Citadel Silver (Dwarven Stronghold)
Population: 2154
Demographics: Dwarves
Political Structure: Hereditary Kingship
Industry and Trade: Mining (Iron, Silver, Gold), Metal working, Weapon and Armor Smithing
The dwarves of Citadel Silver are relatively few, but highly skilled warriors and craftsman. Centuries ago they settled in the center of The Spine of the Northern Reaches but after many centuries were pushed out by relentless attacks from orcs, goblins, and giants. They fled south and built a new home for themselves called Silverhame. Although they trade with the humans of Eastdale, they are reclused and prefer the company (and trust) of their own people. Legends say that the dwarves found a single vein of mithril running through The Spine and crafted wondrous magical treasures.
Kirkliston (Hamlet)
Population: 362
Demographics: Human, approximately 50 elves, half-elves, and halflings
Political Structure: Ecclesiastical Law (St. Ygg); Petre of St. Ygg
Industry and Trade: Primarily Livestock (Sheep) and Agriculture (Corn), Mead, Lumber.
Kirkliston is named after the church, or kirk, at its center. The church, alongside the Red Temple in Eastdale and the Watchtower in Westkeep, provide the three key centers of faith, administration, and governance in The Prelacy of Middenmark. However, unlike the more puritanical stance of the clerics in Eastdale, The Red Laws are more relaxed in Kirkliston and the immediate surrounding area.
Threshold (City)
Population: 25,021
Demographics: Any (Primarily Human)
Political Structure: Hereditary Kingship
Industry and Trade: Financial, Political, and Trade Capital of Northern Reaches.
Threshold is the capital of the Northern Reaches. Five years ago, the city was attacked by a horde of monsters from the Black Peaks. The army included orcs, goblins, and hill giants who nearly leveled the city and destroyed the stone fortifications. The warriors of Threshold, alongside support from the high clerics and wizards, barely repulsed the army. Currently, only half the city is habitable. The other half was completely destroyed and remains under construction.
Raven’s Pass (Thorp)
Population: 110
Demographics: Human, Elf, and Half-Elf
Political Structure: Ecclesiastical Law (St. Ygg)
Industry and Trade: Lumber Raven’s Pass is a small village on the southern edge of the Red Thicket. The village was established as a layover location for merchant caravans heading to and from Threshold. Over time, it became home to a few hardy souls who support themselves by logging the giant red and white birch trees of the Thicket. The village has no means of defense and is merely a small collection of homesteads, stables, and a tavern called The Mason’s Apron. Although there is a statue devoted to St. Ygg in Raven’s Pass, only a single young acolyte is stationed in the village. The Red Laws are (at best) loosely observed.
Westkeep (Village)
Population: 649
Demographics: Human, Elf, Half-Elf, and Halflings
Political Structure: Ecclesiastical Law (St. Ygg); Endra of St. Ygg
Industry and Trade: Horses, Bison, Livestock (Cattle, Pigs, Sheep), Lumber, Charcoal.
A village on the far western edge of the Middenmark, Westkeep draws its name from a single watchtower-monastery built by the local populace and the clerics of St. Ygg. The watchtower serves as a means of protection but also a place of study and training for young apprentice clerics. The Red Laws are observed in Westkeep, but not as strictly as Eastdale.
Eastdale (Town)
Population: 2,057
Demographics: Primarily humans with dwarves. Some elves, half-elves, and halflings.
Political Structure: Ecclesiastical law (St. Ygg); His Venerable Mercy and Prelate of Middenmark, Mordicar Justhand
Industry and Trade: Trade and Financial Center, Lumber, Charcoal, Livestock (Cattle, Pigs, Sheep), Agriculture (Corn), Corn Whisky (underground), Thieves Guild (underground).
Eastdale is located on the eastern tip of the Darkwood Forest. The town consists primarily of humans and dwarves from Citadel Silver. There is a smattering of elves, halfelves, and halfings. The dwarves of Citadel Silver trade almost exclusively with Eastdale and their raw materials and finished goods filter across the rest of the region from that point. The dwarves and men of the region maintain strong relations for trade and defense. The local “men ‘o’ dale” as they are called, are hardy folk drawn from the nomadic tribes that migrated across the Northern Reaches long ago. The church of St. Ygg holds political and administrative control of the town. The clerics both lead and employ menat-arms to defend the town’s wooden palisade. They also serve as civil and religious authorities. In addition, Eastdale is the religious center of Middenmark and provides everything from the training of new adepts to barracking a small company of Red Bannermen, St. Ygg’s order of sacred paladins.
Due to ecclesiastical law, Eastdale has a reputation as a stern and somber place. However, the prohibition of alcohol, prostitution, and gambling has served to give rise to a small thieves’ guild and driven less-savory pursuits underground into the sewers.