Gali

Settlement Type: Outpost

Terraine Type: Arctic/Coast

Population: 45 (70% Yeti, 20% Elf)

Background:

The outpost of Gali sits on the rocky shore, where the Aetu Mountains meet the North Sea, along the Saltwater Coast.  Gali consists of a single structure, a sprawling trading post/tavern that serves as a trade hub for the region. The outpost is run by a human woman named Edirana, whose background is a mystery. 

The outpost is frequented most often by various miners working their claims during the warmer summer months and migrating families of yeti.  Occasionally, a ship will anchor off the coast, and deliver packages from Anasina or the Barrier Isles.

There isn't much for adventurous travelers to do at Gali, but rest and recuperate. Occasionally, outlaws or fugitives will arrive at the outpost, looking for easy pickings. None last very long, as the locals have little patience for such types and are more than willing to dispatch them with allacrity.

 

Lysena

 

Settlement Type: Town

Terraine: Artcic/Mountains

Population: 134, 88% Elves

Description:

Tucked away among the rocky valleys and snow-choked canyons of the Zabe Mountains, in the Kingdom of Tigal, is the small town of Lysena.

The community was established 424 years ago by nomadic elves, following the Fall of Siel Zivka, a fearsome warlord who dominated the region for almost a century.  Initially established as a temporary summer shelter, the elves found the small valley quite suited to their needs and desires and so settled there permanently. The settlement was named Lysena, after the favored daughter of the elven chief.

At first, the folk of Lysena survived by hunting, gathering and some farming. However, as news spread that Siel Zivka was gone, travelers and traders began to brave the mountains. Some found their way to Lysena, and soon the community became a popular rest-stop for those moving through the Zabe Mountains.

Today, Lysena is best known as a rest stop, but it is gaining a reputation in the region as a good trading post as well.  Traders from both sides of the mountains often agree to meet in the small town, to exchange wares, and then return to their homes. The Lysenans have taken advantage of their growing reputation to construct a comfortable inn, run by the community as a whole.  In addition, some Lysenans sell their knowledge and expertise of the area, acting as guides through the mountains for travelers.

In recent years, a group of priests to the Warmother have constructed a Temple(01) to their deity in the town. An odd choice, to many, but the Lysenans have welcomed the Temple, although it has sparked raw memories for many in the village. It was a well-known fact that Siel Zivka was a passionate devotee of the Warmother.

The temple priest has pointed out that the aspect of the Warmother the temple venerates is that of the Shieldmaiden, one of the more defensive/protective aspects of the goddess.  This has not soothed many in the town.

Adventurers making their way through the Kingdom of Tigal, and the Zabe Mountains, might pass through Lysena on their journey. There's little to attract adventurers to the small town, but it makes a good rest stop and warriors devoted to the Warmother might find spiritual succor at the temple. And possibly a side-quest or two.

Ade

Settlement Type: Town

Region: Forest/Grassland

Population: 4821

Description:

The town of Ade lies north of the Suntouched Desert, near the southern base of the Zabe Mountains. Ade is a heavily fortified town, surrounded by stout stone walls. There is a single gate that controls access to the town, and it is closed from sunset to sunrise.

Ade's population is almost entirely Human, with a smattering of dwarves and elves. The town is governed by a leader, chosen once every seven years by the town's residents. The leader is always a woman and usually a mother. Because of this, many travelers believe the town is a matriarchy, but this is not so. It is just that governance and administration are considered the provence of women, while war, industry and the arts are viewed as more manly pursuits. This sort of thinking is common among the local dwarves and seems to have been absorbed into the local culture.

Speaking of culture, Abe is very proud of its local art scene, particularly their storytellers and poets. They host various festivals all year long in their Poet's Yard(02) that attract visitors from all over the region. Storytelling contests and poetic recitations can go on for days, and the participants, even if they don't win the sizeable purse, can earn a positive reputation among locals. Many well-known bards got their start in one of these contests.

Hospitality is an important part of local culture, and everyone agrees that the best place to stay in town is The Resting Hammer(01) on Garland Street. This three-story stone inn is owned by Master Mawneris Yehar, a cheerful Human male also known as Three-Pins Yehar. Both of his legs, below the knee, and most of his left arm were lost in an accident several years ago, and were replaced with wooden pins. Despite this, Master Yehar can be a formidable foe and a useful ally. He knows a great many useful people in the town.

In addition to its poets and hospitality, Ade is also known for its Ironworks(03). This large industrial yard produces some of the best quality metal tools and weapons in the region, and is an essential part of the town's economy. The Ironworks are owned by three families: the Ialachis, the Machainers and the Sietais. The families get along fairly well, and exert tremendous influence over the rest of the town. They have been known to use this influence to shut down potential competition, and there are rumors that they have employed underhanded and illegal tactics to do so. However, most of the town turns a deaf ear to these rumors, all too aware of how important the Ironworks is to the community.

Caine

Settlement Type: Ruins

Region: Arctic

Population: Inapplicable

Description: 

Located in the Far North are the ruins of an ancient city now known as Caine. Caine's history is shrouded in secrecy. It's builders are unknown and its original residents are unknown as well. Even the reasons for its abandonment are unknown. Adventurers and scholars from the other regions of Hura seldom think of Caine, regarding it as simply a failed city. The natives of Tigal avoid Caine, believing the place to be cursed by the Warmother, but no one seems to know why. 

This belief has been deliberately cultivated by the Warmother's priesthood.  Every three to seven years, champions of the Warmother gather in the ruins of Caine. Some arrive by accident, others by deliberate intent. Once assembled, these champions battle each other for possession of the Warmother's Heart, a sacred relic that is believed to make its possessor unbeatable in combat. 

The relic remains with the victor for a time before magically returning to Caine, triggering the start of the next contest of champions.

Participants in the contest are forbidden from speaking about it by fierce and bloody oaths. Anyone who breaks the oath of silence earns the ire of the Warmother, her priests and her champions. They usually come to a very messy end.

Aba

Settlement Type: Outpost

Region: Arctic/Desert

Population: 75

Description:

Aba is an outpost located in the Arctic Kingdom of Tigal. It is very isolated and the residents survive primarily by hunting and trading giant-bones.

Aba's population is 63% Human, 24% Yeti and the remainder consisting of other races. Because of the cold and lack of traditional building materials, most of Aba's buildings are built from snow during the long, cold winters. During the warmer summer months, thick fur and hide tents are the norm. During the arctic summer, most of the Yeti simply sleep beneath the stars, unbothered.

Aside from companionship and shelter from the elements, Aba has little to attract visitors or adventurers. The only permanent structure in the outpost, is a small temple to the Kindler.

The temple is watched over by a young human priestess named Adira. Although she has a limited repetroir of divine spells, she is more than happy to allow weary travelers to rest in the temple, as long as they are respectful.

If any outsider were to disrespect the temple or Adira, they would find themselves in a very bad situation with the other residents of Aba.