Burh Weider
The village of Burh Weider, situated on the eastern coast, is one of the newest settlements in the Helcynngae Peninsula and was formed only three decades ago. Named after its original founding family, the settlement has grown as regional fishermen learned of the abundant sea life found off its shores. The secret to catching the long, delicate fish that reside off the coast is known only to those who have lived in the village for some time and is never shared with outsiders.
Yeolder Weider, a landless thegn, was granted the right to establish this village by the ealdorman in Uthelgardt about 30 years ago. He chose this coastal location after discovering the sea nearby to be teeming with strange, slender fish. Thinking he could catch and trade the long fish with neighboring settlements, he quickly set to the task of fishing the eastern coastline. However, he soon learned that the fish were more intelligent than other aquatic creatures and was unable to catch them. It took many months for the Weider family to discover the correct method for ensnaring the cunning fish. As the only fisherman able to catch the delicious sea creature, the Weider family and trusted villagers trade for supplies with frequent merchants who arrive by land and sea.
As with the rest of the Helcynngae Peninsula, the worship of Eostre and Thyr is prominent in Burh Weider, and a temple to the sibling gods is found on the western side of the village. However, local fishermen and their families quietly worship an unnamed sea god whose image has been passed down through stories from the original inhabitants of the area. Fisherman say prayers of thanks and reverence while at sea when successful capture of their bounty occurs. While no shrines, priests, or totems to this god can be found in Burh Weider, the people’s devotion to their protector and judge is strong. So far, the church ignores the worship of this sea god so long as it remains largely hidden from view, and so long as the pews remain filled on holy days.
Although Thegn Haandol Weider has title to the village and surrounding lands, he governs with the advice (and usually, consent) of a council of elder sailors. At least half the council are his relatives from the Weider family, their voices being the most respected among the group. The elder sailors of the council are the only men and women who know the full secrets to fishing for the silvery delicacy.
Pirates and sea-raiders have been known to harass the small fishing vessels from the village on occasion, though the Burh Weider fishermen are always on the lookout for foreign ships and quickly slide their small boats into a well-hidden harbor if a threat appears. In addition, a local militia is maintained to protect the fishermen and farmers of Burh Weider from the threats of the sea and neighboring mountains. Several dozen well-armed men and women patrol the area, keeping an eye out for trouble from every direction. The small village is rarely a target and is avoided by most who pass by the hidden coastal locale. Occasionally, fisherman from other nearby settlements attempt to catch the cunning fish of these waters, but inevitably become frustrated, though this never stops new fishermen from arriving and trying to discover the secret to landing the rare sea creature.
Settlement
Burh Weider, Village of
Type
Village
Owning Organization
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