### **Starfall**
**A Magical Settlement**
* **Designation:** Starfall is one of only two exclusively magical districts in Magical Britain, the other being Hogsmeade. It is widely considered the unofficial capital of the nation due to its size, population, and economic importance.
* **Founding and History:** The settlement was established in the 15th century by the House of Ashworth. It was created during the height of the European Witch Hunts to serve as a secure sanctuary and protective refuge for witches, wizards, and their families.
* **Governance and Autonomy:**
* Starfall is governed by the House of Ashworth, which functions as the local governmental body. This long-standing agreement with the Ministry of Magic grants the Ashworths authority over all local matters, including infrastructure, town rates, environmental management, and the creation of local laws and policies.
* The Ministry of Magic retains its authority as the central government. However, historical precedent has firmly established Starfall's autonomy. In the past, when the Ministry overstepped its bounds, the Ashworths have enacted emergency measures, including raising the town's protective wards to bar all non-residents and ceasing the flow of non-essential resources and services to the rest of the country. This action nearly collapsed the national economy, housing market, and tourism industry, forcing the Ministry to reaffirm the Ashworths' authority over the town.
* **Population and Demographics:** With a population exceeding 3,500, Starfall is the most populated magical settlement in Britain. It is a bastion of acceptance and equality, providing homes, jobs, and services without prejudice. Consequently, the town has a diverse population, with 60% of its residents being half-bloods and muggle-borns. It also serves as a welcoming community for Squibs who wish to remain connected to the magical world.
* **Economic and Social Importance:** Starfall is integral to the health of Magical Britain. Its thriving economy has diversified the nation's financial landscape, reducing the sole reliance on Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. The presence of the Healers Hall provides a crucial sister hospital to St. Mungo's, alleviating pressure on the primary institution. Furthermore, Starfall has exponentially expanded the country's tourism field.
* **Services Not Available:**
* **Banking:** Starfall does not have a branch of Gringotts Wizarding Bank. A Ministry law, much to the frustration of both the Goblins and the Ashworth family, restricts the Goblins to a single branch in the country, which is located in Diagon Alley. As Gringotts holds the exclusive right to banking in Magical Britain, no alternative banking services can operate in Starfall.
* **Wand Shop:** The town lacks a licensed wandmaker. The Ollivander family are the only licensed wandmakers in Britain, and the House currently consists of a single member, Garrick Ollivander. The House of Ashworth strictly prohibits the sale of wands from any illegal or unlicensed maker within their jurisdiction.
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### **Town Layout and Districts**
* **Everwood Square (Town Center):** The heart of Starfall's civic and public life. It is home to the Healers Hall, the local Auror Office, the Town Hall, a supermarket, the Starfall Museum of Magical History, the public library, and various essential branches of the Ministry of Magic.
* **Horizon Alley (Commercial District):** The primary hub for business and professional services. This district contains law offices, realtors, apothecaries, Quidditch supply stores, gift shops, and other commercial enterprises.
* **Emberdale Avenue (Retail District):** Starfall's main shopping area for personal goods. It features a variety of clothing stores, seamstresses, high-end department stores, and other retail establishments.
* **Blackwood Way (Entertainment District):** The center for leisure and social gatherings. This vibrant street is lined with theatres, a diverse range of restaurants and cafes, music venues, traditional pubs, bars, and magical arcades.
* **Greendale Place (Hospitality District):** This area caters to visitors and travelers, offering a range of accommodations from prestigious hotels to quaint inns and affordable motels.
* **The Stonewick Block (Residential District):** A sprawling area dedicated solely to the homes of Starfall's residents.