Wāhiraki

Sailing south towards Kohoruna, you would first notice the large, intricately carved Marae positioned atop Wāhiraki's central hill, giving great sight to the Chieftain, of both their subjects and the world around them. After that, the rows of houses and stores that populate the hillside, and the sparkling black sand that welcomes you at the beach. What you probably wouldn't notice is the barrier reef that serve as a natural shield for the village, or the deep forest that looms behind it, full of sacred trees and lurking dangers. For all the Kohorunan beauty that Wāhiraki has to offer, it's matched by dangers just below the surface, but so long as you don't incur the ire of the Black Shore Pact, you'll find few safer cities to lay your head.

Demographics

Wāhiraki is predominantly populated by Toa'ana (45%) and Honu'ata (40%), though it does serve as home to the occasional wanderer from elsewhere on Gyrraholm, most likely "Sea" Elves, Tritons and the odd halfling.

Government

Governance is overseen by the chieftain (currently a male Honu'ata named Anake I Tohua Wāhiraki) who is elected on the grounds of their strength or mind, body, soul, or any combination of the three. This Chieftain dictates the level of taxation, as well as the laws by which the settlement abides. As a member of the Black Shore Pact, the Chieftain of Wāhiraki is also beholden to their agreement with the other northern settlements, providing soldiers, food or financial aid when necessary. Part of this agreement also requires the assignment of military leaders, as well as the maintenance and safety of the roads between settlements.

Defences

Wāhiraki features natural defenses in the form of a barrier reef that protects the bay. In terms of artificial defenses, the settlement features ramparts and moats, as well as stockades skirting the inland border of the village, with housing and the marae being situated higher up the central hilltop.

Industry & Trade

Wāhiraki is something of a fishing village, like many settlements on Kohoruna, and this industry is supplemented by scattered farms in the surrounding area, the owners of which travel to Wāhiraki in order to trade for fish. There are nearby jungles, which are also rich with fruit and game, and there are a handful of hunters in town.

Infrastructure

Wāhiraki features dirt roads and, for the most part, it's structures are carved wood. The majority of it's buildings are housing or mercantile in nature, though there is a windmill on the outskirts of town, as well as a sturdy bridge crossing the low stream that bisects the settlement. The most notable feature of the Northpoint is it's harbour, which consists of a number of docks, warehouses and dry docks.

Guilds and Factions

The Black Shore Pact: an alliance between five northern settlements which ensures financial, nutritional and military aid for those involved. Events that might affect more than a single tribe are decided upon by a vote of the chieftains, and disobeying the will of the majority can result in the exile of the offending chieftain.

Geography

Wāhiraki is situated at the north-most point of Kohoruna's northern island, where the sands of the shore are black, and the bay is protected by a sizable barrier reef. The focal point of the small tribal city is the marae, atop the moderately sized hill that the rest of the settlement is built around. A river flows from the south, out towards the sea, and skirts the base of the hill, bisecting the town somewhat. The black sand is said to shimmer in the midday sun, and the sea breeze is especially cool.

Alternative Name(s)

Northpoint

Type

City

Population

3500

Inhabitant Demonym

Wāhirakians