Bear
A stalwart town around a small castle, Bear is known for its fierce protectors and even fiercer people. Almost entirely self-sufficient, Bear needs little from the rest of the world but is loyal to the crown so long as it is lawful. The Warden of the North, Bear plays a key role in the safety of Soro by fending off invading Gnolls over thousands of years. Ruled by the Mormonts, a noble house blessed with Ursathropy, it's well defended and renowned across the kingdom.
Demographics
Mostly human in the middle class from farmers to traders to guards. There's the occasional were-bear.
Government
As with an Soro town, Bear is lead by a noble house, the Mormonts. The ruler is hereditary however given to the one chosen best fit rather than strictly by age. The Mormonts have been historically benevolent rulers, taxing fairly to keep a strong army in place to defend the people from attacks. The laws are strictly enforced, and loyalty is valued just below honor.
Defences
Bear is surrounded by a thick stone wall with various lookouts that would require a powerful siege weapon or magical explosion to destroy. The Orli Forest makes it difficult to move artillery through, providing them with a natural defense against such attacks. Even the farmland has trees between them, acting as windbreaks and defenses. The entrance is a heavily reinforced gate that must be raised by two guards and cannot be opened from outside. Legend also says that powerful werebears stalk the lands, protecting the innocent.
Industry & Trade
For the most part, Bear does not need much from the rest of the world to endure. Instead, they trade to grow stronger, providing lumber as their primary export, as well as ores and stone. Imports include medicines, magical objects and tropical food.
Infrastructure
Centralized around a northern castle that was built long ago as the Warden of Northern Soro, Bear stands in a strategic location to protect the kingdom from northern threats. Due to this, the town has grown around the castle with trading shops and sprawling farmland. As it is located in the Orli Forest, there is a lumber mill not too far, and within a day's journey is the source of the Tully River. Bear is well suited for self-sustainment, with its own mine not far either.
Assets
Defensible walls, fertile farmland, good logging woods, stone quarries and mines in the nearby mountains, and good traders.
History
Founded in 2846 PC by the Mormont house, Bear was named for the grizzly bears commonly found in the area. A castle was built in 2850 and soon the small outpost became a thriving town. It wasn't until the first Gnoll attack that Bear was able to prove it had the tenacity to outlast the worst odds. In the "Battle of Bear" nearly a thousand Gnoll surged through the Orli Forest, bearing torches and intent on burning the whole town down. However, the denizens of Bear, despite being vastly outnumbered, held them at bay for three days until thirty massive bears came charging from the forest and slew the attackers. These 'bears' were in fact the Mormonts, who had been given a blessing from Ursa, the God of Bears, turning them into the only known werebears. The Mormonts have used this blessing since to protect Bear, however the Gnoll are tenacious savages who have steadily dwindled their numbers.
In 18 TC, Jeor Mormont was framed for a crime he did not commit by the Starlings upon his refusal to submit to the corrupt order. As a result he was forced to join the Night's Watch, an ancient order who are without borders and traverse the world protecting the innocent. His son, Jorah, also soon was forced into exile when he began to enslave the gnoll they captured, a stark crime in Soro. Maege (Jeor's sister) lead Bear until her death by Matriarch Vashiva in 49 TC. Now, the sole Mormont left, Lyanna leads them at the age of 11.
After the Starling Coup, Lyanna once more pledged the people of Bear to the crown. While in Lia, Lyanna attempted to plead for the King's Blessing to wage war with the Gnoll, however this was denied to avoid an international incident given the fragile state of the country. While she obeys, Lyanna has now sought the aid of Isabel's Champions.
Architecture
Militaristic stone, defensible and simple with fine carved wooden supports and accents.
Geography
Located in northern Soro in the Orli Forest, Bear rests along the border with Mayora as the Warden of the North. There is a river not far, and enough of the forest has been cleared for farming.
Natural Resources
Bear has a little bit of everything, from lumber to farmland to mining. Most notably is the lumber provided by the Orli Forest, a special kind of timber that more resistant to rot and wildly sought after by shipmasters.
Type
Town
Population
2000
Inhabitant Demonym
Bears
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