexplored. The companies are desperate for people and don’t look into the references to get them. A fresh start is finally within reach for those who are sick of running - as long as the past doesn’t come back to haunt them.

With the Dauntless Railroad Company giving heavily discounted tickets to those looking to settle in Hargrove, many people are making this trek. Their reasons vary widely, but the hope for a better life remains. The government, corporations, and settlers alike are determined to make the most of this golden opportunity. Those from all walks of life in Elan can undertake this journey with the hope of getting their own piece of what Hargrove has to offer. Just as Dauntless advertised in 1892, Hargrove is “The perfect place to start life anew.”