N O R T H M A W
Tucked against the foot of the Highpeak Mountains sits Northmaw, hardy and proud. It's a relatively small village, without much to boast about regarding size or any elaborate architecture; Northmaw is built to be very functional, its simple square buildings crafted of stone and wood that aren't all too indistinguishable from the mountainside itself. If an outsider is to travel to this village in the shadow of the mountains, they'll find its people to be similarly blunt and stony. Northmaw specializes in defense, and acts both as the first line of protection for Skyheimr and as an epicenter for the forging of weapons and armor. As such, Northmaw's residents are naturally grim-faced and somewhat stern, and are mistrustful of those they do not know. However, though the finest forge may not be a pretty thing on the outside, the fires of the hearth roar mightily within. This village functions in much the same way.
Northmaw harbors a very close-knit community, and those who live and fight here are often following in the footsteps of their ancestors over the well-worn village paths -- or, once a newcomer has proven themselves to the other villagers, their successors will trod Northmaw's pathways for several generations more.
In its past, the town began only as a small blacksmithing area built some distance away from the city, as to avoid smoke blackening Skyheimr's streets. Over time, however, it grew into a village of its own. Currently, Northmaw is led by Tarek, a stiff but very reliable panther with a steady presence for his town.
size: small
symbol: boar
colors: black & umber
population: ~600
crime rate: very low
♫ playlist: link
WHAT NORTHMAW IS KNOWN FOR
Blacksmithing
Northmaw has some of the finest blacksmiths in Nevriande, skilled in metalworking when it comes to making tools, items and various other metal-based goods. This is the best place to go when one need something repaired, or to gather tools for building or crafting.
Armor & Weaponry
With such a skilled blacksmithing population, Northmaw also has the finest armor and bladesmiths in Nevriande. The weapons here are expertly crafted, and though they are often more expensive, they are of the best quality one can find in the Kingdom.
Guardianship
Northmaw has a symbiotic relationship with Skyheimr where the two locations come together to patrol and guard the Mountain Vale against any threats that come through it. They are some of the bests guards and scouts Nevriande has to offer and boast great combat abilities.
TRADITIONS & HOLIDAYS
holidays with * beside them are roleplay events and their scheduled time can be found here!Aelwyd's Quest*
Long ago in the territory surrounding Northmaw, curious and devout souls would comb through Aelwyd's Shroud in search of the goddess herself, who is rumored to hibernate in those woods in the wintertime. Unfortunately, poking one's head in old caves really would lead them to stumble upon sleeping bears and other such critters sometimes.
Seeing as this practice was somewhat dangerous, the Chieftain at the time invented Aelwyd's Quest. A trusted member of Northmaw hides various trinkets and treasures around the Shroud for Northmaw's visitors and residents alike to snuffle around for. The ultimate prize is a small wooden figure of Aelwyd herself, who is said to then bless the one(s) who found it for the year until the next winter.
Clashing of Blades*
Stretching muscles before a long winter, Northmaw hosts Clashing of the Blades -- an event that all in the kingdom are invited to, if they so wish to attend. The strongest, the bravest, and those with the most fighting prowess are encouraged to make the journey to the village to test their weapons, claws, and teeth against other participants in friendly competition.
There are two different competitions: one with weapons, and one without, for those who find they have a proficiency in one or the other. Opponents are pitted against each other at random, and the victors are paired against each other, and so on and so forth until only one reigning champion remains. The Clashing of the Blades usually lasts for a few days, throughout the duration of which Northmaw provides warm food and lodging for those who are participating.
Northmaw Vigil
In Northmaw, newly-appointed guards are required to climb partway up the mountainside the very same night they earn their new rank. From a higher vantage point, they're set to watch over the town below for the night, a task given to all new guards who wish to prove their mettle.
This is more of a ceremonial tradition than a practical one, meant to represent how diligently guards have to look out for and defend both their own village and the nearby capital, and thus there are no real consequences if a guard were to fall asleep during this vigil (though it's highly discouraged). If a new guard is found to have deserted their post on this night, however, they'll be considered to not take their duties seriously and will be stripped of their title.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Architecture & Housing
Northmaw is set at the foot of the Northpeak mountains alongside a small stream that cuts into the forest around it. It is build stoutly and sturdily, with all of its houses being generally alike in quality, with some only being slightly more expensive than others. There are individual homes for families or hostels / bunk houses for solo villagers to live in together.
While being a blacksmithing town, smog and smoke often billows endlessly from the blacksmithing furnaces and fires. Due to this, the blacksmithing workshop is built atop a cliffside against the mountain to allow to smoke to cloud up and away from their home.
The streets are warmly lit, and furs and armaments often decorate the exteriors and interiors of the buildings. Many residents of Northmaw often take up the trend of adding carvings of wood or bone to their home and shopfront decorations.
Northmaw is closely allied with Wolf's Bluff due to the fact Wolf's Bluff sends them ores to use in their smithing. Northmaw offers them the bountiful prey of their region in return.
Bonus Info
Northmaw residents who are highly ranked or have scouting and guard positions are given the option to obtain a small messenger bird to call their own, trained to send little notes and messages in times of emergency or when sending important info quickly while out on patrol.
Northmaw villagers are extremely passionate about celebrating the Day of Light, the holiday cherishing the expansion of the Kingdom and the settling of the first village which happens to be Northmaw. Massive feasts and parties are thrown in the village streets, honoring the anniversary of their home. The first forge built in the kingdom still exists in Northmaw today. Once a year, usually at the year's beginning, the village's best bladesmiths gather around it to design and create a ceremonial piece that is then sent to the capital for the monarch; though purely ornamental, these creations are often some of the best in Nevriande.
When fledgling residents (or the very rare outsider) receive their first official rank and are therefore recognized as full members of their village, they are welcome to design and forge their very own custom weapon or shield of choice. A bladesmith is often assigned to help them with this task so that it doesn't go poorly. Though some residents have no need for weaponry, receiving one's first blade is a high honor, and most in Northmaw keep their pieces even through their eldest years simply due to sentiment.
NORTHMAW HIERARCHY
ranks with ☆ beside them are high ranks and must be approved by staff before creation!VILLAGE CHIEFTAIN
Chieftain Tarek
The village Chieftain is entrusted by the Kingdom to oversee and maintain their village, keeping an eye on those who live there and ensuring that all of their needs are met. They are unable to create laws or punish large crimes against the Kingdom, but they do have a sense of independence and are given the authority to make smaller local decisions that are in the best interest of their home. The Chieftain works closely with the heads of each rank to form a sort of council that has the village's best interests in mind.
RESIDENTS
Residents in Northmaw make up the body of the village, from the youngest child to the strongest of the guard. When it comes to the Kingdom's villages, most of the hierarchy is identical except, save for small additions or tweaks depending on a village's unique trade specializations. Ranks are often chosen based on personal preference, or based on one's mental / physical prowess. Ranks are broad, and characters can choose to specialize in one particular niche of their rank or have broad knowledge of its entirety. When it comes to villages, the heads of the ranks all form a council to aid the chief in decision making and discussions. Any ranks that are exclusive to certain locations will be paired with an asterisk (*).
Residents in Northmaw make up the body of the village, from the youngest child to the strongest of the guard. When it comes to the Kingdom's villages, most of the hierarchy is identical except, save for small additions or tweaks depending on a village's unique trade specializations. Ranks are often chosen based on personal preference, or based on one's mental / physical prowess. Ranks are broad, and characters can choose to specialize in one particular niche of their rank or have broad knowledge of its entirety. When it comes to villages, the heads of the ranks all form a council to aid the chief in decision making and discussions. Any ranks that are exclusive to certain locations will be paired with an asterisk (*).
PROWESS TIER
☆ head: reserved
WARDEN*
It is no secret that Northmaw excels in the blade and battle. Wardens are guards who have enough experience train fighters from across Nevriande who seek to improve their skills and can be assigned to guard or escort individuals across the Kingdom.
GUARD
Guards are those dedicated to defending their home, often keeping watch of a certain area they are posted in and making sure things remain safe and peaceful. In Northmaw, they are among the best and most skilled.
SCOUT
Scouts are those who patrol the streets or areas around their region to ensure that there is no questionable or sketchy behavior afoot. In Northmaw, they are among the best and most skilled.
HUNTER
Hunters are those tasked with feeding and providing provisions for their home. They can choose to either hunt, set traps or gather wild foods and foliage. They can hunt independently or in groups.
PRODUCTION TIER
☆ head: none
BLACKSMITH
Blacksmiths are craftsman who focus their trade on working with ore and metals to pound them into workable sheets and substances. They make tools, nails, and other practical supplies.
BLADESMITH*
Northmaw bladesmiths work close with the blacksmiths, and primarily focus their talents to create a variety of blades, armor and shields for the guards across Nevriande to wield and use.
ARTISAN
Artisans are crafters who are tasked with creating various crafts, apparel and other such things. Usually artisans can focus on a specific niche or be a jack-of-all-trades and make whatever is needed of them.
COURIER
Couriers are tasked with sending and receiving parcels, letters and packages to and from their destination. Either tasked with official or casual messages, they usually travel quite often to complete their duties.
PROFICIENCY TIER
☆ head: none
MEDIC
Medics follow the more medicinal and healing path of work. Often making salves, treating patients or healing the common cold, they care for the people and ensure everyone is healthy and cared for.
CLERIC
Clerics are those who chose to follow a more religious line of work, acting as one who dedicates themselves to their chosen religion, guides others who are interested and gives spiritual advice as needed.
MENTOR
Mentors dedicate their work to helping apprentices train and pick their own line of work in the future. They are usually knowledgeable in most lines of work and either teach or set up learning opportunities for their apprentices.
APPRENTICE
Apprentices are those training to find their career via a mentor, usually teens who are seeking their future job and calling. The length of their training depends on their path. Their graduation is decided upon once their mentor believes they're ready.
RESIDENT
Residents are those who live in their village and either work at their own small business in the village or simply just reside there. This includes retired workers and also just those who are unable to work physically or mentally. This includes the elderly & children, as well.