MacGruder Family Homestead

Overview

The MacGruder Family Homestead is a complete farming compound built for Drugal MacGruder and his family: Roric, Bronwyn, and Lorne. It was the first project in The Forgelands undertaken for someone other than Andy himself, and it marks the point where the world stopped being a survival base and started being a civilization.

Purpose

The homestead anchors the agricultural district. Its fields produce wheat, carrots, potatoes, and beetroot at a surplus, its barn houses the world's primary breeding stock, and its windmill has become the visual landmark of the northern plains. Drugal's smithy operates out of the eastern outbuilding, and trade between the homestead and Savanna Villa runs daily.

Current Status

Construction is complete. The compound includes the main farmhouse, a barn, the smithy, a windmill, terraced fields, and a walled garden maintained by Bronwyn. Ongoing work is limited to seasonal upkeep and a planned rail halt that will connect the homestead to the Grand Rail Line.

Field Notes

Each MacGruder has a room built to their own habits, which took longer than the structural work. Drugal's quarters connect directly to the smithy. Lorne's room has a window facing the road, because he watches it.

The Agrarians faction considers the homestead neutral ground. That arrangement has held, so far.