Lor
SOCIETY
Utaran society is organized into three classes: freepeople, who are landowners; jarls, who were wealthy nobles tasked with maintaining the well being of their subjects; and thralls, who are bondspeople, the latter having to work for other Utaran’s until they could pay their debts. The Kingdom of Utara is made up of landowning chieftains and clan heads, their retainers, freepeople, and any energetic young clan members who sought adventure and booty overseas. At home these people were independent farmers, but at sea they were raiders and pillagers. During the early raiding period the Utaran tribes and clans seem to have possessed a practically inexhaustible surplus of manpower, and leaders of ability, who could organize groups of warriors into conquering bands and armies, were seldom lacking. These bands would negotiate the seas in their longships and mount hit-and-run raids at cities and towns along the coasts of Alteria and Pallidon. Now, the people are very much focused (for now) on trade and exploration.
Government
Monarchy (Kingdom of Utara)
Defences
The Syd is about 30 kilometres (19 mi) long overall, with a height varying between 3.6 and 6 metres (12 and 20 ft). The structure was reinforced with palisades and masonry walls, and was used by Utaran kings as a gathering point for military excursions, including a series of raids against the peoples of Pallidon and Alteria.
Fortress Sannligrland is set in the traditional ring fort configuration, though is smaller in scale compared to the one in Nor’hold or Nordlog.
Industry & Trade
IMPORTS
Livestock, grain, silks, and alchemy/medicines.
EXPORTS
Furs, lumber, pottery, weapons, armor
TRADE AND COMMERCE
Like many of Utaran woodland settlements, Lor’s economy is heavily reliant on the production of lumber. Since they are living alongside the large crypts, the people of Lor have many of their shops and other buildings names related to death. As told by the residents, Lor was the place of many ancient battles, which necessitated the reason for the large graveyard.
Lor is also considered the commerce port of entry into the Kingdom of Utara. Each household produces most of what its members need to sustain themselves, and the average person possessed few luxury items. Even before the Raider Age, however, a limited degree of domestic trade existed as well, primarily in the form of seasonal rural markets. Lor’s Market is situated at the harbor docks. Most shoppes are also located to the southern portion of the town. Now, bought goods and materials such as silver, silk, spices, wine, jewelry, glass and pottery are inspected and then allowed further into the Kingdoms borders. Favored vendors will be able to sell a variety of items like honey, tin, wheat, wool, wood, iron, fur, leather, fish and magical wares.
Guilds and Factions
Tibers – Are members of a high-ranking class in Utaran cultures. Tibers are societal leaders as well as legal authorities, adjudicators, lorekeepers, medical professionals and political advisors. Their name may have come from an ancient phrase meaning “knower of the oak tree.” The Tibers generally leave no written accounts. While many are literate, they are believed to show preference toward a spoken history compared to recording their knowledge in written form. All Tibers can cast Earth Magic and strive to better their abilities for the betterment of those around them. Elder Tibers are considered som of the most powerful users of Earth magic on the shard. They also tend to an active role in the development of many young people, who go to them for instruction. If difficult situations or matters, Utaran leaders with go to Tibers and request they judge public and private quarrels, to include the decree penalties.
History
Lor is one of the largest towns located in the Kingdom of Utara and is definitively the oldest. Early legends tell of the first explorers and raider leaving from Lor and helping expand the reach of the clans into many areas of Dayne. Multiple clans and tribes set up small settelements near the area, which eventually formed into what the town is today. Considered a nexus into the Kingdom proper, the town has small influences from multiple areas of Dayne. It is famous for its large burial crypts, in which many residents are buried. The main stronghold that defends Lor, Fortress Sannligrland, is located on the southeastern-side of the town. The name comes from the somewhat temperate areas of the town (Fair + Land).
Along the shore, to include the town, is a system of fortifications called the Syd. Lor anchors the western end of this formidable fortification. This historically important linear defensive earthwork has made any waterborne invasion nearly impossible. It has been expanded multiple times during Kingdom’s growth. The Syd consists of several walls, trenches, and stone obstacles. The walls stretch for 30 km, from the center of Nordlog, and has a dark reddish appearance from a distance.
Points of interest
The Dwarven Mine - A group of ancient dwarves with picks and shovels came here long ago, and began digging. Stories tell of the entire dwarven expedition being murdered within the deep portions of the mine. It is said that on a quiet night, one can still hear them toiling far below…
The Golem's Pottery - A cluttered potter's workshop, served by a single clay construct. The golem will accept commands from anyone, but only follows commands to craft goblets, bowls, and other simple thrown wares.
Fortress Sannligrland – A straightforward coastal fort, it also houses the town’s a jail and a main hall. The fort originated roughly two centuries ago and has held up well to the elements. The library and dining hall are considered to be top-tier for Utara standards. Both are managed and maintained by an elderly Tiber named Brandish.
Geography
Lor is situated in the northern region of mistshard, being the situated between both the continents of Pallidon and Alteria. The city itself is located in the southern portion of the Utaran continent and is centrally located on coast with the Arin Sea. It normally maintains semi-frigid temperatures throughout the year.
Type
Large town
Population
245
Inhabitant Demonym
Mixed - Majority Human, Oathsworn, and Wylderkin
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
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