Lustrum - Barrowedge

Barrowedge is a flat, sprawling quarter nestled between the mountainous villages of Fayhollow and Fallweld. It is home to the Minotaur people, who have found a place to settle after generations of wandering. The area is notable for its vast pastures, where massive beasts are farmed for meat, and its militaristic training grounds, where young Minotaurs hone their skills in combat. The settlement is named after the ancient burial grounds that lie at its edge, marked by risen stones, which the Minotaurs revere as a place of ancestral power.
Barrowedge is a key contributor to Lustrum Metropolis’ defense and governance, with the Minotaur people playing an active role in Astrium’s development. They hold a seat on the Lustrum Council, which connects them to the broader Astrium Council, shaping the future of the continent.

Demographics

Approximately 12,000 Minotaurs reside in Barrowedge, with another 2,000 inhabitants consisting of a mix of human, dwarven, and gnomish traders who have settled in the area due to its growing influence.
Minotaurs: 85% Humans: 10% Dwarves/Gnomes: 5%

Government

Barrowedge is governed by a council of Minotaur elders, known as the Ironhorns, who serve alongside the Lustrum Council. The Ironhorns represents the interests of the Minotaurs both locally and in Astrium’s broader political sphere. Leadership is respected and balanced, focusing on unity, strength, and the well-being of the community.

Defences

Barrowedge is defended by an elite force of Minotaur warriors trained in the Great Barracks. Young Minotaurs undergo rigorous training to protect the quarter and serve as guards for the neighboring villages. The Minotaur’s martial prowess is legendary.

Industry & Trade

• Beast Farming: The Minotaurs raise massive beasts for meat, which is a significant part of Barrowedge’s economy. The meat is exported to other districts and regions of Lustrum Metropolis.
• Smithing: The quarter is known for its weapons and armor, forged from high-quality materials. These are sold to the Lustrum defense force and other buyers across Astrium.
• Talisman Crafting: Minotaur artisans create magical talismans and jewelry, often imbued with protective charms or ancestral power, which are sought after by both locals and traders.

Infrastructure

Barrowedge has robust infrastructure focused on military training, food production, and smithing. The Great Barracks is the heart of the quarter, where young Minotaurs train in both combat and tactical warfare. Nearby, vast pastures for beast farming provide food for both the local population and trade with other regions. The roads are well-maintained, and there are several outposts where Minotaur guards are stationed to protect the surrounding districts of Fayhollow and Fallweld.

Districts

• Ironhorn District – The central hub of Barrowedge, home to the Great Barracks, training grounds, and the Ironhorn Council Hall, where decisions are made for the quarter.
• Cinderhoof Market – A bustling trade district where Minotaur artisans and smiths sell their wares, including weapons, armor, and tools. Visitors can find everything from high-quality combat gear to intricate talismans made from horn and bone.
• Stonehoof Pastures – The outer district where vast farms stretch out, housing the massive beasts that are raised for meat.
• Gravetusk Fields – Surrounding the ancient burial grounds, this district holds the Barrow of the Ancestors, a sacred site where rituals and ceremonies take place, honoring the Minotaurs’ connection to their forebears.

Assets

• Ironclad Armory: A renowned armorer in Barrowedge known for crafting high-quality armor for both Minotaurs and Lustrum's broader defense force.
• Steelhorn Forge: A blacksmith specializing in weapons, producing everything from traditional Minotaur axes to custom-crafted swords and spears for Lustrum’s guards.
• Cinderhoof Apothecary: A small shop where remedies, salves, and herbal concoctions are made, utilizing local herbs from the surrounding plains.
• Hoof & Horn: A general store and grocer providing food and daily essentials, including preserved meats from the Stonehoof Pastures.

Guilds and Factions

The Ironhorn Guard: A martial faction responsible for training Minotaur warriors and defending the quarter. They also patrol the surrounding villages and play a vital role in Lustrum’s broader defense network. The Cinderhoof Smiths Guild: A prestigious guild of blacksmiths, armorsmiths, and weapon makers. They supply much of Lustrum's military gear and are known for their high-quality craftsmanship. The Ancestors’ Circle: A spiritual faction that guards the Barrow of the Ancestors, overseeing rituals and maintaining the Minotaur's connection to their ancestral heritage.

Points of interest

• .The Great Barracks: The heart of Minotaur military training, where visitors can witness young Minotaurs sparring and honing their skills.
• Barrow of the Ancestors: The ancient burial grounds of the Minotaur ancestors, surrounded by risen stones marked with magical runes.
• Ironhorn Council Hall: The seat of power in Barrowedge, where the elders govern and make decisions for the future of the settlement.
• Cinderhoof Market: A bustling marketplace offering everything from weapons and armor to enchanted talismans and herbal remedies.

Tourism

Visitors come to Barrowedge to witness the Great Barracks and see the training of Minotaur warriors in action. The ancient Barrow of the Ancestors is a popular destination for those interested in history, culture, and mysticism. Travelers also enjoy shopping in the Cinderhoof Market for high-quality weapons, armor, and unique talismans
Celebration Feast of the Ironhoof - 4th Destara The Feast of Ironhoof is an annual holiday celebrated in Barrowedge, commemorating the founding of the Minotaur quarter and their historic migration to Lustrum Metropolis. It honors their leader, Tharok Ironhoof, who led them to settle near the Barrow of the Ancestors, marking a new chapter in Minotaur history. The celebration also pays tribute to the Minotaur’s strength, unity, and the bond they share with their ancestral heritage. This holiday is a week-long celebration filled with communal feasting, combat games, rituals, and festivities, bringing together not just the Minotaurs but also visitors from the other quarters of Lustrum Metropolis.
Date: 4th Destara
Traditions and Celebrations:

• The Great Procession of Ironhoof: The festival begins with a grand procession where the Ironhorn Guard and local warriors march through Barrowedge in full ceremonial armor, retracing the steps of their ancestors. The procession ends at the Barrow of the Ancestors, where a large feast is held to honor Tharok Ironhoof and the Minotaurs who forged their new home.

• Feasting in the Stonehoof Pastures: Communal feasts are held every evening, featuring roasted meats from the massive beasts raised in the pastures. The feasting represents abundance, strength, and the community's ability to thrive despite the challenges of the past. Families gather together, and long tables are set up across the Cinderhoof Market and around the Ironhorn District.

• Ironhorn Games: A series of martial competitions take place in the Great Barracks Arena, where Minotaurs of all ages participate in contests of strength, endurance, and combat skill. Events include:

1. The Horned Charge, where Minotaurs compete in a race, charging at targets to demonstrate their speed and precision.
2. The Axe Throw, testing strength and accuracy.
3. The Last Stand, where groups of young Minotaurs simulate battle scenarios in teams, showcasing their tactical prowess.

Winners of these games receive ancestral talismans crafted by the Cinderhoof Smiths as prizes.

• The Ritual of the Ancestors: On the third night, the Ancestors’ Circle holds a ceremonial ritual at the Barrow of the Ancestors. Here, Minotaurs and visitors pay homage to their forebears, lighting ceremonial fires and offering prayers. Participants also carve their names into wooden totems that will be placed near the Barrow, symbolizing their connection to the past.

• The Armor of Ironhoof Showcase: The Ironclad Armory hosts a special exhibition of its finest armor and weaponry, showcasing pieces that represent the Minotaur’s martial heritage. Blacksmiths hold demonstrations, and visitors can commission custom-made armor or purchase enchanted talismans.

• Stonehoof Harvest Festival: To mark the changing of the season, the final day of the Feast focuses on the Stonehoof Pastures. The Stonehoof Harvest celebrates the bond between the Minotaurs and the land. There are games involving herding the massive beasts, and participants engage in traditional cooking methods, sharing the best of the season’s harvest. There are also dance performances, storytelling, and music celebrating the resilience of the Minotaur people.

Symbolism:

• Ironhoof Banner: A ceremonial banner, symbolizing Tharok Ironhoof’s leadership and the strength of the Minotaur people, is flown throughout the city. The banner features a charging Minotaur with its horns gleaming, framed by a crescent moon and ancient runes.

• Horned Talismans: Small talismans shaped like Minotaur horns are worn by participants. These are symbols of strength and resilience, representing the Minotaurs’ ability to endure hardships and rise above.

Tourism: The Feast of Ironhoof draws visitors from across Lustrum Metropolis and other parts of Astrium. Tourists come to witness the awe-inspiring processions, competitions, and the famous feasts. Many come to purchase high-quality armor or enchanted weapons from the Ironclad Armory or to experience the unique blend of martial and spiritual traditions that define the Minotaur culture.
Points of Interest During the Holiday:

• The Great Barracks Arena: Visitors gather here to witness the thrilling Ironhorn Games.
• Barrow of the Ancestors: A site of great reverence, where the Ritual of the Ancestors takes place and where many tourists come to leave offerings and prayers.
• Cinderhoof Market: A bustling marketplace where traditional crafts, armor, and weapons are sold, particularly popular during the holiday for purchasing festival-themed items and talismans.
• Stonehoof Pastures: The center of the Stonehoof Harvest Festival, where visitors can see the massive beasts raised for the holiday and partake in the communal feasts and games.

The Feast of Ironhoof stands as a symbol of Minotaur unity, strength, and cultural pride, celebrating the journey of their people from wanderers to integral members of the thriving Lustrum Metropolis. It is a time of reflection, competition, and feasting, honoring their history while looking forward to their bright future.

Architecture

Barrowedge’s architecture is sturdy and functional, with buildings made of heavy stone and timber, built to withstand the powerful storms that sometimes sweep across the flatlands. The Minotaurs' homes are often simple but spacious, designed to accommodate their large frames. The Great Barracks is a massive stone complex with training arenas and quarters for young warriors, while the Ironhorn Council Hall is a circular stone structure, symbolizing unity and strength. Near the Barrow of the Ancestors, tall standing stones mark the burial grounds, with ancient runes etched into their surfaces.

Geography

Barrowedge sits on a flat plain between two mountain ranges, giving it easy access to both the mountains and the lowlands. The pastures around the settlement stretch far, providing ample space for the farming of beasts.

Climate

The climate of Barrowedge is temperate, with cool, breezy springs and hot summers. Winters can be harsh, with strong winds sweeping across the plains. However, the Minotaurs are resilient, and their homes and structures are built to endure the changing weather.

Natural Resources

Beast meat from the Stonehoof Pastures. Stone and minerals from the surrounding mountains, used in construction and smithing. Herbs and plants from the plains, which are used in crafting potions and remedies.

Founding Date

700

Founders

• Tharok Ironhoof

Type

District

Population

~14,000

Location under

Lustrum Metropolis

Characters in Location

• Warhorn Khorven Bloodhoof