Ohlmstir

Ohlmstir, sot'n Dahl-Mere

"What do they call that longhouse? Hammer Hall? Well, at least I know where my Trader's Tax go."

— A visiting trader

Ohlmstir is the main trading hub for the Varean Dynasty, as this town of commerce sits upon the confluence of the River Mere and River Dahl. Despite the Trader's Tax imposed on the merchants who visit, the town is still a good place to make a profit, as there are always people from across the two rivers looking for commodities to buy.
The first sight visitors are welcomed with is the Hammer Hall house, upon the highest hilltop within the town. This is the home of the lord of the town, Valgarð Logason; head of the Hammer Hall household. It is said the house has stood for 4 generations and it was built to be a home fit for a god; specifically Omjir to aid his return to Celestia.

Law

A crowd gathered around the Pillar of Judgment. Standing upon the stage is a scruffy young man, perhaps in their early 20's. Beside them is a member of the Court of Justice and the town's Marshal, announcing the judgement of the poor criminal.

— Ohlmstir's Justice (1/2)

Every Maran settlement govern their own local laws. These are laws passed down by the Gods to the Sages and leaders of the realm. By the teachings of the Gods, it is up to the head families, households and dynasties to manage their own laws. Currently, there are many laws which are the same throughout the Maran realms, such as theft, murder and treason; however, it is often the local lords' Court of Justice who passes judgement and punish accordingly to their discretion.

The Court of Justice

Traditional and currently, consists of three nobles; the head and headmistress of the Hammer Hall house, and the town's Marshal. They are in charge of hearing and judging a case of a law which is brought before them. Court hearings are often taken place in the Hammer Hall house, but every now and then court hearings do take place around the Pillar of Judgement; especially for crimes which are of public interest or the lord thinks an example needs to be made.

The Pillar of Judgement

To display the law of the land, and the discipline of breaking the law, the Pillar of Judgement is the place where all of the punishments of crime are dealt. The monument stands 6 feet (~182 cm) tall with three layers. The bottom layer is both the foundation and platform for carrying out judgement. It is 12 feet (~365 cm) wide, enough for two people the stand upon; the accused/convicted and a speaker.
The second layer is the four-sided shaft of the Pillar. Engraved on each face of this pillar are runes, where three of the faces are tributes each member of the Court of Justice of the Gods; Omjir, God of Leadership, Ebra, Goddess of Motherhood and Runa, Goddess of Order. The fourth side is smooth, as this is the side where the convicted stands.
The final layer is a large ring, big enough to fit a hand, foot or neck; something which the Pillar has seen many times.

"Stealing a whole loaf of fresh bread which that poor Baker worked hard for to earn a living. That pesky thief deserved what they got." A witness of the hearing stated after the display.
"How can you say that?" Another witness responded, "I know him and this is unlike him. He must have stolen out of desperation, not of greed."
"The law is still the law, and the punishment must be as severe as the crime. If you do not want to lose a hand, then do not steal!" The first witness argued, "would you say the same if he stole from you?"

— Ohlmstir's Justice (2/2)

Places of Interest

Hammer Hall

The town's noble house. It is also the largest building, as it rests upon the highest point of the town.

The Pillar of Judgement

The monument in the centre of the marketplace, to display the town's values of law, order and justice. Public displays of what happens when people are guilty of crimes are often shown here, to show as an example of the law. Hence residents of this town brag about being the safest town in Mara.

The Pillar

Named after the Pillar in the Centre of town, this Inn has the patronage of many merchants, traders and couriers visit. Many Maran settlements have establishments of drinks, merriment and beds for travellers, but it is the Pillar which is the most popular in Ohlmstir, as it is the only place which serves Ohlmbrew Ale.