Ostfell
Ostfell is regarded as the most picturesque town in the Settled Lands, spreading from the shore of the Maer Kellis and bordered by tall pines. Small forest streams and their natural small waterfalls complete the panorama, while the buildings themselves are for the most part refurbished lodgigngs of the Jotunn's thralls, and as such present an abundance of carvings and bas-reliefs which make even the humblest stone house a work of art.
The impression of poetic, tranquil calm vanishes quickly when still yards away from town the traveler starts being battered by the unforgivingly icy winds blowing from the east - the town was built in the path of this near unending storm from the mountains, funneled by the river and the lake, harrying the town day in and day out. The inhabitants joke that their winter gear is now a second skin and some even sleep covered in fur and wearing goggles, but remaining in Ostfell is well worth it.
Indeed, trade is still good and resources are plentiful despite the current situation. Importantly, the town is conveniently located not far from a gemstone mine, which the inhabitants have been exploiting for a century - and the main reason why Ostfell is still lively and successful. The population is generally well-disposed, the dreadful weather is still fought off near the warm hearths of the taverns, and the town is permeated by a degree of cheerfulness and hope which is not present in most other towns with the exception of Skorvik's elite.
Ostfell is also famous for its music, especially its knowledge of traditional Aklaq instruments - the indigenous tribes use the town as a frequent stop on their nomadic paths, trading furs for strong steel and other commodities. Artists from Skorvik's Crown district are often present in Ostfell and a wayside tavern is one of their favorite haunts in the Enclave.
Korr Masthew is the current speaker, elected after a close and tense election. He is the only legally recognized son of the former speaker, Hal Masthew, and is a soft-spoken and meek individual, who many see as too weak and owing his position only to his father's influence over the town.
Hal himself, though retired, is still active and keeps eyes and ears well-opened. He's said to be the true driving force behind the town, maneuvering his son from the shadows of his mansion. The now old man has left quite the impression both as a local figure and in the eight years of Speakership - known for his escapades in youth, and always a crowd-pleaser with his bardic arts, his reputation took a hit during his rule, where he was accused of abusing his position to coerce or blackmail several women in town into amoral acts. He's even said to have sired bastards from passing-through elves or Aklaq nomads, but these stories are yet to be proven.
Worship of the Goddess is very strong in the area, as many think she is to thank for the long time of relative peace that the town has had. Tribute is paid with enthusiasm, with a lottery to determine who would be the lucky ones to partake every six months. The clergy is also very present - two permanent cloisters with three dozen priests, and a chapterhouse where newly ordained Missionaries of the Eye are trained and sent out to preach Her Word.
The almost constant winds are said to be Mother Winter's own breath, sweeping over Ostfell as a sign of her affection for the town.
The impression of poetic, tranquil calm vanishes quickly when still yards away from town the traveler starts being battered by the unforgivingly icy winds blowing from the east - the town was built in the path of this near unending storm from the mountains, funneled by the river and the lake, harrying the town day in and day out. The inhabitants joke that their winter gear is now a second skin and some even sleep covered in fur and wearing goggles, but remaining in Ostfell is well worth it.
Indeed, trade is still good and resources are plentiful despite the current situation. Importantly, the town is conveniently located not far from a gemstone mine, which the inhabitants have been exploiting for a century - and the main reason why Ostfell is still lively and successful. The population is generally well-disposed, the dreadful weather is still fought off near the warm hearths of the taverns, and the town is permeated by a degree of cheerfulness and hope which is not present in most other towns with the exception of Skorvik's elite.
Ostfell is also famous for its music, especially its knowledge of traditional Aklaq instruments - the indigenous tribes use the town as a frequent stop on their nomadic paths, trading furs for strong steel and other commodities. Artists from Skorvik's Crown district are often present in Ostfell and a wayside tavern is one of their favorite haunts in the Enclave.
Korr Masthew is the current speaker, elected after a close and tense election. He is the only legally recognized son of the former speaker, Hal Masthew, and is a soft-spoken and meek individual, who many see as too weak and owing his position only to his father's influence over the town.
Hal himself, though retired, is still active and keeps eyes and ears well-opened. He's said to be the true driving force behind the town, maneuvering his son from the shadows of his mansion. The now old man has left quite the impression both as a local figure and in the eight years of Speakership - known for his escapades in youth, and always a crowd-pleaser with his bardic arts, his reputation took a hit during his rule, where he was accused of abusing his position to coerce or blackmail several women in town into amoral acts. He's even said to have sired bastards from passing-through elves or Aklaq nomads, but these stories are yet to be proven.
Worship of the Goddess is very strong in the area, as many think she is to thank for the long time of relative peace that the town has had. Tribute is paid with enthusiasm, with a lottery to determine who would be the lucky ones to partake every six months. The clergy is also very present - two permanent cloisters with three dozen priests, and a chapterhouse where newly ordained Missionaries of the Eye are trained and sent out to preach Her Word.
The almost constant winds are said to be Mother Winter's own breath, sweeping over Ostfell as a sign of her affection for the town.
Demographics
750 Humans, 30 Dwarves in charge of the mining operations, about 200 Halflings. Ostfell counts a quite large cohort of artists and wanderers who stay to seek inspiration, and the dedicated hostels are at times at their full 100 rooms capacity. Many are Wandering Elves, attracted by the panorama and in particular the untouched woodland a bit to the West.
Districts
Ostfell is roughly divided in two main areas. The hill's top is the old town, restructured from the thralls' ruins, and contains most of the town's shops and amenities, including the Goddess' cloisters and chapterhouse. At its feet, new wooden houses host recent arrivals, taverns and the local market. This division does not reflect particular class divisions in the inhabitants, only the different timelines in which each area was built.
Tourism
Ostfell is located at the edge of the Maer Kellis, where it converges into the Ashgarne river, and the plains in the west are - in the summer at least - the most fertile area south of the God's Teeth and lush with fields. The woodland is untouched both for economic reasons - the wood is particularly pliable and unsuited for construction - and for the locals' affection for their 'green haven'.
Architecture
The town is built on a terraced hilltop, which is layered in old tunnels from the Jotunn's time. Not dreary catacombs or sewers, but livable and warm spaces useful to cross the town when the winds are particularly violent. Decorated with well-preserved frescoes, they are a popular vista for outsiders.
The houses too are particularly interesting. The ruins of the city of thralls who lived in the area were well kept and relatively unharmed by the succesive invasions, and many of them are decorated with runes, bas-reliefs and other stone carvings. Not particularly assuming because of their dwarf-like blocky architecture, they are nonetheless structured in a particularly pleasing way.
Of particular notice are the Mead Hall, a large stone hall atop the hill flanked by statues depicting both warriors and artists, which is opened for large celebrations and worthy occasions, and the Tower of Kellis, a spiraling lighthouse overseeing the entirety of the eponymous Maer and the surrounding area, and whose three lower floors are now the reception, office and living quarters of the current Speaker.
Natural Resources
A few miles to the southwest, an earthquake in the past revealed veins of gemstones which the town's first settlers were quick to exploit. The gems have made Ostfell's fortune and are its prized production. The sapphires in particular are clear and of an extreme purity, so much as to be nicknamed the "eyes of the goddess". Three generations of Ostfellers succeeded each other in the mines, which have been exploited regularly but without the frenzy of other mines in the region - few accidents, a satisfied workforce, and a happier town as a result. For a few years, speaker Hal Masthew tried to reinforce production but his efforts were reined in quickly by the locals.
All would be good if not for the pesky cave-dwelling creatures who would occasionally find their way in the mines from access points deep in the earth - natural chimneys have been excavated to light and miners are still far from the bottom. Speculation is rife on what could be that far down the surface, considering it is inhabited by ravenous Underdark denizens, but the folk pay it little attention insofar as the scariest creatures so far have been barely able to overpower mere miners, let alone harm them.
It has almost become a yearly tradition now, and the mine closes for a few weeks every ten months or so while bored or beginner adventurers from Skorvik find time and strength of arms to clear the pests out. There is even a small festival held in the town's mead hall to celebrate the end of the hunting season.
All would be good if not for the pesky cave-dwelling creatures who would occasionally find their way in the mines from access points deep in the earth - natural chimneys have been excavated to light and miners are still far from the bottom. Speculation is rife on what could be that far down the surface, considering it is inhabited by ravenous Underdark denizens, but the folk pay it little attention insofar as the scariest creatures so far have been barely able to overpower mere miners, let alone harm them.
It has almost become a yearly tradition now, and the mine closes for a few weeks every ten months or so while bored or beginner adventurers from Skorvik find time and strength of arms to clear the pests out. There is even a small festival held in the town's mead hall to celebrate the end of the hunting season.
Founding Date
7 C.R.
Alternative Name(s)
Pearl of the Lake
Population
950 to 1050
Inhabitant Demonym
Ostfellers
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