Herzströmen is the southeasternmost keep and lordship of
Eldurgrund, most popularly known for its
Half-Folk population. Placed in the center of the
Kyte Forest, it was constructed from the abandoned remains of a grand beaver dam, now desolate and waterless. The great reservoir allows for the natural growth of common remedies with plenty of open space for traveling tribes to rest. For the leaders of wandering tribes, giant chambers within the dam itself have been preserved.
The
Half-Folk first came to inhabit the territory following its abandonment by humans during wartime. It wasn't until the year 1860 NG that the new residents were formally given the land by the governor of
Eldurgrund. In exchange, the
Half-Folk would open trade of their highly protected Markhor mountain goats, which have proven essential across the mines of
Euvurcrest.
The Architects
While Herzströmen has served as a valuable social and cultural site for traveling bands of
Half-Folk, its original inhabitants were the "giant beavers." Endemic to the
Kyte Forest, the giant beavers had slowly become restricted to the dam now known as Herzströmen due to environmental impacts of smaller (but more widespread) species of beaver. It wasn't until the prominence of
Half-Folk travelers that the dwindling population of giant beavers was finally destroyed (ca. 1850 NG). While they were initially hunted for their valuable pelts, their final damn slowly drained of water, eventually creating a valuable plot of land to exploit.
Unfortunately, little evidence of the giant beaver remains, even with such little time passing (ca. 1947 NG). Giant beaver dams aside from Herzströmen have long collapsed, but a few skeletal remains have been integrated into both
Half-Folk architecture and jewelry. The extent of their size is unknown, but a necklace owned by the
Emilsen Family contains a giant beaver incisor of approximately 5 inches; its uncurled structure indicates it had been through natural abrasion. A tooth of contemporary species in the same condition would be measured at just over one inch.
The Heart of Kyte
Herzströmen was constructed at the center of Kyte, in and around an abandoned giant beaver dam. Its name means "heart flows," referencing that it was once a substantial reservoir that connected a series of streams throughout the region. Now, the reservoir sits empty as its surrounding streams have been redirected and years of evaporation have drained it. However, in the absence of the unique wildlife facilitated by the giant beavers, tribes of
Half-Folk have taken their place. The minimalist keep serves as a central resting point and trading outpost for several tribes returning from their separate nomadic journeys.
The particular choice of lifestyle for the
Half-Folk "lordship" starkly contrasts other territories of
Eldurgrund which are predominately agrarian; this is reflected in how the keep is utilized. With an ever-growing population across Herzströmen and rejection of agrarian culture,
Half-Folk must split into smaller tribes to maintain their hunter-gatherer lifestyle, especially given the
Kyte Forest is demonstrably smaller than the greater territory of
Eldurgrund that they once wandered. Upon returning from their long journeys across the forest, each tribe has an assortment of different goods and stories to exchange. This meeting typically takes place just before winter, where the various "leaders" of each tribe will meet within the chambers of the dam and consume
high cap before communing with their gods for guidance in the coming winter.
While it only serves as a center at the end of the tribes' annual journeys, it never goes abandoned throughout the years. Several individuals were ordained with the title of "
Tenant," and remain within the dam for their entire lives, using clairvoyance through local wildlife to keep watch over the reservoir. It's said that with the assistance of high cap,
Tenants can see through the eyes of birds, bobcats, and moose to defend Herzströmen; these individuals are common eyewitnesses of
Umgekehrte: a relatively new supernatural myth amongst the
Half-Folk. While clairvoyance would typically be considered a reliable form of testimony, the consumption of mind-altering high cap often leads
Tenants to madness, putting their claims in question.
Political Presence
While Herzströmen is a substantial cultural center for the
Half-Folk, they avoid using it for political purposes and foreign relations at all costs, believing it should go untouched by outsiders. This is hardly a challenge, as most contemporary nobility would never stay in such natural and bare conditions. As a result, representatives are usually chosen to perform foreign relations abroad. With regard to the wider territory of Herzströmen, the lordship has agreed to allow passage through the forest roads by outsiders (a requirement as per the original land acquisition agreement).
Alongside the keeps atypical function are atypical leaders. The
Half-Folk elect no true lord, nor do their tribes have defined chiefs. Leadership roles in the organization are volatile and easily lost, as different individuals take charge based on the groups needs at any given time. In contrast to humans, most
Half-Folk don't stratify qualities of leadership as their own skill, instead believing each tribesman is proficient in directing certain tasks. This mindset results in an evershifting leadership as new challenges approach.
While the qualities of
Half-Folk leadership above have been broadly observed across all tribes in
Eldurgrund, including the
Kyte Forest, some outsiders have noted gradual changes in Kyte
Half-Folk politics. As of 1950 NG, the number of tribes has slowly declined as they choose to merge with each annual meeting. By the year 1960 NG, it appears that they may be trying to elect a single member as "lord" and join the greater political scheme of
Eldurgrund.
A most interesting and entertaining article. Well done.