Skrikam

The mythical capital of Borivobog

"Skrikam? What's that?"
"You've never heard of Skrikam? Every child grew up with the tales of that city! Where have you lived? Oh well. Skrikam is the rumoured capital of Borivobog."
"What? The mountain nomad's got a city up there?"
"Well, no one has actually seen Skrikam. That's why I said it's a rumour. But people say it's a sight to behold, apparently. It is clad with precious metals and gems that can be find in abundance up there and the myths about the people range from them being direct descendents to gods, to just being totally disinterested in the outside world."
"But how do they survive up there? I thought it was almost impossible to even cross the mountains, not to mention stay there for a longer period of time."
"Eh... How should I know? I'm not some sort of expert on Borivobog! But I mean, the nomads survive somehow, that we do know."

Between the highest tops of the mountains that form the Home of the Clouds a deep valley lies, unknown to most of the people in the world. This is were the Borivogians live when they aren't travelling over the mountains to trade or scare poor unknowing people on the other side. In this valley lies the best kept secret of Regerwa: the city of Skrikam.

History

Skrikam is old, very old. How old nobody knows but their history books go back at least a couple thousand years. There is however reason to suspect the valley has been inhabited a lot longer than that.
Some of their oldest tales tell of the anger of the Gods that drove people from the coasts and up in the hills, where there soon were too many people to sustain themselves. Fighting and hunger drove people further and further up in the mountains until one group decided to try and cross them for the first time. These people found the valley and settled there. Still scared from the fighting and whatever started the migration they never returned and the people they left behind assumed they had died on the mountain as so many before them.

Life in the Valley

The valley however is very large, and much further down than one might expect. They are protected against the raging storms from the sea, but still get the benefit of the rain. In fact, the valley is probably one of the many reasons that created the desert in the middle of Regerwa.
Because of all this the valley has a fairly mild climate, at least compared to the surrounding mountains. The winters are harsh and cold, but the summers provide enough time for the people here to provide themselves with the resources they need to survive.
Since the mountains are still difficult to pass, even for Borivogians, Skrikam and its people have always been self-sufficient. The little trade that is had with the outside is mostly done by people who just want a chance to see what lies beyond the mountains. It is however strictly forbidden to tell outsiders about Skrikam in fear of people coming to raid them.

The city itself

The city lies by the shores of a big lake and stretches up against the side of one of the mountains. Buildings are built out of stone and carved into the mountain. There are tunnels stretching far into the mountain that connects big parts of the city with each other, as well as providing for a very impressive sewer system.
Skrikam has some of the most impressive technology there is. To combat the harsh winter storms they have built a system of small tunnels and pipes that runs in the walls and floors of house, pumping heated water around to heat up the homes.

Type

Capital

Population

Around 16 000 people, exact number unknown

Inhabitant Demonym

Skrikians

Location under

Borivobog

Occupation by weather

In the summer most people work in the fields and with the animals to build up the food storages. Food preparation is an important issue as food has to be able to be stored for long periods of time. In the winter the fields lay mostly empty, and in the case of storms it is impossible to go outside. This time is spent doing crafts and everything else that is needed in the city. This is also a time where scientists come together to work on ever more imaginative contraptions that can help their growing people.

Science

Science is a very important matter in Skrikam, and huge resources are put into education and research. Knowledge is seen as one of the highest virtues, but it is also vital. Life here is hard. Resources are limited and to be able to survive without the outside world they need to be crafty and resourcful with what they have.