Ostnúmenoron
Ostnúmenoron, the "City of the Western Mountains," is a once-great Elvirim enclave in The Great Western Mountains hidden deep in a high mountain valley cut by a small river, north of Koyon and south of Da Therasti Okku.
The Ostnúmenoron River flows south into Koyon, eventually joining the Amir River.
The Ostnúmenoron River flows south into Koyon, eventually joining the Amir River.
Demographics
About 2500 Elvirim live in Ostnúmenoron. In the distant past, the city had far more inhabitants, perhaps as many as 10,000, but over the centuries the population has slowly declined. Being so attuned to nature, the majority of the Elvirim people prefer to live in smaller villages rather than the more populous city. Also, Ostnúmenoron has been attacked over and over by Orkrim tribes, making it a less desirable place to live for Elvirim, all of whom prefer peace, abhoring violence unless pushed to an extreme.
Government
Ostnúmenoron is governed by a council of elder Elvirim (the Esselda) led by the Heru Númenost. The Esselda are generally the heads of the Elvirim families living in and around the city.
Defences
Some of the buildings of Ostnúmenoron are contructed and walled with stone, nearly impossible to breach with anything less than siege weapons, but the main defensive structure of the city is Taras Númenost, the Tower of the Western City. It is set on top of a high and steep hill, the nearly impregnable last refuge of the Elvirim of the city in case of attack.
Industry & Trade
Ostnúmenoron has virtually no trade with the outside world; though, some Elvirim from smaller villages come into the city to buy and sell. Its industries are those needed by any city or town, but there are a few silver and goldsmiths and jewellers that make Bharana jewelry for the Ceremony of Ascension of Elvirim young people.
Infrastructure
Ostnúmenoron is spread out along the river and valley where it is located. There are many small wooden houses and buildings, some larger buildings of stone, and some larger walled compounds. Many of the smaller buildings away from the center of the city are no longer used or occupied and are falling into disrepair. A few wooden bridges span the river. On a large hill within the city is the fortress and dwelling place of the Heru Númenost, Taras Númenost, the Tower of the Western City.
History
When the Elvirim first settled in Ostnúmenoron is unknown and lost to time. After The Fall from the Stars and the growth of Human cities and towns in Sudland, Koyon, Da Therasti Okku, Teiyon, and Voatyon, more Elvirim relocated into the mountains of The Great Western Mountains and the Great Southern Range. At that time, the population of the city grew, reaching its maximum perhaps 3000 years before the present time. Since then, the number of Elvirim living in and around Ostnúmenoron has fallen and increased, but has trended downward.
Tourism
Ostnúmenoron is occasionally visited by a Scout Ranger of the Southmarch Rangers, but that happens only once every five or ten years. Other than that, the only visitors are Elvirim from outlying villages.
Architecture
The buildings of Ostnúmenoron are well-constructed, like most everything made by the Elvirim. Stone buildings are made from dressed stone blocks and typically roofed with red tiles. Wooden buildings are of post-and-beam construction with wooden shingle roofs.
Geography
Ostnúmenoron lies in a high river valley surrounded by the impassable peaks and glaciers of the Great Southern Range. The river meanders through the valley, it's water cold and clear, giving rise to nearly perpetual mists and fog. Where the river flows out of the valley, it cascades over waterfalls and through steep ravines and canyons, making access to the city impossible to anyone but the most experienced and able Rangers and explorers.
Climate
The climate of Ostnúmenoron is damp and somewhat cold. Cold winds swirl down from the glaciers above it, and mists and fog rise from the river. Despite the damp and cold most of the year, on warm, sunny summer days, few places are more beautiful.
Ostnúmenoron by Peter Nelson (Zero Sum Games)
Ostnúmenoron, the Elvirim CIty of the Western Mountains
Alternative Name(s)
City of the Western Mountains
Type
City
Population
2500
Inhabitant Demonym
Location under
Ruling/Owning Rank
Characters in Location
Tiger Leaping Gorge by Uncredited
The Ostnúmenoron River flowing through a canyon below the city
It sounds like a beautiful place to live, though I don't know if I would like the fog!
Thanks for leaving a comment. Appreciated! Yes, the climate is probably a little cooler and damper than most people would favor, and it's pretty isolated, but that's the way the Elvirim like it.