Hardhaven

The largest pocket of civilization for leagues, Hardhaven is made up of countless living tree structures. Founded by a by the name Aster who gathered a diverse group of survivors and made a safe haven in the closing years of the Time of Darkness. Though Aster is now old and gray, the work they put into forming this haven has led to a budding city that is sure to last for decades more to come, even after so much strife.

Demographics

Hardhaven is a mix of foundling races, with a dominance of mon'toskur and khertyr in the city since the dverge were devastated by Merkhal. Newtlings, lærilbak, and mon'toskur are the only ones who dare make any sort of construction down by the river, including at this point a lodge or two.

Government

The city is generally managed, maintained, and protected by the Jomsvikingr af Hardhaven. Taxes are never demanded by the Jomsvikingr as they themselves maintain the wealth of the city through their expeditions and adventures.

Infrastructure

The city has numerous infrastructural wonders, things designed and created by the Architect of Balance when they were helping Aster build Hardhaven. The various lifts, the towering water mill - powered by a canal far below - grinding their food and providing them water, the tanning pits which recycle the cities waste, and of course the aura projected by the massive emberforge powered by the Oakenheart within the heart of the Great Oak in the center of the city.

Architecture

Hardhaven is predominantly grown from the very storrwood trees it nests in. Through a collaboration with the hogni and the khertyr, Aster and the Architect were able to ensure a stable, ample series of platforms, that would not harm the trees, and would serve as more than enough space for the needs of the community. Livewood craftsmen came in bonded pairs, khertyr and hogni, their minds completely linked. Through this they were able to sing and craft and shape and grow the trees.
Then, when it was finished, they grew the windows of thin, translucent plants, tough and taut in their frames. They coaxed blubs froms branches that lit up the dark Stórrwoad and showed foundlings the way. They grew beds from the walls, fill them with a mattress of soft clover and moss, and table and chairs, and all the things the Architect needed to create her machines. Along the walkways they sang rails and struts, making their way to the center of the web of wood they had woven and gathered together the three strongest pairs of craftsmen. Together, they sang the Great Oak up from the dark of the Stórrwoad.

Geography

Hardhaven is just inside the border of the Stórrwoad, several thousand feet up in the trees. The only way in or out are the lifts patrolled and operated by the Jomsvikingr, unless one fancies their chance climbing out. The woad is dark and dangerous, though, and only the bubble of protective energy provided by the Oakenheart shields Hardhaven. Leaving it, one quickly encounters all sorts of the worst monsters the woad can offer.
Just nearby, close enough that there is a canal connecting to it, is the Ðyrs' Flow. This river flows into the Amarak, and from there into the Great Northern Sea. Until recently, there was no dock on the Ðyrs' Flow - that's changed since the arrival of Sindri Frelsbinda.

Founding Date

23 PD

Founders

• Aster
• Guðr

Type

Town

Population

735

Location under

Stórrwoad

Owner/Ruler

Svali

Owning Organization

Champions of Hardhaven