Norbridge

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 The “First Ones” are considered one of the oldest tribes in the entire Kingdom. They are imposing and fierce individuals. First Ones are given wide latitude and are considered to be apex weapons of war. 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)

Industry & Trade

IMPORTS Livestock, grain, silks, and alchemy/medicines.
EXPORTS Furs, lumber, freshwater, weapons, armor
TRADE AND COMMERCE Like many of Utaran woodland settlements, Norbridge’s economy is heavily reliant on the production of lumber. Since they are living alongside the large catacombs, an adventuring economy is very active within the town..
Norbridge 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. Most shoppes are also located to the northern portion of the town. 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 a Celtic word 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.
First Ones – Considered one of the first recorded tribes in the Kingdom of Utara. Expert sailors and navigators aboard their longships, First Ones established settlements all over the mistshard. At one point, a group of First Ones was part of an expedition that went so far south that, after briefly interacting with residents in the Kingdom of Kerak, they made landfall in the Dead Pininsula. While spreading Utara culture to foreign lands, they simultaneously brought home cultural influences to their homes, influencing historical development of both.
Most First Ones still work other trades such as being farmers, fishermen, craftsmen and traders. But make no mistake, they are always warriors first. They will often be found in the front lines and charging headlong into battles, regardless of the numbers. This perceived view as violent, piratical heathens or as intrepid adventurers owe much to conflicting varieties of the modern myth or word of mouth.

History

Norbridge is one of the remotest places in the shard of Dayne and the lone settlement directly on the Frozen Basin. Its location is significant as the town was established as a hub for trade and protection. The hardiest tribes within the Kingdom call Norbridge home and it produces its fiercest warriors. The “First Ones” are considered to be of the first peoples to have settled the area and have immense pride in that accomplishment. Their distinct tattoos and markings are well-known and respected throughout the Kingdom of Utara. The great hall Jaoarr dominates the small settlement. The tundra outside the towns walls is made up of several crypts and underground structures of unknown origins. Adventurers are known to frequent these places in the hopes of find rare magic weapons, armor, and useful equipment. Among the relics discovered are silver coins from a former emporium and are of no known nation or organization. Also found within these catacombs is jewelry comprising ornaments of bronze and gold, as well as a wide range of tools.

Points of interest

Jaoarr Hall – A longstanding mead hall/feasting hall which is a large building with a large, single room intended to receive guests and serve as a center of community social life.
The Weary Fool - A shabby adventurer's inn, decorated with wards against demons.

Geography

Norbridge is situated in the northern region of mistshard, being the situated between both the continents of Pallidon and Alteria. The town itself is located in the northeastern portion of the Utaran continent and is set at the opening to the Great Fjord. It normally maintains semi-frigid temperatures throughout the year.

Type

Town

Population

495

Inhabitant Demonym

Majority Human, Oathsworn, and Wylderkin

Owner/Ruler

Ayjien

Owning Organization

Kingdom of Utara

Characters in Location

• Ayjien