Tranmere
In southern Carandor, in the Duchy of Atmor, lies the village of Tranmere. It’s a small village, barely over a hundred in population. Tranmere subsists on farming the narrow south-eastern shore between the Tarkal forest and the Alhambran strait. It is also close to the east most mountain range separating Carandor from the plains of Eocer, where free tribes of orcs roam.
Frontier Life
Orc tribesmen have been known to occasionally cross the mountains in small packs to hunt wolves from Tarkal Forest,which can grow as large as a horse. Their furs are highly prized status symbols to both Tranmere folk and the tribal orcs. There are rumors that orcs have tamed these wolves as exotic beasts on more than one occasion, producing the feared combination of the orc wolfrider. These exceptionally rare wolf-riding orcs have on occasion been witnessed raiding surrounding rival tribes and small villages, such as Tranmere. This has started an attitude of mistrust and hatred between orcs and Tranmere folk. The law offers little protection to those residing on the outskirts of Carandor. You must fend for yourself while venturing these parts. The arm of friendship is seldom extended now, for everyone has a story of unprovoked betrayal regarding intermingling with orcs. Posturing is thus perceived as a necessary skill to survive in the frontier, for when there’s no law, any who display weakness will swiftly be exploited.
Troubled Relations
Surrounded by the nearby woods of Tarkal, Tranmere is a place that seldom sees visitors from out of town. Do not expect a warm welcome from the locals, for outsiders have rarely, if ever, brought anything good to this town. Everyone knows someone who has been robbed or killed by an orc, or gotten into a fight with an out-of- towner. There is thus suspicion towards even other Carandorians here, if they come from elsewhere. On the flip side, Tranmere is made up of hardworking and hardy folk down to every last man and woman. If you do manage to earn their trust, they are known to drop their stoic stare, open up, speak with zest and enthusiasm, and be loyal to the grave.
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