Westcross
The port town of Westcross lies on the rugged shores of the Isle of Llywelyn, a smaller but fiercely independent settlement with strong Northlander roots. Positioned directly across the strait from its sister town, Eastcross, the people of Westcross take pride in their seafaring heritage, drawing influence from the raiders and settlers who came to these shores centuries ago. The town’s wooden longhouses, with their carved dragon-head gables, stand as a testament to the Northlander influence that dominates both its architecture and its culture.
Westcross is smaller than Eastcross, with narrower streets and a tighter-knit community, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in spirit. The port is lined with longships, many bearing the sigils of prominent families who have lived on the island for generations. Shipbuilding is one of the town’s main industries, with skilled craftsmen known for their ability to construct swift and sturdy vessels designed to brave the treacherous waters of the strait. Fishing is another cornerstone of the economy, and the port bustles with activity as fishermen bring in their daily catch, which is traded with Eastcross and other nearby settlements.
At the heart of Westcross is the Great Hall of the Sea Wolf, a longhouse where the town’s chieftain and warriors gather to hold council, celebrate victories, and honor the old gods. The hall is adorned with shields, axes, and trophies from past raids, while the walls are covered in tapestries depicting legendary battles at sea. The chieftain of Westcross commands great respect, not only for their leadership but also for their prowess in battle, and many of the town’s customs revolve around strength, honor, and loyalty. These values are woven into daily life, and the people of Westcross maintain a warrior spirit that they believe sets them apart from their Daoine-influenced neighbors.
The relationship between Westcross and Eastcross is one of both rivalry and cooperation. While the two towns trade frequently, with Westcross exporting metal goods, longships, and pelts, there is a lingering sense of competition, born from their differing cultural influences. The people of Westcross are known for their directness and their preference for action over words, traits that sometimes clash with the more mystical and poetic traditions of Eastcross. However, despite these differences, the towns are bound by the strait that separates them, and they often unite in times of external threat or shared need.
Westcross’s proximity to the sea also shapes its identity in other ways. The town holds regular offerings to the Ran and Tempest, hoping to gain their favor for protection from the dangers that lurk in the surrounding waters. Legends of krakens, sea serpents, and the occasional fey creature drifting in from the deeper parts of the ocean are common, and the people of Westcross are always wary of the unpredictable power of the sea. Many of the town’s warriors and sailors carry tokens or charms believed to ward off the wrath of the sea gods and fey alike, reflecting the deep respect (and fear) they have for the forces beyond their control.
Another more subtle influence in Westcross is the use of silver. Many weapons, including personal daggers, are made from silver. Silver is also used as a preferred metal when it is appropriate and not too costly, with the preferred trade being in silver coin over gold. This is due the the roaming packs of near-feral lycanthropes that exist on the isle.
Smaller and rougher than Eastcross, Westcross retains a distinct Northlander character that reflects both its warrior roots and its devotion to the sea. The town’s people may be fewer in number, but they are known for their resilience and their ability to weather the challenges of both nature and conflict. Westcross stands as a bastion of Northlander tradition, proud of its independence and its ability to survive in the often harsh environment of the Moontide Isles.
Maps
-
Westcross
Type
Town
Population
2600
Inhabitant Demonym
Westies
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
Characters in Location