Northaven

Northaven is a small resort town half a day's walk from Linnunrata. The majority of its accommodations are geared towards guests under five feet tall. Northaven is also something of a tourist attraction for the people of Erdelan as a rare enclave of halfling culture, architecture, and cuisine.

History

Northaven was built in the Y1030s by Portia Vogelfolk, a Halfling shipping magnate of the Northern Duchy, as a winter retreat to compete with the more famous Archvale. The self-styled Baroness Vogelfolk, now in her early 200s, still leads the town.

Tourism

Northaven is most often frequented by halfling and gnome families, largely from northern, eastern, and central Dreibach. Its average tourist tends to be more middle-class than Archvale's, as riverboats and caravans north from greater Dreibach through Ettelane are typically cheaper for those in the interior of Dreibach than ocean travel from Brightwater or Cantonova. A special reindeer-drawn sleigh service operates out of Ettelane from November through March to take the influx of tourists safely on the last leg of the journey.
A plethora of winter activities are available to these tourists, from ice skating and ice fishing on Glassy Lake to skiing and sleigh rides in the snow-covered mountains. It is also well-known as a place to view the spectacular meteor storms and auroras of the Astral Plane, which are especially visible from the area.
Northaven fills the offseason with displays of traditional halfling culture to attract curious Dwarven visitors from nearby locales. They hold tourist-friendly versions of Jarmas and The Blossoming Dance that offer a chance to experience the rituals without ties to a halfling community.

by Farin Sadiq

Chalets in Northaven overlooking Glassy Lake.

Type

Village

Population

300 permanent, 1,200 in winter

Inhabitant Demonym

Northavener