Tsra'hax
On the precipice
Located on the southeastern most island of the Shinar Archipelago, this little island weathers a considerable amount of storms that come from the cold South and the rough East. The vast and unknown Belor Ocean thrusts against it and the waters churn around it so that a fog appears on the northwestern side, blocking view of the other islands. Because the island is up a small bluff and flat otherwise the island feels on the precipice of some distant world. The island is called Behogolin and the town on the island is called Tsra'hax.
Due to the abundant fog that crowds the north and western shores, the residents only may gaze to the southeast, over the bluffs and onto the expansive ocean. Many who are not used to isolation feel an overwhelming sense of dread when they arrive. Depression, called "the fog," affects everyone at some point, and many either shrug it off or lose themselves in the monotony of their work. Prayers to gods are common and most seek refuge in the spiritual.
Demographics
Dwarf is the chief species followed by human and then elf. A considerable amount of goliaths and half-orcs call the island home. Some refugees from Samba Ka arrived shortly after the island fell. All inhabitants are workers with some ruling class, but even they get their hands dirty with work.
Government
Self-governed but pay allegiance to Mil Bazon, who allows them a governor. Mil Bazon only requires taxes collected a couple times a year.
Defences
The town has a standing army of 200 with reserves at 1,500. They are never used, but they are there. The town is double walled, with the outer wall being palisade. The inner wall is quarried stone from the island that sits at 30 feet tall. A ditch runs along the inner gate and a rusty drawbridge allows travel inside.
Industry & Trade
Fish and raw ore are the biggest exports, though that isn't saying much. Because the island is self-sufficient no one feels the need to trade away what they could use. What they do trade for is not coin but goods, particularly alcohol and beer.
Infrastructure
On the southeastern shores there are seawalls: braced stonewalls in arrow shapes so to break the waves easier. A 70-foot lighthouse sits on the easternmost point, Shalley Point. The terrific winds provide power to windmills that ground the grain grown in basin-shaped fields. This basin shape protects crops from harsh winds. There are no docks on the southeast, two are on the north and west.
Districts
The city itself is loosely held together by a farming, residential, military, shipping, and commercial districts. Farming is the largest followed by shipping which is also the fishing district. Residential is several blocks of houses, though some other houses are scattered around the districts. Military is the second smallest with several barracks and most soldiers are waterborne. Commercial is the smallest with a handful of businesses because most people make do, make their own, or make deals outside of "shinies", what the locals derogatorily call coin.
Assets
Despite its remoteness, the town is self-sufficient. Storehouses can hold several months worth of food and dry goods. A few mines are found outside town and warehouses store the raw ore there.
Guilds and Factions
The guilds work in tandem with each other and the governor. These guilds report statistics which helps the governor make decisions about what should be done. The largest is the farmers guild, simply called Farmers. The majority of the population are farmers and the majority of those are part of Farmers. A mining guild exists and used to see wide attendance but doesn't anymore. Fishers have aptly named Boatsmen.
History
Long ago settlers found the island during summer, it's most agreeable season. They settled and some came next summer. This continued until the population was swelling to over a thousand. Walls were erected to keep out roving pirates, though the sighting were frequent.
The storms came harsh that autumn and wrecked all the homes on the southeastern side of the island. many converged inside the walls, which were replaced with stones from the quarry, and the palisade was erected. The population has waxed and waned but remained steady, replacing itself.
Points of interest
The Great Hall which is a motte-and-bailey type of structure brought over by the immigrant humans from Evoria and Phasimun. A once-small garden runs along the bailey's grounds and heather covers the slopes of the motte. Generally beautiful to see in spring and summer.
The lighthouse has withstood countless waves and storms, even icy hurricanes. There is considerable history literally written on the walls. Old keepers would write notes or journal using knives or paint on the walls, creating an interesting tapestry of history.
The Farmers guildhall has unique architecture with incorporations of shafts of wheat and symbols of Chauntea, the most celebrated deity.
Tourism
No intended tourism exists, though passersby often find themselves looking at the points of interest.
Architecture
Almost all buildings are utilitarian without much flair. The governor's seat has some intricate designs brought over by the dwarves, as do the inner stone walls. Much else is built-to-function and with longevity in mind.
Geography
The town is on the flat top of the island about fifty feet above the sea. It is flat except for the few manmade elevations of the motte and some other features to give some charm. Short grass grows aplenty because of island's natural moorland. Some forests exist on the north side, which are carefully tended.
Natural Resources
Fish, raw iron and tin are the important ones. The ground is fertile for self-sufficient crops, and sheep graze on the pens to the north of the city.
Founding Date
3E 4596
Founders
Alternative Name(s)
That Far Place (to Shinars)
Type
Town
Population
2,350
Inhabitant Demonym
Tsra'he
Location under
Ruling/Owning Rank
Governor
Comments