Nomad's Heart

A few miles away from the Eighth District crystal mines sits a settlement in the foothills of the mountains. Miners can almost make out the shape of the iconic watermills in the distance. Entering into the walls of Nomad's Heart is a thrill to the senses. Merchants hawk their wares- brightly colored and patterned cloth, freshly-hunted lizard meat rubbed with spices and charred in the coals of a campfire, crafted and scavenged bits and bobs, and vegetables and cattle. Very few trade in coin here, but they're happy to accept payment from city dwellers in the form of charged power crystals, sugar, and shelf-stable canned goods and snacks. Feel free to stay and explore for as long as you'd like to, then move on- that's how life is out here on the Frontier.
Nomad's Heart is one of the few major settlements in the Frontier, named because very few people live there permanently, except for the Hawker Clan, the descendants of exiled merchants who run the place. It's regarded as a hub of trade and a fairly popular tourist location.

Demographics

The demographics vary based on season and what Tribes are in the area at the time. All of the sapient species are permitted within the city, and socioeconomic classes range from wealthy tourists and prosperous traders, to nomads, the homeless, and poor, weary travelers. There is usually a significant number of miners here from the nearby Eighth District crystal mines.

Government

The Hawker Clan really only has one rule that they enforce in Nomad's Heart: Do not harm individuals or their property. Everyone has the right to make a living, regardless of origin. Nomad's Heart is actually an extremely peaceful place, even though the laws are lax, and this law is only enforced with exile from the settlement; being the only trade hub in the region forces anyone who wants to make a living there be on their best behavior.
Because the Frontier Tribes so rarely deal in coin, all the Hawks ask is for a 2% cut of a merchant's or Tribe's wares. This allows the Hawks to keep the town running, and in exchange, they're provided safety from the monsters and a market stall to do business from.

Defences

There is a very high stone wall to keep monsters away.

Industry & Trade

There are many different shops here, merchants trading in ale, woven cloth, pottery, jewelery, and all sorts of Frontier craftsmanship and survival items. Most people trade their surplus for anything they might need before taking off again.

Infrastructure

Nomad's Heart has a high, stone wall surrounding it, and a few fields outside for crops and raising cattle. Their irrigation system is particularly well-made, and water wheels along the river are used to grind grain into flour.

Assets

• Hunters and other adventurers pass through looking for work.
• A booming economy, mostly barter-based.
• A thriving hospitality industry.

Guilds and Factions

The Hawker Clan tend to present a united front on most things, due to the lax nature of the law, but several prominent families have different opinions on how commerce and taxation should be managed.

History

• The Hawker Clan was one of the Church of Gold's early competitors, and was driven from the city in 1312.
• As a middle-finger to the Church, they set up the Hawkers Guild within a stone's throw distance of the city.
• An arsonist likely affiliated with the Church burned the town in 1315.
• In 1319, the current settlement of Nomad's Heart was established about ten miles further out, and served as a refuge for other exiles from the city.
• It was first recognized as a major trade hub by the Church in 1330.

Tourism

This is the main tourist location in the Frontier. People come from all over to shop, drink, gamble, take in the local culture, and see the open expanse of the Frontier. Some tourists even bring items from their own districts to barter for souvenirs with. The Hawks run inns, casinos, and restaurants throughout Nomad's Heart.

Architecture

It's fairly simple at first glance, small buildings of wood, stone, and thatch. But due to their robust irrigation system, the outpost boasts aqueducts, water-powered machines, and modern running water facilities, in the exact same way they've been doing it for generations.

Geography

Nomad's Heart is nestled in the foothills of the mountains surrounding Eighth District. The Talon River flows from the mountains, providing the settlement with power. The town is surrounded by fields, and beyond that, a deciduous forest.

Climate

The area is fairly temperate most of the year, but winters are long and bitter cold, as snow blows down from the mountains.

Natural Resources

• Grain.
• Lumber.
• Meat and other animal products.
• Foraged berries, flowers, and roots.

Founding Date

1319

Alternative Name(s)

The Hub

Type

Trade post

Population

<1000 permanent residents

Inhabitant Demonym

Hawkers, Hawks

Location under

The Frontier