Gryndsmyrl (Grin+d'smurl)

A beautiful hamlet on a volcanic plain, Gryndsmyrl is the last sign of civilization for miles. With Orcs inhabiting the other side of the plains and mountains, and with most trolls distancing themselves from volcanic activity, it is on the distant brink of many things. However, despite its small size and unlikely occasion, its kind citizens, delicious food, and historical connections mean that it holds a special place in the hearts of many visitors.

Demographics

Gryndsmyrl has a population of 123, the predominant race being trolls. Most citizens are kind, friendly people, but with a reputation for nosiness. Prospective visitors will feel safe and comfortable here, so long as they do not have dark or awkward secrets.

Breakdown

• Children: 30
• Adults: 77
• Elderly: 16
• Ill/Infirm: 12
• Known Criminals: 0
• Urban Population: 98
• Rural Population: 25

Government

A direct democracy, every major decision is decided by majority rule. With Gryndsmyrl being a small, thight-knit community, this generally leads to fair decisions. However, if an outsider is involved, paranoia can quickly lead to violation of privacy. If the darkest of suspicions are proven correct, the result is often a cruel and morbid execution.

Infrastructure

Gryndsmyrl is an idyllic small farm village, with quaint buildings and neat rows of crops connected by dirt roads. A few hermits live on floating islands or surrounded by lava, but even those are willing to pitch in when their distant neighbors need help.

Architecture

All buildings in Gryndsmyrl are tents, constructed from clay lined fiber made from locally-grown cotton. The town is neat and orderly, with lovely rows of buildings and carefully cultivated rock gardens. The upkeep is substantial, but the strong sense of community means that everyone pitches in when work or funds are needed.

Defenses

Gryndsmyrl has no walls, but a naturally occurring lava plateau keeps invaders from attacking on three sides. The native trolls can traverse it with only slight difficulty, making it an excellent escape route as well.

Careers

Most locals are farmers, with a fair number of fishermen and a few workmen. This is not surprising for anyone who has visited, as Gryndsmyrl has large, fertile fields and a close proximity to the Great Lake of the area. Unfortunately, there are no dedicated miners, even though cursory research has revealed multiple useful stones and minerals in the near area.

Religion

The predominant religion of Gryndsmyrl is the worship of The Foundation Stones, a pantheon originating in the beliefs of trolls. These gods are not the lesser gods who created of Ghuldrymyr, but the very foundation upon which those gods built, and the formulators of their creative plans. The religion encourages the study of history, as well as the maintenance of traditions that keep trolls as a people solid. It is believed that these traditions will defend them against future negative consequences, like destructive sociological change.

History

At 751 years since founding, Gryndsmyrl has a long and rich history. It was originally colonized by trolls from Rhanhrm with the hope that it would become a launch point for colonizing the volcanic plains and mountains, as well as adding a new point to defend against Orc attacks. The larger colonization plan eventually failed, but the fertile soil, fish-filled lake, and defensible position kept this small town alive for far longer than was expected when plans fell through.
After Rhanhrm lost interest in further colonization, Gryndsmyrl had less and less resources put into building it, until eventually Rhanhrm only paid attention during tax collection. 20 years after the founding of Gryndsmyrl, the town declared independence from Rhanhrm, setting up their own government and stopping the flow of taxes. Since those taxes were being shipped at a loss exclusively to keep up appearances, Rhanhrm ignored this offense. The nation of Rhanhrm has never officially recognized Gryndsmyrl's independence, nor has it attempted to enforce taxes again.
Fortunately for the original plans, it did actually serve well as a launch point for troops defending against the neighboring orcs. Unfortunately, this largely contributed to tensions between Gryndsmyrl and its mother nation. In the beginning of the Second Orc War, Rhanhrm attempted to quarter soldiers in Gryndsmyrl. As these soldiers were defending all trolls east of the volcanic plains, the citizens welcomed them openly and warmly. However, this warm reception ended when an elderly troll caught a soldier using her chickens as target practice. Soon afterward, an investigation was called, and multiple stolen items were found in soldier's posessions. The town voted for the posessions to be returned, the chickens paid for, a ten percent fee taken for repairs, and the whole army banished. One soldier responded violently to this request and was subsequently thrown into the magma in punishment. Rhanhrm did not appreciate the return of its troops. It decided to send a larger army this time, with the hope that it would terrify Gryndsmyrl into submission. The citizens wanted to turn this army away as well, but it had more soldiers than Gryndsmyrl had politically active adults, so they were outvoted.
Some later interactions with orcs went more positively for the conflicting governments. About 100 years after the founding of Gryndsmyrl, the town was captured by a raiding orc army. Nearby troops from Rhanhrm noticed the army and stepped in, driving the orcs out. The villagers returned from the lava plateau, grudgingly grateful to Rhanhrm for its assistance. However, all modern storytellers worth their salt are quick to note that had Rhanhrm not intervened, the valiant townspeople would have driven the Orcs with brute strength and farming equipment.
Since that time, there have been additional contributions to the Orc Wars, both in terms of men and food. Almost every citizen has a great-grandparent that fought in the Greater Orc War, and will proudly point out their names whenever visiting the monument dedicated to the purpose.
In recent months, the Great Lake flooded, wiping out two thirds of the population. The rest were able to escape to high ground in the lava plateaus, where they waited out the water. The hamlet is still rebuilding, with the majority of the homes now uninhabited.

Points of Interest

Special Features

• Diseased Wood: 1831 feet southwest. The twisted wood is particularly strong, making it useful in the construction of tents. However, the warped shape is often seen as undesirable outside Gryndsmyrl.
• Floating Islands: 2064 feet southeast. Inhabited mostly by hermits who prefer isolation. Studies have not yet revealed why they float.
• Greater Orc War Memorial: 1217 feet southeast. A very important part of the local's heritage and history.
• Temple to The Foundation Stones: 591 feet northwest. Trolls visit semi-frequently to express their faith.

Geography

Located on a volcanic lava plateau, Gryndsmyrl has a setting that has visitor opinions split. Some see it as bleak, others as beautiful. The vegetation is patchy, but more than two thirds of the fertile ground is covered in it. It has an elevation of about 617 feet above sea level, measured in standard troll anatomical. Not far from the nearest Great Lake, it has definite appeal in the areas of fishing and swimming.

Water Features

Great Lake

• Salinity: fresh
• Depth: 436 feet
• Navigable: Yes
• Aquatic Animals: Clams, Salmon, Pike, and Catfish, all of which are caught by fishermen for food and income.

Climate

We get such lovely weather! I'm glad the plans to move to the mountains fell through. If I lived there, I fear my skin would melt off!

— Rynldhu, local farmer

Cool Temperate Grassland
Avg. Annual Temperature: 48F
Avg. Annual Precipitation: 27.71 in
Avg. Annual Snowfall: 6 feet
Seasons: Summer, Winter, Fall, and Spring
Prevailing Winds: southwest to northeast

Natural Resources

Stones

• Igneous: Basalt
• Metamorphic: Marble
• Sedimentary: Caliche

Ores

• Minerals: Sulfur and Potash

Gems

• Semi-Precious: Peridot

Grains

• Cool Seasons: Buckwheat, Spelt, and Triticale
• Food: Buckwheat, Spelt, and Triticale

Vegetables

• Root: Beets
• Cruciferous: Brussel Sprout
• Allium: Garlic

Utility Crops

• Fiber: Cotton

Assets

Flora and Fauna

• Livestock: Araucana (Chicken) and Ducks
• Prey: Jackrabbit, Mice, Deer, and Dromedary
• Predators: Gray Wolf and coyote
• Aquatic: Pike, Clams, Salmon, and Catfish
• Grass: Leafy Reedgrass, Grey Fescue Grass, and Oat Grass
• Shrubs: Lentil Plant, Sagebrush, Bean Bush, and Butterfly Bush
• Moss: Fern Moss and Catherine's Moss

Type

Hamlet