Berstat
The town of Berstat was originally a watchtower with small docks on the northern Burbric border. The imperial administrator appointed to oversee the region commissioned the construction of a small keep and wall, and a small village of fishermen grew around the outpost.
The Clan of Berren was established in the 5th century AP by Karlann Irnvest, a general of the northern Imperial Armies, mostly consisting of Knurd mercenaries and local levies. As Burbry fought off the rebel clans of Ammellal and Skinge, Karlann managed to achieve several victories. Karlann became aware that he had more influence and authority in the region than the Empire he represented and founded his own kingdom.
Over many centuries, the Clan of Berren expanded and became one of the largest of the Lower-Knurdic kingdoms. Their former overlords collapsed and were never able to return, but the land was not without strife. Upper-Knurdic kings and clans, who were never under the influence of Burbry, looked down on the southern kin, and they waged many wars. Through almost its entire history, Berren marked the border between the Lower- and Upper-Knurds. It saw many battles, but the rulers of Berren, the Ironvists, defended their land valiantly; Berren could not be defeated.
Until 1250 AP. When a Knurdic warrior claimed kingship over the Knurd people and united the clans of northern Knurden, his armies marched south in numbers that had never been seen before. Like many clans before it, Berren eventually fell. Fjurmann Ojntund, the one-toothed King of the Knurds, was an imposing figure—nearly seven feet tall and almost half as wide. Wherever his armies went, clan leaders swore fealty to him, willing or unwilling. Ratagund, leader of the Berren Clan, fought long and hard, but eventually, he failed to achieve victory and was defeated by Fjurmann. Upon laying eyes on the victorious king, Ratagund fell to his knees and pleaded fealty. Fjurmann’s dark eyes seemed to glow as he accepted Ratagund’s oath, and thus the Clan of Berren became part of the Kingdom of the Knurds.
Some days, Ratagund wonders what came over him at that moment. One moment, he was filled with a raging determination and the resolve of the Ironvists, but when he laid eyes on the king, he felt weak. In awe, he swore an oath that was only partly his. Or maybe it is regret? Maybe he is ashamed that he did not give his life for the clan, like so many ancestors before him? Either way, it matters not, as there is little to be done about it now. He now commands his men, following the King of the Knurds as the great armies fight to subjugate the Olor clans in the east.
Most of the people in Berstat are farmers and fishermen, hunters and traders. It sees many ships come and go, and the great Market Field by the castle is often filled with stalls. In the Fat Fish, a tavern owned by the old Wildamar Longlock, travelers can get a hearty meal, consisting of fat fish, wine, and ale. Further out is the Hardrock Inn, where occasional visitors can rent a decent room or a straw bed. Across the bay is the Old Watchtower, around which the original settlement was based. These days, it serves as a lighthouse manned by the Watchtower Watcher, a respectable, though mostly ceremonial, title. Currently, it is manned by Ordoger, a retired general of Berren and cousin of Ratagund.
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